Junk Box Jury

Tracks taken from the album “Pin ups” on (RCA Victor RS 1013) 1973

DAVID BOWIE | Pin Ups (RCA RS 1013). So here at last is our David’s tribute to the heroes of his youth. Opening with a frantic version of The Pretty Things‘ ‘Rosalyn’, the cut breaks brilliantly into the opening bars of the Van Morrison anthem ‘Here Comes The Night’.

Don’t like the reggae-like rhythms of the verse but the chorus with full horn section and Dunbar flailing away is mighty impressive. On to the Yardbirds‘ ‘I Wish You Would’, Ronson’s chance for a top string freak but in the end the dominant four note riff proves too much of a problem for the ’73 Spiders – too much drive and not enough bounce.

The original Pink Floyd‘s ‘See Emily Play’ gives David the chance to pay tribute to his most obvious predecessor Syd Barrett. Utilising the East Acton vocal chorus first heard towards the end of the Bewlay Brothers, a synthesiser and Garson’s 2001piano, it’s the pick of side one.

The Mojos‘ ‘Everything’s Alright’ boogies along nicely, David’s voice is up to this one and Pete Townsend‘s ‘I Can’t Explain’ could have been written with Bowie in mind. This one should have been the single.

David Bowie | Pin Ups | (RCA Victor)

A quick flip and the memory trip continues with ‘Friday On My Mind’ which is given complete Spiderisation and ‘Sorrow’, the Merseybeats‘ song already chasing that Gnome up the singles chart.

Another frantic rocker, Pretty Things‘ ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’, and then the Yardbirds’ immortal ‘Shapes Of Things To Come’, and again it’s a successful cut. Ray Davies‘ ‘Where Have All The Times Gone’ rounds the whole thing off. Its all a little unsatisfying, too cluttered musically and over-produced.

It’s bound to sell well, but Bowie’s tendency to allow his theatrics to overflow Into his music was never more evident. Never mind, there’s an album of originals due soon. (Record Mirror, 20/10/73)

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cost of record: £5
from: British Heart Foundation