Santa Monica 72

good morning


copies of the rather rare Derek Bowie CD Santa Monica 72 change hands for the amount of US$80 or so. thanks to the brothers in vibes at www.foreverdelayed.co.uk , I have it for somewhat less than that :)

hailed as the definitive gig from the Ziggy Starudst era, it is certainly impressive, and I am struggling to understand why Mr Bowie allowed only a very limited release for this one. I have not played the whole thing, but I have heard enough to know a good thing when I hear it. the highlight thus far has been what could well be the best ever live performance of The Width Of A Circle, easily better that the David Live bizarre jazz odyssey version, and edging past the rather frantic "let us do this quick" version on the other Ziggy Stardust Live CD.

I believe I now have a Derek Bowie live recording from every era of his illustrious career. a regret would be the very low quality recording I have from the Station To Station tour, live in New York. all and sundry know that The Thin White Duke period is my personal favourite, and thus I would love to have a '75 or '76 gig in full. nearest closest is 1978's Stage, which is no bad thing.

my Bowie collection has now spiralled well out of all control. official. if I added it all up, I could probably broadcast my whole Derek collection for a week or so and never play the same recording twice. nice one, but of course this would mean having to play the rather unfortunate Never Let Me Down album too.