The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (50th Anniversary Half Speed master)

This was the first album I ever owned. My uncle purchased it on cassette for me for a Christmas present the year it was released. I have since owned it on CD but this is the first vinyl copy I have owned. The clarity of this vinyl has so much more depth and soul than the CD, that always sounded slightly clinical. I hope this is the last time I have to purchase Ziggy as I am not that much older than the album but the years are beginning to tell. Nice thing is that I can now afford decent equipment to play it on. If you have a reasonable record deck, amplifier, speakers and subwoofer you will hear things on this version that I doubt you will have ever heard before. If you like early Bowie, then get this vinyl copy. You are going to hear it how David Bowie intended. Blooming fantastic version.

Great copy of a fantastic album. Quality cover and inner sleeve. Sound is very good, clear, crisp and quality.

Great album recommended

Reading a lot of negative reviews regarding sound quality! No need to discuss the Music - it's Ziggy! My copy sounds incredible!. I have a mid budget system (Marantz/ audio technica) - so no HI FI snobbery here!. Have had numerous versions including the original release and this 50th Anniversary Half speed master is up there with the best of them. No surface scuffs or marks- plays dead quiet between tracks, fantastic airy channel separation that I'm not hearing on the 2012 Remaster (LP and CD), I am getting definite Low end and Mick's guitar sounds more defined over any of the CD versions and the 2012 Remaster LP, "Soul Love" and "Moonage" really demonstrate this. No issues with side 2 "Suffragette" or "Suicide" as other Reviews have mentioned. 100 % Recommended. If your copy does not sound sonically "amazing" and flawless, in my opinion, you either have "duff" or check your system set up! - I have family and friends who have mid priced systems and their copies also sound amazing and flawless! - it's not just me! UPDATE: 07/04/2024 - After numerous plays now, Still stand by every word of Review and this edition is my "go to" every time!.

got the album ! great sound was going to get the pic disc but this is an album that needs REAL meat on the bone soundwise .... and i t did

Great quality!

Well,if the magic of half speed mastering has caught your attention ,how do you decide which Ziggy vinyl best reproduces the beauty of this splendid recording? Amazon reviews won’t help unless they specifically state which version the author is describing. Clearly,the variables of stereo equipment,perception and hearing of the listener,plus the listening environment will all be factors to consider when making comparisons. May I offer my experience as an attempt to help the undecided make the best decision. I have an original pressing from ‘72 ,a gatefold ‘90 edition with bonus tracks and now a new half speed mastered 50th issue. The 50th anniversary issue was on it’s way back to Amazon after three tracks,despite my optimistic expectations.Bowie’s vocals seemed strangely distant in the context of a fuller sound ,rendering the listening experience,for me,as a great disappointment. The ‘90s bonus track pressing is thin and harsh,although the gatefold cover is wonderful!😌 My original ‘72 version is full,’warm’ and engaging but is understandably a little worn yet still sets the bar very high in any comparison. So ,what did I finally decide,you may ask? A subsequent youtube interview with Ken Scott,who was responsible for the original production and engineering revealed that he was not an advocate for half speed mastering and I then ordered the 2016 Optimal pressing of the 2012 remastered Parlophone vinyl,although the label is RCA yellow and has ‘Bowie’ in big letters ,which is a nice touch.I am very pleased with it and strangely it sounds even better when played loudly,as it seems to reveal more definition and separation,without actually seeming to be ‘loud’!😂 It is different to the first pressing in that it seems more inviting and absorbing,so if you want a slap ,play the original and if you want an invitation into the Starman’s universe,play the Optimal 2016 pressing. It is “wun-der-fullll”…. Update…..I have just obtained the 1980 green label RCA international and it is truly spectacular. The tiny small print around the label on each side of the vinyl states….”From master recording”…I did not notice this until after I had heard the album.Clearly not a sales pitch but confirmation of the quality of the source of this edition. Aaaargh! Having got this far….I may be mistaken! I said that the 90s gatefold vinyl with bonus tracks was ‘thin and harsh’…..well,turns out it may not be the case.I know some will dislike the addition of bonus tracks,excellent though they are,plus the stupendous gatefold sleeve is not true to the original release,however there is something about this 90s release that is is most engaging and inviting.Ok it has the quiet staccato in Starman but if you can live with that,this pressing has made me appreciate the album on a whole new level.Seems like there are several brilliant versions and they all have their merits…..just like Electric Warrior but that’s a whole different story.😉 Update…. Oo er……who knew Dynaflex could sound THIS GOOD?! Just acquired the Canadian Ziggy and the soundstage is exceptional and gets more impressive the more you turn it up….will be played at maximum volume.😂 Is the end of my Ziggy quest….it just might be!…..time to get a life now.. Good luck in your searches..

Wow . Just wow. I've owned a few versions over the years ,vinyl , CD but this version is the best by far. Flat , no crackles or hiss just a pure rich sound. Each note just shines through. It's always been my favourite Bowie album , this just hammers it home. Just buy it.

All good.

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C'est la deuxième fois, en un mois, que j'achète cet album de David Bowie en version Vinyle. Le premier que j'ai reçu était d'une qualité plus que déplorable et bon à jeter. J'ai donc pris la décision d'en racheter un, en version Half-Speed. Franchement, je ne regrette pas cet achat. Les deux faces du disque sont parfaites. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars fait partie de mes Albums préférés de David Bowie.

Maravilhoso! Um dos álbuns mais importantes da história do rock! Prensagem boa, mas não perfeita

Una buena edición.