FOR YOUR PLEASURE

After getting backing from King Crimson at the time, Brian Ferry was lucky to get his band 'Roxy' (later changed to 'Roxy Music' since there was already an American band with the name 'Roxy'). He hardly even had a band together when he got signed with EG records, but King Crimson was so impressed with his vocals after a try out when they were trying to find a replacement for Greg Lake (but they felt his voice wasn't right for the KC material, and they were probably right), that they helped him get signed by the record company. Also, luckily, Ferry was friends with Brian Eno as they both shared a love of experimental music, and even though Eno could only mostly manipulate synthesizers, he still became a regular member along with some other members, but, right off the bat, there were problems with retaining a guitarist and bass player. The orginal guitarist Roger Bunn was replaced by David O'List and then soon after that, Phil Manzanera before the debut album was even released. Fortunately, Manzanera, of course, would remain with the band afterwards along with both Ferry and Andy Mackay, saxophonist. Ferry would also have even a harder time retaining a bassist, but at least Graham Simpson, the original bassist appeared on the 1st album. But, by 1973, when the 2nd album 'For Your Pleasure' came out, many bassists came and went. Still, it is quite amazing that the sophomore album would end up sounding as tight and amazing as it does, like the band had been together for many years. The album reflects none of this unsurety, but sounds very confident and has become a favorite among both critics and fans alike.

The interesting experimental yet danceable music sounds so smooth and original, even after all of these years. Ferry had already established his strangely, suave persona, almost sounding like a cocky, Bowie-esque sound even this early on. 'For Your Pleasure' only cements the unique and recognizable sound that was established in the debut, self-titled album, still progressive and still quite easy to enjoy. The music is interesting and oddly accessible in its own right, but that experimental edge makes it even more attractive. 'Do the Strand' touts a new style of free-style dance comparing it's style to other dance styles through history in a melody that is at-once quite catchy. 'Beauty Queen' emphasizes Ferry's tremolo in his voice that somehow should be annoying, yet it nevertheless leaves you wanting more of it. 'Editions of You' is another favorite that stays with the listener with its memorable melody, the strange 'In Every Dream Home a Heartache' which is a song about a blow-up doll, the long dance beat track 'The Bogus Man' is about a stalker, but the lyrics are forgotten with the long instrumental section that emphasizes the talents of Manzanera and Mackay. 'Grey Lagoons' features a fast, almost boogie style style and the blazing sax of Mackay and Ferry trying out his style on a harmonica before Manzanera takes over with a rocking solo of his own. The title track is probably the oddest track of all and features the stylistic influence of Eno more than any of the other tracks on the album.

This album is a perfect example of what art-pop, glam-rock and progressive rock should be. Even though most of the rhythms are fairly straight-forward for the most part, there is still so much ingenuity going on around it all that no one can deny this is glam-rock progressiveness at its best. While it is true that the earlier Ferry vocals might take some getting used to, I think it is safe to say that they tend to grow on most listeners of Roxy Music quite well. Personally, I could never think of the band having any other vocalist without having to change their name. Ferry has ended up being one of my favorite vocalists, and he definitely has a vocal style unlike anyone else I can think of. This album is also one of my favorite Roxy Music albums, and I can easily give it 5 stars for its ingenuity and long-lasting appeal.