THE COMPLETE STUDIO RECORDINGS

The complete studio recordings give the indication of a band that were ahead and yet of it's time. The more avant garde approach of the first album; it's far more accessible successor and the understated styling of the next two (especially Siren) followed with a more mainstream approach but with still enough odd harmonies and sounds happening to continue what is clearly a subversive approach to music. The more overt abrasions give way to the occasional ones on later albums. But Phil Manzanera's guitar harmonies are so perfectly chosen and timed it is a real delight to go from Ladytron to Dance Away on these alone.

Roxy found a way of getting into people's music and quietly upsetting the apple cart in their own way. Like Bowie they knew a pop audience buys into an image; the music is second. Underlining this is the absence of the book that most box sets would have inside. I'm sure Ferry and Co know very well a book would be part of the overview; I think it's absence is a statement that Roxy Music were all about their music not the image. Perhaps the band are hoping either the image fans or detractors will get the idea that this superb outfit really is and was all about the music.

So what follows are what are "straight transfers" of the original tapes. N.B. There is a box set "5 Original Albums" that are a different mastering (Bob Ludwig). Some, like me, may find these more immediately enjoyable as they sit more suitably in a digital reproductive environment. But this box set is just fine audio wise, a few listens to adjust perhaps, not a problem. Perhaps the vinyl junkies from years ago (even your truly included there...) may appreciate the sound instantly which should do all record enthusiasts proud. Unless you really do want the sound of needles, dust and scratches. Not me though and these albums have never sounded so good as now.

Unlike the vinyl versions of these you get a 2 CD set of outtakes, B Sides and rare tracks. Details above and this set only with the box at least at this time of writing. Apparently 24 bit hi resolution audio versions were considered but subsequently vetoed; keep costs down perhaps? I do understand if the hi res might be the deciding factor but perhaps the surround options were not suitable. All I can say if you like the music, the albums then no matter that this is only superb 16 bit audio then this is a pretty good choice. If the set is going for a reasonable price (as determined by you) then it's worth it for the outtake set - provided you are familiar with Roxy Music. I do wonder how Love Is The Drug fans would get on with Sultanesque?

There is a lot of negative criticism about Roxy Music playing "pop" songs. Their more accessible material is very far from disposable. Well written, well played with exquisite taste and a hint of that smooth subversion ever present). Now, something more dance oriented may seem less demanding than the more intellectual offerings such as Out Of The Blue and Bogus Man to pick a couple of my all time favourites, but it may be that listener has fallen victim to the subversion that is Roxy Music. Odd and even harmonies along with graceful rhythms abound. Ferry sounds great from beginning to end.

New Zealand readers may, if they are unaware, note that the NZ band Netherworld Dancing Toys took their name from Tara finishing the elegant Avalon album. A very influential band in the world of rock and this is more the evidence. Roxy Music are to the old new wave, new romantics and even punk and some RIO oriented prog what Zeppelin are to hard rock, or Sabbath to metal.

The covers are all gatefolds some where none existed before (Jerri Hall in The Siren centrefold for example) or Country Life - none of this unreasonable approach to prurient censorship here. Great, no complaints from the cheap sets round here. They are all housed in the both stylish and sturdy box all reminiscent of the Led Zeppelin box set of CD albums (pre-latest remaster). The CD albums are in a case that slides out and has to be returned correctly or it won't fit. All very nice.

Possibly the next set will be a comprehensive reissue of the live albums CD / DVD / Video sets. I hope so.

If you are a Roxy Music fan then this should be five stars, rock and prog rock fans four stars. If you are wondering if Roxy Music has any value to you then I suggest a smaller (20 greatest hits perhaps) as your entre to the music.

I suppose if this box set were live albums inclusive, with DVDs, Hi Res, books etc then the removal truck delivering that huge set would demand 5 stars alone. Do I knock off a whole 1/2 star for Roxy Music daring to let their music stand on it's own. No. To me it's five, to my fellow mainstream prog fans 4 1/2 and be prepared to upgrade that rating. Perhaps 1 to 3 live albums should be there but they are not so too bad.

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