David Bowie Scary Monsters Vinyl LP RCA AQL1-3647 1st Press Fashion Ashes to Ash
David Bowie Scary Monsters Vinyl LP - RCA AQL1-3647 VG++ First Pressing (1980)
Condition: VG++ (EX) Vinyl and Cover. Tested and plays great, cover has good color and original inner sleeve.
Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), also known simply as Scary Monsters, is the 14th studio album by David Bowie, released on 12 September 1980 by RCA Records. Over the previous three years, Bowie had garnered massive artistic success with the "Berlin Trilogy", which consisted of Low, "Heroes" and Lodger (1977–1979). However, the trilogy had proven less successful commercially. By 1980, numerous artists Bowie had inspired with the trilogy were out-performing him commercially, leading him to desire a more commercial sound for his next record.
Co-produced by Tony Visconti, the album was recorded between February and April 1980. Sessions primarily took place at the Power Station in New York City, with additional recording undergone at Good Earth Studios in London. Much of the same personnel from prior releases returned for the sessions, with additional guitar work done by Chuck Hammer and Robert Fripp, and a guest appearance by guitarist Pete Townshend. The music incorporates elements of art rock, new wave and post-punk. Unlike the improvisational nature of prior releases, Bowie spent time writing the music and lyrics; several were recorded under working titles throughout the sessions while some of the tracks contained reworked elements of earlier, unreleased songs. The album cover is a large-scale collage that features Bowie donning a Pierrot costume, along with references to his prior releases on the rear sleeve.
The album's lead single, "Ashes to Ashes", revisited the character of Major Tom from "Space Oddity" and was promoted with an inventive music video. Upon release, Scary Monsters garnered critical and commercial acclaim; it peaked at No. 1 in the UK while restoring Bowie's commercial standing in the US, peaking at No. 12. Scary Monsters would later be referred to by commentators as Bowie's "last great album" and a benchmark for later releases. It was Bowie's final studio album for RCA and marked the final collaboration between Bowie and Visconti for over 20 years. Several publications have considered it one of the greatest albums of all time.
Track listing
Side one 1."It's No Game (No. 1)"Bowie, trans. Hisahi Miura4:20 2."Up the Hill Backwards" 3:15 3."Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)" 5:12 4."Ashes to Ashes" 4:25 5."Fashion" 4:49
Side two 1."Teenage Wildlife" 6:56 2."Scream Like a Baby" 3:35 3."Kingdom Come"Tom Verlaine3:45 4."Because You're Young" 4:54 5."It's No Game (No. 2)" 4:22
Personnel David Bowie – vocals, synthesisers, mellotron, electric piano, piano, synth-bass, sound effects, backing vocals, saxophone Dennis Davis – drums George Murray – bass Carlos Alomar – lead and rhythm guitars Chuck Hammer – guitar synthesiser (on "Ashes to Ashes" and "Teenage Wildlife") Robert Fripp – guitar (on "Fashion", "It's No Game", "Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)", "Kingdom Come", "Up the Hill Backwards", and "Teenage Wildlife") Roy Bittan – piano (on "Ashes to Ashes", "Teenage Wildlife", and "Up the Hill Backwards") Andy Clark – synthesiser (on "Fashion", "Scream Like a Baby", "Ashes to Ashes" and "Because You're Young") Pete Townshend – guitar (on "Because You're Young") Tony Visconti – acoustic guitar (on "Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)" and "Up the Hill Backwards"), backing vocals Lynn Maitland – backing vocals Chris Porter – backing vocals Michi Hirota – voice (on "It's No Game (No. 1)")
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I use the Goldmine Grading System, and play-test all records. I note any differences between vinyl and cover, and make note of any inserts, special sleeves, or potential defects.
MINT (M) - Absolutely perfect in every way. Most often this is a still sealed record, records that have been opened are rarely if ever marked as Mint.
NEAR MINT (NM) - A good description is that it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time. In other words, it?s nearly perfect, with no visible defects.
VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) - Except for a couple minor things, this could be Near Mint. Most collectors will be happy with a VG+ record, especially if on the high end (VG++). VG+ records may show slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Covers should have only minor wear.
VERY GOOD (VG) - VG records are among the biggest bargains, and for many, will be worth the money. They can lack the original gloss, may have surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages. But the noise will not overpower the music. VG covers will have signs of handling, and may have minor splits.
GOOD PLUS (G+) - Good+ does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping, but it has significant surface noise and groove wear. Cover may have significant ring wear, noticeable writing, or obvious damage.
GOOD (G) - Record may have some skipping, but is otherwise listenable. I generally avoid selling Good (G) rated records unless they are highly collectible or desirable, in order to enjoy until something better comes along. Cover has major wear or seam splits that need repair, or heavy writing like radio station call letters to prevent theft.
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