Audio purists, be forewarned: Tony Visconti's surround mix for "Stage" gets a little experimental. For the rest of us? Get ready for a real treat! Recorded during 1977's "Heroes" tour, this live album catches Bowie during his Berlin phase. It starts out with the instrumental track, "Warszawa", and from the very first moments it becomes obviously clear that the production is a notch or two above that which is found on the earlier album, "David Live". The whole thing sounds crisper and more intimate. Audience chatter echos from the surrounds, as do some instruments---though it still manages to sound fairly ambient. Sometimes, however, the surround mix does get a little crazy. There are the shaker noises in the rear during "Heroes". And then there are the train noises that circle around the listening room at the start of "Station to Station". But I find most of these instances to be fairly enjoyable and, somewhat surprisingly, they don't ruin the live vibe. In fact, I think this surround mix has helped to create one of the more exciting and enjoyable live albums I've heard! There are twenty tracks on this album, including some favorites, such as "Ziggy Stardust", "Fame", and "Five Years".
