Pattaya Mail

Roxy Music, Roxy Music (Island)

Roxy Musics debut-album caught most people off balance. The music was a burlesque and eccentric brew of nostalgia and futurism. Wrapped in a glossy, striking cover that flirted with the pin-up girls and glamour of the 40s and 50s.

In 1972 that didnt go down well among the politically correct, they found it provocative and uncomfortably decadent. The sight of the snarling cover-girl Kari-Ann Muller (who later married Chris Jagger, Micks brother) made me drool. Now what was this all about?

The inner spread of the gatefold sleeve gave me another shock. Were these guys for real? It was glam pushed completely over the top with an androgynous Brian Eno as the absolute eye-catcher. Many bought the disc without even bothering to listen to it first. Thats what I call a strong wrapping.

The music sure lived up to it, though, even if it didnt exactly take you to the places that the come-on expression of the cover-girl suggested. It was prog rock, it was pastiche, it was lyrics seasoned with quotes from classic movies, it was way out synth, a wizard on guitar, a saxophone player that wouldve gone down a storm in the circus ring, and there was Bryan Ferry, the crooner from the abyss. All nailed to your brain by a thunderous and precise rhythm section. What a treat! And they didnt even bother to include the wonderful, staccato hit single Virginia Plain.

The American edition did include it though, so when the imports arrived I bought the album yet again. I kept both versions, thats how much I loved the beast.

It was recorded in a single week, and was produced by Peter Sinfield of King Crimson fame. At the time Roxy Music didnt even have a record contract and their managers financed the recording.

On its arrival it sounded fresh as an ocean breeze.

Released: June 16, 1972

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Pattaya Mail