THE COLLECTION

"Cult favorites, and perhaps the quintessential art rock band, who transitioned from hard-edged glam to sophisticated rock." So is ROXY MUSIC summarized by All Music Guide, and I hardly could have put it better. There are several compilations -- with and without Bryan Ferry's solo recordings included -- and this chronologically proceeding 12-track disc gives a fairly good picture of the band and its evolution from 1972 to 1982. Thumbs up for the lengthy essay by Michael Bracewell, plentitude of pictures and the source album info on the track list.

Most albums are represented by one song, some by two. Hits 'Virginia Plain' and 'Do the Strand' from the first two albums featuring Brian Eno are predictable choices. 'Street Life' from Stranded (1973) is also very hectic and edgy song, frankly not up to my taste. From the fourth album Country life (1974) comes 'The Thrill of It all' and 'All I Want Is You'. I would have chosen some calmer songs for a wider stylistic variety. Disco-flavoured 'Love is the Drug' from Siren (1975) is another predictable choice. Also their live album Viva! is represented, by 'Out of the Blue'. Excellent violin playing from Eddie Jobson!

Then followed a 1½-year hiatus during which Ferry, Manzanera & co. focused individually on solo or other projects. The comeback album Manifesto (1979) offered a more accessible, sleek soul-pop. I haven't listened to that album; 'Ain't That So' is rather dull and repetitive as a composition per se, but there are cool sax and harmonica parts and a slight Steely Dan feel. The last four tracks on this compilation are more familiar to me. I enjoy the smoothness of the albums Flesh + Blood (1980) and Avalon (1982) much more than the early hectic art rock of Roxy Music. Two tracks from both albums here. I'd chosen something else than the monotonous Avalon track 'The Main Thing'. 'More Than This' is very enjoyable, like the whole Avalon album.

Not a perfect RM compilation, but not very bad either. 2½ stars rounded up for nice lay-out.