Product Description A Reality Tour was the highest- grossing global tour of 2004 and one of the most critically acclaimed tours of Bowie’s career. With its iconic cover image of denim-clad David Bowie wielding his vintage black-and-white Supro Dual-Tone electric guitar, A Reality Tour Live has emerged as the definitive career overview. The 33 songs that he ultimately chose for this release weave through virtually every phase of his life, dating back to the title tune of his 1971 LP, The Man Who Sold The World. Also includes massive hits such as "Rebel Rebel", "Life On Mars", "Ashes To Ashes", "Heroes" and "Ziggy Stardust" as well as three previously unreleased tracks that were performed on the night, but were originally omitted from the DVD. Review “David Bowie’s greatest hits live!” reads the sticker on the attractive packaging of this newly released, but recorded back in 2003, two-CD set. And nobody’s going to be complaining that the promise isn’t delivered, as Bowie – backed by a solid yet flexible band that hits each peak with precision – runs through elegant renditions of his most-pervasive successes. Under Pressure, Rebel Rebel, Ashes to Ashes, Ziggy Stardust, All the Young Dudes: all present and correct.Like R.E.M.’s recent Live at the Olympia set, A Reality Tour was recorded in Dublin; the crew must come cheap. That, or fans in the Irish capital are simply unbeatable. The latter argument for the recording location is supported somewhat by the accompanying credits: after listing the various musical contributors, the emotionally charged audiences at the Point Depot” are acknowledged. And there’s no doubt those in attendance make themselves heard, though such is the high-quality mixing work on this release that their vociferous appreciation is kept at a distance until such a time as a roar is absolutely key.The crowd is stirred into its most feverous state when the bona fide classics are aired – the aforementioned, as well as the likes of 1975’s Fame, old favourite The Man Who Sold the World, and Five Years, the opener on 1972’s certifiable collection cornerstone The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. But comparably lesser-known selections are received well, too. Battle for Britain (The Letter), which takes clangourous industrial rock on a fly-by of drum‘n’bass, convulses to a singular beat; long-in-limbo effort Bring Me the Disco King, finally released on 2003’s Reality (his last studio album), is down-tempo jazz with tangible nostalgia in its lyrics; and Heathen (The Rays) shows that Bowie could still pen disarmingly direct, affecting pop of a very individual inclination 30-plus years after he started. With 33 tracks stretching well over two hours, A Reality Tour isn’t exactly suited to single-sitting listening. It’s also far from a genuine greatest hits collection, though it certainly does feature a number of Bowie’s most-loved songs. But it is a great document of one of the world’s most inspirational recording artists – and performers – proving that age can’t quench the man’s desire to create, communicate and, ultimately, entertain. A maverick talent whose place in the pop annals was assured long ago, Bowie’s continuing hunger sets a fabulous example for the up-and-coming could-be-‘Heroes’ crowd. --Mike DiverFind more music at the BBC This link will take you off in a new window
A**H
Terrific concert
Bought this because of previous reviews about Bowie's performance during this tour and this album does not disappoint. The significant price drop also had an impact as I had seen it for over £60. I haven't owned a lot of Bowie's later music but this album is a very welcome addition. It's one of the concerts that makes you wish you had been there but at the same time makes you feel like you are there. He really sounds like he was enjoying it. Definitely up there with the best live albums you can get. If you are a Bowie fan you have to own this. If you like Bowie even a little it's worth getting because it's such a good concert.
E**D
Still loving the alien
As an average collecter, this price drop made me leap to it. Content wise, spectacular - this is my favourite bowie gig as it’s so personal and had a great range of his back catalogue. Favourite track - loving the alien.Physical item wise, but if a shame with the plastic sleeves. These translucent one always annoy me as they don’t hold form, a good card sleeve would of been preferred, with more room for art! But all my coloured vinyl seems to come in these plastic things, so there is likely a good reason.Apart from that, box is sterdier than I imagined, good quality and nice posters thrown in too!
A**C
Repriced.....Reality Tour in Vinyl
Possibly the greatest live album by Bowie. A superb recording, with a great line up of band-members, who like Bowie seemed to be enjoying themselves entertaining the audience.I bought the DVD and the CD set but was put off by the price of the vinyl, which steadily went up to silly prices. Then, here it was up for grabs at just over £50, regardless of what colour the vinyl was I had to buy it before it went back up in price. A beautiful set in a sturdy box and well worth the money. I am sure sales for this set has shot up since the price has come down to a sensible sum. Right, now, what can you do for the Cracked Actor vinyl set?If you have the money go and get this set, add it to your collection.
H**R
Gorgeous Pressing.
What an incredible pressing of a spectacular tour. I was genuinely bummed the other day and chucked this one and my mood soared. Pretty much pulling off my best impersonation to All the Young Dudes while cleaning the house... what a feeling. A must for any Bowie fan. The whole things gets 5 stars for sure. One thing I would bare in mind that the hard case only holds 3 discs and a pullout. For the price I would have liked maybe a gatefold for the disks to be held in but the box is lovely and secure. Once the discs are inside they'll be well looked after.
M**R
magnificent live album
this is a superb record of Bowie's Reality tour from 2003/4. Superb sound quality, with the band in top form and Mr Bowie in fine voice - helped a long at times by the wonderful Dublin crowd. There are so many highlights here it is hard to pick some which standout, but for me the wonderful versions of Life on Mars, a quite superb rendition of new Killer Star with wailing guitars which makes it stronger still than the studio version, and the rousing renditions of All the Young Dudes and Heroes are maybe the star picks. But then there is The Man who Sold the World, and a stripped Down and improved Loving the Alien. which are wonderful too. I just wish the bonus tracks had been integrated into the album in their running order rather than tacked onto the end. But this is far, far too good to lose a star for that.Superb
M**E
A Reality Tour CD David Bowie
Absolutely great CD. Saw this tour and he was brilliant, such a talented artist. Such a shame that he is no longer with us.
B**E
Fantastic
Without doubt my favourite live Bowie album, probably because it contains the best version of Loving the Alien I have ever heard. I have had things since it came out but I listen to it a lot now just to hear is voice and feel that it just cannot be true, he's got to still be around....somewhere
M**Y
Five Stars
Great live album. From a great. Graphics on box set is abit blurry.
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