Modern Roxy Music – Avalon (Half Speed Remastered)

The soft, dreamlike scope of Roxy Music’s 1982 releaseAvalonwas a far cry from the stark abrasiveness of the band’s Seventies albums. But with its haunting melodies and hypnotic rhythms,Avalonwas the logical extension of a style that Roxy Music had begun dabbling in onFlesh and Blood, released in 1980.Flesh and Bloodsuggested that Roxy Music were at the end of the line, but they regrouped and recorded the lovelyAvalon,one of their finest albums. Certainly, the lush, elegant soundscapes ofAvalonare far removed from the edgy avant-pop of their early records, yet it represents another landmark in their career. With its stylish, romantic washes of synthesizers and Bryan Ferry’s elegant, seductive croon,Avalonsimultaneously functioned as sophisticated make-out music for yuppies and as the maturation of synth pop. Ferry was never this romantic or seductive, either with Roxy or as a solo artist, and Avalon shimmers with elegance in both its music and its lyrics.More Than This, Take a Chance with Me, While My Heart Is Still Beatingand the title track are immaculately crafted and subtle songs, where the shifting synthesizers and murmured vocals gradually reveal the melodies. It’s a rich, textured album and a graceful way to end the band’s career.