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DAVID BOWIE - THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS*
The character Ziggy Stardust was David Bowie's greatest creation, and his backing band, The Spiders From Mars, weren't bad either. A more dramatic opening would be hard to find than 'Five Years'. Certainly controversial and thought-provoking. What would we do if we only had five years left on this planet? 'Soul Love' is a gentler piece altogether, with smooth sax and electric guitar standing out. 'Moonage Daydream' is outstanding, with its puzzling lyrics and stunning Mick Ronson guitar solo. This song was really immortalized in D.A. Pennebaker's film of Ziggy's last concert, at the Hammersmith Odeon, as live the song seems more powerful. 'Lady Stardust' is a touch dreary, and 'It Ain't Easy' is a boisterous ending to the first side. The wondrous 'Starman' opens on the second side. A thoughtful piece of whimsy, with its memorably moving chorus. The frenetic rhythms of 'Star' and 'Hang On To Yourself' are fun. 'Ziggy Stardust', with its notable guitar intro, is a mini bio of the man himself, and The Spiders excel on this track. 'Suffragette City' is another frenetic number, and too often overlooked. A fine rock song. 'Rock 'n' Roll Suicide' is a very appropriate and dramatic ending to 'Ziggy Stardust'. But was it suicide? 'Ziggy Stardust' is easily still one of the great concept albums, and Ziggy himself one of rock's great creations. - Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com. |
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