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Reasserting Roxy's art-rock credentials ...
This excellent DVD release does exactly what it's supposed to. And that's remind us what a brilliant and innovative band Roxy were before they finally descended into a bunch of hired hands dancing to Bryan Ferry's every tune.
Not that anyone else in the band ever called any of the shots. That much is clear. When Brian Eno's star started to ascend, his departure was only a matter of time. That Stranded (1973) - the band's first album without him - is his favourite Roxy album is the ultimate irony.
Originally put together for TV, the DVD charts the band's history from inception to demise with extensive input from all the band members. Thankfully, there's relatively little input from 'informed' pundits, although as ever, Bono doesn't miss an opportunity to get himself in front of a camera and let the world have his slant on the Roxy phenomena. Is there a man in the world who likes the sound of his own voice more?
What is interesting - apart from the fact the programme demands you revisit those classic early Roxy albums, is the reverence with which the band were held by punks and new romantics. They had a truly universal appeal. Which is quite amazing given Brian Ferry is such a cu..ltured guy.
The original 50 minute running time is padded out by outtakes looking specifically at the iconic album artwork plus three live tracks taken from the Dock Rock London gig in 2006 - Both End Burning, Editions Of You and Do The Strand.
If there's one complaint, it's that the DVD doesn't last longer. The snippets of tracks which link the insights are all too brief. But it's a great reminder, that despite their singles success, Roxy were a great rock band.
****
Review by Pete Whalley
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