Description

David Bowie – Sound And Vision – Cassette Box Set

Sound and Vision is a compilation album by David Bowie, originally released in 1989. This collection offers a comprehensive overview of Bowie’s career up to that point, including many of his most iconic tracks. The compilation spans his early work in the 1960s through to the 1980s, highlighting his evolution as an artist and his influence on the rock and pop music landscape.

Sound and Vision was released as a box set, including multiple discs that cover different periods of Bowie’s career. The compilation is named after one of Bowie’s famous songs from his critically acclaimed 1977 album ‘Low.’ The set features a mix of hits, deep cuts, and previously unreleased material, making it a valuable collection for both new listeners and longtime fans.
Sound + Vision is a triple cassette box set designed to introduce Rykodisc’s extensive reissue program of David Bowie’s RCA albums. As a result, it has a number of idiosyncrasies that prevent it from becoming a definitive box set.

Conceptually, the set was intended to showcase Rykodisc’s remastering expertise, as well as the rarities lying in the vaults. Consequently, the song selection is targeted toward hardcore Bowie fans, ignoring such hits as ‘Jean Genie,’ ‘Starman,’ ‘Golden Years,’ and ‘Fame,’ among many others.

However, there is an abundance of terrific rare material, including the demo for ‘Space Oddity,’ the Man Who Sold the World outtake ‘London Bye Ta Ta,’ an alternate ‘John, I’m Only Dancing,’ the soulful Young Americans outtake ‘After Today,’ and a single version of ‘Rebel Rebel,’ which arguably is better than the more familiar version. Such rarities and unpredictable selections mean that the set is a good introduction and a compliment to David Bowie.

Key Tracks and Highlights

‘Space Oddity’ – One of Bowie’s earliest hits, this track tells the story of Major Tom, an astronaut who experiences an existential crisis in space. It’s notable for its innovative production and storytelling.
‘Changes’ – A song that encapsulates Bowie’s constant reinvention and artistic evolution, with memorable lyrics and a catchy piano riff.
‘Ziggy Stardust’ – From the album ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,’ this track is central to the Ziggy Stardust persona and narrative.
‘Heroes’ – A powerful anthem of resilience and love, ‘Heroes’ is one of Bowie’s most enduring and influential songs.
‘Ashes to Ashes’ – A complex and introspective track that revisits the character of Major Tom, offering a more nuanced and darker perspective.
‘Sound and Vision’ – The title track of the compilation, known for its innovative use of synths and its minimalist yet compelling composition.
‘Let’s Dance’ – A major hit from the 1980s, showcasing Bowie’s ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape and incorporate elements of pop and dance music.
‘Modern Love’ – Another hit from the ‘Let’s Dance’ era, featuring energetic rhythms and catchy hooks.
‘Young Americans’ – A soulful track that reflects Bowie’s exploration of Philadelphia soul and R&B influences.
‘China Girl’ – Originally written by Bowie and Iggy Pop, this track became a hit in the 1980s with its blend of rock and new wave elements.

The compilation covers a wide range of genres, including rock, glam rock, soul, funk, electronic, and pop, reflecting Bowie’s versatility and willingness to experiment. Many tracks feature groundbreaking production techniques and collaborations with renowned producers like Tony Visconti and Brian Eno. Bowie’s lyrics often explore complex themes such as identity, fame, existentialism, and love, adding layers of meaning to his music. The compilation highlights Bowie’s various personas, including Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke, and others, each contributing to his legacy as a master of reinvention.

Sound and Vision was well-received by fans and critics, praised for its comprehensive coverage of Bowie’s career and the quality of its track selection. The compilation helped to solidify Bowie’s status as a groundbreaking and influential artist in popular music.

David Bowie’s impact on music, fashion, and culture is immense, and Sound and Vision serves as a testament to his artistic genius and enduring influence. The compilation remains a valuable resource for those looking to explore Bowie’s work and understand his contributions to music history.

For fans of David Bowie and those interested in the evolution of rock and pop music, Sound and Vision offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that captures the essence of Bowie’s innovative and transformative career.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the original plastic seal but promo hole in corner

Ryko Records

3 Double Play chrome cassettes including 72 page book with rare photographs and extensive liner notes

Track Listing
1. Space Oddity (original demo 1969)
2. The Wild-Eyed Boy From Freecloud (rare B-side version 1969)
3. The Prettiest Star (single version 1970)
4. London Bye Ta-Ta (previously unreleased stereo mix 1970)
5. Black Country Rock
6. The Man Who Sold The World
7. The Bewlay Brothers
8. Changes
9. Round And Round (alternate vocal take 1971)
10. Moonage Daydream
11. John I’m Only Dancing (Aladdin Sane outtake 1973)
12. Drive In Saturday
13. Panic In Detroit
14. Ziggy Stardust (live from Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture)
15. White Light/White Heat (live from Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture)
16. Rock ‘n Roll Suicide (live from Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture)

1. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere
2. Sorrow
3. Don’t Bring Me Down
4. 1984/Dodo (recorded 1973)
5. Big Brother
6. Rebel Rebel (rare single version 1974)
7. Suffragette City (Live)
8. Watch That Man (Live)
9. Cracked Actor (Live)
10. Young Americans
11. Fascination
12. After Today (Young Americans outtake 1975)
13. It’s Hard To Be A Saint In The City (recorded 1975)
14. TVC15
15. Wild Is The Wind

1. Sound And Vision
2. Be My Wife
3. Speed Of Life
4. Helden (German version of Heroes – 1989 remix)
5. Joe The Lion
6. Sons Of The Silent Age
7. Station To Station (Live)
8. Warszawa (Live)
9. Breaking Glass (Live)
10. Red Sails
11. Look Back In Anger
12. Boys Keep Swinging
13. Up The Hill Backwards
14. Kingdom Come
15. Ashes To Ashes