actually 4.78 stars

OK folks-- remember this is 1972-- this is a live radio broadcast-- they are mixing on the fly
A stunning representation of the Bowie experience
Sure the levels are off from time to time i.e. Jean Genie, but look at it as a whole entity, warts and all. He flubs lyrics in Suffragette City (which he did again just recently in Cleveland 2004), the mix can be questionable from time to time BUT IT'S 1972!! A stunning collection of songs and better than the original version of the Ziggy Sardust movie S/T. Mick Ronson proved he was the next guitar god. Crank it up!

David Bowie - 'Santa Monica '72' (Griffin)

An absolute must-have for every true Bowie fan.I finally got to see David play live nearly a year ago and one thing I'll say about a David Bowie concert,the man simply takes you into his own world for over two hours.A must-be there event!The shindig on this disc took place on October 20,1972.Total of eighteen cuts and a duration of 76:39.Thank goodness for the invention of compact discs,no doubt.I remember years ago when the only source of an early '70's Bowie concert was some pricey lousy sounding bootleg put on 2-lp vinyl.Now,the fan gets the entire show one shiny disc.Great matching art work to go with it.Tunes I couldn't get enough of were "Ziggy Stardust","The Superman","Space Oddity","John,I'm Only Dancing","Jene Genie","Suffragette City" and "Rock&Roll Suicide".One of the better archive concerts EVER to be released,period!

Live versions of Bowie's first great band

I find this a beautiful CD, of a RADIO SHOW, that was broadcast at the end of Bowie's first american tour. At that point, the SPIDERS were fresh, the material wasnt played to the point of tired repetition. If you compare this Cd, to the soundtrack to the movie ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS, you become amazed at the difference in sound. For one thing, the playing here is tight, concise, and energetic. On the movie soundtrack, from the END of the spider's history, what you hear is sloppy, dull playing. If you want to hear EARLY Bowie live, and your time machine is broken, so you cant go back to hear it in person, then for now, this is the next best thing. IF you can find it, buy it.