50th anniversary of David Bowie’s ‘Aladdin Sane’ to be marked with release of half-speed master LP

David Bowie’s classic album Aladdin Sane turns 50 this year, and the milestone will be marked with two special vinyl releases.

On April 14, just one week before the actual anniversary, a special limited-edition 50th anniversary half-speed mastered LP of Aladdin Sane is coming out, along with a picture disc LP, which will be pressed from the same master. The new release was cut by John Webber at AIR Studios from the restored masters of the original master tapes, with no additional processing.

Aladdin Sane, Bowie’s sixth studio album, was released April 30, 1973, just ten months after The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. It featured such songs as “The Jean Genie” and “Drive-In Saturday Night,” and marked Bowie’s debut on the U.S. album charts, landing in the Top 20. It is probably best known for its classic album cover, featuring a photo by Brian Duffy of Bowie donning his iconic red and blue lightning bolt makeup.