THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS

I'm really not a fan of David Bowie, or the glam rock scene in generally, but the "Ziggy Stardust" album is a huge exception. It would probably reach my all-time top 10, because every track is so perfect in what was required for it to do. The album has a very live and on-its-feet feel, apparently due to the fact that no more than 3 or 4 takes were taken, making it very energetic and happening. Quite a lot of progressive elements here and there (time signatures, chord progressions, and effects), keeping a progressive fan like myself interested in the song, whilst also managing to appeal to a pop generation more focused on the wonderful lyrics and stage presence of David Bowie (and the Spiders From Mars). All of the musicians on here have such a great chemistry and tone in their instruments (the 2 Mick's and the recently-departed Trevor Bolder), and I should also commend Tony Visconti's fantastic recording in this - so important to the lively feel I mentioned. Anyway, on with the review!

"Five Years" is very apocalyptically themed for a pop song - like a more widely accessible "Crime Of The Century". David's lyrics and vocal delivery are just tremendous, and build to an increasing crescendo towards the end of how much he realises he will miss, and how closely the time is drawing near. A very good format and chord progressions that aren't too adventurous as to take over the vocals, with a great technique of end as it starting; with Woodmansey's drums leading you into the next track "Soul Love". Again, very empathetic singing by himself, and ever-building emotional climaxes. Teamed with an odd time signature throughout the verses, and a beautiful inclusion of the sax solo, produces a very fresh song essential to the album.

"Moonage Daydream" shows the other more primal and sexual side to David's voice, as with Mick Ronson's basic yet very effective guitar solos, and smoothly distorted tone. The melodies and saxophone solos are extremely catchy. Brilliant effects used throughout, and a brilliant overall feel which is quite unlike anything else really. Very well structured, and a nice introduction of the sci-fi theme to lead into the next track. The classic Bowie hit "Starman" then enters to contrast the rawness of the previous piece, with some delicious chords to open it and interesting progressions too. Teamed with some fantastic melodies, and a likewise phased piano sound, creates another fabulous track. Already incredibly consistent.

"It Ain't Easy" is a much slower tempo, with great guitars that produce an excellent timbre with Bowie's vocals. Although more of a rock track, includes some gospel singers to head the music into a brighter direction, with some quite religious/philosophical lyrics too. The chord changes fit these lyrics extremely well, and another great addition. "Lady Stardust" is again a relatively laid-back piece with very flowing and meaningful lyrics. The chords are, like most of the album, pretty basic but occasionally break out into more audacious territory, but doing so in a very subtle manner. Great double-tracking for the vocals, and some powerful melodies - it all comes together excellently once again for the band!

"Star" is much more up-tempo and very well sequenced in the album, with great pounding pianos and occasional outbursting guitar chords all complementing each other excellently. The lyrics and vocal delivery are still so outstanding, plus some new harmonies added into the mix, giving it a new flavour. Great resolves throughout to let you down for just long enough, and another exceptional track to a flawless album. "Hang On To Yourself" then follows, probably one of my favourite Bowie songs altogether. I love the feel he conveys throughout the guitar strums, the drums, and the almost meaningless lyrics, that all sounds so marvellous as one. Also quite catchy, and very fun to play along to on the guitar! Another highlight to the album for me.

"Ziggy Stardust", the title track, comes in too close to the end for me. It being the 3rd to last track and introduces the main character is a bit odd in my opinion. The album is very short in length so they could have added another could of songs between this and the next. But I distress, another great track with quite exciting chord progressions and techniques employed consistently throughout. The lyrics are definite and descriptive whilst I think that Bowie's delivery could have been a little stronger. Still, the band works very well together and obviously essential to the album. "Suffragette City", then, is my absolute favourite song on the album and in Bowie's repertoire altogether. Everything is sublime - the chord progressions, the harmonies, the story, lyrics, and sexuality every rock song should have behind. Extremely bold and rocks along at a steady pace without going off on a tangent, or even slowing down as you race towards the city. Undeniably an astounding work of art by any means and a great high-octane way to enter the acoustic, essentially-suicidal closer.

"Rock N' Roll Suicide" fits beautifully on the album, and a great contrast to the previous fastest track on the album. It tells the story of the Ziggy Stardust character becoming so adored and famous that he ends up being devoured of his essence by his fans. In a sense, quite true to David's world but the fame of this album affected him much more mentally than physically, as he became schizophrenic with the explicit Ziggy character. The song anyway is one of the best closing songs I can think of. The classic trick of bringing down the album towards the end is used to great effect, unlike many which just leave you low-down but not really emotionally changed. The lyrics and overall delivery is so powerful, and the guitar, which builds into a collection of various stringed instruments, outlines the magnificent chord progressions so unbelievably compelling and makes you feel surreal amounts of empathy for a fictional concept. The album might not be entirely progressive, but it's all there and David Bowie's finest half-hour for me by a long shot.

A+: A landmark of 70s music and culture and a timeless masterpiece.

Five Years: ***** Soul Love: ***** Moonage Daydream: ***** Starman: ***** It Ain't Easy: ***** Lady Stardust: ***** Star: ***** Hang On To Yourself: ***** Ziggy Stardust: ***** Suffragette City: ***** Rock N' Roll Suicide: *****