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Mott The Hoople and Ian Hunter

David Bowie CD: "Santa Monica '72"

Sleeve and track listing

  1. Hang On To Yourself
  2. Ziggy Stardust
  3. Changes
  4. The Supermen
  5. Life On Mars?
  6. Five Years
  7. Space Oddity
  8. Andy Warhol
  9. My Death
  10. The Width Of A Circle
  11. Queen Bitch
  12. Moonage Daydream
  13. John I'm Only Dancing
  14. Waiting For The Man
  15. The Jean Genie
  16. Suffragette City
  17. Rock 'n' Roll Suicide

Review

With Bowie having made his long-awaited breakthrough with Ziggy Stardust, he embarked on a massive tour of the USA to similarly break him over there. This show was recorded on 20th October 1972 at the Santa Monica Civic Center, and broadcast on a local FM station. Heavily bootlegged since (in average to poor sound quality) it was finally granted an official release in 1994. Sound quality on this release is excellent.

It is presented exactly as broadcast, complete with the radio DJ's announcement, and captures a sparkling performance; Ronson's playing especially is spot on. The booklet contains a number of live (colour) photos, several of them featuring Mick Ronson. Indeed, the inside back cover says "This album is dedicated to the late Mick Ronson". 'Nuff said.