AVALON

"Avalon" is the 8th full-length studio album by UK pop/rock act Roxy Music. The album was released through E.G. Records/Polydor in May 1982. It´s the successor to "Flesh & Blood" from 1980. "Avalon" was a great commercial success for Roxy Music and the only of their albums to reach platinum sales (1 million copies) in the US. Avalon was produced by Rhett Davies (Genesis, King Crimson, Camel, Talk Talk, Dire Straits, Brian Eno) and Roxy Music. The trio lineup of Bryan Ferry (lead vocals, keyboards, guitar synthesizer), Phil Manzanera (lead guitar), and Andy Mackay (saxophones) is intact from "Flesh & Blood (1980)".

"Avalon" is the peak of Roxy Music´s second more pop oriented accessible period (after their 1978 reunion). It´s a synth heavy release dominated by Bryan Ferry´s vocals and synth/keyboard arrangements, while Manzanera and Mackay play lesser roles. This is smooth, clever, and sophisticated pop music often ambient in nature. The lyrics are loosely based on the romantic idea of the Avalon island in the tale of King Arthur, but "Avalon" is not as such a concept album. The single track "More Than This" and the title track are probably the most standout tracks on the album, but "Avalon" is a pleasant and well composed listening experience throughout.

"Avalon" features a well sounding production, and overall it´s a good quality pop/rock release and a suiting swansong album ending Roxy Music´s career. It´s a far cry from the band´s early unpredictable and harder rocking releases, but it´s still an interesting release on its own terms, and definitely the most interesting release out of the three reunion albums. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.