David Bowie The Rise and Fall of Ziggy and similar items

David Bowie The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars Vinyl LP - RCA AYL1-3843 VG++ First Edition Starman, Suffragette City, Moonage Daydream Condition: VG++ (EX) Vinyl and VG+ Cover. Vinyl was play-tested on both sides and plays really well throughout with good fidelity. Cover is solid with good color, no splits or writing, minor creasing. Matrix / Runout (Side-A): SO-1-17093-Z-2 #2 [MASTERDISK] Matrix / Runout (Side-B): SO-2-17093-Z-2 [MASTERDISK] RL The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (Ziggy Stardust) is the fifth studio album by David Bowie, released in 1972 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). 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 received favorable 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". Retrospectively, Ziggy Stardust is considered one of Bowie's best works and has appeared on numerous lists of the greatest albums of all time. Ziggy Stardust was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry, being deemed "culturally, historically, or artistically significant" by the Library of Congress. Track listing A1 Five Years 4:42 A2 Soul Love 3:34 A3 Moonage Daydream 4:40 A4 Starman 4:10 A5 It Ain't Easy 2:58 B1 Lady Stardust 3:22 B2 Star 2:47 B3 Hang On To Yourself 2:40 B4 Ziggy Stardust 3:13 B5 Suffragette City 3:25 B6 Rock 'N' Roll Suicide 2:58 Personnel David Bowie ? vocals, acoustic guitar, saxophone Mick Ronson ? electric guitar, piano, backing vocals, string arrangements Trevor Bolder ? bass guitar Woody Woodmansey ? drums Rick Wakeman ? harpsichord ("It Ain't Easy") Dana Gillespie ? backing vocals ("It Ain't Easy") David Bowie ? production Ken Scott ? production, audio engineering, mixing engineering _____________________________________________ Shipping: Calculated domestic shipping via Media Mail or Priority Mail. Will ship internationally at FLAT RATES. Records mailed in a proper cardboard LP mailer. All records cleaned prior to shipment. Check out my other auctions, and save on shipping! I do offer multiple-bid shipping discounts -- please contact me before paying if you plan to purchase or bid on multiple auctions. Payment: Paypal is preferred method of payment. Return Policy: I do accept returns for up to 30 days. Please let me know if you have questions about this item or any others I have for sale before you bid or purchase. If you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact me immediately and I will do whatever I can to resolve. This may be a replacement, a credit, or a full or partial refund depending on the circumstances. _____________________________________________ I use the Goldmine Grading System, and play-test all records. I note any differences between vinyl and cover, and make note of any inserts, special sleeves, or potential defects. MINT (M) - Absolutely perfect in every way. Most often this is a still sealed record, records that have been opened are rarely if ever marked as Mint. NEAR MINT (NM) - A good description is that it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time. In other words, it?s nearly perfect, with no visible defects. VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) - Except for a couple minor things, this could be Near Mint. Most collectors will be happy with a VG+ record, especially if on the high end (VG++). VG+ records may show slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Covers should have only minor wear. VERY GOOD (VG) - VG records are among the biggest bargains, and for many, will be worth the money. They can lack the original gloss, may have surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages. But the noise will not overpower the music. VG covers will have signs of handling, and may have minor splits. GOOD PLUS (G+) - Good+ does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping, but it has significant surface noise and groove wear. Cover may have significant ring wear, noticeable writing, or obvious damage. GOOD (G) - Record may have some skipping, but is otherwise listenable. I generally avoid selling Good (G) rated records unless they are highly collectible or desirable, in order to enjoy until something better comes along. Cover has major wear or seam splits that need repair, or heavy writing like radio station call letters to prevent theft. Feel free to contact me with any specific questions.