Roxy Music - "Flesh + Blood" [1980] (Art Pop/Rock)

This HAS to be my absolute favorite album from Roxy Music's colorful and varied career. A far cry from their earlier hard-edged Progressive Rock/Avantgarde noisefests, this album definitely spelled a new course for Roxy Music (hinted at in their previous album, Manifesto-probably the absolute nadir of their career in this reviewer's opinion) and sadly, the beginning of the end for this band who had come back from a previous disbanding in the years spanning 1976-1979. Ferry's softer side is clearly heard in this beautiful, crystalline offering, from the legendary band who in their earliest incarnation brought us powerful experimental tunes like "Virginia Plain", "Re-Make/Re-Model", and the disco-edged "Love Is The Drug".

Flesh + Blood is possibly one of the most overlooked albums in the band's repertoire, and quite unfortunately so. This seventh outing was released in May of 1980 and enjoyed chart success in the UK (reaching #1 status in staggered increments throughout its release year), and hit #35 on American shores. Not too shabby, considering that it is not often mentioned in reference to being among the band's best. The album which was the follow-up to Flesh + Blood, Avalon, would sadly be the band's last studio work.

The album opens with an infectious and unique take on Wilson Pickett's classic hit, "In The Midnight Hour", which has fared quite well as a standalone single in some markets. The second track, "Oh Yeah" is highlighted by Bryan Ferry's emotive vocals, and is a well-crafted melodic love song, which seems to reference itself. The powerful "Same Old Scene" follows; a straightahead techno/dance number, which would point the way ahead sound-wise for some of the later bands who would credit Roxy Music among their idols and influences. The title track, "Flesh and Blood" is a bit of a lackluster rock piece, that seems to serve as filler material. "My Only Love" is a heartbreakingly beautiful track here, featuring Ferry's trademark vocals over some fantastic solo and ensemble playing bits: Phil Manzanera's guitar prowess heard clearly, and Andy Mackay's fantastic saxophone playing creating layers of sound over the lush keyboards and pianos by Ferry and guest musician, Paul Carrack.

"Over You" is an awesome, hookish song that opens with jangling guitars and ends with a gorgeous ensemble instrumental, which flows seamlessly into the cover version of the Byrds' "Eight Miles High". A totally inventive reworking of the classic psychedelic tune, it is given the unique Roxy Music treatment here. "Rain Rain Rain" strikes me as yet more filler material, but has some nice overlapping vocals and a catchy beat that draws the listener into its mysterious tone. An absolute masterpiece lyrically, "No Strange Delight" takes a turn toward the darker side. The closing track on this album, "Running Wild" , is a fine way to wrap up this great collection of songs, featuring vocals and a sound that would give a hint of what Ferry's later solo works would sound like. More fantastic keyboard and piano playing and guitar and saxophone solos by Manzanera, and Mackay are the pillars of this one.

Flesh + Blood was my first taste of Roxy Music, and it was the catalyst that led me to their more well-known and well-revered works. It will always hold a special place for me, not only for that reason, but for the sheer beauty of the music contained therein. It has a sound that to my ear is as timeless today as it was when I first heard it, and as it was at the time of its release. I can compare the sound of this album to no other album I have ever heard, nor to even any other Roxy Music selections. A truly unique contrubution, by a band that, more often than not, delivered a fresh and interesting sound on every album in their colorful and illustrious career.

----Review by FlowerJewel


Sources cited:

Roxyrama: The Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music Archive, Wikipedia, Prog Archives

Tracklisting:
1. In the Midnight Hour (3:12)
2. Oh Yeah (4:50)
3. Same Old Scene (3:57)
4. Flesh and Blood (3:13)
5. My Only Love (5:19)
6. Over You (3:27)
7. Eight Miles High (4:53)
8. Rain, Rain, Rain (3:20)
9. No Strange Delight (4:45)
10. Running Wild (5:01)

Total Time: 41:57

Line-up:
- Bryan Ferry / vocals, keyboards
- Phil Manzanera / guitar
- Andy Mackay / saxophone
- Paul Carrack / keyboards
- Neil Hubbard / guitar
- Alan Spenner, Neil Jason & Gary Tibbs / bass
- Allan Schwartzberg, Andy Newmark & Simon Phillips / drums

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