ROXY MUSIC

I'm sorry that PA dropped the Art Rock label, since Roxy Music was definitly an art rock icon. In fact, that very name seemed to be invented to describe their music when their self titled album hit the stores (and then the charts) by the time it was released in 1972. It was simply too different and groundbreaking to be labeled as anything else. Their mix of rock, 50´s doo wop, avant guard, glam, pop sensiblities, classical, jazz and eletronic influences were quite unique, specially if you realize the music that came from it all was so harmonic and coherent.

From the very first track, with its clever, self explanatory title (Re-make,/Re-model) it was clear that those guys knew what they're doing: taking the pre-existent musical forms into newer shapes (this is art rock, after all, remember?). Bryan Ferry was the main man behind it all, writing all the songs and creating a great concept, but his bandmates were not far behind, specially the then unknown Eno with his primitive synthesizer and 'non musician' statement using tapes and recording machines as an integral part of their live sound (something unheard of at the time). Considering their youth and the fact that their previous recording experiences were almost nonexistent, it was quite a feat!

Progressive music? Yes! With a capital P! (please, again, don't compare them to symphonic prog bands. Roxy Music was prog , but not in Genesis or Yes molds) They were new trendersetters and, just like that, were right on time and conquered the hearts and minds of many rock fans (although their almost instant chart success did not endear them to many rock critics). And this album is surely their best, delivering some of their most famous classics: Ladytron, Sea Breezes, Chance Meeting and their greatest song ever: the epic schoolboy dream If There Is Something. The album was produced by famous King Crimson poet Peter Sinfield, who did quite a nice job. CD edition includes the non LP hit single Virginia Plain.

Of course this essemble was too good to last: the eventual clash of two rock genious Ferry and Eno would mean the leaving of the latter to other even more advancing projects by the time Roxy Music released its second LP. But they also left those two gems to rock history. And their debut was a classic, an essential masterpiece of prog music. Highly recommended. Roxy Music was a band that proved innovative music could also be melodic and accessible.