Really enjoyable interview with Woody Woodmansey on 6 Music this morning marking the release of this great album.
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50 today. Happy birthday to The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars!
I’ve just ordered the Half Speed Master, so will report back when it arrives.
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Yep. Never heard a better copy! This 50th anniversary better be damn good to beat it!
I very much doubt it’ll beat it!
As long as it’s good sounding and available to all.
I’m awaiting reviews to see if I need yet another copy 
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Was thinking of picking this up on Tuesday, have the original 1972 version (2E).
For those that have bought the 50th anniversary version - what’s the verdict?
Many thanks.
Peter
It’s good. I compared Side 1 of my 1E/2E pressing. I preferred my original pressing but if you don’t already have a nice original pressing this one is pretty decent.
They do sound different. For a start this new pressing doesn’t have the loud keyboards on Starman. I also detected a touch more bass & drum emphasis on the new pressing.
Bottom line to find an early pressing in near mint condition is probably going to cost 3 figures so I would recommend this new one as a decent viable option if you don’t already own a near mint original.
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Well, I decided I have to hear this 6E/4E…
A copy (EX, according to the seller) is on the way!
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it cannot b any good. It’s only $22 in states. Now, if it was $122
Please don’t tell me it’s the best ever!!
My copy should arrive later today 
Sounds pretty good to my ears, but I do not have an old one to compare to, just the ones from the 5 years box set. Definately sounds clearer and more open than those.
I remember on the Hoffman forum there was a particular pressing of Hunky Dory (can’t remember the matrix offhand, 5E or something) - that was said to be stellar.
And it was!
Stevie behave yourself!! I just received email that Terry Reid gig tonight cancelled due to Terry going to hospital!! Hope he’s ok!
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Thanks Prem. We have inherited John Lydon’s cold it seems (not surprising due to his clearing his tubes all over the place!) but I was thinking of chancing going along to JC.
Yes, I hope it’s not serious and wish Terry well 
As to Hunky, the RCA International was also said to be very good IIRC!
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Hopefully he’s ok but definitely worth double checking with JC before making the trip.
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I think with the cold bug, I’ll stay home. Better for me and everybody - I wouldn’t want to spread it around, especially given the news about Terry.
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According to his Facebook page all U.K. gigs cancelled. Let’s hope it’s not too serious! 
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6E/4E is generally accepted as the best copy. Certainly the best I’ve heard, and I’ve heard/have quite a few!
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Arrived, cleaned and played through. Very good indeed. Perfectly flat, centred and a silent pressing - noticed just one pop after a pass on the RCM. The only let down bing it arrived in a paper printed inner sleeve which nicely mimics the original lyric sheet, but no poly liner - that was disappointing.
This Half Speed Master version does have a slightly fuller sound (which I liked) compared to my early copy (which I think is slightly leaner), and does have a little more emphasis on the lower registers as outlined above, but there’s not much in it between this and the 2016 version.
Highly recommended if a vintage pressing is past its best or you want to preserve it, this is a great alternative. I do hope there are more half speed masters coming if this representative.
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Michael over on his 45 RPM Audiophile Youtube channel makes some interesting points with regard to this 50th Anni release - especially about a potential uber cut, and it being a little sparse / limited in presentation for a 50th celebration. A MOFI type box set with a hardback book could have been quite something.
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