Glam Slam Guide

The art-school invaders who dressed like 1950s matinee idols, sounded like the future, and made every other glam band look like they’d just rolled out of bed.

One day in 1971, a ferryman with a quiff, a synth wizard in a leopard-print cape, and a sax player who looked like he’d escaped from a sci-fi B-movie walked into a studio and decided rock needed more oboe, more glamour, and a lot more danger.

The Glam Slam Essentials

1. Roxy Music (1972) – Album Release (1972)The debut that changed everything – “Virginia Plain”, “Re-Make/Re-Model”, car-crash sax solos.

2. For Your Pleasure (1973) – Album Release (1973)Peak feral Roxy – “Do the Strand”, “In Every Dream Home a Heartache”, “Editions of You”.

3. Stranded (1973) – Album Release (1973)First without Eno – “A Song for Europe”, “Mother of Pearl” – elegant, heartbreaking, still weird.

4. Country Life (1974) – Album Release (1974)The one with the lingerie models on the cover – “The Thrill of It All”, “All I Want Is You”.

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Where to Start Listening Today (5 tracks)

1. Virginia Plain – the greatest debut single in history

2. Do the Strand – dance like it’s 1973

3. Love Is the Drug – the funkiest thing glam ever produced

4. In Every Dream Home a Heartache – inflatable dolls have never been so creepy

5. Editions of You – sax solo that could peel paint

Roxy Music didn’t do glam – they invented a parallel universe where glamour was dangerous, sex was surreal, and the future looked fabulous.Turn it up, strike a pose, and remember: both ends burning.

Deep Dive:

Influential British rock band formed in 1971 in London, England. Here's an overview of their history, style, and impact:

Formation and Early Years:

Founding Members: The band was initially formed by Bryan Ferry (vocals, keyboards), Brian Eno (synthesizers, "treatments"), Graham Simpson (bass), Andy Mackay (oboe, saxophone), and Paul Thompson (drums). Phil Manzanera (guitar) joined later in 1972.

First Album: Their debut album, "Roxy Music" (1972), introduced a sound that was both innovative and eclectic, mixing glam rock, art rock, and avant-garde elements. The album featured hits like "Virginia Plain" and "Re-Make/Re-Model."

Musical Style:

Art Rock and Glam: Roxy Music was known for its blend of art school aesthetics with rock music. The band's music was characterized by Ferry's distinctive crooning voice, Eno's experimental soundscapes, and a visually striking image.

Influence of Brian Eno: Eno's use of synthesizers and his approach to sound processing were ahead of their time, contributing significantly to the band's unique sound during their early albums.

Key Albums:

"For Your Pleasure" (1973): This album continued their experimental approach with tracks like "In Every Dream Home a Heartache."

"Stranded" (1973): Following Eno's departure, the band continued to produce critically acclaimed work, with "Street Life" being a notable hit.

"Siren" (1975): Known for the classic track "Love is the Drug," this album marked a shift towards a more accessible, mainstream sound.

Later Career and Reunions:

Hiatus and Solo Work: After "Siren," the band took a break, with members focusing on solo careers. Bryan Ferry, in particular, had a successful solo career.

Reunion: Roxy Music reunited in the 2000s for several tours, performing in 2001, 2003, 2010, and 2011. These tours were well-received, showcasing both their classic hits and their lasting influence.

Legacy:

Influence: Roxy Music's impact on music is profound, influencing genres like new wave, synth-pop, and post-punk. Their fashion sense, particularly during the glam era, also left a mark on pop culture.

Awards and Recognition: The band has been celebrated for their contributions to music, with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.

Roxy Music's blend of style, innovation, and melody created a unique niche in rock music, making them one of the most memorable bands from the 1970s. If you're interested in seeing what they looked like in their heyday, I can generate images reflecting their iconic visual style.