David Bowie The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars: 30th Anniversary Edition EMI By David Chiu

David Bowie created a character called Ziggy Stardust back around 1972-an androgynous, rock and roll space alien-and in the process inaugurated the glam rock era and made himself a star. Thirty years later, the album the character was based on still remains one of the chameleonic artists best albums, a tough as nails glam rock album with bite and wit. The songs on the record such as "Suffragette City," the title track, the unapologetic rip-off of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" in "Starman," "Moonage Daydream," and "Rock and Roll Suicide" epitomized what rock and roll then was all about-decadence, sexy, and chaotic. Not only does Bowie gives a masterful performance but equal credit also goes to guitarist Mick Ronson in shaping the album's sound as he did on Bowie's previous album Hunky Dory. This special reissue to celebrate Ziggy's 30th anniversary (has it been that long) also contains another disc of alternate takes and songs recorded during the sessions of the albums including the now famous "John I'm Only Dancing," "Velvet Goldmine," and "Holy Holy," and salted with a special remix of Moonage Daydream used for a recent television commercial. With insightful liner notes and track listing, this is the best way to celebrate rock and roll's most beloved figures with camp and high style.

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