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Milestones: David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust 1st British Pressing vs. 50th Anniv. Edition
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2022
- The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (often shortened to Ziggy Stardust[1]) is the fifth studio album by English musician David Bowie, released on 16 June 1972 in the United Kingdom through RCA Records. It was co-produced by Bowie and Ken Scott and features Bowie's backing band the Spiders from Mars, comprising Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder and Mick Woodmansey. Most of the songs were written around the same time as Bowie's previous album Hunky Dory (1971). After that album was completed, recording for Ziggy Stardust commenced in November 1971 at Trident Studios in London, with further sessions in early February 1972.
Described as a loose concept album and rock opera, Ziggy Stardust concerns Bowie's titular alter ego Ziggy Stardust, a fictional androgynous and bisexual rock star who is sent to Earth as a saviour before an impending apocalyptic disaster. In its story, Ziggy wins the hearts of fans but suffers a fall from grace after succumbing to his own ego. The character was inspired by numerous musicians, including singers Vince Taylor and Iggy Pop. Most of the album's concept was developed after the songs were recorded. The glam rock and proto-punk musical styles were influenced by Pop, the Velvet Underground, and Marc Bolan of T. Rex, while the lyrics discuss the artificiality of rock music, political issues, drug use, sexual orientation and stardom. The album cover, photographed in monochrome and recoloured, was taken in London, outside the home of furriers "K. West".
Preceded by the single "Starman", Ziggy Stardust peaked at number 5 in the UK and number 75 in the United States. It initially received favourable reviews from music critics; some praised the musicality and concept while others were unable to comprehend it. Shortly after its release, Bowie performed "Starman" on Britain's Top of the Pops in early July 1972, which propelled him to stardom. The Ziggy character was retained for the subsequent Ziggy Stardust Tour, leaving Bowie unable to differentiate between Ziggy and himself. Not wanting Ziggy to define him, Bowie created a new character for his next album Aladdin Sane (1973), which Bowie described as "Ziggy goes to America". Performances from the tour were later released on a concert film of the same name with an accompanying live album (1983) and Live Santa Monica '72 (2008).
Retrospectively, Ziggy Stardust is considered one of Bowie's best works and has appeared on numerous lists of the greatest albums of all time. Bowie had ideas for a musical based on the album, although this project never came to fruition; ideas were later used for Diamond Dogs (1974). Ziggy Stardust has been reissued several times and was remastered in 2012 for its 40th anniversary. In 2017, it was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry, being deemed "culturally, historically, or artistically significant" by the Library of Congress.
david bowie full album ziggy stardust david bowie david bowie best songs vinyl community 45 rpm
There is often a magic on original pressings that cannot be measured. Some people chase after the best sound, others chase the after best experience. Maybe you will discover the best of both worlds. Cheers, Jon
Very well put thx Jon!!!
Perfectly put
Absolutely agree as well. It’s a feeling that’s hard to explain, but it’s there for sure
Jon, you pretty much summed it up with that truly brilliantly worded comment. 100% completely dead on. The emotional connection to music is what really makes it magical.
I guess there's a definitely a great feeling in finding the very first pressing ..straight from fresh tapes..the artwork as intended..everything how it was meant to be..especially with something like this album ..I wonder how the new pressings will fare over 50 years ..Will they still sound as good ..
I just did a shoot out of Ziggy.
MOFI, 2016, O.G. UK 1E 2E. The O.G. is miles above the rest, which speaks volumes because the others are great sounding too. The UK is mind blowing.
Sansui 881
Large Advents
NAD 558 w/ Grado Red.
The 2012 40th Anniversary remastered pressing is quite impressive. The vinyl is cut from the original master tapes in a 100% analog signal path.
The version (of Ziggy) included in the Five Years box set uses the same metal work as the 40th Anniversary (cut from analog tape). Initial runs of the break-out versions from the box set also use the 40th anniversary metal work. Check the run-out matrix. I have the 40th Anniv, the Five Years & 50th Anniv versions but haven't had the time to do a comparison.
Have the 50th anniversary version and it is excellent!,
But have just been given the original 1972 first pressing by my mother and Omg the sound,depth and clarity are amazing including the ballsy bass
What a gem💎👍👍👍
I would LOVE to have an original UK release! I have American pressings, the 1972 original, a 1975 repress, the 40th anniversary edition, and now the new 50th anniversary 1/2 speed master. All of the sound great - it is a beautifully recorded album - but I was shocked at how good the older versions are! Both are the super thin “Dynaflex” flimsy vinyl common at the time, but the warmth and dynamic range, the almost three-dimensional soundstage…astonishingly great! Same is true of the early Dynaflex The Man Who Sold The World that I have. Such an improvement on the also very good later reissues.
For a 50 year old record to be in near mint condition is a excellent find. As you say, the analogue warmth and subtlety is heartwarming.
I saw Bowie perform in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, back in 1972. At that time, the local police were used to frisk attendees for contraband and the like; male cops for guys and female cops for the ladies. It was hilarious to watch the male cops frisk all the guys wearing makeup and dresses. The look on their faces was classic! The concert was awesome!
Probably my favourite ever album as I’m wearing my original 1978 earls Court T-shirt from when I first saw him !
We are not at the beginning of a journey, you are Michael
You are discovering just how much better the originals Bowie are
Your initial reviews of the boxes had plenty of comments left on whether you had heard an original
Not all artists originals and recent remasters sound so night and day different but David’s 70s work does.
It will be great for you to hear these recordings as they were intended
Go down those Golden Years
I just listened to my US OG Dynaflex copy before I even knew you made this video. Believe it or not, my pressing sounds pretty good and relatively quiet. That's surprising given the reputation of Dynaflex, but I think it speaks to the great job the original engineers did on this album.
Great video, Michael. I have a near mint 1st press UK and it completely blows away any other later release- even the 2nd press. An astonishing sounding record, even on my modest equipment. I found mine in a charity shop for 50 pence!
50 cents ...... wow! i payed a tiny bit more :-)
Hello Static,
enviable. :-)
WOW!!!
Excellent.
I congratulate you on that.
❤️Heike
@@rastheike4329 Thank you! 🙌
Strange to hear that, so far I have always seen people praising 6E/4E matrix, not the first pressing.
One of my top five classic rock albums incidentally my first German import from discogs I got the 1985 RCA German repress worth every penny and reasonably priced thanks again!!
I looked for a long time and found a 1st UK pressing. I also have a few copies of the 40th Anniversary package. I usually find I like originals better. I like the idea of someone buying it and taking it home 50 years ago, and it still plays great.
When I first bought Ziggy Stardust in 1972, I couldn't believe how great it was. It's only gone up in my estimation in the years since then. Chapeau mille fois, Michael!
A wonderful, nuanced and substantial comparison.
Not widely known, the UK RCA tape use to make the UK RCA LP was misplaced in 1984, never to be seen or used again. All reissues of Ziggy use the original US tape (which was made prior to the finalisation of the UK tape in 1972), which contains the LP mix of Starman (UK put the single mix on LP), including the most recent 5 years and 50th anniversary editions.
Therefore, technically, you'd need to compare the US RCA LP to see how much difference there is between old and new. The UK RCA LP, because of its unique tape, is always going to sound different.
As others have mentioned and inferred, the first UK (1E/1E) sounds very different from the several different lacquers made by RCA UK over the years. For some it'll be very important to know which lacquer cuts your UK RCA LP has, otherwise the main reason (comparison) is diminished.
Oddly enough, the country of origin for Bowie is the USA because he was signed to RCA in NY. For most of his albums.lacquers and metal parts were made in NY and sent around the world. Ziggy was the 1 exception where UK RCA somehow got a hold of the tape first and cut lacquers before the tape got to NY. There is a dropout in Suffragette City that is not in the UK pressings. Also, I think the UK has a louder mix of Starman.
Very interesting comparison, I think it helps that the original recording was so good. I haven’t heard any version that didn’t sound really good. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
People say time travel is not possible but here you have done it. There is nothing like a good sounding OG.
Such a great idea these milestone videos 😃
One of my favourite albums I have an original New Zealand press outstanding collection of songs. 5 years is the standout for me and another one I enjoy a good scotch too. Excellent analysis of this album Michael thank you for sharing as always.
As much as you like Avant Garde. Mike Garson’s piano playing on the title track of Aladin Sane is stellar
Clearly a joy for you and it's infectious, the enthusiam and joy is clear to hear. My favouirite David Bowie album is Diamond Dogs.
Hi Michael. I’m glad you enjoyed listening to the UK OG of Ziggy Stardust. I can’t wait when you get the UK OGs from Bowie’s Berlin trilogy! 😉 When the 50th Anniversary came out, I bought it and did a comparison between the UK OG and 50th Anniversary. The mastering and sound difference is evident on my favorite tracks on the B side: Lady Stardust and Star. The UK OG has buzzing guitars and better vocal presence, while the 50th Anniversary is more polite and subdued. Some ppl may like the 50th Anniversary because it’s readily available, but I agree with you here: the UK OG is clear winner🥇
I'm so pleased that there is this reassessment of original pressings vs. reissues. The key advantage is that a great condition original record is a conduit to the fresh master tape and is usually the most faithful interpretation of the original artistic intent. Tapes deteriorate in time and, to be fair to Mofi, that is partly what their current process seeks to overcome. Unfortunately they have a lot of credibility rebuilding ahead of them. I do have the 50th Anniversary Ziggy pressing myself and it is so, so impressive for a digital remastering, and very reasonably priced too. Significantly, perhaps, they appear to have used PCM and not DSD. Not everyone swears by DSD. Thanks Michael, a great video as always.
How can you overcome "tape deterioration" by making a 1:1 copy? And I do not believe very much in tape deterioration either, as some reissues from tapes of the fifties show that sound even better than the original pressings.
@@markusberzborn6346 I don't recall saying that you can overcome tape deterioration. You just read the words Mofi in the absence of immediate criticism and quickly drew your own conclusions; read again slowly this time...
On this very RUclips channel, Bernie Grundman and Ryan K. Smith (two of the best mastering engineers around who handle tape a lot) both agreed and confirmed that tape is very robust and resilient if stored and handled correctly!
@@91pastor yes I watched that. But "robust and resilient" doesn't mean it sounds as good as when original pressings were mastered. It does deteriorate over time and, as was said in that discussion, some tape survives better than others.
@@chriswright5016 Agreed, but neither of them seem to have anything against using the original master tapes and were very complimentary on the quality of said master tapes after all these years, so I trust their judgement.
The original recorded at Trident has a perfect drum sound - listen to 5 years. It cannot be bettered.
I have very early pressing from the 70's. I don't think the original can be beat
This album that was a gift, my first record, early/mid 70's. To this day its in perfect condition and sounds amazing. There's something about it that makes it sound diffrent/better than most recordings of its time. Great choice to cover this masterpiece. Bowie, well what can you say, musical genius.
Hi Michael - if I could take just one album to a desert island, it would be Ziggy. I have the original UK pressing, which I played the hell out of as a teen, hence lots of pops and clicks. Mick Ronson’s guitar helps make it the perfect album. Great review!
I got a British first pressing 2E/2E rated VG on eBay for £17.50. It was a bit crackly. I've woodglued it both sides and now I'd say it's NM. A stunner, very happy. 🙂
So enjoying these comparisons with originals. It would be even better if you mentioned the Matrix # 's on these originals so we know exactly which pressing you are talking about. Keep up the great work!
Yes, that is a very good suggestion. Michael, if you could kindly tell us the Matrix Runout on the OG's that you play, thank you Sir!
Michael, welcome back. :-)
The Englishman from London as the ultimate 🔥 source.
I have some good ideas there.
Vinyl in "original" editions.
Still unfulfilled vinyl wishes.
Which the Englishman can certainly procure well - founded!
I'm sure.
Elvis Costello
- King Of Amerika
- Imperial Bedroom
- My Aim Is True
- This Year's Model
- Get Happy
- Live At The El Mocambo
David Bowie
- Ziggy Stardust
- Heroes
- Buddha of Surburia
Captain Beefhaert
- Crow Fines
- Safe As Milk
The Who
- Live At Leeds
That would be beyond awesome.
And other more. :-)
❤️Heike
Iconic album. I didn't think the differences between the various editions were so significant. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
I came to the same conclusion when comparing my US first press to the 50th. The 50th is very good mind you, but the US OG grabs your attention in a more special way.
Hi Michael, thank you for another very interesting video, on an album that has literally been the soundtrack to my life for the past 50 years. I first bought this album back in the summer of 1972, when I was 15 years old. I still have that copy with me for the past 50 years, it is a first press SF 8287, with the 1E/1E matrix. After all these years an plays I would still say if is in excellent condition (I look after my Record Collection) I also was lucky enough around 20 years ago pick up mint condition original pressing at a record fair, for next to nothing just a few pounds if I remember correctly, and that is an 1E/2E matrix. Over the last 50 years I have acquired most of the different pressings, and quite a few original Japanese pressing, the 40th anniversary addition, the Five Years box set and the 50 Anniversary edition. But I total agree the early first pressing are head and shoulder about all the others that have been released over the last 50 years. And I feel I am qualified to make a judgement because I made have listened to this album over 2000 times in the last 50 years. Bye the way I was lucky enough to see Bowie tour Ziggy with the Spiders back in 72, in Preston and Manchester. Fantastic memorie from times that we will never see again. Love this Album, Love you videos/Reviews, love your Channel. Take care Michael, Regards
Raymond
I too have a copy of the 1E/2E [Trident] issue - am i right in thinking that this was pressed at the same pressing plant as the 1E/1E but a subsequent run [2nd run]?
Always Always an Entertaining and Educational Video Thank You
Congrats on getting the first and 50th anniversary versions. I am still listening to my first UK pressing and was always amazed at the production quality, transparency and Bowie’s artistry. Looking to get the 50th edition copy too as a back up!
Love the Radio friendly Bowie as much as his not so radio friendly but sit down listen LPs
It seems like you most always like the original pressing over any newer or remastered pressing. Interesting. Thanks again.
You are correct with your opinion.
Everything is so much better on the original.
Great reviews.
Really enjoy your videos 😊
i think the reissues and remastered version are being produced to please the current listener. For many these issues are their first exposure to a particular release. Just the sign of the time. For some people those hard left/right mixes of old jazz records is not what they want to hear now. I grew up listening to jazz records that way so I am use to it. I think you are doing a fantastic job with these comparisons. Keep doing what you are doing because there seems to be a common thread found with reissues/remastered releases. Cheers.
Nice!
I sent the first UK pressing (it should have the 7E/4E matrix) to Patrick for his archive.
That is the best sounding 1st pressing 🤘
I have the 7E/4E, but didn’t believe it was a first pressing of any kind? Do you know anything else about this matrix?
I've got an RCA international pressing of this, original Australian pressing on the Green RCA label.
It sounds incredible!!!!
Absolutely love the Ziggy Stardust record. It’s great that you had such a connection to the UK 1st press. Jon (BipBopBoom) nailed it with his fantastic comment. I picked up the 50th anniversary pressing and have an early reissue as well. I was fortunate enough to see Bowie and NIN in ‘95 or so. It was a fantastic show. I’ve been collecting records for 30+ yrs and have amassed a collection I’m truly proud to own. There’s not too many people who’s opinion I honestly respect when it comes to record pressings, but you’re certainly one of them. Thanks, Michael. 👍🔊😊🎶
You made me want to pop on my 40th anniversary Ziggy. Which, by the way, was cut from the original master tapes in a 100% analog signal path by Ray Staff at Air Studios. Lovely stuff, regardless of version!
Love the 40th. Its release went so far under the radar at the time.
Thanks again… great to know…..grusse aus Holland….
The Green RCA International pressing from 1980 is also a beauty!
Thanks Michael. As a biggest Bowie fan I am so jealous you have this original and I don’t 🙂. Maybe some day I’ll find it.
And yes. Something 50 years old and to hear it plays perfect is magical. Happy for you.
Cheers Michael!
you know Elvis, i start to think bout an OG buyers Club .. this guy in London really gets this stuff, maybe that might be something interesting
@@Michael45RPM this is a great idea. I bought few weeks ago my first uk Queen original and I was amazed how good it is. It’s a 1974 Queen „Sheer Heart Attack „ cover and record in near mint. Beautiful.
So yes. I’m very interested in this idea.
@@Michael45RPM
One of the superlative greatest ideas.👌
@@Michael45RPM I would definitely be interested in the OG Buyers Club.
I wish this would happen (the OG buyers thing). Buying from Discogs, especially the UK, is such a painful experience that I would be willing to pay extra to ensure a minimum of quality and reliable service.
I love my 1976 Japanese first press signed by David Bowie in the same year of the release (1976). It includes the Obi strip. I'm a collector of Bowie's albums autographed by him and having a signature made the same year of the release is very difficult to get so it's very special for me, also considering that Station to Station is my top 3 Bowie's records in any specific order and most of the times I think is my favorite one.
One of my dreams is to obtain all his studio albums (excluding Black Star because for obvious reasons Bowie didn't have enough time to autograph this masterpiece for his fans) and I know it's going to be a very difficult work for a normal young fan from Perú.
At the time I only have 2 more albums with these characteristics: Low and Ziggy Stardust. Also, I have other 5 autographed studio albums but they were signed years after their release and I also love them, specially Hunky Dory which was the first autographed album that I could get. Is a UK first press but the signature is from the time of Ziggy Stardust (1972).
Over time I'm going to sell those albums who doesn't meet the specifications of Ziggy, STS, and Low, apart from Hunky Dory because as I said before it has a deeper meaning to me because was the start of my journey as a collector. The others are Scary Monster, Heroes, Aladin Sane and Diamond Dogs. I'm doing that only to save the money when I finally can find them signed the same years of their release, which is a very difficult job.
All of them have an authenticity certificate made and signed by Andy Peters, the founder of David Bowie Autograph, and are in great condition with a big clear signature that obviously depends on the year when they were signed (Bowie's signature changes over time).
So if someone is interested feel free to get in contact with me via my email: luisgustavocg@gmail.com to get more details and pics.
I hope one day I can achieve my dream because Bowie is my favourite no academic musician, for me the greatest solo artist in this world and listening to his music really changed my life and my perception of art. Sadly I've discovered him since 2021, after his death which is something I regret because with some luck maybe I could have met him in person on the Heathen and Reality tour although I was very young but fuck at least I couldn't mourn properly his death because I have no idea who was this giant of all time music.
Email: luisgustavocg@gmail.com
Lovely fresh reel of tape used for OG. No computer involved
Danke für ein weiteres tolles Video Michael. When you mentioned we are in the beginning of a journey, I suppose you are referring to the New vinyl enthusiasm of recent years. But I have been complaining about loudness and compression for the last 20 years and the majority in the record business do not care. So do not get too carried away with the impression things will improve.
Also, it is not always the first original pressing that sounds the best. As an example, I have compared original pressings of Station to Station from the UK, the USA and Canada. The Canadian pressing blew the other two away and is so much cheaper!!
You got me into Kraftwerk and I am enjoying Alva Noto…. Admittedly streaming his but will order a couple, piecing the recommendations from videos you’ve done. Also listening now to the final album from Klaus Schulze….. a new genre to me so please consider more on how to get into some of the best electronic. The ones you’ve done so far have been very helpful. Maybe a “best five albums” to start with xxx artist.
Clean original pressings contain magic! This reminds me of the early UK Abbey Road I recently acquired. Similar reactions! 👍🏻
🤗🥰😘🙌🙌♥️brilliant 🙌
I’ve made a similar comparison a while ago and still prefer my UK 1st ! There is indeed some “magic” in this pressing. Also a close 2nd is my 1985 German pressing! (Worth seeking out!) . This iconic album should be Played with it’s “sister” album Lou Reed’s Transformer ( produced by Bowie and Ronson ) also released in 1972 !
I've got the Original Aussie pressing. Sooo good. A bit of noise but I did buy it back in 72. Nitty Grittied back in the 90's.
A milestone indeed. I’ve had several over the years. Now have a Simply Vinyl but not a great version so will break my own rule for the 50th. P.S. the Ziggy tour played at our local cinema. My mum wouldn’t let me go because it was on a school night
Thanks Michael, I just bought the European original (Made In Hilland) Bob Dylan Nashville Skyline and nearly burned myself with the heat of the sound.
I’m a bit surprised that you don’t have all these OGs already. I built my collection as a teen to mid 20s back in the 70s and take good care of my records. They were stored for a good bulk of this time maybe 30 years after CDs came out. You must be of a younger demo group that bought during the CD craze. I love all my originals.
If you haven't already ordered a copy a UK original of Aladdin Sane is much recommended-stunning.
Tubes sound different than transistors. The recordings and lacquers that came out of Trident pre 75 would have had been cut to lacquer on an all tube signal chain from the master. Not so on the later re-issues. Engineered by Ken Scott who has a list of legendary bands both Jazz and contemporary under his belt.... he had a gift for making things sound rich & warm. I have a first issue... but it's been to a few parties so it's not in good shape any longer. Thanks for the comparison.
Its most definitely one of my personal milestone albums ..over the years I've accumulated around 60 copies of this titanic album ..I've listened to many different versions of it ..the very first pressing is 1E 1E which is a beautiful sounding record ..but it does have a thin sound it was beefed up when we get to the 4E 6E which has the best sound ..the drums have fabulous bottom end ..a great warmth typical of the era its the best I've heard ..its very worrying that the art of cutting vinyl is not replicating this sound ..I was going to ask you to do a ziggy comparison ..well done you seemed quite moved
Good one to compare for sure. So I have a VG+ of the 1st pressing and I’ve had NM versions of the 2nd and a few of the modern ones. Even though my 1st is a bit crackly I’ve sold all other versions. This one has been one of the easiest comparisons as the original pressing just has warmth and bass that isn’t there in the others. Glad you managed to get your hands on a NM copy 👍🏼👏
Interesting video.
I’d love to blind test someone on these things. I have multiple copies of this. Several 1st pressings including the 6e/4e - which is my favourite pressing. But here’s the thing, although it’s my favourite I’m not convinced that it’s the best sounding.
Our perception of these things is often coloured by knowing that it’s original or it’s a mofi etc.
I have a cheap RCA International version of this album that sounds incredible
the opening bars of 5 years on this album are my favourite of any, perhaps along with Hells Bells from BIB
I have an original UK and it sounds stunning indeed. BTW, there's a gorgeous reissue of Hunky Dory, AAA, in the EMI Centenary series from some years back. Well worth tracking down, albeit pricey I imagine.
Yes the EMI 100 Hunky Dory is miles ahead any others I’ve heard. Just beautiful.
@@mercuryscat2703 Isn't it? Wow - just wow! (Michael @45rpm - an essential purchase methinks)
I didnt get the 50th Anniversary of this fantabulous record because it said it was remixed from the 2012 Release. I would have preferred remaster from original. I currently have a Canadian 1980 pressing
What i say since years. Buy a first press and be very lucky if it sounds perfect (the problem is mostly the condition and unfortunately many graders do NOT describe their records correctly). The tapes are many years older now and only few engineers have a top equipment & the „analog experience“ to do better remasters.
Nice one. I have only a 40th anniversary reissue. Can't do any comparison.
And the original German release was a gatefold with lyrics , I have that too !
That pressing has a great sound.
I envy you Michael for the original.
Very!
I would love o have the original edition too.
Preferably the Orange Label RCA in Mint.
❤️Heike
Again a direct hit with regard to the original. :-)
Nice find Michael. Just to clear up something, if it helps, after reading a couple of comments. Although strictly speaking the 1E/1E matrix copy is deemed THE first press, the copies with 1E/2E and 2E/2E matrixes are variants of the 1E/1E and are classed first issues as both 1E and 2E stampers were used to press the first batch of releases. I am not aware that there is any difference in audible quality between the two stampers so any one you have should be good. I have heard some say the 1E stamper is the best and some say the 2E is, truth is I’m not sure there is a difference.
The 1E and 2E are different lacquer cuts, though likely cut by the same engineer so will (do) sound very similar if not quite the same. The recut would have been a necessity - damage or fault with the 1E. Both lacquers were pressed using a variety of stampers.
I just found that my copy is also a UK first edition 👍
Michael, thanks for all you do for our hobby/addiction. This may be an over the top request, but wondering if you are able to post below your videos, the pressing information for the records you review (matrix #s and/or discogs links - both for the new re-ssues as well as the "OGs" ).. that way we know exactly which pressing you have. Often a "first pressing" is subjective and when there are multiple versions pressed at different plants, numbers off by one letter, one number, may make a difference in how we digest and act upon your new information..
i will do much more .. just wait a bit .. interesting things will happen :-)
@@Michael45RPM Looking forward to it!!!!
@@Michael45RPM Thank you Michael!
@@Michael45RPM
Michael yuo are GORGEOUS. :-)
Hello Hooman,
I already had your thoughts.
Thank you for speaking it out for us. :-)
❤️Heike
I can't believe how you manage to get mint copies of OG pressings. I have no luck. I give up!
Dont give up ... not yet
Actually Bowie was signed to RCA US - not UK - so technically it's the US version that is the original :-) The US inner-sleeve was also printed as it should be - the UK version looks like it was done by a xerox machine... but I agree the UK 1st press sounds great!
And that pretty much confirms my general impression of the remaster/reprint industry. There may well be advantages to half speed, virgin vinyl, and what have you. But there is the issue of aging analog tape on one hand, the maturing of digital technology on the other. Once transferred, the degradation stops, after any degradation caused by the digital state of the art at the moment of transfer. Current transfers may be good, but the state of the tape less so. Early transfers may have been shit digital files from tape in a good state. Either way, there is a problem, and you may well get better results from the first press, even when doing the cutting, plating, pressing to the best standards.
What are the matrix numbers for the original pressing if I may ask?
I’m curious to know if you have the very first 1E/1E stamper or the more common 1E/2E. They apparently sound different, as does the 4E/6E early press I also own and imho , think sounds better than the 1E/2E. As an owner of 6 Ziggy’s I am very familiar with the sound. Out of the modern pressings I actually really like the 45th gold coloured pressing!
Probably the best Bowie album.
The best for sure
I had to do a shootout between the five years box and the 50th after watching this and I had the opposite experience where the box version was way more dynamic than the half speed 50th. I think that’s a problem with shootouts as everybody has different systems and hearing that makes shootouts irrelevant. Fun to watch but not dependable for recommendations.
I love your enthusiasm, and love this album. However, i can’t seem to track which release you are talking about half of the time? Are you saying the original British pressing is the one one you like, or one of the others mentioned? Thank you
Michael sporting new glasses 👓 ?
Moonage Daydream is the best Bowie song ever and I love your glasses
my original uk ziggy stardust smokes any pressing usa, jpn ,or any reissue i have ever heard and it is just not close , i agree with you michael Ziggy UK 1st press cannot be beaten,,,, no way!!!!
See you on the next Bardo.
BTW was your album a 1e/1e ?
Be good if everyone packed lp like that.
I would buy moor.
Thanks for vid.
I really enjoy your reviews. Not being a real Bowie fan, I don't have this album in my collection. So if I don't want to look and pay for a 1st UK edition, how is the 50th in comparison. Who did this version?
Hello Michael, with most of the nee reissues, also the audiophiles , I miss the character of the original,with often are do much more vivid, sparkling,natural. There's more "air" in the music. The new releases are often too "polished" and the most attention goes to the lower tones, that's also what many people like about them : more bass.
For me not the most important component in music.
So I'm happy to have quite some originals.
Regards, Paul
Hello Michael, that's my mind about fading:
NM also called M- should have maximal some hairlines and strictly no clicks, pops or similar.
That means full music enjoyment. But even a visual scratch does no mean that you can hear it on the other side, when it's only very superficial and dies not hurt the grooves.
At the end an audio and not a visual grading.
Otherwise VG+ close to NM.
Cheers and thanks for your enthusiastic work!
Conclusion: A visual VG+ is in some cases better than a only visual NM, because of seen but not hearable scratches/hairlines.
I got my first pressing a while ago like 5-6 years ago and I only got it for £10 I was shocked and thought it would be dirty and filthy but I bought it anyway and it was near mint I'm to this day sure it was put in the wrong crate in the record fair and the owner didn't notice I love it so much and every other pressing and mix I've come across just sounds awful to me, I feel sorry for people who don't live in the UK as they have to go out of their way to find any UK pressing for any album
Wow, is that much of a difference? I was thinking about getting Ziggy and a bunch more of classics in new editions so I don't have to dig and pay a lot. Tape added a lot of harmonics that's for sure but how can they kill that? And why? Do they re-record everything to digital in order to make the remaster?
Hi, i got my uk original about 8 years ago in excellent condition for 7 uk pounds and sounds great, also checkout scary monsters with townhouse on the deadwax it's thin vinyl but sounds amazing
interesting is this a first pressing?
Yes, it's the uk first pressing
Would you do me/us the favour to provide the Matrix/Runout information of your first pressing. Thanks a lot. 🖖
Very nice condition off this icon album,
but you should also have a look for the german first pressing with the beautiful
gatefold cover and it sounds also really great,
by the way is it possible to get your contact
from where you ordered this wonderful record, Regards Bernhard
you know Bernhard, i start to think about an OG buyers Club .. this guy in London really gets this stuff, maybe that might be something interesting
Michael, thank you for your answer, yes that will be very interesting, to get a serious plattform for original pressings.
That goes for Aladdin Sane as well. First UK press is the best.
Hi again Michael
I can't tell if what you said re details and bowie in your living room IA referring to the 50th half speed or the box or an original record?I want to buy the best detailed sounding record plus detailed low end.
Thanks
the original Eytan
The glasses…
Captain Beefheart
- The Mirror Man Sessions
Can the Englishman from London also get the original? 😏
i am sure he can but not sure if the british OG is the way to go
@@Michael45RPM
You Michael and the Englishnan have better vinyl knowledge.
I would like to rely completely on your recommendations.
Michael you and the Englishman in collaboration.
I the same thing in the same field.
GORGEOUS. :-)
❤️Heike
LOL, I got a kick out of your reaction to the OG Bowie. Dare I say you had a musical epiphany Mike? It's only been recently to my knowledge you've taken on the task of comparing OGs to later pressings, MOFI pressings and the like. It seems nature to me that original works by artists, authors, singers, dancers, painters, bands are best when the first couple of events, performances, efforts, whatever, are executed. The magnificence disappears in most cases after the initial foray into the subject. I know for a fact it happens to authors and bands as is my experience. There's a Vibe lost, a feeling you don't feel anymore when comparing the initial to the later. Not always but more often than not. Original efforts raise goosebumps on you whereas later ones seem to lag and seem dull, tired, washed out in comparison. I always looked for original pressings or an early repress if I couldn't find an original when I bought. I suppose that's why I went to so many gigs, I like it live. I never did get into Mofi's or half speed masters or any of that new fangled technology stuff. LOL I'm happy with what I have so why bother... Old guys like me found out a long time ago older is better in most cases. In any event it's refreshing to see an honest reaction of amazement from somebody not afraid to expand their horizons. Kudos.