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Only available in bootleg versions before this 2008 EMI release, LIVE SANTA MONICA '72 presents David Bowie in full glam-rock grandeur completely inhabiting his outlandish Ziggy Stardust persona as he leads his Spiders from Mars through a fierce ... Full Descriptionset that draws heavily from HUNKY DORY and, not surprisingly, THE RISE & FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST. In addition to cherry-picking many of the finest tunes from Bowie's early era (most notably a thunderous extended version of "The Width of a Circle"), the set also finds the erstwhile Davy Jones covering Jacques Brel (a wistful take on "My Death" that nods to key Bowie influence Scott Walker) and the Velvet Underground (a faithful version of "Waiting for the Man"). Easily one of the best Bowie concert albums available, LIVE SANTA MONICA '72 is ideal for Ziggy acolytes and glam disciples.
In 1972, David Bowie set out on his first US tour. He'd recently introduced the world to his Ziggy Stardust persona with his top 5 album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' and had completed a hugely successful UK tour. The Santa Monica concert, David's first live US radio broadcast, was aired live on KMET in L.A. Over the last 36 years this historic recording has only been occasionally available as a bootleg. For many, ownership of this concert was regarded as a true test of being a 'proper Bowie fan'. This powerful, galvanizing show allows a more than 70 minute glimpse into the earliest nationwide live radio exposure granted David and the Spiders. The set list is compiled primarily from the 'Hunky Dory' and 'Ziggy Stardust' albums and features two covers, Jacques Brel's "My Death" and the Velvet Underground's "Waiting for the Man," alongside the awesome power of 'The Man Who Sold The World' centrepiece "The Width Of A Circle" (this version is a ten and a half minute sonic assault) and an 'Aladdin Sane' previewing "The Jean Genie." The set list is also quite different from the Ziggy terminating 'Ziggy Stardust - The Motion Picture Soundtrack. Accompanying David was The Spiders From Mars: Mick Ronson - guitar, vocals, Trevor Bolder - bass, Mick "Woody" Woodmansey - drums and Mike Garson - piano. This is David Bowie at the pinnacle of his creative power - in 1981 NME critics called it, "(quite simply) the performer's, and one of rock's, best ever bootlegs". The CD will be released as a limited edition with special packaging featuring shots taken at the actual gig for the first time. The double LP will be a heavyweight vinyl one off run. David says:- "I can tell that I'm totally into being Ziggy by this stage of our touring. It's no longer an act; I am him. This would be around the tenth American show for us and you can hear that we are all pretty high on ourselves. We train wreck a couple of things, I miss some words and sometimes you wouldn't know that pianist Mike Garson was onstage with us but overall I really treasure this bootleg. Mick Ronson is at his blistering best."
Recorded live at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California on October 20, 1972.
Personnel: David Bowie (vocals, guitar); Mick Ronson (guitar, bass, background vocals); Mike Garson (keyboards); Trevor Bolder (bass); Mick "Woody" Woodmansey (drums).
Rolling Stone (4/20, p.72) - "...David Bowie's classic concert broadcast with the Spiders From Mars....is finally available as SANTA MONICA '72. And you need it at least for the 10-minute wig out on "The Width of a Circle," a fat slice of the late Mick Ronson in his glitter blitzkrieg-guitar prime..."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.120) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he set has the pace of a well-tuned theatrical show. After an excitable 'Hang On To Yourself,' Bowie introduces a character, plays pop cabaret and the singer-songwriter man..."
Blender (Magazine) (p.92) - 5 stars out of 5 -- "[A]t this show, Bowie sounds awestruck, and so do the kids, face-to-face with something commensurate to their capacity for wonder."
Record Collector (magazine) (p.86) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "'The ragged edges prove just how Ziggy influenced punk....It's obvious why this has been one of the fans' most treasured bootlegs for over 25 years." Hide DescriptionPurchase Santa Monica '72 CD To buy, Click on price to add to cart
Santa Monica '72 Music Review Average Rating: (4.3 out of 5 stars)    a time capsule from '72
This was the time to see Bowie, before anyone else & before all the hype. They obviously set out to conquer America for the first time. Why wasn't this released then instead of David Live in '75(although I will always love David Live)? Wow, what a great album & individually numbered for Limited Edition status. A big thanks to CD Universe for replacing my damaged copy.
Anyone ordering this, should use Priority or First Class for shipping.
Submitted by billkey (rogers, ar usa) 
Was This Santa Monica '72 Music Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful.
 Intereswting AHistgoric Documnent - Nothing More
This is an intriguing snapshot of Bowie during his Ziggy era, but despite packaging and price, it is still of the era's bootleg audio quality, which means at best "fair".
Good for a once through but not much more.
Disappointing.
Submitted by jfishbein (Wallingford, CT)
Was This Santa Monica '72 Music Review Helpful? Yes No
Where's the Syd song?
I thought David would at least pay a little tribute to his hero, Syd Barrett. The Velvet Underground cover is so good it sounds like Lou. I remember seeing this same tour as a teenager in '72 on TV on Don Kirshner's In Concert series Live @ the Hammersmith Odeon in London w/Jeff Beck joining Mick Ronson for Jean Genie. I've also seen the 1984 floor show, but this is where it's at for the Spiders at their peak.
Submitted by billkey (rogers, ar usa)
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