David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust

David Bowie
Artist: David Bowie
Title: Ziggy Stardust
Label: Virgin
Rating: 8/10

David Bowie was a true enigma. He wanted to take the world by storm, but didn’t know how. He lacked a shtick. That is where Ziggy Stardust comes in. Ziggy was larger than life. The character engulfed Bowie and became the original off the shelf rock star. The glam movement was on and Bowie’s “Plastic Rocker” was born.

Aside from the image the album was a treasure. It’s almost impossible to talk Bowie without mentioning Ziggy Stardust. However the Spiders From Mars are often left out. Mick Ronson, guitar, Mick Woodmansey, drums, and Trevor Bolder on bass where a fabulous addition. Too bad the group was short lived.

The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars was Bowie’s rock ‘n’ roll coming out. The album opens with the “Five Years” which seemed at the time to be a real monster that is until you got to “Suffragette City”. Compared to Bowie’s other albums this definitely seemed like it was done by an entirely different person. Hiding behind the Ziggy mask allowed Bowie to break his mold.

The true hit was “Ziggy Stardust”. The track roars with the power and energy of a real aging rock persona. Bowie was beyond his years and gave it his all. The album re-issue boasts sixteen tracks five more than the original, with original demo tracks that are of interest. There are a few notable songs; “Starman” is a gritty ballad and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide” is the continuing saga of Ziggy. The concept was brilliant and it certainly paid off. Ziggy Stardust will go down in history as one of the great rock personas, but this album is not to be overshadowed.

+ rae gun


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