Album Information:

About Roxy Music:

Roxy Music was a British art-rock band that emerged during the glam rock era of the early 1970s. The band was formed in 1971 by lead vocalist Bryan Ferry, who had previously sung with the bands The Gas Board and The Banshees. Ferry was joined by a group of talented musicians, including guitarist Phil Manzanera, saxophonist Andy Mackay, bassist Graham Simpson, and drummer Paul Thompson.

Roxy Music quickly gained a reputation for their innovative and eclectic style, blending elements of rock, pop, jazz, and electronic music. Their early music was heavily influenced by Ferry's interest in avant-garde art and literature, and the band's live performances were known for their elaborate costumes and visuals.

The band's self-titled debut album was released in 1972, featuring the hit single 'Virginia Plain'. The album received critical acclaim and set the stage for a string of successful releases over the next decade. Roxy Music's sound continued to evolve, with each album exploring new sonic territories and incorporating different musical influences.

Their second album, 'For Your Pleasure' (1973), featured more elaborate arrangements and showcased Ferry's growing interest in soul and funk music. Their third album, 'Stranded' (1973), saw the band experimenting with electronic music and incorporating more complex rhythms.

In 1975, Roxy Music released their most commercially successful album, 'Siren'. The album featured the hit single 'Love Is the Drug' and helped solidify the band's reputation as one of the most innovative and influential groups of the era. The band continued to release critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1970s, including 'Manifesto' (1979) and 'Avalon' (1982).

In addition to their music, Roxy Music was known for their striking visual style and innovative live performances. The band's stage shows were often elaborate and theatrical, featuring intricate lighting, costumes, and visuals. They also built a reputation as style icons, with Ferry in particular being recognized for his dapper fashion sense and trademark bowtie.

Roxy Music disbanded in 1983 but has since reformed several times for one-off performances and tours. The band's impact on music and culture continues to be felt to this day, with artists as diverse as David Bowie, Duran Duran, and LCD Soundsystem citing them as a major influence.

About the album For Your Pleasure:

For Your Pleasure is the second studio album by British art rock band Roxy Music, released in 1973. Produced by Chris Thomas, the album marks a significant departure from the band's debut album, showcasing a darker, more experimental sound.

The album opens with the haunting instrumental 'Do the Strand', with its driving rhythm and atmospheric synthesizers setting the tone for the rest of the record. The title track 'For Your Pleasure' follows, with its eerie piano and eerie vocal melodies creating a sense of unease. This song is particularly notable for Brian Eno's innovative use of tape loops and manipulated sounds.

'Beauty Queen' is a hypnotic, melancholic ballad that showcases the emotive power of Bryan Ferry's vocals. 'Strictly Confidential' follows, with its upbeat tempo and funky rhythm providing a welcome break from the album's more introspective moments.

The album's centerpiece is the sprawling, eight-minute epic 'In Every Dream Home a Heartache'. The song tells the story of a man's love affair with a blow-up doll, with Ferry's vocals adopting a sinister, melodramatic tone as the story unfolds. The song's eerie atmosphere is enhanced by Andy Mackay's mournful saxophone and Phil Manzanera's searing guitar solos.

Other highlights include 'The Bogus Man', with its jazzy instrumentation and eerie sound effects, and 'Grey Lagoons', with its shimmering guitar leads and haunting melodies.

Overall, For Your Pleasure is a daring and innovative album that showcases Roxy Music's unique blend of artistry and experimentation. From its haunting instrumentals to its emotionally charged ballads, the album is a testament to the band's vision and creativity.

Members:

Roxy Music was one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music, with a sound that blended glam rock, art rock, and electronic music. The band was formed in London in 1970 and went through several lineup changes over the years. Here are the key members of Roxy Music and their biographies.

1. Bryan Ferry - Lead Vocals, Keyboards

Bryan Ferry was the founder and lead singer of Roxy Music. Born in 1945 in Washington, England, Ferry was a passionate music fan from a young age. He attended the University of Newcastle and later the University of Sussex, where he earned a degree in fine arts. In the late 1960s, Ferry moved to London and started working on his music career. He formed Roxy Music in 1970 and quickly became known for his distinctive vocals and eclectic songwriting. Ferry also pursued a successful solo career, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums.

2. Brian Eno - Synthesizers, Guitar, Vocals

Brian Eno was a key member of the early Roxy Music lineup, contributing his unique synthesizer sound and experimental approach to the band's music. Born in 1948 in Suffolk, England, Eno was a self-taught musician who worked with a variety of artists before joining Roxy Music. He left the band in 1973 to pursue a solo career, which would include groundbreaking experimental albums like 'Ambient 1: Music for Airports' and 'Another Green World.'

3. Phil Manzanera - Guitar

Phil Manzanera joined Roxy Music in 1972, replacing original guitarist David O'List. Born in London in 1951, Manzanera was a respected session musician who had worked with the likes of David Gilmour and Brian Eno before joining Roxy Music. He would go on to become one of the band's most important members, contributing his distinctive guitar sound to classic albums like 'For Your Pleasure' and 'Stranded.' Manzanera also pursued a successful solo career, releasing a string of acclaimed albums.

4. Andy Mackay - Saxophone, Oboe

Andy Mackay was another key member of the early Roxy Music lineup, contributing his distinctive saxophone and oboe playing to the band's sound. Born in 1946 in London, Mackay was a trained classical musician who had played with various rock bands before joining Roxy Music. He would stay with the band throughout their entire career, contributing his unique sound to classic songs like 'Virginia Plain' and 'Love Is the Drug.'

5. Paul Thompson - Drums

Paul Thompson was the drummer for Roxy Music throughout their career, contributing his powerful and precise drumming to the band's sound. Born in 1951 in Newcastle, England, Thompson was a self-taught drummer who had previously played with the band Mighty Baby. He would go on to become one of the most respected drummers in rock music, and his work with Roxy Music helped define the sound of the band.

Track List for For Your Pleasure:

1. 'Do the Strand' (4:04) - The album's opening track begins with a pulsating beat that quickly builds into a rocking anthem. The lyrics encourage listeners to join the band and dance the night away on the dance floor.

2. 'Beauty Queen' (4:36) - This catchy track features a driving beat and a distinct guitar riff. The song's lyrics describe a glamorous, yet troubled, beauty queen.

3. 'Strictly Confidential' (3:47) - A slower, more melancholy tune, 'Strictly Confidential' features ethereal vocals and a haunting melody. The lyrics speak of a forbidden love affair and the secrets that must be kept.

4. 'Editions of You' (4:08) - This upbeat track features a lively guitar riff and bold vocals from frontman Bryan Ferry. The song's lyrics describe a woman who changes her appearance to fit in with new crowds.

5. 'In Every Dream Home a Heartache' (5:28) - A haunting ballad, 'In Every Dream Home a Heartache' features lush orchestration and evocative lyrics that paint a picture of a man's obsession with an inflatable sex doll.

6. 'The Bogus Man' (9:22) - This epic track begins with eerie electronic sounds before building into an explosive rock jam. The song's lyrics describe a sinister figure who appears at night and causes chaos.

7. 'Grey Lagoons' (4:15) - A dreamy, atmospheric track, 'Grey Lagoons' features swirling synths and Ferry's distinctive vocals. The lyrics describe a desolate landscape and a sense of longing.

8. 'For Your Pleasure' (6:52) - The album's title track is a slow, introspective ballad featuring Ferry's emotive vocals. The lyrics speak of an illicit affair and the pain that comes with it.

Discography for Roxy Music:

Here is the complete discography for Roxy Music in chronological order:

Albums:

1. Roxy Music (1972) - June 16, 1972
2. For Your Pleasure (1973) - March 23, 1973
3. Stranded (1973) - November 23, 1973
4. Country Life (1974) - November 15, 1974
5. Siren (1975) - October 24, 1975
6. Manifesto (1979) - March 16, 1979
7. Flesh and Blood (1980) - June 23, 1980
8. Avalon (1982) - May 1, 1982

Singles:

1. Virginia Plain (1972) - August 4, 1972
2. Pyjamarama (1973) - June 22, 1973
3. Do The Strand (1973) - August 24, 1973
4. Street Life (1973) - November 9, 1973
5. All I Want is You (1974) - March 29, 1974
6. The Thrill of It All (1974) - September 20, 1974
7. Love is the Drug (1975) - September 13, 1975
8. Both Ends Burning (1975) - January 30, 1976
9. Angel Eyes (1981) - August 7, 1981
10. Over You (1981) - November 17, 1981
11. Jealous Guy (1981) - December 4, 1981

Other Releases:

1. Viva! Roxy Music (1976) - live album
2. The Atlantic Years 1973-1980 (1983) - compilation album
3. Street Life: 20 Greatest Hits (1986) - compilation album
4. The Early Years (2000) - box set