Customer Reviews

Roxy Music

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of the most powerful and important debut albums of all time,along with The Velvet Underground And Nico,The Stooges, and Beefheart's Safe As Milk. Roxy Music brings an edge with sophistication to the music. Part progressive,part early rock n' roll,part experimental, this material is almost unclassifiable."If There Is Something" is powerful and hypnotic."Virginia Plain" is like quirky new wave pop that brings to mind XTC,Devo,and The Cars, 5 years before such a thing existed. Phil Manzanera shows he can make some ear splitting noise on guitar, equivalent to Robert Fripp, though with his own trademark on cuts like "Chance Meeting" and "Ladytron". Andy Mackay may well be the coolest rock n' roll sax man of all time. Paul Thompson's drumming is powerful and solid throughout. Your 80's loving yuppie friends that think Roxy Music is about smooth product like Avalon need to hear this one instead; it will probably clear the room!

Nothing before or since sounds like Roxy's debut effort. It lurches all over the map, including bits of loud rock, odd tape samples, heavily ironic takes on pop music, 50's rock-n-roll & some stuff you can't even identify. Some times, all in the same song. Roxy Music probably paid a heavy commercial price the rest of their career for this album, since it indelibly tagged them as arty weirdos long after their sound changed completely. Nonetheless, it is terrific on its own merits. Anyone with a taste for the unusual (but not atonal) should consider this a must-have.

For those whose image of Roxy is the Siren-to-Avalon dreamy mood, this does not even resemble that band. Eno's influence was at its zenith on the debut. Not the ambient Eno, but the madcap cut-&-paste pop pastiche Eno. Plenty of loud guitar, greasy sax & Paul Thompson pounding the drums to leaven the mayhem. All in all, lots of fun interspersed with a serious dose of "what in the world was that?"

In 1972, when groups like Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones were dominating the American charts and stadiums, another British rock band named Roxy Music released its debut album to an unsuspecting public. "Roxy Music" is the first of two albums to feature sound wizard Brian Eno, and it's quite a listening experience like no other. The album can best be described as art rock with a few ambient touches, with often brilliant results. Eno's electronic mastery, coupled with Bryan Ferry's piano and distinct voice, are well-backed by fellow musicians Andy Mackay, Phil Manganera, Paul Thompson, and Graham Simpson. "Ladytron" opens with a wash of eerie synths before it blasts into a full-blown rocker; "Chance Meeting" is a piano-flavored ballad perfectly set Ferry's pained vocals, and "2 H.B." is as smooth as Italian silk. From track to track, "Roxy Music" boils over with class and sophistication, making them peerless in the arena of avant garde rock. Those whose first Roxy album was "Avalon" might be in for a shock when they pick this CD up. But when listened with an open mind, its rare riches will win you over. A classic ahead of its time.

I am a 23 year old fan of Roxy Music. Before i turned 21 i was listening to contemporary rock such as Radiohead, Suede, Placebo, Talk Talk, Doves and older favourites David Bowie and The Beatles among many others. I had never heard of this band with such an unusual and mysterious name until hearing David Bowie drop it during a concert appearance.

I went to my local cd store and realised that the entire Roxy catalogue was re-mastered and selling for $12.99 Australian. I thought i'd start with the first Roxy albumn, arguably an unwise choice for the uninitiated. I bought the albumn without hearing a single cut or having any pre-knowledge on this band. The albumn cover and sleeve notes did appear misleading. First judgements would suggest that this band was all about style, what with the fashion model, the band members in their glamorous attire with acknowledgments made to the hair/makeup and clothing designers. I was proven wrong from the first moment i heard the energetic piano chords that begin Re-make Re-model and that voice that ripped through my soul and out the other side. The emotion that was exuded was incomparable with any other music i had ever heard. I loved the music from my first listen and it only got better as time went by.

It still blows my mind that this music still sounds so contemporary, yet original and quirky and some might say weird (in a good way) after 30 years since its original release. Sure it isn't easy listening by any means and it's really an aquired taste, like anchovies! The one problem you may confront when you fall in love with this albumn, is that it will literally haunt you and make you feel small beyond belief. Depeche Mode and Talk Talk (Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock albums in particular) are also two bands that create this feeling in me. These songs will become part of your life, just as they have become for the generation of fans who grew up in the 70's, and i was a teenager in the 90's! But be careful when trying to introduce this music to your mates. It might end up creeping them out. Its that mind-blowingly weird and original. I initiated my girlfriend who is only 21 into the Avalon period Roxy and only Virginia Plain and Amazona (Stranded -1973) from the early Roxy. My other friends cringe when i play the early stuff, but start dancing and smiling when their later stuff is on. I love both periods, but if you want to take a daring leap into the unknown start right here with this "little beauty". You won't regret it. Roxy Music will change the way you view music forever and beyond. Just remember this album is just the first step, there's more in store....

My favourite track on the album is "Ladytron". Everytime i hear it, i'm speechless. My friend Andrew was in the car with me the other day and i had it up loud and he enthusiastically uttered to me "Well, thats a damn good song isn't it?"

Hope this review helps someone appreciate Roxy.

I'm not too experienced with listening to music, so if any of this is cheesy, blame me!
A very interesting, and creatively stimulating, album. Brian Eno's bubbling, raw electronics are equalled only by his first solo album. Some of the tracks are slower and more blues-inflected than Roxy's next album, but this lends itself to a smooth, mellow flow from one track to the next, despite its rapid tempo and melody shifts. It makes perfect background music when I'm doing art. It feels like a massive, detailed album (although I hear they didn't spend as much time working on it as later albums). The first couple times i listened to it, it was a little difficult to tell when one track ended and the next one began, as these choppy transformations occur so rapidly in each individual song. I like this consistent inconsistency.

The melodies aren't as catchy and developed as on later albums, buried below jerky changes in instruments and synthesizer, but this gives it a very ambitious and enthralling sound. Certain tracks, like The Bob (Medley), are very startling to hear at first; the booming, echoing tape loops simulate a war sound, then transitioning into a gentle and trickling sound before turning into a pop song snippet. With these challenging instrumental loops combined with Ferry's pop singing, it sounds like a condensed version of Frank Zappa's "Brown Shoes Don't Make It", minus the pedophilic subject matter. "If There Is Something" is Ferry's most desperate-sounding song, with his voice becoming hoarse and strained at parts, along with a slowly-developing, haunting melody. In "Sea Breezes", Bryan Ferry's voice and the instruments are layered over becalming seaside ambience, (indicative of Eno's later vocal ambient pieces), and "Bitter's End" concludes the album with a strange, apathetic doo-wop song (ironic to the title?). The lyrics are sometimes ambiguous to their meaning, making it all the more thought provoking.
I prefer Roxy Music's next album, "For Your Pleasure", which fits more into an accessible art-rock format, with a darker emotional depth. However it's hard not to enjoy the musical creativity spilling out of each song on this album.

I've been listening to English Rock since my 10 years older brother let me play his BEATLES, ANIMALS and ROLLING STONES records in the mid 60s (yes, I was 5 and 6). Later, I'm ashamed to confess that ROXY MUSIC just barely hit my radar way back when ("LOVE IS THE DRUG" and "MORE THAN THIS") only because I was into all the records (meaning the club hits) and I knew who Bryan Ferry was, and from my reading, ROXY MUSIC 's esteemed reputation, but the band basically slipped thru the cracks. All these years later, I found myself rictus by my own late discovery of this underrated and under appreciated album, this rare gem in the vast annals of ROCK music. This stunner serves up hot, garish, over the top, hard a**, hard as nails rock, AND MORE, better than BOWIE, QUEEN, YES {GARY GLITTER, ALICE COOPER, T. REX} whom I bracket for obvious reasons, LED ZEPPELIN, and maybe even my old fave PINK FLOYD, ever delivered !! There is no doubt ELTON JOHN was listening to this record as evinced by GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD , but perhaps his influence on ROXY can also be heard.

In 1979 The ROLLING STONE RECORD GUIDE gave ROXY MUSIC's 1972 debut album two stars (2 stars)! A lousy two stars! Since the GUIDE had given THE FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS awesome 1969 debut, THE GILDED PALACE OF SIN, a mere four stars (4 stars) I had realized that some of the reviews and ratings were suspect, being contemporaneous (they were too myopic back then to realize the huge influence, and perfection, of records like PALACE or ROXY MUSIC). Like PALACE, the debut of ROXY MUSIC was simply way ahead of its time. In 1979, the later labeled "new wave" influences of bands like ROXY MUSIC were at best novel and suspect, like this extremely early harbinger of the new wave sound (and yet much more, lusciously dated as some of it is). "VIRGINIA PLAIN", though not on the original release, but since included on the album for years, was the band's first British charter, and sounds like it was recorded by THE CARS at their best. Of course, it's worth noting that even the TALKING HEADS were only barely beginning to be recognized by the GUIDE in 1979 (MORE SONGS ABOUT BUILDINGS AND FOOD was awarded three stars). By the way, I've been using my old ROLLING STONE RECORD GUIDE, a 6x9.25 inch sized trade paper, now falling apart, since I bought it new in 1979.

Contrary to what that GUIDE said, Bryan Ferry's tunes are not so straight forward, ambling down diverse paths, with unexpected arrangements and textures. Ferry plums the depths of what we now call angst: the pain of rejection, the passion of obsessive love, hurtful loneliness and longing. I am surprised the GUIDE failed to hear the deep emotion and almost embarrassing exposure that Ferry shares thru his insightful lyrics and kooky, yet sincere, singing ("If There Is Something" and "Sea Breezes" especially). Other tunes include Phil Manzanera's Robert Fripp influenced, yet as noisy and somehow miraculously tuneful guitar ("Chance Meeting") Andrew Mackay's sax is Blues boggled, Acid burned and Rock X-cited ("Would You Believe.") Bass here by Graham Simpson, and drums by Paul Thompson are the backbone of this meaty music, the jungle savage primate new age fossil! ROXY's album SIREN rated a perfect five stars (5 stars) in the 1979 GUIDE, I expect because of its huge popularity at the time with the cognoscenti (as THE EAGLES put it, "...in the fast lane"). SIREN included ROXY MUSIC's only Top 40 charting hit, "LOVE IS THE DRUG", but SIREN is not nearly as haunting or unusual as ROXY MUSIC. This record is a remarkable achievement especially for a debut. It is terribly sophisticated, and not for the Rock novice.

It's apparent that like THE FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS, ROXY MUSIC sought to establish themselves immediately as Rock icons. Rightly so. Since my discovery of THE FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS' first two albums, this album, ROXY MUSIC's debut, is the most startling find I have made in 10 years (not since I picked up BECK's ODELAY have I said "WOW" to myself upon listening to a very first track). I mention these great albums because I think this odd ball, the debut ROXY MUSIC, is a masterpiece that rates with THE GILDED PALACE OF SIN, ODELAY, and TALKING HEADS' REMAIN IN LIGHT. Each album derives its influences from divergent sources, ultimately irrelevant in the personal vision expressed, and each album is a touchstone in the development of modern music. If you listen to the music, and I mean all of it, and love Rock `N' Roll long enough, you get picky. Another reviewer mentions CAPTAIN BEEFHEART's SAFE AS MILK (I myself am a fan of SHINY BEAST) but I get the point. Us lovers of great music can accept the challenge, appreciate the raw, young, true, artistic vision that once in awhile, by some miracle, made it to vinyl (er, CD and iPod) and are rewarded with personal expansion. How the hell did records like these records get made and aren't we lucky to get to listen to them all these years later...?

This was a truly stunning debut album drawing inspiration from all over to create something entirely new. The eclecticism of The Velvet Underground, dramatic use of early synthesizers, rock 'n' roll, Humphrey Bogart and even a car number plate combine to awesome effect.

As the album begins we find ourselves at a cocktail party, then layers of music cut loose on the startling opener, `Re-Make/Re-Model'. Abrasive vocals by Bryan Ferry, the wailing saxophone of Andrew Mackay and the sci-fi synth. sounds from Eno assault the ears; but it all works. The instrumental break runs like a live band introduction, with snippets from each player. In the days when singles were minimal and often not even on the album, tracks like this enabled the album to chart before a single had even been released in their home market.

`Ladytron' starts more modestly, a serene oboe allowing pause for breath before the tempo builds and the rhythm takes over, which is then enhanced by more knob twiddling from Eno. The next number is wonderfully arranged, although the vocals in the first half are perhaps a little intrusive; then (in the original running) comes the ode to Bogart. As we move through the album change continues apace, occasionally making you feel like you've been teleported into an alien environment, but it's always worth sticking with it. The lyrics also oscillate from the deliberately obscure to the warm sentiment of friendship on `Chance Meeting'; all numbers penned by Bryan Ferry, although that was far from always the case.

The album climaxed with the rather bizarre `Bitters End' - we're talking doo-wop or barbershop territory - the awesome single `Virginia Plain' has been added subsequently. Many hail Roxy's second album as their masterpiece, but it was largely a refinement of the invention that was going on here, and for that this is probably the better album.

If you're looking for another 'Avalon', STOP right there! This album is completely different. Not only different from 'Avalon', but different from practically every other album I've ever listened to in my life.

This is the early Roxy Music. This album is what I like to call 'Roxy' music, simply because it is like no other music. It cannot be classifed. It's not true 'glam', it's not hard rock, it's not space rock. It's simply Roxy Music. The band chose their name because they wanted something that reflected the glamour of the 1930s and 1950s moviehouses, to remind people of the glamours movie stars and beautiful women, so thus Roxy was the word. It also reflected the somewhat campy lyrics, and 1950s sound seen in some of their songs, yet at the same time putting their music in a class all its own.

Re-make/Re-model: The most 70s rock sounding song on the album. A good opener, yet it reveals nothing of what's about to come.

Ladytron: I am obsessed with this song. Bryan's seductive voice and that silky oboe will have you pleading for more music like this. One can always speculate about what the title means after listening to the song and contimplate it for hours.

If There Is Something: Begins with a Rockabilly sound and developes into an emotional ballad of confession: "I would do anything for you / I would climb mountains / I would swim all the ocean floor!". The song flows so well, it doesn't seem like an entire song upon one listen, but the more you listen to it, the more you appreicate the bridges between the parts. The thing about this so is how wonderfully INTO IT Bryan seems to get, you really believe he means it when he sings; you feel his emotions through the music like blood seeping from a fresh wound through cloth. You feel his warm, young tender passions, it's there, it's real and this song captures it so well.

Virgina Plain: The classic Roxy hit. It's bouncy and fun and has some pretty brilliant keyboards and guitar. Very avant garde for 1972.

2 H.B.: What a beautifully melodic tune! It means 'To Humphrey Bogart', in which Bryan sings about his love for the actor and his utter admiration for the beauty of classic movies. A 'Roxy' song, indeed, for it captures that nostalgic appreciation for the past that no one else can do better.

The Bob: This is one of those songs you won't get until a while of listening to it. It begins with very low keyboards then busts out with Bryan singing intensely about a dream he had. It has a subconscience sound to it. I see it as a follow up to 'If There Is Something'. Very Eno with the keyboards.

Chance Meeting: Similar to 'Strictly Confedintial', this is a haunting song with a droning mystery that will give you chills.

Would You Believe: I LOVE this song! Great song you just want to snap your fingers to and join in halfway through. Has that 1950s rock sound to it that is so early Roxy.

Sea Breezes: Interesting song. Extremely experimental and different. The lyrics are brilliant. You've just got to listen to it.

Bitters End: Lovely litte tune with a 1950s sound to it. The lyrics still boggle my mind but it's quite catchy. A good ending that brings the album to a completely different place from where you began. This song reminds us that this is an album that needs to be listened to A LOT before it can be fully adored and appreciated.

If you're looking for radio hits, do not get this album. If you seek an experimental, original sound, this is IT! You'll be dazzled by the early Eno keyboards, Andy Mackay's duality of saxophone and oboe, Phil Manzanera's heavy guitar, and Bryan Ferry's emotional and seductive voice. This CD will use you, it will confuse you, and then it'll loose you, but you'll never suspect it. :]

A highly excellent LP when it came out and now a great remastered sound which is excellent..Roxy's beautiful layers of tape effects and electronics fusing guitar driven rock and roll, ambient soundscapes ala Eno, ballads,all manner of sounds in a unique Tapestry with Ferry's suave voice and lyrics matching the mannerisms remain truly undescribable..the mystery and the artistry of Roxy is truly unmatched as the innovators of this genre.Their own distinctive sound remains unmatched nor duplicated by any band since.
All of their cd's were excellent even the live ones. This their first is the place to start.
The chugging of Virginia Plain, the scifi romance of Remake-Remodel,the flamenco of Ladytron and the other moments makes this truly one unique CD of amazing proprtions and ranks as one of the best initial albums by any group.
The drama and sincerity is real.

This has to be one of the all-time debuts by any band at any time. Simply amazing music and totally without a classification.
In this day of all music being pigeon-holed and stuck into a convenient little genre, Roxy goes where no band has ever gone
before or since. "Remake-Remodel" has to be the greatest opening
cut to a rock album ever. The only thing that comes close to it
is "Death may be your Santa Claus" by Mott the Hoople. Eno is
very busy on this song and on the entire disc. When Bryan's voice
goes insane in the middle part of "If there is something", it makes you realize that anyone could grab a microphone and do that, which is somehow comforting and bizarre. My favorite is "Sea Breezes", very atmospheric, great Phil guitar, Eno tapes,
Bryan vocals. This album is not stuck in the middle - I have played it hundreds of times for friends on my stereo or brought
the disc to parties. It either has people coming up to you and
saying "who is THAT, it's GREAT" or it clears the room. You have
to love a band that can get both of those reactions.....This disc
and "For your pleasure" are 5 stars, the other Roxy albums are
great but there is something special about their first 2 efforts
with the great B. Eno. Bizarre and beautiful.....buy both discs
immediately and wear them out.........