I bought this album as a point of principle. The point and the princliple being the same - I've bought every other Roxy Music album to date, every Bryan Ferry album, plus some from fellow Roxy members Phil Manzanera & Andy MacKay.
If you're thinking you've probably got a copy of all the tracks already, you'd be right.
If you're thinking you've got more money than sense, you'd probably be right again - my wife has already told me this!
OK, so what about the album?
I'm not going to give you a review of all the tracks - suffice to say there are 45 spread over three CDs.
So what can I tell you?
This is, for my money, the definitive collection. It spans a period of over 30 years. From albums Roxy Music to Frantic with highlights from everything in between. This is the very best of Roxy Music & Bryan Ferry.
For those not familiar with Roxy Music, their music is a blend of rock and roll, some at the progressive end of this genre (mainly those with input from Brian Eno, in my view).
Add to this a smattering of romantic ballads - many of the best coming around the time of Bryan Ferry's relationship with leggy model Jerry Hall - pre Mick Jagger. Interestingly many of the most romantic came just after they split!
The majority of Ferry's earlier solo efforts were covers of songs by a variety of other artists. I'm not usualy a lover of cover versions. However, I have to say that I honestly think BF did each and every one justice - in many cases adding something the original never had for me. Later albums included more of his own works.
Favourites: Roxy Music
Virginia Plain - classic debut single. How this never made number one is beyond me. Upbeat 70's rock anthem.
Do The Strand - from the album For Your Pleasure. Another 70s upbeat rock anthem. Interestingly this was planned as a single with a track 'War brides' as the b-side but was withdrawn. It was later released in 1976. Wierd?
Street Life - probably the most played of all the Roxy singles. I never thought it was their best single - although very good - but I guess others did given the amount of airtime it got.
Avalon - moody, mystic, Arthurian romantic melody from the album of the same name.
Oh yeah (On The Radio) - post Jerry Hall, wonderfully romantically, tearjerking melody of love lost and man spurned.
Jealous Guy - the one and only Roxy Music number one record ever. This was a John Lennon tribute (song written by JL) and released soon after his tragic violent death. Excellent romantic melody which Bryan Ferry more than did tribute to, showing his more than adequate vocal skills - and an ability to whistle tunefully!
Favourites: Bryan Ferry
A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall - wonderful cover of a Bob Dylan number. Again a rock and roll star!
Carrickfergus - Bryan Ferry reworking of a traditional Irish folk song. Still folksy but with some BF panache...
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - a real oldie - I think this was orginally a Platter's recording (but I'm happy to be corrected on this).
This Is Tomorrow - not a cover version - from the album In Your Mind. Reminiscent of earlier Roxy stuff very much a rock anthem type.
All Over Now Baby Blue - absolutely brilliant cover of Bob Dylan song. This was released as a single 2 years ago introducing yet another generation to the wonders of Bryan Ferry. Great upbeat rock track.
I could go on and on, but I promised I would not, so finally: how would you class Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry in respect of genre?
You don't. They don't fit one genre. They span many at once and on various occasions - they're sometimes rock and roll, sometimes progressive rock, sometimes blues, but always easy listening!
They are not hip hop, rap, ska, reggae, country and western.
They are emininetly listenable, over and over again...
Released by: EMI
Catologue Number: BFRM1
ASIN: B00022LZYQ
Available From: Amazon
Price: £15.99 - a bargain!
buy, listen, enjoy...
John
by (88%):
by (12%):
11.02.2005 23:33
Another gr8 review on an artist that I do not own any CD's for. Jane x
05.09.2004 00:01
I too loved Bryan Ferry, oops showing my age! Great Review Sonia xxx
03.09.2004 18:18
Sounds fun and eclectic! enjoyed the review. jan