Roxy Music: "Virginia Plain" Single (1972)

Roxy Music’s "Virginia Plain" backed with "The Numberer", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Island Records (catalog number WIP 6116) on August 4, 1972, as a standalone release not featured on the album, Roxy Music (June 1972), though it was later included on some reissues. Written by frontman Bryan Ferry, the song encapsulates the early glam rock era's blend of art-pop flamboyance, surreal lyricism, and avant-garde energy.

Cover art for Roxy Music's single "Virginia Plain" with "The Numberer," released under the Island label in Denmark. Catalogue number: WIP 6144.

Background and Creation

Band Context: Roxy Music, formed in 1970 by Bryan Ferry (vocals, keyboards), included Phil Manzanera (guitar), Andy Mackay (saxophone, oboe), Brian Eno (synthesizer, "treatments"), and others. They were part of the UK glam rock scene, alongside David Bowie and T. Rex, but stood out for their art-school aesthetic and experimental edge. David Bowie’s influence was notable—his management helped Roxy Music gain traction, and their shared producer, Chris Thomas, worked on Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust.

Song Origin:

"Virginia Plain" was inspired by a painting Ferry created in 1964, depicting a cigarette packet with a fictional brand, "Virginia Plain." The lyrics are a surreal, stream-of-consciousness collage, referencing pop culture (e.g., Humphrey Bogart, Baby Jane), Americana, and Ferry’s fascination with glamour. The title also nods to Virginia Plan, a U.S. constitutional proposal, adding a layer of esoteric wit.

Recording:

Recorded in July 1972 at Command Studios, London, the track was produced by Peter Sinfield (of King Crimson). It was a late addition to Roxy Music’s repertoire, written to capitalize on their debut album’s buzz. Brian Eno’s VCS3 synthesizer and tape effects were pivotal, giving the song its futuristic, jagged texture, while Phil Manzanera’s guitar riffs and Andy Mackay’s sax added raw energy.

Cover of the 1972 single "Virginia Plain" by Roxy Music. Released by Island Records in Germany, catalogue number 12 291 AT.

Musical and Lyrical Elements Sound:

The song is a 2:58 burst of glam rock with art-rock leanings. It features:

A driving, staccato piano riff by Ferry, setting a frenetic pace.

Eno’s squelching synths and electronic manipulations, creating a proto-new-wave sound.

Manzanera’s sharp, angular guitar work, blending rock with an avant-garde edge.

A tight rhythm section (drummer Paul Thompson) and Mackay’s soaring sax, adding theatrical flair.

The song’s structure is unconventional, with abrupt shifts and a chaotic outro, reflecting Roxy Music’s art-school roots.

Lyrics:

Cryptic and playful, the lyrics evoke a dreamlike narrative: “Make me a deal and make it straight / All signed and sealed, I’ll take it / To Robert E. Lee I’ll show it.” References like “Baby Jane’s in Acapulco” and “Flavio, you’ve got the action” mix Hollywood imagery with absurdity. The refrain, “What’s real and make-believe? / Virginia Plain,” captures the glam rock obsession with artifice and fantasy.

Glam Connection:

The song’s polished yet edgy sound, combined with Roxy Music’s flamboyant image—feathers, sequins, and androgynous style—aligned it with glam rock’s theatricality, though its art-rock leanings set it apart from the more straightforward stomp of T. Rex or Slade.

Release and Impact

Chart Performance:

Released in August 4, 1972 by Island Records, it reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, a major success for a debut single. It didn’t chart significantly in the U.S. but helped establish Roxy Music’s cult following.

Cultural Significance:

The song introduced Roxy Music to a wider audience and became a glam rock touchstone. Its appearance on Top of the Pops (August 24, 1972) was iconic, with Eno’s glittery attire and Ferry’s crooner charisma embodying the genre’s visual excess. The performance is often cited as a defining moment in glam rock’s mainstream breakthrough.

Cover art for Roxy Music's single "Virginia Plain / The Numberer," released in the Netherlands under the Island label with catalogue number 12 291 AT.

Legacy Influence:

The track bridged Glam Rock with the emerging new wave and art-pop movements. Its quirky production and Eno’s synth work influenced acts like Talking Heads and Devo. Roxy Music’s blend of glamour and experimentation also paved the way for 1980s bands like Duran Duran.

Critical Reception:

Critics praised its originality, with NME and Melody Maker hailing it as a bold debut. Modern retrospectives, like those on Pitchfork or The Guardian, rank it among the greatest glam rock singles for its innovation and energy.

Roxy Music’s Trajectory: The single’s success propelled Roxy Music to international fame, though Eno left the band in 1973 due to creative tensions with Ferry. The song remains a staple in their live sets and a fan favorite.

Fun Facts Cigarette Connection:

The "Virginia Plain" cigarette packet in Ferry’s painting was a nod to real cigarette brands like Virginia Slims, tying into Glam’s fascination with consumer culture.

Video Absence:

Unlike later Roxy Music singles, "Virginia Plain" lacked a formal music video, as the format wasn’t yet standard. Its Top of the Pops performance served as its visual legacy.

Cover Versions:

The song has been covered by artists like Spizzenergi (1980) and Slits members in punk renditions, reflecting its cross-genre appeal.