ROCK-A-RAMA

HUMBLE PIE — Lost and Found (A&M):: A repackaging of the band’s first two albums shows that their best period was at the beginning. Solid musicianship has today been replaced by show biz crassness. Pick up on this and be pleasantly surprised.

DAVID BOWIE - Space Oddity (RCA) and The Man Who Sold The World (RCA):: More repackages. But these new releases (formerly released on Mercury in 1969-70) fare much better than those of, say, Cat Stevens, T. Rex and Jethro Tull, to name some. It is not necessary to constantly keep in mind the age of these tracks in order to appreciate them. Historical analysis of these sides as a chapter in Bowie’s development only serves to smooth over the edges of what stands alone as fine, interesting music. Plus, these albums lack the utter self-consciousness and sense of calculation that mark Bowie’s more recent gems, Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust, lending them a raw power which is refreshingly effective with Bowie’s vivid vocals. Mick Ronson is also given more freedom on these discs, and he uses it powerfully and tastefully. Tony Visconti’s production (which now graces Marc Bolan’s LPs) is delightfully thick and full, especially on Man Who Sold the World. More on this cosmic space cadette in upcoming issue(s) of CREEM.