Life at 33 1/3  By Carl Meyer

Back to the future

Roxy Music, Roxy Music (Island)

Roxy Music’s debut-album caught most people off balance. The music was a burlesque and eccentric brew of nostalgia and futurism. Wrapped in a glossy, striking cover that flirted with the pin-up girls and glamour of the 40’s and 50’s.
In 1972 that didn’t go down well among the politically correct, they found it provocative and uncomfortably decadent. The sight of the snarling cover-girl Kari-Ann Muller (who later married Chris Jagger, Mick’s brother) made me drool. Now what was this all about?
The inner spread of the gatefold sleeve gave me another shock. Were these guys for real? It was glam pushed completely over the top with an androgynous Brian Eno as the absolute eye-catcher. Many bought the disc without even bothering to listen to it first. That’s what I call a strong wrapping.
The music sure lived up to it, though, even if it didn’t exactly take you to the places that the come-on expression of the cover-girl suggested. It was prog rock, it was pastiche, it was lyrics seasoned with quotes from classic movies, it was way out synth, a wizard on guitar, a saxophone player that would’ve gone down a storm in the circus ring, and there was Bryan Ferry, the crooner from the abyss. All nailed to your brain by a thunderous and precise rhythm section. What a treat! And they didn’t even bother to include the wonderful, staccato hit single “Virginia Plain”.
The American edition did include it though, so when the imports arrived I bought the album yet again. I kept both versions, that’s how much I loved the beast.
It was recorded in a single week, and was produced by Peter Sinfield of King Crimson fame. At the time Roxy Music didn’t even have a record contract and their managers financed the recording.
On its arrival it sounded fresh as an ocean breeze.
Released: June 16, 1972
Produced by: Peter Sinfield
(All songs written and composed by Bryan Ferry)
Side One
1. “Re-Make/Re-Model” 5:10
2. “Ladytron” 4:21
3. “If There Is Something” 6:33
4. “2 H.B.” 4:34
Side Two
1. “The Bob (Medley)” 5:48
2. “Chance Meeting” 3:00
3. “Would You Believe?” 3:47
4. “Sea Breezes” 7:00
5. “Bitters End” 2:02
Personnel:
Bryan Ferry – vocals, piano, Hohner Pianet, Mellotron
Brian Eno – VCS3 synthesizer, tape effects, backing vocals
Andy Mackay – oboe, saxophone, backing vocals
Phil Manzanera – electric guitar
Graham Simpson – bass guitar
Paul Thompson – drums