MORE THAN THIS, THE BEST OF BRYAN FERRY + ROXY MUSIC

This is the second hybrid compilation effort (half Roxy, half Ferry). The first one was "Street Life 20 Great Hits" released in 1986. Since it peaked at the first spot in the UK charts, I guess that it was a great kick to produce a second one. The major problem with is that we are almost confronted to a carbon copy. Each Ferry song being the same until 1985.

So, in terms of "new" Ferry songs, we'll get : "Dont Stop The Dance" from "Boys & Girls (85). This well-known song is very similar of the second Roxy period ("Manifesto" till "Avalon"); which was IMO far to reach the quality of their glorious days. There is a non-album song here : "Is Your Love Strong Enough" (released in 1986). It was part of the soundtrack for the movie "Legend" from Ridley Scott and peaked at the 22nd in the UK chart. Nothing to be remembered though.

"Kiss And Tell" comes from the album "Bête Noire" (ah, this Bryan love for Frenchy stuff !). At times it reminds "Ain't That So", but the mood here is even more disco oriented. Not essential of course.

We'll jump a bit in time to have one number from the album "Taxi" (1993). It will be a cover version form "I Put A Spell On You". I can tell you that with this infect version, dear Bryan won't put the spell on anybody. The original and fanstastic song from Creedence (Clearwater Revival) is one of their best and a very old one (featured on their debut album in 1968). It was a true rock song with a fabulous guitar solo from John (Forgerty). This version is a syrupous and infamous joke. A real massacre. Forget it, immediately.

The closing number "Your Painted Smile" comes from the last Bryan album available (Mamouna, 1994). It is a mellow & dull rock ballad. Not worse than most of the songs featured here.

In terms of Ferry songs available on the previous compilation only " A Hard Rain's A- Gonna Fall" and "Let's Stick Together" can compete with the great Roxy songs. Two very good and very well known songs. These are from the best ones you will get here.

Now, the pure Roxy ones. From the golden era, three songs (all featured already on "Street Life 20 Great Hits").

The remaining seven being, unfortunately, taken from their later repertoire with two songs from "Manifesto" (the commercial ones : "Dance Away" and "Angel Eyes"), two from "Flesh+Blood" of which one great song ("Same Old Scene") and the insipid "Oh Yeah", and two from "Avalon". The title track and "More Than This" which will give its title to this compilation and which was the opener on the "Avalon" album. It reached number six in the UK charts and has the typical poppish/disco sound of Roxy in those days.

There will be a non-Roxy album song : "Jealous Guy". A tribute to one of the greatest song writer of the music history. This song was written in 1981, juut after the murder of John Lennon. It is, to date, the only Roxy single to peak at the first spot of the British charts. It is one of the longest song (over six minutes) to reach that spot in the charts as well. It is indeed a great number. The version featured here is an edit (the same actually than on the previous compilation of this genre).

This album will be released in the US in 1999. "I'm In The Mood For Love" (1999) will replace "Is Your Love Strong Enough" and "Your Painted Smile". As you have understood, this is absolutely not a must own. Shame on you Bryan.

Two stars (because of the three RM classics, "Jealous Guy" and two great BF songs : "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" and "Let's Stick Together".