I know pretty much jackshit about this band, but I do know that I like "Editions of You" that I watched for some reason a few weeks ago.

AMG throws around some Prog & Art Rock labels, but also T. Rex. So those of you with good taste—and you know if you do—is this song fairly representative of the band's output, or is does this just happen to be a turd in the punchbowl for fans of the band? Would you have any rec's based on this song as a starting point?

Also, no need for YSI or anything. I don't have the time, and I've started a to-buy list after a self-imposed hiatus.

The type of band I've always associated with a prolonged "illness", some weight loss, open sores; then ending with the all-too-predictable "death by pneumonia".

front to back. buy it all. one of my fav bands ever.

Their output isn't homogenous enough for one song to be truly "representative". If you're not interested in amassing their whole catalogue, there was a 20-track Roxy/Bryan Ferry best of comp issued around '90 or so that is excellent. Regardless, "Avalon" is an album I consider a "must-own"--although it's a lot softer (for lack of a better word--think introspective) than "Editions of You".

"Avalon" made my album Listmania, and "Do The Strand" made my song Listmania. BTW, Brian Eno was a bandmember on the first two albums (Roxy Music and For Your Pleasure).

Off the top of my head, these are my tops from them:

1. Avalon
2. Flesh And Blood
3. Country Life
4. Stranded
5. Roxy Music
6. For Your Pleasure

Avalon's the best but pretty different than the rest of their output.

It's like they were influenced by the synth bands that they themselves influenced, then went and made a better record than any of them.

Or something.

Country Life is my second fave.

They were never really 'prog' in the long wanky songs with odd time signitures way, but they were experimental in the sense of eno's treatments and shit. The earlier songs are more in line with Bowie/T-Rex than Genesis and Pink Floyd. I prefer their later synth pop period more though.

o/\o

stylin' vid. it's not just the sweaty unitard, i'd say you like the eno influence of the band. i lean toward the early discs (S/T, FYP, CL) for the rockier experimental & electronic elements, pretty much his signature on the band. he appeared only on the first two records, both of which i find the most accessible and similar personality to Editions of You. the later avant-synth adult-themish collection does nothing but remind me of my folks' divorce in 83. how avalon appeals to splates is beyond me. he's like 19 going on roadie for Deep Purple. and be prepared for harry to crush your skull with the fab brilliance of avalon.

I really like Country Life

you people are crazy. if the man likes "editions of you", then he should start with for your pleasure. i am an eno junkie, so i naturally gravitate toward those first two albums, but avalon is great too in a totally different way.

I agree with that. IMO the only Roxy you need are the first two, plus Siren, plus Avalon - everything else is for the completist.

Although the double disc live album from their '03 tour is a surprisingly excellent overview - even has a passable version of "Virginia Plain" on it.

Yeah. Listen to Radcliffe on this.

I know you wouldn't take my word for it, but the fist two and Avalon are my favorites. I would suggest their fist album as a good entry point.

Stranded and Country Life are just sort of OK as far as I'm concerned. I haven't listened to Siren very much, but I think I would agree that it's better than those two. Since I'm not really a huge fan, I never bothered to listen to their other albums.

I don't really think the things I like most about this band have that much to do with Brian Eno even though the albums with him in the band are my favorite. In fact, I'm not really crazy about Brian Ferry either. I just think that the band itself (mainly Phil Manzanera) could be really, really great at times. In fact, I have a Phil Manzanera solo album (Diamond Head) that I like as much or more than any of the Roxy Music stuff.

Diamond Head is a wonderful album, but not in the class of RM's best. It's too 70's prog-rockish. The punkish glam and irony of Ferry (and at first Eno) was a good balance to the serious art-rock of Mazanera et. al.

Kinda what everybody said... Avalon is one of those weird events... at the end of a band's career, when you think they have nothing left, they put out one of the best rock albums ever. It is in my top 5. It's not softer, just a bit more adult, and displays an authentic world-weariness...

"..now the party's over, I'm so tired..."

I like to imagine im an 80s yuppie trying to seduce a big-haired, shoulder pad wearing lass

and hey, im like 21 now

Thanks, gang. I'll report back after I buy a bunch of stuff, hate it, then hold you all individually responsible.

Avalon is the only thing I own. I don't listen to it that much I but enjoy it when I do.


I picture that album being played at every yuppie dinner party in the mid-80's just after dinner and before the blow was busted out.


I hear the "sound" of that album in tons of big hollywood movies of that time period.

Maybe it's just me.

I own Avalon and the s/t.
It's been a while since I've listened to Avalon, though... because I have it on vinyl.

Stilll they're like two entirely different bands. Even Bryan Ferry sounds completely different on the two records. Hard to believe that it's the same guy.

But both are great records.

"For Your Pleasure" and "Country Life" are best IMO. Really you can't go wrong, but don't get "Manifesto" and do not buy "Avalon" 1st because it will give you the totally wrong idea.

I have "For Your Pleasure" and "Avalon." I've heard bits and pieces off the other albums at one time or another. I like them both. "Avalon" is probably my favorite. I think it's just beautiful without being schmaltzy.

kind of a bit late now, but whatevs

some tracks from different eras

Take a chance with me (Avalon)

All I Want Is You (Country Life)

Do The Strand (For Your Pleasure)

Exempting Avalon, my favorite RM song was Mother of Pearl.