Customer Reviews

Live In Santa Monica '72 [+digital booklet]

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I second most reviews about this famous and important live recording by Bowie & Spiders.

Just a note: Some Bowie talking between songs are cut out, compared to the Golden Years release some years ago. Compare for instance the intro to "Andy Warhol".

Much better than the soundtrack live album from Ziggy Stardust The motion Picture, the band sounds raw and rocking. Mick Ronson was brilliant of course. I used to have the widely available bootleg of this on LP. This package comes with some great pictures and notes in a box and of course sounds much better than my well-worn record.

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.

Punky. A great contrast to the Tower recording and to the studio tracks. His vocals are often overshadowed by his theatrics. I can't think of anyone in the rock genre who had such a range. Even my swing-loving mother thinks he's great.

This album is an absolute gem. I've never been the biggest Bowie fan, but have always been looking for a good live album from him. This production is increadible from top to bottom. The sound quality is phenomenal with just the right amount of crowd noise and quality vocal/instrumental mixing. Also, the set list cannot be beat. All the quality Bowie tunes including the best tracks that you don't hear every day on your local classic rock radio. Even the classics, with solid guitar solos, jams, and lyrical variations, are a big improvement from the original recordings. Overall, this album is a must have for any classic rock fan regardless of whether or not you're a huge Bowie enthusiast.

As a huge fan of David Live and Stage, I was eager to get a copy of this and bought the vinyl on the day of release. I have a copy of the semi-legit bootleg, but the sound quality of this official release is much better, much cleaner.
The David Live and Stage shows were much bigger productions than the 5 man band Bowie assembled for this '72 Tour. This is the Ziggy band plus a pianist. And Bowie, who was at the height of his powers in the early to late 70's, had a lot more great material to work with for Live and Stage. But what Live Santa Monica lacks in polish, it more than makes up for with sheer energy. LSM, reminds me of why I go to see live shows and what a rush a band that totally cooks can be. Everybody was playing great, but Mick Ronson is really on fire, in spite of a couple of missed notes.
Song selection is universally great, but Width of a Circle, Queen Bitch, Life on Mars? are particular favorites. A must have for Bowie or live rock music fans.

It's about time that the grail of Bowie LIVE has been professionally produced. The quality is spot on. If you want Bowie, Ronson at their best this is the album (CD) to get. Hey, you even get a ticket to the show.
GUNN