An aura of pixie dust has surrounded the singer/songwriter/performer extraordinaire once known as Davy Jones since he became David Bowie in 1966. Oh so much has changed for the aural provocateur since then, and nowhere is that more evident than on Bowie at the Beeb, a three-disc collection that chronicles his appearances on the BBC network from 1968 through 1972. There's also a disc of material from a June 27, 2000 appearance at the BBC Radio Theatre.

Each of Bowie's personality incarnations is referenced here, including the majestic orchestral "Silly Boy Blue" that was never heard before this release, the Ziggy Stardust-era "Starman," and even the overly produced "Fame." Highlights abound, as would be expected on a "best-of" collection, yet what's most obvious and stunning is Bowie's growth as a writer, performer, and singer. Where other performers with 30-plus years in music have started to lose steam, it sounds as if Bowie is finding new passion and depth in old and new songs alike. "Let Me Sleep Beside You," which was performed for the first time in public on the David Lee Travis Show in 1969 is a keeper from disc one, as is the more relaxed version of "Let's Dance" from disc three. What Bowie at the Beeb provides best, though, is an intimate look at the evolution of the enigma we now know as Bowie.