RMLP1
01/04/22
Limited edition gatefold 180g vinyl
Remastered and cut Half-Speed from the original 1/4" tapes at Abbey Road Studios, London
Arriving seemingly perfectly formed from nowhere, Roxy Music’s self-titled debut instantly propelled the band into the affections of both the music-buying public and the serious music press – no mean feat in 1972. Frontman Bryan Ferry’s lyrical evocations of romance and glamour, pop-art references and allusions to both old Hollywood and future shock sci-fi came showcased against an eclectic and unique musical soundscape forever immortalised in the record’s 1950s-style album cover – one of the most iconic record sleeves of the 1970s.
Debuting inside the UK Top 10 the album would go on to be seen one of the most pioneering and important debut albums of all time.
For this 50th anniversary edition ‘Roxy Music’ has been given a fresh half-speed cut by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios in London. To reflect the enhanced audio, the album artwork has been similarly revised with lyrics and a deluxe gloss laminated finish. This isn’t just a record; it’s a piece of modern art.
From the LFD archives:
Roxy Music | Roxy Music 1972
Talking of cracking debut records (we were? - ed) this has to be right up there. An audacious statement of intent from a band whose, 'I fell out of auntie Enid's wardrobe' look inspired George Lucas' legendary Tatooine catina scenes and whose oboe player, Andy Mackay, inspired the cantina band's atonal skronking.
Released in the Great Year of 1972 (and the fifth record released that year to make my 365 list so far!) Roxy Music sounds so fresh and innovative it might have been recorded yesterday. But it wasn't.
Back in my fly biscuit munching days (when you were young? -ed) I had a Roxy 'best of' which weirdly omitted most of their BEST STUFF, so it wasn't until my mid twenties that I realised just how truly awesome their first few records were. 'If There Is Something' is one of my favourite favourite favourite favourite songs, like, ever. A song about memories, love, potatoes, and the relentless unforgiving march of time, it is THE theme tune for this unrelenting daily snarf of the records that have shaped the manchild I am today. Ferry's vocals are terrific; 5:05, the controlled hysteria, the yearning, the drama...I blart every damn time...
"Shake your head girl with your pony tail...
...takes me right back"...HOOOOOOOOWWWWLLLLL
