Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper use and care of the Blackstar album by David Bowie, released by RCA Records. Blackstar is David Bowie's 28th studio album, a critically acclaimed work that marked his return in 2013. This album was released on David Bowie's birthday and features the title track as its first single.
Image: The official album cover for Blackstar, depicting a prominent black star symbol.
Setup and Preparation
To enjoy your Blackstar album, follow these steps:
- Unboxing: Carefully remove the album from its packaging. If you have the CD version, open the jewel case. If you have the vinyl LP, remove it from the sleeve.
- Inspection: Before playback, visually inspect the disc or record for any dust, fingerprints, or scratches. A clean surface ensures optimal sound quality.
- Placement:
- For CD: Place the disc label-side up into your CD player's tray or slot.
- For Vinyl: Carefully place the record onto your turntable's platter, aligning it with the spindle.
Operating Instructions
Once the album is properly set up, you can begin playback:
- Power On: Ensure your audio playback device (CD player, turntable, amplifier) is powered on.
- Playback:
- For CD: Press the 'Play' button on your CD player.
- For Vinyl: Gently lower the tonearm's stylus onto the outer groove of the record.
- Volume Adjustment: Adjust the volume on your amplifier or playback device to a comfortable listening level.
Track List
The Blackstar album features the following tracks:
- • Blackstar
- • 'Tis a Pity She Was a Whore
- • Lazarus
- • Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)
- • Girl Loves Me
- • Dollar Days
- • I Can't Give Everything Away
Maintenance and Care
Proper care will extend the life and preserve the sound quality of your Blackstar album:
- Handling: Always handle CDs by the edges and vinyl records by the edges or label. Avoid touching the playing surface.
- Cleaning:
- For CDs: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe from the center outwards. Do not wipe in circular motions.
- For Vinyl: Use a dedicated record brush to gently remove dust before and after each play. For deeper cleaning, use a record cleaning solution and cloth.
- Storage: Store albums in their original cases or sleeves, upright, and away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues during playback, consider the following:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Disc/Record not playing | Improper placement, dirty surface, player issue. | Ensure correct placement. Clean the disc/record. Check if your player is functioning correctly with other media. |
| Skipping or distorted sound | Dust, scratches, worn stylus (vinyl), player lens dirty (CD). | Clean the disc/record thoroughly. Inspect for deep scratches. For vinyl, check and clean your turntable's stylus. |
| No sound | Volume too low, incorrect input selected, faulty cables. | Increase volume. Verify correct input on your amplifier. Check all audio cable connections. |
Specifications
- • Title: Blackstar
- • Artist: David Bowie
- • Brand: RCA
- • Manufacturer: Legacy Recordings
- • ASIN: B017VORJK6
- • UPC/GTIN: 796158673707, 775662276680, 888751738621
- • Language: English
- • Product Dimensions (CD): Approximately 5.53 x 4.97 x 0.41 inches
- • Weight (CD): Approximately 3.2 ounces
- • Format: CD (also available as Digital and Vinyl LP)
- • Number of Tracks: 7
Warranty and Support
For information regarding product warranty or support, please refer to the official RCA Records website or contact your retailer. As a music album, specific warranties typically cover manufacturing defects of the physical media.
Manufacturer: Legacy Recordings
For further assistance, please visit the RCA Store on Amazon.
