Hey does anyone else out there think that Roxy Music were pretty cool? I'm biased cos my dad is a musician and plays bass in a Roxy Music tribute band called Roxy Magic (get it?). They are a great band and I reckon as good as the real thing, so if you're in the UK you should give them a look in. In the meantime you can see my dad at www.roxymagic.com, oh and my uncle Kevin is the guy who sounds and looks the spitting image of Mr Ferry himself. Have a look if you don't believe me....

LOVE THEM!

I've started a few threads about them over the past several months. They are definitely one of my favorite artists.

Here's my review of their debut album:

In the annals of modern music history, few bands have proven themselves as trailblazing and wildly experimental as Roxy Music. With its grand artistic aspirations and sundry political, mythological and literary references, the band transcended the mere sleazefest fun of most glam rock acts. Their incredible career trajectory begins on this eponymous debut, which features some of the most cinematic songs in their history.

The first side of Roxy Music stands to date as one of the most adventurous and varied displays of vision, talent and unbridled macho revelry in the history of modern music. Leading the way is the raucous rave-up "Remake/Remodel", which sees each musical component vying to be heard among the cacophonous roar. Synthesizers, saxophones, drums and guitars offer a full-fledged onslaught on the senses geared by Bryan Ferry's vocal lunacy. The intensity proves too potent as the song literally breaks down and collapses at its finish. This dramatic opener yields to a slightly more peaceful but no less affecting "Ladytron". As Brian Eno maps out uncharted, almost medieval territory with his pioneering synthesizers, Ferry unveils his clandestine seduction: "I'll use you and I'll confuse you and then I'll lose you, but still you won't suspect me." Like its predecessor, the song comes apart at the end, this time via some screeching staccato synth stabs. Next is the album's highlight, "If There Is Something". The song begins with a silly honky tonk false start before opening up into a sweeping, sorrowful epic. A descending chord progression carries an air of death as Ferry's vocals swerve of control, his offerings being superlatives of commitment. Eventually, the song launches into a visceral synthesized oboe solo whose drawn out delivery is one of mourning as the chord progression continues before some synth strings and chorus-backed Ferry close the song in grand splendor. Although originally unissued on the album, orphaned single "Virginia Plain" has thankfully been added to later versions, its peppy percussive piano and sleazy swagger offering a perfect introduction to the band's sound. The song rightly stands as Roxy's most famous and seminal. Closing the first side, the subdued delight "2HB" is a heartfelt ode to the late Humphrey Bogart. That the band is able to dexterously showcase its variety weaving through a myriad of styles and sounds only fortifies its claim to greatness.

After the unimaginable highs presented on the first side, the second side is unable to keep up, although it succeeds in closing the album in great style. Not short of ideas, the band compiles three songs into one on the slinky, meandering "The Bob". Roxy's assortment of influences becomes more evident here, particularly Bryan Ferry's fascination with crooning on such tracks as the poignant piano ballad "Chance Meeting". Nevertheless, there are always a few tricks up the band's sleeve, and the song is eventually propelled by a distorted guitar screech into a bopping synth shuffle. Elsewhere, "Would You Believe?" sees Bryan Ferry pulling out the panache before evolving into a fun ode to 50s rockabilly. The highlight of the second side, "Sea Breezes" features an ancient melody backed by ocean swells, soft organ touches and a wandering oboe before switching gears to a bass-driven groove that grows more desperate with increasingly rowdy scratching guitars and eventually subsiding to the opening refrain. The 50s make an even more prominent return on the bellhop bebop of the album's final track, "Bitters End".

Many bands go through their entire careers without as many ideas as are present on this album alone. Unfortunately, the tempestuous sound would extend itself to Roxy Music's chemistry and the original lineup would only remain intact for one more album. While Roxy Music opened the gates to even greater pastures on For Your Pleasure, it stands as one of the most thoroughly satisfying and bold debut albums on record. That the band was able to carve out a slice of commercial success and forge a great deal of critical acclaim is testimony to its greatness.

i prefer the brian eno era..virgina plain was a good song..

weepingwall said:

Me too, and the few albums directly after his departure.

I can't believe there's only 4 of us in total!! If you like a bit of Roxy Music, let us all know!

Kitten said:

And I know Herman does, too.

AMAZING band. If you haven't got it already, I highly recommend their boxset 'The Thrill Of It All'. Lots of B-sides, Extended cuts - well worth it.

I love all their albums and although I'm in the minority, my favourite is 'Avalon'. It's a bit too smooth for some but - for me - it's just dreamy. Beautiful album.

Roxy Music are totally killer!

I love some classic Roxy Music.

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I love this album!





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onenitealone said:

Yeah Avalon is one of my favourites too. Totally with you on that one!

garnis said:

I can varify this as true.

So since I have tracked down some Roxy Music fans via this site, what Roxy songs would your ideal set consist of if you were gonna see them? What would you really want to hear?

I can't listen to them or look at Bryan Ferry without thinking about his love of fox-hunting.

The man is a slimey cunt with all the sex-appeal of George W Bush.

paligap said:

My man...


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

Kitten said:

Sorry, Kitten, I haven't got time to do a list but I've already seen Roxy play live - about four/five years ago - in London Wembley Arena. There was no way I was turning down the chance to see them, but I was a little concerned - you know how some reunions turn out. However, I'm not just saying this as a fan, they were AWESOME! Absolutely fantastic.

There's a great dvd from that tour called 'Live At The Apollo'. The set list is:


~ Re-make/Re-model

~ Street Life

~ Ladytron

~ While My Heart Is Still Beating

~ Out of The Blue

~ Song For Europe

~ My Only Love

~ In Every Dream Home A Heartache

~ Oh Yeah!

~ Both Ends Burning

~ Tara

~ Mother Of Pearl

~ Avalon

~ Dance Away

~ Jealous Guy

~ Editions Of You

~ Virginia Plain

~ Love Is The Drug

~ Do The Strand

~ For Your Pleasure



Look at those tracks! I was in heaven.

By the way, I've just been on www.play.com and I notice there's a new dvd simply entitled 'Roxy Music' out on the 27/03/06.

And, Kitten, do you know they're back in the studio recording a new album??

onenitealone said:

Are they really?? I wonder when it will be out?

I've got "live at the Apollo" too, it's a great DVD.

Kitten said:

Well, I wouldn't hold your breath! But I hope it comes out this year. :fingerscrossed:


The sad thing is, I don't know if I'll go and watch Bryan solo again. It kills me to say that. I still love his studio recordings - they always have a 'timeless' sound; 'Boys & Girls' is one of my favourite albums - but, live, I'm not sure if I can watch him go through the motions again. I've seen him a few times but the last time was just dreadful. Even the woman I went with - who's a long-time fan since the 70's - thought it was a bit embarrassing. And I was probably the youngest person there! I was looking around at all these old blokes, dancing terribly, and felt a bit It was a bit sad, really. I felt like I was at some convention or something.

That's why I really hope Roxy go back on the road with this new album because - based on the time I saw them - I know they can cut it live. They were fantastic.