For one, it's nice to have a recording of David Bowie's sound on stage during his approach to the Soul and Rhythm n' Blues world. At this time, he embraced American Black culture with a passionate intensity. As much as I like (or love) Young Americans album, it strikes me as a bridge between his Diamond Dogs and Station to Station, which combines his passion for funk and Avant-rock. Still, what a wonderful time and tour where Bowie slipped into a James Brown mode and presented these new songs from Young Americans before it was released. I have to imagine some Bowie fans were scratching their heads at this time, but whatever reason, the music is superb.
The recording of the record is not top-notch but still listenable. The only weird thing about it is the use of the echo in Bowie's mic -which may work in a live situation, but on record comes off odd. Bowie's voice is shot but still full of emotion, and his singing skills never fail. I also love side 3 because it focuses on the new material: "Can You Hear Me?" "It's Gonna Be Me," and the amazing "Somebody Up There Likes Me." There is also a killer version of Eddie Floyd's "Knock on Wood," as well as hearing the roots to "Fame" called "Foot Stompin'." For the casual fan, this collection is not a must-have, but for the die-hard Bowie lunatic, it is a must to own and enjoy. If I'm not mistaken, the only tour not recorded (or released yet) is his greatest hits tour he did in 1990.
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