Album of the Day

Originating from the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium as a KMET radio broadcast, this much-bootlegged recording didn’t see official release until 2008 – but it was worth the wait. LIVE IN SANTA MONICA ‘72 captures David Bowie’s breakthrough U.S. tour in support of THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST & THE SPIDERS FROM MARS. Though leaning heavily on material from the landmark concept album, the setlist also features songs from influences Jacques Brel and The Velvet Underground as well as powerful versions of “Changes,” “The Jean Genie” and "Space Oddity.” By the time of this October 20, 1972 concert, backing band The Spiders From Mars was a well-oiled machine, and Mick Ronson’s guitar work is particularly impressive. For fans of Bowie’s glam phase, LIVE IN SANTA MONICA ‘72 is indispensable.