AVALON

Released in 1982, many people claim this to be Roxy Music's mature sound, instead of their glam rock semi-psychedelia, which was present in their first two albums (Roxy Music and For Your Pleasure). When Eno left the band in 1973 it seemed like the band didn't know which way to go. Ferry led the band through 5 more studio albums after Eno's departure and before recording Avalon. Avalon does sound 80's: thick synth and reverbed drums. Yet this album is great, the arrangments on this album are top of the line, so is Ferry's voice. But this album lacks all of Roxy's classic trademarks; the multi-solo's, the weirdness, the randomness, in fact this album sounds like a completely different band, Phil Manzanera and Andy MacKay are Ferry's session players for this album and never really make their presence known. Even though this sounds nothing like classic Roxy Music, never-the-less this album is great, smooth, soft and perfect for making love. More Than This is the opener, it's about emotions and where they can take you (more than this) when you have a crush on someone. Avalon is a great song, the lyrics are perfect and classy, the music leaves a shady image, like when the party's over and the chaos has mellowed and you have grown tired. The Main Thing is another highlight, Ferry's vocals are the best on this song. The atmosphere of this song resinates nicely. Take a Chance With Me is another highlight, Ferry's vocals are the best on the melody: "Sometimes I...feel so blue...people say I'm just a fool...all of the world...even you...should learn to love the way I do." True to life is fantastic, once again Ferry's vocals stand out of this song due to this use of a vocoder he uses to make his voice pulsate and echo. Tara is the closer; an instrumental just like India. Features mostly MacKay and it is abosolutly relaxing, and a perfect way to end the album. Overall...this is not my favorite Roxy Music album, but it is their most well-produced, most serious, most accesible, and best selling album. Just like all of Roxy's releases, this album takes time to kick in, and when it does, it will submerge you.