ROXY MUSIC

I clearly remember my surprise upon hearing the early Roxy Music for the first time. Till that moment my knowledge of them did not extend beyond the despicable Flesh And Blood, an album that often boomed from my sister's room. So when I got to hear Viva!, it suddenly made sense. Roxy were just another of those other great early 70's band who lost their chops with the turn of the decade. At least that's what I thought back then.

Roxy's debut is an almost perfect bunch of experimental pop music where each member excelled at their gear. Especially Ferry for his weird affecting vocal mannerisms and Eno for being one of the first human beings to get anything meaningful out of a synth. Just like Richard Wright and the kraut rock pioneers he recognized the potential of synths as instruments for creating texture and ambience. Instead of going all macho on them and handling them as if it were guitars (also known as doing a Keith), he carefully avoided taking the spotlight and provides subtle touches and intriguing new sounds all over the place.

The songs are pop tunes in structure but prog in scope, originality and wilfulness. They are filled to the brim with innovating ideas, exceptional attention to details and a very arty vibe, mainly due to Ferry's theatrical vocals. The 10 tracks here offer an almost perfect ride, but I could have done without Would You Believe and Bitters End. Also The Bob sounds - as its subtitle suggests - like not much more of then a bunch of half-ideas pasted together.

Minor flaws aside, the 4 stars are fully deserved by its unique sound, strong character and exceptional song writing.