(1976) RCA Victor label. Used purchased at Rhino Records Westwood probably in 1991.  Illinois was with me when I bought this.  Our conversation went something like this:

Illinois: “You know that’s a greatest hits album right?”

Me: “Yes”

Illinois: “I thought you wanted to start completing your collection and buy the original releases”

Me: “Well this one is only $4.99 and has hits and look at the cover!”

Illinois: <sigh>

SIDE A

1. Space Oddity  (5:15)
2. John, I’m Only Dancing  (2:43)
3. Changes  (3:34)
4. Ziggy Stardust  (3:13)
5. Suffragette City  (3:25)
6. The Jean Genie  (4:07)

SIDE B

1. Diamond Dogs  (6:03)
2. Rebel Rebel  (4:28)
3. Young Americans  (5:10)
4. Fame  (4:12)
5. Golden Years  (4:03)

I am a Bowie fan.  But I do not own all of his albums.  The earlier written conflict with my mom over his music has very deep seeded roots.  As a teenager I struggled with my Christian faith and upbringing.  There were times in my life when I denounced all things counter to Christ’s teachings.  This would have included anything close to sexual deviation or gender bending.  So at times Bowie was OUT!  Which meant I didn’t play what albums I owned.  Thankfully I didn’t throw them out.  I was subjected to some pretty serious soul cleansings at prayer meetings, private schools, and youth group camps as a teenager.  To my mom the world was a pretty scary place and she constantly feared for my safety.  Encouraging my faith building was her insurance that I would be ok.

At 18, I freed myself from the bindings of Christ.  My break with the faith began the process of releasing my guilt and shame.  I pursued the music I liked.  I read the books I wanted to read.  I bought tarot cards and read all about astrology.  I was also a college student and began learning all about the real world.  So much different from the sheltered world I was familiar with in my hometown.  It was a world I knew was out there all along, I just couldn’t get to it.

So, I still do not own all of Bowie’s albums.  But now it’s because I just haven’t gotten around to it.