Roxy Music
As the New Romantic groups were finding success in the early '80s certain performers were constantly cited as influences. David Bowie's name often surfaced. Of course, he was a major innovator and star. Then there was Brian Ferry and Roxy Music. Less well known in most circles, but revered by many.
Roxy Music was launched in '71 attempting to balance Ferry's avant-pop with future ambient composer Brian Eno's experimentation. The group went through numerous personnel changes with some members only staying a matter of months. Following two commercially successful U.K. albums ("Roxy Music" and "For Your Pleasure") Eno, frustrated his songs weren't getting recorded, departed for the new age hills. In the meantime, Ferry released an album of pop and Rock covers, "These Foolish Things."
Roxy Music's third album "Stranded," released in '73, went to #1 in the U.K. and actually got noticed in the U.S. The next album, "Country Life," with the cover showing models in see-through lingerie, did the trick. Banned by several store chains it did land on the U.S. album charts.
"Siren" had future Asia bassist John Wetton but failed to match "Country Life's" modest commercial success. Core members, Ferry, guitarist Phil Manzanera and sax player Andy Mackay then all busied themselves with solo or outside projects with the live "Vive! Roxy Music" being released in '76.
'78 saw a Roxy reunion with Ferry, Manzanera, Mackay and drummer Paul Thompson. Both bassist Wetton and multi-instrumentalist Eddie Jobson were not asked back. Rather, keyboard player Paul Carrack joined and session bassist Alan Spenner was hired. This line-up produced the group's most pop oriented album "Manifesto," which featured the rhythmic "Dance Away." After breaking is thumb, just prior
to a worldwide tour, Thompson departed.
Stripped down to Ferry, Manzanera and Mackay, Roxy Music released "Flesh + Blood." After John Lennon's murder, they contributed "Jealous Guy" to a tribute compilation. It turned out to be the Roxy Music's first #1 U.K. single.
Led by another ethereal, yet pulsating single, "More Than This," and the title track, "Avalon" earned Roxy Music their first gold record (it eventually went platinum) in the U.S. The live "Musique/The High Road" appeared in '83. But this success was short-lived. Ferry went solo in '85 while Manzanera and Mackay started the Explorers.
"Avalon" with the title track, "Take A Chance With Me," and the stunning "More Than This" represents Roxy Music's penultimate work thanks to flawless arrangements and exquisite production. "Country Life" and Manifesto" are masterful recordings and captures Roxy Music's core sound.
Early Roxy Music is an acquired taste. Of their first three albums, the third, "Stranded" has the most going for it. The album marks Brian Eno's departure and Jobson's arrival. Furthermore, Mackay and Manzanera
contribute songs giving the album a broader scope than previous recordings.
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