Roxy Music: The Same Old Scene Single (1980)

A Sophisticated Synth-Pop Strut

Roxy Music’s “The Same Old Scene” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 31, 1980, on EG Records (catalogue: ROXY 1).

The song was taken from the group's number one album Flesh and Blood, It peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Charts and No. 35 in Australia.

It contains a Roland CR-78 drum machine rhythm backing and intricate bass guitar work that would become ubiquitous in many Roxy Music songs that followed. "Same Old Scene" plays during both the opening and end credits of the 1980 film Times Square and is included on the film soundtrack. It also plays over the end scene and closing credits of the 2008 pilot episode for the television series Ashes to Ashes, and is featured in a party scene in the 2018 film Can You Ever Forgive Me?.

Most of the single editions had a non-LP track on the B-side called "Lover", which was notable for being one of the few Roxy Music B-sides with lyrics. "Lover" was also featured on the Miami Vice II soundtrack album in 1986, the B Side of Bryan Ferry's "The Price of Love" single in 1989, and was later included in the 1995 Roxy Music boxed set The Thrill of It All.

The music video features clips of the band playing the song in a recording studio.

Personnel

Bryan Ferry – vocals, keyboards

Phil Manzanera – guitar

Andy Mackay – saxophone

Alan Spenner – bass

Allan Schwartzberg – drums

Chart Performance

Chart (1980–1981) Peak Position

Australia (Kent Music Report) 35

Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) 27

Ireland (IRMA) 13

Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 34

Netherlands (Single Top 100) 29

UK Singles (OCC) 12

Single Overview

A By Tonight

B I Can Show You How It Is

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – CBS Inc.

Published By – April Music Ltd.

Published By – Mott Music

Arranged By, Producer, Directed By – Mott

Taken from the LP 'Drive On' CBS 69 154

A U.K. Production

Notes: released in four pronged and solid center versions

Notes: ℗ & © 1975 CBS Records. Recorded at Rockfield Studios, Monmouth, Wales, 1975. From the album Drive On (CBS 69154). Matrix numbers (e.g., S CBS 3741 A-1) confirm authenticity.

Country Variations

The single was a UK release with limited international distribution:

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Label: Polydor – ROXY 1, EG – ROXY 1

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Silver Injection Labels (The single was also released with Large Centre and Purple Injection Labels.)

Country: UK

A The Same Old Scene

B Lover

Copyright © – E.G. Music Ltd.

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – E.G. Records Ltd.

Pressed By – PRS Ltd.

Lacquer Cut At – Master Room

Lacquer Cut By – Arun*

Producer – Rhett Davies, Roxy Music

Copyright © E.G. Music Ltd. 1980

℗ 1980 E.G. Records Ltd.

Made in England.

There is also a French pressing made for the UK market.

Have you snagged this Roxy gem in your vinyl collection? Does “The Same Old Scene” still seduce? Share in the comments!

Sources

Wikipedia: Same Old Scene

Wikipedia: Roxy Music Discography

YouTube: The Same Old Scene Official Video (2008 upload, 1M+ views)