Originally released by Victory Music in 1991, Tin Machine II is the
second and final studio album by Tin Machine. After this album and the
supporting tour, frontman David Bowie resumed his solo career.
Tin Machine II’s reputation has only increased over the years. Uncut
magazine placed the album on their list of 50 Great Lost Albums (their
list of great albums not currently available for purchase), calling the
album "extraordinary".
As with all Bowie albums, there are plenty of strong tracks here to make
this a must have. Opening track "Baby Universal" is pure Bowie. He
re-recorded this track in 1996 for his 1997 album Earthling, but the
track was not released on the album. It was eventually released in 2020
on the Bowie EP Is it Any Wonder?.
The first single "You Belong in Rock n' Roll" was released ahead of the
album and peaked at No. 33 in the UK. The second single "Baby Universal"
achieved success on the Modern Rock chart in the USA, where it reached
No. 21, and the third and last single "One Shot" became an even bigger
hit, reaching No. 3.
The album's cover (which was censored for its original USA release!) was
created by Edward Bell, who had previously worked with Bowie in making
artwork for Scary Monsters. The MOV cover features a spot varnish
finish.
Music On Vinyl gives Tin Machine II its first vinyl re-release since the
1991 original, and it’s pressed on coloured vinyl for the very first
time. The initial pressing is a limited edition of 5000 individually
numbered copies on silver coloured vinyl.
( ) The LP ( ) features the hidden & unlisted track “Hammerhead (instrumental)” (Music On Vinyl)
David Bowie - Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Piano, Saxophone
Reeves Gabrels - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals, Vibrator, Drano, Organ
Tony Sales - Bass, Backing Vocals
Hunt Sales - Drums, Percussion, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
&
Kevin Armstrong - Piano (Track 9)
Tim Palmer - Additional Piano