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

Ziggy is one of those quintessential 70s canon albums frequently given masterpiece status by many critics and websites. Those who stumble into it decades later without benefit of personal attachment may find a surprisingly ordinary rock album which breaks no discernable ground. Like myriad other 70s rock artists the influence of the venerable 60s Gods is undeniable and in terms of excitement or timelessness, there is nothing here that wasn't done better and earlier by the Beatles, Stones, or The Who. The cutesy concept and the flair of Bowie probably helps lend the title legendary status but it means little to me. After hearing the power and artistry of things like Plastic Ono Band, Live at Leeds, or Zeppelin 4 it's really hard to get excited by songs which sound like any other singles of classic rock radio by Argent, Mott the Hoople, ELO, Elton, or Badfinger. Traditional song structures and instruments embellished with strings, piano, and Bowie theatrical stylings. Understand the caveat is aimed more at the expectations of new listeners whom are no doubt buying this 'legend' in our time and uttering WTF? If you go into the Ziggy album without those mile-high expectations, you will find a decent 70s pop/rock album with some catchy melodies and decent singalong potential. The remaster sounds great with lots of punch, tight musicianship, and a sense that the band was well oiled, in fact these tracks are likely much more convincing live. For an album that supposedly broke boundaries it all feels a bit plain for 1972, by which time there were a million things more interesting than this. Apologies in advance to Bowie fans who revere this. I do think it's 'good' and enjoyable, I just can't call it a masterpiece compared to all the things I've heard.

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