Originally Posted by
AJSki2fly
Earlier this week I traded some unwanted vinyl and in some of those I got was Roxy's 1st album, a 1st pressing NM copy. I know this and most of the Roxy Music albums pretty well having been a fan of them Phil Manzaneera, 801 and Brian Eno offerings since I was 14.
I remember very well my best friend turning up at my parents house clutching a cassette of Roxy Music 1st album, and enthusiastically saying you have to listen to this. I remember it completely took me by surprise and stunned me, there was nothing like it at the time, way ahead of many that followed. Of course Ferry's distinctive vocals had quite a bit to do with it, but it you listen carefully, not only does Eno contribute a lot, but Andy Mackay(Sax/Oboe), Paul Thompson(Drims), Graham Simpson(Bass), and of course Phil Manzanera(guitar) all contribute greatly to the whole to produce the Roxy sound. If you look at their history the core of the band Ferry, Manzaneera, Mackay and Thompson have remained constant, with a brief outage by Thompson 81-83.
Personally I think all their albums have their individual merits. Yes the first two are more distinct probably due to Eno's influence, however I know some here have criticised the later albums but I think sales figure of them says it all really, every later album I believe has charted high here in the UK. If you listen IMO you can hear Roxy Music evolve over time and become more sophisticated and probably due to having more money they have more time in recording studios to get it right and polished. That is not to say I do not think the first two albums are not great they are, they have an immediacy and punch that is compelling.
I think all the Roxy Music albums are good in their own right.
last summer i found myself on the top floor room of a hotel with wonderful views overlooking a wonderful italian lake . next door was a very aged rocker called davy o`list . fascinating to chat to him . he played in roxy music before manzaneera replaced him . interesting chap
ou might slip, you might slide, you might
Stumble and fall by the road side
But don't you ever let nobody drag your spirit down
Remember you're walking up to heaven
Don't let nobody turn you around
… Walk with the rich, walk with the poor
Learn from everyone, that's what life is for
And don't you let nobody drag your spirit down
Eric Bibb