THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS

Many consider this a progressive rock masterpiece, but I don't even hear progressive rock at all. Probably the main thing that keeps this album from being interesting to me is the overuse of clichés with respect to chord progressions and lyrics. Musically, this had been acclaimed as a definitive rock and roll album, but I hear an unmistakable country music drive. Other times, I would safely compare it to Elton John or Bachman-Turner Overdrive. I won't bother with the story of this harebrained concept album, because I've read the author's explanation of it, and I'm not altogether sure even he knows what is going on. There are a few noteworthy songs ("Starman" is brilliant), but other than that, this album really does not appeal to me.

"Five Years" Lazy drums and a simple chord progression hammered out by piano, acoustic guitar, and thudding bass make up this laidback waltz. Bowie's voice is unstable and becomes even more so toward the end of the song. Still, it's a pretty good tune and one of the better ones present.

"Soul Love" The second song is another loose one, with easygoing percussion throughout most of the work, and a decent saxophone solo over a straightforward chord progression.

"Moonage Daydream" This song is a heavier acoustic song, with more forceful singing.

"Starman" "Starman" is a funky, acoustic-driven song, and probably my favorite on the album. The singing and melody are unmistakably Bowie's, despite sounding similar to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (Bowie admitted to borrowing the melody and "perverting" it), and for once there's more to the arrangement than simple early 1970s light rock music- essential Bowie.

"It Ain't Easy (Ron Davies)" For so many reasons, this song is very similar to early southern rock from the United States.

"Lady Stardust" More piano and acoustic guitar work through this one-dimensional number.

"Star" Pairing boogie-woogie with some light psychedelic vocals is an interesting venture, and is one that especially sounds like Elton John.

"Hang on to Yourself" Like heavy sock-hop music, this song incorporates fun, catchy melodies and an upbeat rhythm.

"Ziggy Stardust" Quite similar to Tom Petty or perhaps Steve Miller, this is yet another simple, easygoing acoustic rock song.

"Suffragette City" Upbeat and hard-rocking, this song brings to mind the likes of Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

"Rock 'n' Roll Suicide" The final track relies on strummed acoustic guitar, Bowie's folksy-side as a vocalist, and eventually a solid rhythm section (including brass) backing him up. For me, it is the second honestly powerful track, with a worthy dramatic vocal performance that would have made for a fantastic finale had everything that preceded it been leading up to it.