Live in Santa Monica '72 [LIMITED EDITION] [LIVE] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

David Bowie

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 22, 2008)
• Original Release Date: July 22, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Limited Edition, Live, Original recording remastered
• Label: Virgin Records US
• ASIN: B00166QJRU
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #68,916 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In 1972, David Bowie set out on his first US tour. He'd recently introduced the world to his Ziggy Stardust persona with his top 5 album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' and had completed a hugely successful UK tour. The Santa Monica concert, David's first live US radio broadcast, was aired live on KMET in L.A. Over the last 36 years this historic recording has only been occasionally available as a bootleg. For many, ownership of this concert was regarded as a true test of being a 'proper Bowie fan'. This powerful, galvanizing show allows a more than 70 minute glimpse into the earliest nationwide live radio exposure granted David and the Spiders. The set list is compiled primarily from the 'Hunky Dory' and 'Ziggy Stardust' albums and features two covers, Jacques Brel's "My Death" and the Velvet Underground's "Waiting for the Man," alongside the awesome power of 'The Man Who Sold The World' centrepiece "The Width Of A Circle" (this version is a ten and a half minute sonic assault) and an 'Aladdin Sane' previewing "The Jean Genie." The set list is also quite different from the Ziggy terminating 'Ziggy Stardust - The Motion Picture Soundtrack. Accompanying David was The Spiders From Mars: Mick Ronson - guitar, vocals, Trevor Bolder - bass, Mick "Woody" Woodmansey - drums and Mike Garson - piano. This is David Bowie at the pinnacle of his creative power - in 1981 NME critics called it, "(quite simply) ... the performer's, and one of rock's, best ever bootlegs". The CD will be released as a limited edition with special packaging featuring shots taken at the actual gig for the first time. The double LP will be a heavyweight vinyl one off run. David says:- "I can tell that I'm totally into being Ziggy by this stage of our touring. It's no longer an act; I am him. This would be around the tenth American show for us and you can hear that we are all pretty high on ourselves. We train wreck a couple of things, I miss some words and sometimes you wouldn't know that pianist Mike Garson was onstage with us but overall I really treasure this bootleg. Mick Ronson is at his blistering best."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No 'Ode', yet a Joy nonetheless., July 23, 2008

By	A. Palacio "Save Them from The Fire" (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great sound and packaging, July 23, 2008

By	Javier del Bosco (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Legendary Show for Sure!, July 28, 2008

By	JIM G. (FLORIDA) - See all my reviews

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!