LIVE IN SANTA MONICA'72

I bought and read the excellent unauthorized biography "Strange Fascination" by David Buckley some months ago........ and suddenly got a strong affinity for David Bowie. It is an excellent book and I purchased some Bowie albums on the back of it. I soon discovered that the book is indeed better than the music. Simply; his music is not for me.

When that is said, I recognize David Bowie for the musical genius he is. Live in Santa Monica'72 is a radio concert he did at the top of his height; the Ziggy Stardust era. This era cemented his position as a genius nothing else this musical chameleon has done later has hit the same creative heights.

So, how was it for me ?

Most of the songs on this album is very good. His backing band is excellent. Mick Ronson & Co gave Bowie an excellent platform from where he could be the rock star with capitol letters. But some of the songs he created in this period, and which is included here, is mindless drivel. The best example is the Andy Warhol song. I am cringing here....... But there is also some excellent moments of genius art in the form of Life On Mars and Space Oddity.

The sound is good and this album is miles better than the Live album. But I cannot bring myself to really fully embracing this album or showing any enthusiasm. It is a good album and that's it.

3 stars