The Bowie back catalogue is re-issued more regularly than that of most artists. Young Americans has already reappeared in re-mastered form, and then again in the 24 bit re-master series. This time around it comes in cd and dvd format, one selling point being 3 bonus tracks on the cd – John, I'm Only Dancing (Again), Who Can I Be Now, and a previously unavailable number – It's Gonna Be Me (With Strings).

But the main course is the dvd which features new Tony Visconti mixes in 5.1 and DTS surround sound. And for desert, two live performances from the Dick Cavett Show – 1984 and Young Americans, together with the interview from the same show.

It also comes packaged with extensive sleeve notes, which, while a great idea, are going to require a magnifying glass for those of us with failing sight (bring back gatefold sleeves).

The album itself will need no introduction to Bowie acolytes. After his brief walk down memory lane with Pin Ups and failing to get permission from George Orwell's widow to take l984 on the road as a full theatrical production, Bowie fell out of love with rock and roll and reinvented himself as a white soul / r&b artist.

In hindsight, it was an amazing move and even more amazing that he pulled it off with such panache while ravaged by cocaine addiction (his skittish interview with Dick Cavett shows what a fragile state he was in). And while perhaps not his best album, it's a worthy addition to any self respecting Bowie fan's collection.

If you haven't already got it, this is the definite version to go for.

****

Review by Pete Whalley

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly