There were essentially three versions of Roxy Music. The Eno Years '71-'73, which encompassed the first two records Roxy Music and For Your Pleasure--and featured an experimental, avant garde, glam rock group. The second version was the Sophisticated Rocker period '74-'75 during which the band blossomed musically and they released the incredible 3 album run of Stranded, Country Life and Siren, after which the group broke up to pursue solo ventures. In 1979, the band reformed and lastly (also sadly least) became the dance-pop Roxy Music/what would become solo BRIAN FERRY that would be the most successful version of the band. In their defense, this period did produce the lushly beautiful Avalon, and Manifesto has it's moments. Still, the era pales in comparison to the first 5 albums, IMHO.
From Avalon (and obviously lip-synched) 1982
We'll end on their swell cover of John Lennon's "Jealous Guy", a song Bryan Ferry makes his own.
Tag Archives: Bryan Ferry
Roxy Music – Out of the Blue / Still Falls the Rain
While their sound would grow tighter with each release, they still knew how to rock. 1975
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E18qIkK9N6I
Great showcase for guitarist Phil Manzanera's elegant chops. 1979
Roxy Music – Pyjamarama / All I Want Is You
I'll tell anybody who'll listen, Roxy Music clips from German television are YouTube's greatest gift.
"Pyjamarama" was released as a single only, though there is a fine version available on the live record Viva Roxy Music. 1974
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNmcjiI7oAM
From Country Life 1974
Roxy Music – Mother of Pearl / Psalm
Two from Stranded, the first Post-Eno record, 1974
Great lyrics on both tunes, and it should come as no surprise that David Byrne was a huge fan of the band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwT_SbBtX8U
Love the way they gradually turn this dirge into Dixieland worthy of a second line. Brilliant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aloaJv3n8cI&feature=share
Roxy Music – In Every Dream Home a Heartache / Editions of You
Really don't know how to preface this first one. A love song, maybe? Full of hot air? 1973
"That crazy music drives you insane--This way!" 1973
Roxy Music – Ladytron
At their most experimental. Old Grey Whistle Test 1972. (Dig those unis.)
Roxy Music – Virginia Plain
Welcome to ROXY MUSIC WEEK where we'll look at one of rock and roll's most underrated, yet influential acts. (Not only are they not in the RnR HoF--they've never even been nominated. lol) We'll start at the top--Top of the Pops 1972. Their debut single.
Bryan Ferry – More Than This
Top notch usage of this song on The Americans a couple weeks ago. Here's Ferry doing a very different arrangement, which makes sense to me for 30 years later.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jatonZVbl7Y