David Bowie opened his first album of the century, 2002’s “Heathen,” with a low croon of, “It’s the beginning of an end/And nothing has changed/Everything has changed.”

Over glitchy computer beats and a light wash of synths, Bowie outlined his late-period artistic thesis. What would change: From the beginning of his end to his final album, Bowie would abandon his chase of the modern, his effort to incorporate emerging sonic trends. What wouldn’t: His devotion to craft.

On Bowie’s final vinyl box set — the 18-LP “I Can’t Give Everything Away (2002-2016)” — the chameleon, generally, gives up fashion in favor of hooky, honest, intense songs focused on aging. (The word “generally” carries a good amount of weight here considering a less adventurous Bowie is still more adventurous than 99% of

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