Roxy Music - Roxy Music
Another self-titled album, had these bands no imagination for titles? Roxy Music, to be fair, put all theirs into innovative avant-garde music and this opening album. It set the tone for more stylish art rock groups to follow.
Released in June 1972, there were nine tracks written by Bryan Ferry. Brian Eno and his synth created some unique sounds, often to match something Ferry had described. With Phil Manzanera on guitar and Andy McKay’s sax, all backed by bass and drums from Graham Simpson and Paul Thompson, then overlaid with that smooth crooning voice of Ferry, it was quite a combination.
There wasn’t a single on the first release of the album. But “Virginia Plain” was released a couple of months later hitting number four in the UK singles chart. The song helped give the album a helpful boost in interest and sales and was added to later versions of the album.
Roxy Music is full of a variety of music but all linked neatly in a distinctive manner. Have a listen to “Ladytron” if you want a buzz from Eno’s synth, some great guitar licks along with Ferry’s unmistakable voice. Or “If There Is Something” which has a country rock undertone. “Would You Believe” is a great rock and roll tune with bar room piano keeping it moving along.
This first album got to number 10 in the UK charts, and while not a hit in the US, later albums and some singles did achieve modest success there. It kicked off an amazing run of success for the band and inspired others. Plus of course several accomplished solo careers for Ferry, Eno, and Manzanera in particular.