30th anniversary 2 CD special edition! Digitally remastered glam-rock classic features David Bowie as his gender-bending alter-ego Ziggy Stardust, in this final performance given at London's Hammersmith Odeon in 1973. L... more »imited edition digi-box packaging includes a silkscreen printed clear O-card (slipcase) as well as a pull out poster & mock ticket. Virgin. 2003.« less
30th anniversary 2 CD special edition! Digitally remastered glam-rock classic features David Bowie as his gender-bending alter-ego Ziggy Stardust, in this final performance given at London's Hammersmith Odeon in 1973. Limited edition digi-box packaging includes a silkscreen printed clear O-card (slipcase) as well as a pull out poster & mock ticket. Virgin. 2003.
"This new mix of Bowie's legendary "farewell" concert in 1973 is in every way an improvement on the Rykodisc release. I originally owned the album on a two-record vinyl LP set, and for the first time, it sounds like a concert rather than a live recording. The balance between the ambient noise of the crowd and the performance is much more realistic, the bass and piano have more punch, the guitar is jackhammer solid, and Bowie's vocals sound better than ever.In contrast to previous audio releases on vinyl and CD, this contains the soundtrack as presented in the film. The original 2-disc vinyl release, and subsequent CD reissues, not only have a mix that's markedly different from what you hear in the movie, but some of the performances are different. For example:In the older issues, on "Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud" Bowie hits a spectacular high note on the last word ("free") and holds it for several seconds as the band segues into "All the Young Dudes". It's a spine tingling moment, one of the high points of the recording... but it's not here --- and it's not in the movie. Bowie sings an ordinary low note at the transition. I saw the movie in a theater and again on VHS and laserdisc, and recently watched the new DVD release. I'd forgotten how strong these differences were! Some of them can be attributed to the difference in the mix, but others must have been taken from a previous performance.This new mix is a dramatic improvement in every way; but I'm going to hang on to my old Ryko CD; I miss that high note. It
really makes a difference!"
Vastly improved Visconti mix
Donald R. Labonte Jr. | WALES, WI USA | 06/09/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you are putting off buying this because you have heard previous versions (on vinyl or CD), wait no longer. This release features incredible sound in comparison to earlier versions. Thanks to Tony Visconti for cleaning things up so nicely. This disc is worth having for The wild-Eyed Boy From Freecloud/All the Young Dudes Medley alone. A must for any Bowie fan! Only the continued absence of The Jean Genie featuring Jeff Beck keeps this from being a perfect Five."
Poor recording but high on the fun scale
Dean Dirge | 05/18/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Unfortunately, Tony Visconti had very little to work with when remixing this album. In particular, the ever-impressive piano parts sound muffled, as if only a faraway microphone covered by a pillow was picking up the sound. The liner notes explain the sound problems to an extent, but it still seems like a crime that this historic concert was recorded so badly.
Despite the technical problems, this album has many highlights, including a veeeeeery long Width of a Circle and the most moving rendition I've heard of My Death.
If you don't mind some DIY rough edges, you will find plenty to enjoy in the manic playing of the Spiders From Mars, and, of course, Bowie retiring Ziggy onstage is of no small significance."
WOW
Kubrickz | Dearborn Heights, MI United States | 10/29/2005
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
