David Bowie - Space Oddity

Before becoming the glam master and leader of the Spiders From Mars, David drifted between genres – starting as a mod before moving into the hippie folk movement, which was still quite evident on this record. This is definitely a transitionary phase between his hippie persona and his glam-rock alter ego.

Much more of a folk album, this still has hints of things to come. He does have a full band, but not the fantastic Spiders From Mars and not even Mick Ronson. This record is quite mellow all the way through. This is not to say it is bad, but do not expect Ziggy-era rock.

Of course, most everyone knows his hit “Space Oddity” and the rest of the album is all in this style. Acoustic driven, this is nicely crafted with super vocals and melodies and some appropriate embellishment by the other musicians.

Some highlights include “Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed”, “Janine”, “Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud” (which remained a live mainstay), “Good Knows I’m Good” and the dramatic “Memory of a Free Festival”.

This was my final purchase to complete my 70’s era Bowie collection. While the next 4 records are the classics (Man Who Sold the World, Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust and Alladin Sane), Bowie can always be counted on for some nice moments. Known for being a chameleon, this is the folk-rock version of Bowie.