Re: Roxy Music redux

Tastes change. In criticism as well as in fasion. Can't think of another band in my modest lifetime that was more cinsistently touted as "ahead of it's time." As long as I've breathed air, their first four (arguably five) albums have been considered unimpeachable.

Is that still the case? Or, has history written them off?

I hope not.

My earliest childhood memory is living in England in '73, watching TOTP. I saw them. I remember them. My life changed, irrevokably. They were otherwordly to me. That is still the case today. Is this just a case of semi-ironic nostalgia turning into unironic nostalgia?

One of our local moviehouses created its own glam rock documentary a few years back, and included some concert footage of Eno-era Roxy (from The Old Grey Whistle Test, I think - sources weren't detailed since the clips were unauthorized). All I could think watching them rip through "Editions of You" was: There's no one around today that sounds like this. It still sounded, as you so aptly put it, otherworldly. So I think Roxy'll remain ahead of their time and a key influence for years to come.

On my drive to work today, I listened to Greatest Hits, the album that was my "gateway" to Roxy Music. I tried to pretend the band was completely unfamiliar to me, and I was hearing their music for the first time.

Conclusion: Roxy Music remains a band whose albums are well worth checking out.

You know, weirdly enough, Greatest Hits was the first Roxy album I ever bought as well, but for some reason it didn't do much for me. Convinced I was missing something, I then bought Siren - and that one I got. (I think I might have bought Avalon around the same time, but I don't remember.) I would think Roxy's not the kind of band where this would be the case, but apparently their songs made more sense to me in the context of the albums from which they came.

Bryan Ferry got himself into some hot water a few years back for being the latest celebrity to feel the need to make some sort of "the Nazis had their good points" statement - think he praised their sense of style or something. But that controversy didn't seem to tarnish Roxy's legacy at all - they're still routinely singled out as one of the most important bands of the 70s.

The only real controversy that ever flares up about Roxy is whether Avalon should be considered a great album or the final watering down of a band of trailblazers.

Myself, I think it was both. It was definitely a weak, adult contemporary version of the freaks Roxy were in 72, but it was still a pretty damn good adult contemporary album.

All I need of Roxy: "Mother of Pearl", Siren LP, "More Than This", Marilyn Cole. Innovative band whose sound and subject matter rarely match my mood.

be right back...

gotta change me knickers.

(btw when did ira start skiing? where the fuck is he anyway?
switzerland?

Oh yeah, mjm sends love from Mexico.



Post Edited (12-18-08 02:27)

"All I Want Is You" is one of the greatest songs of all time, with one of the most perfect guitar solos. And backing vocals. The missing link between glam and prog, with all the energy of the former, and the weirdness of the latter. Damn. And hooks, too.

Re: Avalon I think Ira put it best:

"Regaining its self-esteem if not its power, Roxy made Avalon more like Manifesto, a careful blend of air and beat that amounts to a sparkling if meaningless dance record for would-be sophisticates. Unassailably well made and even occasionally engaging, the worst that can be said of songs like "More Than This," "The Space Between," "Avalon," "Take a Chance with Me" and "The Main Thing" is that they're too quiet and that the lyrics lack bite. Those who came upon Roxy late probably reckon it's their best album".

Granted I still love "More Than This" and like "Avalon", but if I never hear the rest of the album again in my lifetime I don't think it'd be a big loss.

And since we still have "hip" bands naming themselves after early Roxy tracks (e.g. Ladytron), I don't think history's written said rekkids off just yet. If anything their stature seems to grow with each passing year.

I never get tired of listening to Roxy, either their '70s classics or their later, more "mature" work. (Take that choice of words as you will.) Those last three albums are great make-out music.

Thanks to Blasmo, I learned today who the cover model is on Stranded.

[www.youtube.com]

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVeEBMJt8vs

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damn!

Here ya go, Michael.

[www.youtube.com]



Post Edited (12-16-08 18:44)

alright, baker and the pimp are back.
now, if only paganizer would show up and complete the new year trifecta...

Like elvis costello, small faces and manfred mann- I play roxy all the time.
How to explain, during the eighties and nineties, I had thousands of records and CD's all over the house. But then we moved, and I purged. Do I miss digital sex and the other thousands of obscure albums? so so. Because, even though i've got less records, I have more time to spend absorbing (watch it) the ones I love.



Post Edited (12-16-08 19:29)

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even though i've got less records, I have more time to spend absorbing (watch it) the ones I love

I'm definitely feeling that one; connected to the lyrical reminiscence post from earlier - it seems I can only recall songs word-for-word from my first decade or so of collecting and patching a hole from that period still feels more satisfying than most of the brand new stuff I find.

I'm often overrun by the mountains of it all, but I JUST CAN'T STOP - I read things like a Factory Box set will be out early 2009 and I'm overrun with the same childhood emotions of GET IT NOW - even though I have the vinyl surrounding me and can't imagine that the reissue will be more satisfying...
"For heavens sake catch me before I consume more! I cannot control myself!"

Brilliant Roxy video MB, and how many here didn't realize Ladytron had such great taste in thievery?

Testing Hyperlink


Post Edited (12-16-08 20:52)



Post Edited (12-16-08 20:59)

Hey,

My first one!


Do The Strand]Do The Strandski



Post Edited (12-16-08 21:00)

damn!!



Post Edited (12-16-08 21:07)

the greatest

ha!

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alright, baker and the pimp are back.
now, if only paganizer would show up and complete the new year trifecta...

I agree. It's a holiday miracle!

The cover models alone kept me...occupied...for hours. Amanda Lear on For Your Pleasure is the hottest (even if those rumors are true about him/her).

> The cover models alone kept me...occupied...for hours. Amanda
> Lear on For Your Pleasure is the hottest (even if those rumors
> are true about him/her).

i'd do him

Is there a better Christmas song than "In Every Dream Home A Heartache"?

Not a Christmas song you say?

Well you gentlemen have obviously never asked Santa for an inflatable love doll.