Known as one of Rock-n-Roll history’s most unique, inventive creators, David Bowie is a legend who needs very little explanation. Known for the various different phases of his long career – including, but not limited to, the Glam Rock, Pop, and Electronic era – how many people are curious to know what exactly influenced the original ‘influencer’? Well, fortunately back in 1973 fans were able to take a glimpse into that with Bowie’s Pin Ups album.
Bowie’s 17th album, Pin Ups was released on October 19th of that year and would include 12 covers of some of his personal favorites between the time of 1964 and 1967. Reflecting on a time where he was still a teenager, and further developing his musical direction, what the album comprises is really a fun listening odyssey of unique takes on tracks originally recorded by Them, Pretty Things, The Yardbirds, The Who, Pink Floyd, The Kinks, and a few others. All done so in a very distinctive David Bowie fashion, standouts would have to include his rendition of Them’s “Here Comes The Night,” The Who’s “I Can’t Explain,” but also The Easybeats’ “Friday on My Mind.” This in mind, unfortunately sometimes Pin Ups is an album that passed over because it came 6 short months after the mega successful Aladdin Sane. However, it should really garner much more attention… and that is exactly what it is getting as it turns 50 years old.
A big anniversary, Rhino Records is celebrating it with a very special and unique vinyl release. Released on October 20, 2023 (exactly 1 day after the original album was put out 50 years earlier), the new vinyl was cut on a customized late Neumann VMS80 lathe with fully recapped electronics from 192kHz restored masters of the original master tapes, with no additional processing on transfer. Providing more technical details, John Webber cut the half-speed at AIR Studios. A lot of detail to absorb for some who just want to enjoy the music, simplifying it, this new pressing offers you Pin Ups with the highest quality listening experience to date.
Crisp, clean, and sounding absolutely splendid on a quality stereo system, it really gives Pin Ups a new layer of dynamics. Presented in a standard vinyl sleeve, the physical record itself is of superior quality, and the inlay offers a reprint of the original; which includes an image of David Bowie with a saxophone in hand. Overall, the selling point of this new vinyl release of Pin Ups is how it was cut.. because this technique offers something your ears will adore.
So, if you are a huge David Bowie fan and love his performance of some great British Rock, this Pin Ups anniversary piece is absolutely for you. Furthermore, if you are someone who also appreciates his work, but perhaps glazed over Pin Ups for whatever reason, it is also a perfect way to familiarize yourself with this period of his career. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this 50th anniversary half-speed master vinyl of Pin Ups 5 out of 5 stars.
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