David Bowie: Five Years 1969-1973 Box Set | Album Review

In 1969, David Bowie launched his bid for stardom with Space Oddity; by the release of Pin-Ups in 1973 his career had skyrocketed. So that five-year plan worked out nicely.

This box sex of remasters – CD or vinyl, take your pick – gathers all the official studio and live material released in that period, and chronicles Bowie's transition from Dylanesque folk-rocker to all-conquering alien sex god. The pivotal album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, is well represented by the LP, concert film soundtrack and a 2003 remix by its producer Ken Scott.

There's also an exclusive two-disc compilation of singles, alternate versions (Space Oddity in Italian!) and b-sides. An ideal Christmas gift for the old space cadet in your family – just mind they don't end up like Major Tom, lost in Bowie space-time. davidbowie.com