DAVID LIVE

In those remote days, David was only concentrating on the UK and the US as far as live appearances were concerned (to the best of my knowledge).

This live album was the first opportunity for the continental European fans (as I was) to share the thrill of one of his concerts. And I have to say that I was never really over-enthusiast about this recording.

Track list IS impressive, but the rendition of most of these great numbers are average. Actually, the Bowie sound was just evolving from his great Ziggy years (I can't help to remind those ones.) and the upcoming soul times ("Young Americans). IMO, it was a painful change. From the best to the worse.

A few Ziggy's numbers here and there were not a great idea. In his following live album, David will group them one after the other, which was a far much clever idea. At least, I feel so.

Lots of wind instrument for this "Diamond Dogs" tour, but again it is just precursory of what is going to happen a few months later. Needless to say, David is not in his best shape either. Drugs have a tremendous impact both physically (he looked closer to the "Frankenstein" creature than anything else) and creatively. Listen to this version of "Changes" to get an idea.

None of the numbers are superior (nor even equaled) to their studio counterparts, mostly because of their afro-jazz influence.

To make a long story short, I would pinpoint "All The Young Dudes"; even if I far much prefer the version from "Mott The Hoople" on their fantastic live album. Still, it was the first opportunity to hear a live Bowie version which makes this one a potentially interesting moment.

I believe that a GREAT occasion has been missed with the release of this live album. Probably a tour too late to do so. But some might say, better late than never. I would say that this first live album is just average because of the whole soul influence and needless wind instruments . It could have led to a masterpiece, but of course we are far from this.

The bad habit of making some easy money with fan's addiction will lead to re-create the concert with the set list in the proper sequence in a later release. This is exactly what I just hate. Being Bowie or whoever it might be.

Average to good, this is how I would rate this album. And Earl Slick, nor Mike Garson won't help this crash. The worse being reached with an absolutely dreadful version of "The Jean Genie". Help!!!

Too many flat versions of great songs, too little passion, too much sax and related stuff (just listen to the disastrous first half of "The Width."). Where are the rocking days?

Same feeling as in 1975. Two stars.

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