A masterpiece, i came home from school one day as a 13yr old, my older sister Carol was playing this track on our radiogram , i said what the fuck is that, she said this new band Roxy Music...... i listened and haven't stopped since. I've been right through Bryan Ferry's career journey and still love his music and style and class to this day, Thank you Bryan, and thank you Carol.
I remember seeing this on The Old Grey Whistle Test (BBC) and have never forgotten how different it was. Nothing like it at the time it was a another world opening up. Very pleasing reaction. (TOGWT video is well worth checking out on YT)
i saw it too. I had just started senior school. I bought the album and the next 5. By the end of my school days I managed to get most of the class hooked on Roxy Music.. Great , the original band in their best period. Even though I liked the second incarnation the 71 -75 period was their best.
Try "If There Is Something". Starts off pure country & western corn, then evolves into completely different styles (Eastern Mystic, Spanish ...) & includes the passionately delivered lyric " growing potatoes by the score ..."
I am still a fairly young person but I remember when I first heard Ladytron by Roxy Music in 2020 and I went into listening to the song not expecting that much as I was a veteran of listening to music by then, but this song blew my mind when I first heard it and I couldn't believe and still can't believe that the song was recorded only 3 years after Woodstock and how different it was to the bands only 3 years prior.
Hearing this album for the first time aged 12 in 1972 was something special. A little strange in places, there was nothing that sounded like their hit single Virginia Plain, but that didn't matter. It grabbed me, enchanted me, and nearly 50 years later it's still my favourite Roxy album. Edit: Justin, if you complete this album you should also give the non-album single VIrginia Plain a listen.
@@shacharh5470 Yes and no. "Virginia Plain" was recorded about a month after the original UK release of the album, it was released as a non-album single in the UK. The original US release and later re-releases of the album included the song.
I'd forgotten how great this song is. Just brilliant. So many things going on. Love those castanets! How many Rock bands would throw in a detail like that? Excellent! By the way Justin I never thought I'd picture Bryan Ferry as a cowboy, LOL. Your commentary was top notch as usual. Hope you will continue with this album.
They were unique all right. Incidentally, there are castanets on "love lies bleeding" by Elton john. He's generally more pop than rock, but that song rocks
King Crimson/Fripp - Roxy Music/Eno - David Sylvian make a perfect circular triangle, real soul mates. Their collaboration spanned throughout three decades, and I love every moment.
"Glam Rock that's a little stranger than usual". That about says it. The early Ferry vocals have this kind of goulish, Count Dracula sound to them that isn't everyone's cup of tea. But no one's going to get confused about who they are listening to - it ain't Mick Jagger, and it ain't Ray Davies. The odd "Wild West" moments reoccur in other Roxy albums. It may have been something both Manzanara and Ferry found amusing.
At 3:00: That first instrumental section reminds me of stuff like "Telstar" by Joe Meek, or the keyboard solo to "Runaway" by Del Shannon. Or even a little like Ennio Morricone's "spaghetti western" scores. Pretty cool...
I cut it off at the end of the song and listened to it again because I liked it so much. I've never heard it before but want to comment before I hear yours! I really liked the proggy instrumentals! The vocals seemed of a different genre - early new-wavish?? Kind of cool combination!! 👍👍 Oh and a Hacketty guitar at the very end... Edit: I listened a third time after I heard your thoughts of "very western" which I didn't hear at all. I can indeed hear it now and it's so funny how we pick up on different things in music! 😀
Roxy Music were a shock to the system when they first emerged - I saw them live on their first tour and they were outstanding - didn't really get the 'Western' reference.
Nice analysis and the next track on the LP starts off like a country and western song. If there is something, widely regarded as one of ferry’s best song crafted tracks.
The whole album is a journey, and this is part of it. Just as unique today as it was then. Love Bryan's crooning and falsetto voice. These were only young lads.
Huh -- can you say specifically what you mean? I know BOTR like probably no other album in my life (since I got it as a 10th birthday present when it came out -- my whole Beatles thing started with that), and I'm hearing this track for the first time. I'm open to the proposition but want to hear specifics, bc nothing jumped out at me as especially Wings-ish (maybe some Venus and Mars sounds, but not BOTR).
@@matrobnew Not as far-fetched as it seems. Paul was into Roxy Music at the time, and the style is evident on songs like "Nineteen Hundred Eighty Five". Paul's prior Wings album, Red Rose Speedway, sounded nothing like this.
@@bobholtzmann Yeah -- I figured you were thinking of 1985 if anything; but Macca was really cranking up the disco-futurism in that song, so some Roxy influence makes sense. I don't think any other track on BOTR sounds at all like 1985. Again, maybe some Venus & Mars.
How kind, It's your birthday, and i'm getting the present. Ladytron, my fave RM track of all. It starts and ends a little weird, but boy, i love this, always have. A great song with everyone on top form. It's worth giving it a few listens to catch all the musical nuances. From the gentle start, to power chords, the piano, and synths, but there's two obvious standouts for me. Ferry's vocals, his delivery, and cadence, fantastic, and the sublime oboe and sax of Andy Mackay. That oboe solo, is something else.
I haven't heard this track for a long time. Thanks Justin for reacting/reviewing this gem. Music for your headphones. Spookily the only song I know from Ladytron [the band] is Seventeen [which I absolutely love; brilliant track].
Early riser, Happy B-Day! Made hay yesterday,now to go back and check-out the dens I uncovered today,(Coyote,rabbit,woodchuck, etc.) Guess I like uncovering new things,but on this your going to have to try harder! Know this,love this, want more of it!!! Peace and Manny is due for a collab,but mind the hangovers,sorry to ramble-Peace and PARTY!!!
Brilliant, from my choice as the best debut album ever. Someone else has already mentioned Roxy appearing on The Old Grey Whistle Test (OGWT), playing this live in the studio. For the non-Brits, this was a late night TV show on BBC2, which introduced many Brits to the latest bands. This is where we first heard Tubular Bells, David Bowie, Focus, Camel and a few years later Talking Heads, The Jam, and The Specials. Many blurry eyed teenagers would discuss the latest band they had just 'discovered' the next day at school and for a whole generation of 60+ Brits - Led Zeppelin's 'Trampled Underfoot', Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells', and Pink Floyd's 'One of these days' are indelibly linked to some weird black and white movie or some strange cartoon. In 1972, Roxy Music looked and sounded like aliens, now they look like extras from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but Richard O'Brien wrote that show in 1973 and the movie was produced in 1975. It cannot be a coincidence that Riff Raff looks like Brian Eno! Here's a link to the OGWT featuring Roxy Music playing Ladytron. czcams.com/video/XCzhAeukF1A/video.html
Imagine hearing this as a fourteen year-old, as I did. There was nothing to compete with Roxy Music at the time. Lost interest after their third album, but followed (and still follow Brian Eno).
Are you kidding as I was watching this it was posted by my friend to me.. but was listening to More Than This and felt the goose bumps rise up again.. Thank you for being amazing my friend!❤️🎼❤️
Sometimes I wish I was younger listening to all these songs for the first time again but honestly would I get the opportunity.. so glad you have delved back in this direction! Listening to Rush Bastille Day for my beautiful French Friends!
Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry is a deep rabbithole of genius. Keep going, very few duff tracks on their albums. The 1970s equivalent of Radiohead - in fact, Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, & Suede's Bernard Butler covered "Ladytron", "2HB", & Eno's "Baby's On Fire" in 1998 for the film _Velvet Goldmine._ Keep exploring Roxy & Ferry. - Pyjamarama - Avalon - Ferry - Don't Stop The Dance - Ferry - Kiss & Tell
Great shout by Steve Connor below re the western vibe and reminiscent of Joe Meek's pioneering production work in the sixties. Speaking of '70s art rock bands, have you checked out anything by another British band from that era, 10cc? Some really interesting stuff there I think you'd enjoy, albeit with a poppier, bubblegum feel to some of their hit singles.
He's done Somewhere in Hollywood from Sheet Music, Jeremy. The Original Soundtrack is my favourite album of theirs, with a huge range of styles and moods in there.
Roxy Music's early music is very different to their later albums, both styles were very enjoyable, but first few albums were definitely more 'interesting' 😏 For me Country Life is their best album, it strikes a balance between the early work and the later more commercial sound.
I didn't quite connect with the "Western" vibe. The sound reminded of the British producer Joe Meek, the man behind many British bands in the 60s such as The Tornados, The Honeycombs and Screaming Lord Sutch.
I agree. He is and was an amazing, innovative guitar player. But not forgotten. Since you're a fan, I'm sure you've heard Phil play on Eno's, John Cale's and Nico's albums. And Phil's solo work is quite impressive.
Think the early romantic posturing of the first Roxy Music albums was very influenced by the class system in England. Although Bryan Ferry was an art school student, he had very working-class roots. In fact, Irish coal mining roots. Like Cary Grant before him, he manipulated his image into a romantic, sophisticated and desirable gentleman which defied and obscured his working-class roots.... I don't think it's possible to truly appreciate early Roxy Music without understanding that aspect of the British class system and how Bryan Ferry subverted and overcame it. I believe that's why Roxy Music was never as popular in the US, because it was no context to appreciate how revolutionary they really were as a cultural phenomenon
@@kookoothebirdgirl1 you should read the New Musical Express account of the backstage efforts on the opening night of the tour to keep the costume secret, and the hilarity that ensued when he appeared in it 🙄
Hello, Justin. Dave from near Wembley, with One Summer Dream (shared with most of England). I have always seen this as a typical debut album, with the band finding its feet and developing styles. I love this track though and the highlight for me is Andy's woodwinds. Love your Western comparison. The next album, For Your Pleasure, saw Roxy really hitting its stride and is my absolute favourite.
Roxy were never my favourite band from the early 70s (and they certainly tarnished their reputation in my eyes with the bland Manifesto and subsequent huge-sellers) but any song with an oboe solo is worth listening to. The guitar/sax break is also pretty good. This did come from the UK glam-rock era which I loved at the time and Virginia Plain is in my top 100 singles of all time.
Absolutely. I was hyped for Manifesto when it was first released, especially as there had been rumours of them splitting up. I was gutted on hearing it for the first time. A few more plays didn't make me like it so I gave it away. That was the end of Roxy for me, but I still love the early albums. Virginia Plain is my No 1 single of all time!
You could stick with the debut LP, or go onto other tracks (on other albums) like: Strictly Confidential, The Bogus Man, A Really Good Time, Sentimental Fool, Manifesto.
Very interesting analysis. I think your linking of the music, especially the Western section, to Ferry's romantic yet misogynistic lyrics is fascinating. This is why I listen to this channel, and support you on Patreon. As always thanks for making my day a little bit better.
This is positively my favorite Roxy Music song. Admittedly that is partially due to Ferry's minimal presence. There is a live performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test you can easily find on CZcams. It's maybe the coolest thing ever. As for the galloping, I would wager that it is meant to be evocative of the fox hunt, as BF has long been an advocate for that vile and nasty practice. It's so cool the way Captain Eno brings the spaceship in for a landing here.
I was 17 when this album was released, and with a dad in radio, I had the promo LP a week prior to release, as well as access to the Warner Bros. Records weekly publicity rag, "Circular," which featured bio/promo writing by Barry Hansen aka Dr. Demento (and accompanying 6"-square promo one-sheets, usually including band member interviews). I can recall sensing the "bravery" behind Warner's signing and promoting such an "off-beat" band. Mentioned in "Circular," and mostly the British press (NME, Sounds, Melody Maker) was Bryan Ferry's resemblance to Brit actor, Dirk Bogarde, an actor many, if not most, American fans might have to look up! Keep in mind, too, that this was Brian before he was "Eno," too, and he added yet another "unconventional" PR challenge for the label of the Bunny! As I may have mentioned before, on a previous JustJP Roxy video page, a unique promo item accompanied this album: A mini 3" x 6" "billboard," with gray plastic frame, and a replica of the unfolded gatefold portrait! Kept it for several decades before, as with everything else I had collected, throwing it up on eBay around the turn of the century!
Only thing I don't like about this song is the ending with a fade. It feels like they didn't know how to end the song or transition to another section. The first Roxy album is quite raw. All the parts are there but things really gel on the followup album, "For Your Pleasure". The next track, "If There Is Something?" is a highlight, even better on the live album.
Never thought of it as western but I suppose that rattly cattery thing could be. It races through with a great driving beat, all sorts of stuff on top. Can you separate the two Brian's Eno and Ferry. I got confused thinking you were describing Eno as sleazy, it's the other one!. Love Ladytron. Always glad when the track arrives.
Thanks JP. This is the Roxy I love. The first 3 albums. So creative. Long tracks, odd tracks, slow tracks. This one was short. Please listen and react to other longer ones. I messaged you before when you listened to later stuff. They changed into something that sold records. The first 3 albums were for Roxy. The latter was for commerce I feel. Had Roxy started with the 4th album I would have said "good band" but not great as I did when they released their first.
I almost agree with you 100 % but I have a higher opinion of albums 4 and 5 than yourself. Especially album 4, 'Country Life'( my personal favorite ) There is still a substantial amount of arty stuff on that one..The albums after 'Siren" I don't have much time for.
@@TRANZEURO I hesitated when I said the first 3 because I was going to include the 4th Country Life. I did buy it but not Siren. I respect your choices. It is so difficult to get others to share in what you see as brilliant sometimes. Especially music. So subjective. I have had so many disagreements with people over Andy Warhole's picture of art when he included a picture of a banana and it is now worth thousands. Put that up against a masterpiece that I experienced in Cordoba or some of the sculptures and it devalues them. But as I said, so subjective. I only hope you have enjoyed Roxy as much as I. I bought all 4 albums when they came out. I am 66 and still play them today and still get so much pleasure out of them.
YES!!ROXY MUSIC AND BRIAN FERRY ARE FANTASTIC I LOVE THEM SO MUCH,AND ONE OF MY MUSIC BANDS THAT I GROW LISTENING TO.I SAW THEM LIVE TWICE IN ATHENS GREECE.TRY PLS JUSTIN THE SAME OLD SCENE,LOVE IS THE DRUG e.t.c.....P.S ENO ALWAYS HAVE THE MAGIC TOUCH....LIKE IN U2 IN THEIR ALBUM JOSHUA TREE....🥂🇬🇷🇺🇸👍👏
Did you know that Bryan Ferry released a solo Bob Dylan tribute album? So did Steve Howe, The Byrds, The Hollies, Joan Baez, Odetta, Robyn Hitchcock and many others. Edit: the Hitchcock album is a new discovery for me, listening to it now. Tellingly he introduces the 1st song 'Visions of Johanna' with "This is my favorite song, it's why I started writing songs." I can see that, it's idiosyncratic, very mid-sixties Dylan.
I dn't think it was a mellowtron, it was a very primitive almost home made sound generator thingy. Watvh the Old grey Whisle Test live version it is far more eye opening and equally as good.
I like this song... but I don't love it. There's such a variety of sounds and tempo changes it never gelled for me. It's still a good listen. I hope you'll get into some of Eno's first 4 pop albums, he reminds me a lot of Peter Gabriel. His 1st one "Here Come the Warm Jets" has 3 Roxy Music members and 2 King Crimson members contributing bits. The opening track 'Needle in a Camel's Eye' was used in the soundtrack of the 1998 film "Velvet Goldmine" a music drama from the glam rock era.
Nothing says rock n roll like an oboe solo
One of the very few debut albums with no “average” tracks: love this album!
A masterpiece, i came home from school one day as a 13yr old, my older sister Carol was playing this track on our radiogram , i said what the fuck is that, she said this new band Roxy Music...... i listened and haven't stopped since. I've been right through Bryan Ferry's career journey and still love his music and style and class to this day, Thank you Bryan, and thank you Carol.
I remember seeing this on The Old Grey Whistle Test (BBC) and have never forgotten how different it was. Nothing like it at the time it was a another world opening up. Very pleasing reaction. (TOGWT video is well worth checking out on YT)
czcams.com/video/XCzhAeukF1A/video.html
What a fantastic show, that used to be, with Bob Harris who was a great presenter.
i saw it too. I had just started senior school. I bought the album and the next 5. By the end of my school days I managed to get most of the class hooked on Roxy Music.. Great , the original band in their best period. Even though I liked the second incarnation the 71 -75 period was their best.
In terms of music on British (and perhaps world) TV, the OGWT Ladytron felt like a game-changer.
Try "If There Is Something". Starts off pure country & western corn, then evolves into completely different styles (Eastern Mystic, Spanish ...) & includes the passionately delivered lyric " growing potatoes by the score ..."
And the version of that song on their Viva! live album is the best thing they ever recorded.
Plus, ends on a crescendo of Mellotron.
I am still a fairly young person but I remember when I first heard Ladytron by Roxy Music in 2020 and I went into listening to the song not expecting that much as I was a veteran of listening to music by then, but this song blew my mind when I first heard it and I couldn't believe and still can't believe that the song was recorded only 3 years after Woodstock and how different it was to the bands only 3 years prior.
Eno's first 4 solo albums are amazing. Try his debut, Here Come the Warm Jets. His songwriting and production techniques affected so many bands.
And then Taking Tiger Mountain (by strategy) I know, I know…I’ve been asking for ages! It’s my fave Eno record…so unique and wonderful.
I'm convinced Roxy teleported back from the future.
Fun facts: Ladytron the band was named after this Roxy Music track and they were also really amazing!
Ah, you beat me to it. It’s easy to mention the band Stereolab in the same sentence as Ladytron, perhaps Justin could go down that avenue.
Hearing this album for the first time aged 12 in 1972 was something special. A little strange in places, there was nothing that sounded like their hit single Virginia Plain, but that didn't matter. It grabbed me, enchanted me, and nearly 50 years later it's still my favourite Roxy album.
Edit: Justin, if you complete this album you should also give the non-album single VIrginia Plain a listen.
Virginia Plain is on the album
@@shacharh5470 No, it's not. The original vinyl nor the CD re-issues.
@@shacharh5470 Yes and no. "Virginia Plain" was recorded about a month after the original UK release of the album, it was released as a non-album single in the UK. The original US release and later re-releases of the album included the song.
I saw a release of the album that includes it, I didn't know it's unusual
@@shacharh5470 US release.. Yes.
I'd forgotten how great this song is. Just brilliant. So many things going on. Love those castanets! How many Rock bands would throw in a detail like that? Excellent! By the way Justin I never thought I'd picture Bryan Ferry as a cowboy, LOL. Your commentary was top notch as usual. Hope you will continue with this album.
They were unique all right. Incidentally, there are castanets on "love lies bleeding" by Elton john. He's generally more pop than rock, but that song rocks
King Crimson/Fripp - Roxy Music/Eno - David Sylvian make a perfect circular triangle, real soul mates. Their collaboration spanned throughout three decades, and I love every moment.
"Glam Rock that's a little stranger than usual". That about says it. The early Ferry vocals have this kind of goulish, Count Dracula sound to them that isn't everyone's cup of tea. But no one's going to get confused about who they are listening to - it ain't Mick Jagger, and it ain't Ray Davies. The odd "Wild West" moments reoccur in other Roxy albums. It may have been something both Manzanara and Ferry found amusing.
Yes! Ferry's vocals and Eno's trippy instrumentals are such a unique identifier of early Roxy Music. Glam Rock produced so much fascinating music.
I would never think of cowboys when listening to Roxy Music. I just think of seventies UK music.
Correct.
With the exception of Prairie Rose 🌹
@@docnflossie7351 And the first part of 'If There Is Something'.
This song always reminds me of Velvet Goldmine with Christian Bale & Ewan McGregor
The 21st century band called Ladytron has some terrific music, Justin. Well worth delving into.
At 3:00: That first instrumental section reminds me of stuff like "Telstar" by Joe Meek, or the keyboard solo to "Runaway" by Del Shannon. Or even a little like Ennio Morricone's "spaghetti western" scores. Pretty cool...
I cut it off at the end of the song and listened to it again because I liked it so much. I've never heard it before but want to comment before I hear yours! I really liked the proggy instrumentals! The vocals seemed of a different genre - early new-wavish?? Kind of cool combination!!
👍👍 Oh and a Hacketty guitar at the very end...
Edit: I listened a third time after I heard your thoughts of "very western" which I didn't hear at all. I can indeed hear it now and it's so funny how we pick up on different things in music! 😀
I understood the reference right away so it's kind of interesting that several people don't hear it.
@@ijustneedmyselfand it may be why some like one sound over another? Interesting indeed. 👍
One of my absolute favorite songs of all time. There’s just something about it.
Roxy Music were a shock to the system when they first emerged - I saw them live on their first tour and they were outstanding - didn't really get the 'Western' reference.
Released just 2 years after the Beatles broke up. Roxy Music & Bowie seemed to land from another planet in the early 70s.
Nice analysis and the next track on the LP starts off like a country and western song. If there is something, widely regarded as one of ferry’s best song crafted tracks.
Starts off western but my god doesn’t it just morph into something entirely different.
The whole album is a journey, and this is part of it. Just as unique today as it was then. Love Bryan's crooning and falsetto voice. These were only young lads.
Gotta love the Eno electronica.
Check out "Destroy Everything You Touch" and "Ghosts" from Ladytron (the band).
Very original unique sound - I can really hear how Roxy Music's "Ladytron" of 1972 was the progenitor of Paul McCartney's 1973 Band On The Run album.
Huh -- can you say specifically what you mean? I know BOTR like probably no other album in my life (since I got it as a 10th birthday present when it came out -- my whole Beatles thing started with that), and I'm hearing this track for the first time. I'm open to the proposition but want to hear specifics, bc nothing jumped out at me as especially Wings-ish (maybe some Venus and Mars sounds, but not BOTR).
@@matrobnew Not as far-fetched as it seems. Paul was into Roxy Music at the time, and the style is evident on songs like "Nineteen Hundred Eighty Five". Paul's prior Wings album, Red Rose Speedway, sounded nothing like this.
@@bobholtzmann Yeah -- I figured you were thinking of 1985 if anything; but Macca was really cranking up the disco-futurism in that song, so some Roxy influence makes sense. I don't think any other track on BOTR sounds at all like 1985. Again, maybe some Venus & Mars.
Sounds like mellotron strings and oboe, fantastic sounds. Loved Roxy music.
Roxy , Sparks , Cockney Rebel, 10 cc, Queen, Kings of the 70s experimental glam scene
How kind, It's your birthday, and i'm getting the present. Ladytron, my fave RM track of all. It starts and ends a little weird, but boy, i love this, always have. A great song with everyone on top form. It's worth giving it a few listens to catch all the musical nuances. From the gentle start, to power chords, the piano, and synths, but there's two obvious standouts for me. Ferry's vocals, his delivery, and cadence, fantastic, and the sublime oboe and sax of Andy Mackay. That oboe solo, is something else.
Bit of a frippish intro. Very different very interesting song, I like it.
HB!
I haven't heard this track for a long time.
Thanks Justin for reacting/reviewing this gem.
Music for your headphones.
Spookily the only song I know from Ladytron [the band] is Seventeen [which I absolutely love; brilliant track].
Oboe. Castanets. Four note sax riff. Power chords like a train crash...drums like a pneumatic drill....my 1970s mind was blown.
This little song is a smorgasbord of sounds viva Roxy Music!
Roxy Music was one of those bands I never really got into, but this was a cool song. I'm definitely going to have to check out more of their stuff.
I think the beginning is a Syntesizer and a oboe. Is there 2 pianos? Great song. Thanks for uplodading.
Early riser, Happy B-Day! Made hay yesterday,now to go back and check-out the dens I uncovered today,(Coyote,rabbit,woodchuck, etc.) Guess I like uncovering new things,but on this your going to have to try harder! Know this,love this, want more of it!!! Peace and Manny is due for a collab,but mind the hangovers,sorry to ramble-Peace and PARTY!!!
Synthesizer was probably Enos VCS3, which he would use to process the guitar, clarinet, etc. making them sound "other worldly"
Bought this album in 1974 - stellar. Chance Meeting will slay you
Brilliant, from my choice as the best debut album ever. Someone else has already mentioned Roxy appearing on The Old Grey Whistle Test (OGWT), playing this live in the studio. For the non-Brits, this was a late night TV show on BBC2, which introduced many Brits to the latest bands. This is where we first heard Tubular Bells, David Bowie, Focus, Camel and a few years later Talking Heads, The Jam, and The Specials. Many blurry eyed teenagers would discuss the latest band they had just 'discovered' the next day at school and for a whole generation of 60+ Brits - Led Zeppelin's 'Trampled Underfoot', Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells', and Pink Floyd's 'One of these days' are indelibly linked to some weird black and white movie or some strange cartoon. In 1972, Roxy Music looked and sounded like aliens, now they look like extras from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but Richard O'Brien wrote that show in 1973 and the movie was produced in 1975. It cannot be a coincidence that Riff Raff looks like Brian Eno! Here's a link to the OGWT featuring Roxy Music playing Ladytron. czcams.com/video/XCzhAeukF1A/video.html
Imagine hearing this as a fourteen year-old, as I did. There was nothing to compete with Roxy Music at the time. Lost interest after their third album, but followed (and still follow Brian Eno).
Always liked that song. Great reaction.
Are you kidding as I was watching this it was posted by my friend to me.. but was listening to More Than This and felt the goose bumps rise up again.. Thank you for being amazing my friend!❤️🎼❤️
Sometimes I wish I was younger listening to all these songs for the first time again but honestly would I get the opportunity.. so glad you have delved back in this direction! Listening to Rush Bastille Day for my beautiful French Friends!
Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry is a deep rabbithole of genius. Keep going, very few duff tracks on their albums. The 1970s equivalent of Radiohead - in fact, Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, & Suede's Bernard Butler covered "Ladytron", "2HB", & Eno's "Baby's On Fire" in 1998 for the film _Velvet Goldmine._ Keep exploring Roxy & Ferry.
- Pyjamarama
- Avalon
- Ferry - Don't Stop The Dance
- Ferry - Kiss & Tell
Interesting...
Great shout by Steve Connor below re the western vibe and reminiscent of Joe Meek's pioneering production work in the sixties.
Speaking of '70s art rock bands, have you checked out anything by another British band from that era, 10cc? Some really interesting stuff there I think you'd enjoy, albeit with a poppier, bubblegum feel to some of their hit singles.
He's done Somewhere in Hollywood from Sheet Music, Jeremy. The Original Soundtrack is my favourite album of theirs, with a huge range of styles and moods in there.
@@gaiaeternal5131 Thanks. I'll check that out! They made some great stuff in the mid '70s.
Brian Eno on synth - genius- went on to influence and produce many “stars” future work
Roxy Music's early music is very different to their later albums, both styles were very enjoyable, but first few albums were definitely more 'interesting' 😏 For me Country Life is their best album, it strikes a balance between the early work and the later more commercial sound.
I didn't quite connect with the "Western" vibe.
The sound reminded of the British producer Joe Meek, the man behind many British bands in the 60s such as The Tornados, The Honeycombs and Screaming Lord Sutch.
Great shout on both counts Steve.
Oh, Yeah! ROXY ROCKS.
Yes "strange" was maybe also the best description of our reaction when the album was new. Facinated by all new sounds. An exciting period, really.
Phil manzanera is an amazing player, very Innovative and very subtle. Unfortunately, he has been rather forgotten
I agree. He is and was an amazing, innovative guitar player. But not forgotten. Since you're a fan, I'm sure you've heard Phil play on Eno's, John Cale's and Nico's albums. And Phil's solo work is quite impressive.
I think you must do 'If there is something' from the same album.
Think the early romantic posturing of the first Roxy Music albums was very influenced by the class system in England. Although Bryan Ferry was an art school student, he had very working-class roots. In fact, Irish coal mining roots. Like Cary Grant before him, he manipulated his image into a romantic, sophisticated and desirable gentleman which defied and obscured his working-class roots.... I don't think it's possible to truly appreciate early Roxy Music without understanding that aspect of the British class system and how Bryan Ferry subverted and overcame it. I believe that's why Roxy Music was never as popular in the US, because it was no context to appreciate how revolutionary they really were as a cultural phenomenon
Cowboy? No, Ferry was a Gaucho! 🤣
Yeah. A gaucho from Tyne and Wear!
@@SpaceCattttt He wore a Gaucho costume on Roxy’s ‘74 tour. Nobody laughed....much 🙄
@@mickcapewell6369 It wasn’t a costume…just his normal gear for that era.
@@kookoothebirdgirl1 you should read the New Musical Express account of the backstage efforts on the opening night of the tour to keep the costume secret, and the hilarity that ensued when he appeared in it 🙄
@@mickcapewell6369 I would love to read that! Maybe if I google…unless you might have a link?
Excellent analysis, JP, of a fantastic song.
This is my favorite Roxy song!
Nice analysis : )
Hello, Justin. Dave from near Wembley, with One Summer Dream (shared with most of England). I have always seen this as a typical debut album, with the band finding its feet and developing styles. I love this track though and the highlight for me is Andy's woodwinds. Love your Western comparison. The next album, For Your Pleasure, saw Roxy really hitting its stride and is my absolute favourite.
@@michaelkeane7211 Thanks Michael and congratulations to Italy, the best team in the tournament. The dream goes on!
Nice Prefab Sprout intro!
Roxy were never my favourite band from the early 70s (and they certainly tarnished their reputation in my eyes with the bland Manifesto and subsequent huge-sellers) but any song with an oboe solo is worth listening to. The guitar/sax break is also pretty good. This did come from the UK glam-rock era which I loved at the time and Virginia Plain is in my top 100 singles of all time.
Absolutely. I was hyped for Manifesto when it was first released, especially as there had been rumours of them splitting up. I was gutted on hearing it for the first time. A few more plays didn't make me like it so I gave it away. That was the end of Roxy for me, but I still love the early albums. Virginia Plain is my No 1 single of all time!
@@lemming9984 Manifesto is their worst album , worse than Flesh &Blood and the overrated Siren , the only decent track is the title song !
You could stick with the debut LP, or go onto other tracks (on other albums) like: Strictly Confidential, The Bogus Man, A Really Good Time, Sentimental Fool, Manifesto.
Check out Phil Manzanera/801 live. Review their cover of "Tomorrow Never Knows". Manzanera goes deeper and further than just Roxy Music.
If there's something on this album is one of the best songs I've heard
Very interesting analysis. I think your linking of the music, especially the Western section, to Ferry's romantic yet misogynistic lyrics is fascinating. This is why I listen to this channel, and support you on Patreon. As always thanks for making my day a little bit better.
He's playing a Casanova/Bogartian figure in this song .... You get that right?
@@ziggystardust1798 yeah.
This is positively my favorite Roxy Music song. Admittedly that is partially due to Ferry's minimal presence. There is a live performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test you can easily find on CZcams. It's maybe the coolest thing ever. As for the galloping, I would wager that it is meant to be evocative of the fox hunt, as BF has long been an advocate for that vile and nasty practice. It's so cool the way Captain Eno brings the spaceship in for a landing here.
I was 17 when this album was released, and with a dad in radio, I had the promo LP a week prior to release, as well as access to the Warner Bros. Records weekly publicity rag, "Circular," which featured bio/promo writing by Barry Hansen aka Dr. Demento (and accompanying 6"-square promo one-sheets, usually including band member interviews). I can recall sensing the "bravery" behind Warner's signing and promoting such an "off-beat" band.
Mentioned in "Circular," and mostly the British press (NME, Sounds, Melody Maker) was Bryan Ferry's resemblance to Brit actor, Dirk Bogarde, an actor many, if not most, American fans might have to look up! Keep in mind, too, that this was Brian before he was "Eno," too, and he added yet another "unconventional" PR challenge for the label of the Bunny!
As I may have mentioned before, on a previous JustJP Roxy video page, a unique promo item accompanied this album: A mini 3" x 6" "billboard," with gray plastic frame, and a replica of the unfolded gatefold portrait! Kept it for several decades before, as with everything else I had collected, throwing it up on eBay around the turn of the century!
Unlike anything Else. Then and now. More Roxy. You will not hit a weak track until the 5th album. :-)
Next two songs on this album are must listen.
Only thing I don't like about this song is the ending with a fade. It feels like they didn't know how to end the song or transition to another section.
The first Roxy album is quite raw. All the parts are there but things really gel on the followup album, "For Your Pleasure".
The next track, "If There Is Something?" is a highlight, even better on the live album.
Never thought of it as western but I suppose that rattly cattery thing could be. It races through with a great driving beat, all sorts of stuff on top. Can you separate the two Brian's Eno and Ferry. I got confused thinking you were describing Eno as sleazy, it's the other one!.
Love Ladytron. Always glad when the track arrives.
Thanks JP. This is the Roxy I love. The first 3 albums. So creative. Long tracks, odd tracks, slow tracks. This one was short. Please listen and react to other longer ones. I messaged you before when you listened to later stuff. They changed into something that sold records. The first 3 albums were for Roxy. The latter was for commerce I feel. Had Roxy started with the 4th album I would have said "good band" but not great as I did when they released their first.
I almost agree with you 100 % but I have a higher opinion of albums 4 and 5 than yourself. Especially album 4, 'Country Life'( my personal favorite ) There is still a substantial amount of arty stuff on that one..The albums after 'Siren" I don't have much time for.
@@TRANZEURO I hesitated when I said the first 3 because I was going to include the 4th Country Life. I did buy it but not Siren. I respect your choices. It is so difficult to get others to share in what you see as brilliant sometimes. Especially music. So subjective. I have had so many disagreements with people over Andy Warhole's picture of art when he included a picture of a banana and it is now worth thousands. Put that up against a masterpiece that I experienced in Cordoba or some of the sculptures and it devalues them. But as I said, so subjective. I only hope you have enjoyed Roxy as much as I. I bought all 4 albums when they came out. I am 66 and still play them today and still get so much pleasure out of them.
YES!!ROXY MUSIC AND BRIAN FERRY ARE FANTASTIC I LOVE THEM SO MUCH,AND ONE OF MY MUSIC BANDS THAT I GROW LISTENING TO.I SAW THEM LIVE TWICE IN ATHENS GREECE.TRY PLS JUSTIN THE SAME OLD SCENE,LOVE IS THE DRUG e.t.c.....P.S ENO ALWAYS HAVE THE MAGIC TOUCH....LIKE IN U2 IN THEIR ALBUM JOSHUA TREE....🥂🇬🇷🇺🇸👍👏
Did you know that Bryan Ferry released a solo Bob Dylan tribute album? So did Steve Howe, The Byrds, The Hollies, Joan Baez, Odetta, Robyn Hitchcock and many others.
Edit: the Hitchcock album is a new discovery for me, listening to it now. Tellingly he introduces the 1st song 'Visions of Johanna' with "This is my favorite song, it's why I started writing songs." I can see that, it's idiosyncratic, very mid-sixties Dylan.
I'm drinking Kronenbourg 1664 and hopefully England is just about to win the Euro.
Dustier is so good.
IF THERE IS SOMETHING IS A MUST OFF THIS OUTSTANDING ALBUM.
I dn't think it was a mellowtron, it was a very primitive almost home made sound generator thingy. Watvh the Old grey Whisle Test live version it is far more eye opening and equally as good.
The LSD is strong in this one.
Ferry uaed to live next tothe Newcastle Town Moor where the Gypsy's had an annual carnival gathering with garish rides and wanton behaviour.
They were very much ahead of their time. This first album was just far out
Moar Roxy please... 🙌
I like this song... but I don't love it. There's such a variety of sounds and tempo changes it never gelled for me. It's still a good listen. I hope you'll get into some of Eno's first 4 pop albums, he reminds me a lot of Peter Gabriel. His 1st one "Here Come the Warm Jets" has 3 Roxy Music members and 2 King Crimson members contributing bits. The opening track 'Needle in a Camel's Eye' was used in the soundtrack of the 1998 film "Velvet Goldmine" a music drama from the glam rock era.
PLEASE listen to their last studio album, ‘Avalon’, filled with sophisticated sexy urban music. IT’S A MUST LISTEN.
A bit uneven for me. There are bits I really liked and bits I was uncertain about. I suspect all parts would grow on me eventually.
The band Ladytron took their name from this song.
Roxy Music's art rock songs have always sounded dry and artificial to me. They did couple of Bob Dylan covers, good job there.
Bryan Ferry covered a couple of Dylan songs as a solo artist, but I don't think Roxy ever did.