Customer Reviews: Read 9 more reviews...
 No 'Ode', yet a Joy nonetheless. July 23, 2008
A. Palacio (New York)
27 out of 28 found this review helpful
Printed in Holland/EU [by EMI, though the product page now says Virgin US], this single-disc release should not leave you feeling abused by the high MSRP. Beyond the CD itself, contained within a box you'll find a 14" x 9.5" repro poster, an LA Times music review from 1972, four b&w picture cards including the famous 'Starman' design and copy of a signed photo, then a 16-page booklet with basic information and a few nice concert pics. The final 2-page image of David Bowie & Mick Ronson is worthy of posterization. A friend whom also purchased this title informed me that his box featured a different number in red (to the right of the ticket on front), which would indicate a limited edition as expected. I have not yet heard what number this set is limited to.
The audio quality, arguably the best ever offered of this memorable set, interestingly lacks in audience chatter. That matters to some I understand, but for those that don't care for it to begin with, it makes the performance even more enjoyable and personal. The speed appears to be corrected, and this is significant because most original boot LPs of this gig ran too fast. Simply put, this is Bowie and Ronson performing at their best. A moment in time captured and packaged expertly - an effort to which I am so grateful.
There is no Clockwork 'Ode To Joy' intro as most of us whom have heard this performance from several sources before come to expect, and to be honest I miss it. It is replaced by a 12-second intro by KMET radio, the broadcast source of this recording. Oddly enough, the mention of 'Ode' is clear on the KMET radio dub of whose hand-written info is reprinted on the back of the book insert.
There are 17 total music tracks including the full 10:44 'Width of A Circle'. No 'Ode', but nevertheless a great joy to hear in such quality.
Great sound and packaging July 23, 2008
Javier del Bosco (Minneapolis, MN United States)
19 out of 22 found this review helpful
The product description makes no mention of the fact that this is a mini-box set - just 1 CD, but cool repro postcards, a mini-poster, and a nice booklet, all well-designed.
This does soften the blow of the price tag in my opinion.
The audio quality is greatly improved over any version you may have heard in the past; as for the performances, there's a reason this gig is legendary.
Recommended.
A Legendary Show for Sure! July 28, 2008
JIM G. (FLORIDA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Let me start off by saying that I agree with all the reviews so far. This release is geared to the hardcore Bowie fan. I commend EMI on the deluxe treatment; incredible sound quality and packaging. I know the price tag is quite hefty, but it is worth every cent! Especially for those of us who were around to experience this tour back in 1972. This is a real time piece bringing back great memories and it really shows what a great band the Spiders from Mars really were. For those who weren't around, but read about it and heard all the stories, one listen to this and you'll know what the fuss was all about.
A young David Bowie and his band just tearing it up with increrdible energy. To put it all in perspective, remember that the Ziggy Stardust album was just released. Upon listening to this show you also realize how incredible a guitar player Mick Ronson really was. Mick and David had a special chemistry and it really shows on this recording! This release is a true labor of love and no Bowie fan should be without it. Get it while you can!
A Captivating Performance August 2, 2008
Mr. Richard D. Coreno (Berea, Ohio USA)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
This was an amazing time in rock-n-roll, especially with the marketing of acts attempting to scale the ladder in what became U.S. arena rock super-stardom.
Carried live over the radio, this is not only Bowie demonstrating the vast potential of performance art through his Ziggy Stardust character, but is the height of Glam Rock as it rode the new wave from Europe.
While available in a variety of bootleg forms over the years, this authorized release gives the recording a feel of being an event through the inclusion of a number of collectible items, a marketing technique that was much more common in the 1970s.
An absolute must for a Bowie fan, it is also an outstanding acquisition for collectors of the Glam Rock sound or for those who want to hear classic rock before it became Classic Rock.
 Classic Archival Radio Recording July 22, 2008
Lil Mike (San Francisco)
2 out of 8 found this review helpful
This documents the Amazing Ziggy Stardust tour in 72, replete with the excited radio announcer. The band was on a tight few bucks a day per diem, but giving a million dollar performance at 100% velocity at the Santa Monica Civic that night. Get it on CD for the complete experience including Mick Ronson's dry cleaning receipts from the tour.
|
