The two hundred and sixty-seventh album: #267 David Bowie - The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars

There's a mystique hanging over Bowie's work that comes out strongest in Ziggy Stardust. Ever morphing, his work is incredibly varied and the persona he takes on in this album feels like it's the most enduring example of that. As an album, it brings a good variation of glam rock which, thanks to its opera direction, gets taken in several different directions. As a story, it's not complicated, but its extended hopeful message feels remarkable on its own. And then the character as it's created - not Bowie, but at the same time wanting to be seen as him - works well to set him apart and make the performer seem that bit more alien too.

Despite the musical innovation, what's as amazing is how many different influences Bowie takes in. This isn't doing its own thing or trying to pretend that it does, instead it plays with other influences. Doctor Who is cited as a direct influence, Over the Rainbow from the Wizard of Oz is a clear influence on the outstanding Starman, and it feels like it just expands from there. It's a worthwhile creative endeavor and an album that I will return to.