Viva! by Roxy Music was the first live album by the British Soft-Rock band "Roxy Music" it was recorded from 1973 until 1975 and released in 1976. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Roxy Music's "Viva! Roxy Music" stands as a testament to the band's innovative and captivating sound, solidifying their position as pioneers of the 1970s art-rock movement. Released in 1976, this 12" vinyl LP album captures the essence and energy of Roxy Music's live performances, showcasing their musical prowess and Bryan Ferry's distinct vocals.
Produced by Chris Thomas for E.G. Records Ltd, "Viva!" was the band's first official live album. It was recorded over a span of three years, from 1973 to 1975, and expertly captures the essence of Roxy Music's live shows during that time. The album showcases the band's ability to seamlessly blend various genres, including rock, glam, pop, and art-rock, into a cohesive and unique sound.
At the core of Roxy Music's live performances is the charismatic and enigmatic Bryan Ferry. Ferry's distinct vocal style, coupled with his talents on keyboards, creates an unforgettable presence on stage. His ability to infuse emotion and storytelling into each song is evident throughout the album, drawing listeners into a world of vivid imagery and introspection.
The musical mastery of the band members shines through on "Viva!" Eddie Jobson's contributions on strings, synthesizer, and keyboards add a rich and atmospheric layer to the music. Andy Mackay's oboe and saxophone playing bring a touch of sophistication and complexity, elevating the band's sound to new heights. Phil Manzanera's guitar work is both intricate and soulful, providing a solid foundation for the band's sonic explorations. Paul Thompson's driving drumming and the skilled bass playing of John Gustafson, Sal Maida, John Wetton, and Rick Wills provide a tight and dynamic rhythm section, ensuring that each song pulses with energy and groove.
One of the standout features of "Viva!" is the inclusion of background vocals by The Sirens. Their ethereal and haunting harmonies add a haunting and otherworldly quality to the album. These enchanting vocal arrangements enhance the atmospheric nature of Roxy Music's music and contribute to the band's signature sound.
The tracklist of "Viva!" is a carefully curated selection of Roxy Music's best-loved songs from their early years. From the opening track "Out of the Blue" to the anthemic "Do the Strand" and the melancholic "A Song for Europe", each song showcases the band's ability to blend introspective lyrics with captivating melodies. The album also includes their mesmerizing cover of Neil Young's "Like a Hurricane", which demonstrates the band's ability to reinvent and reinterpret songs, making them uniquely their own.
"Viva! Roxy Music" encapsulates the essence of the 1970s art-rock movement. With their innovative blend of musical genres, compelling lyrics, and captivating stage presence, Roxy Music pushed the boundaries of popular music. Their influence can be felt in the work of countless artists who followed, cementing their legacy as true pioneers of their time.
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Music Genre: Art-Rock 70s PopArt rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by its ambitious and experimental approach to music, incorporating elements from various genres, such as classical, jazz, avant-garde, and progressive rock. Art rock bands sought to expand the boundaries of popular music by incorporating complex musical structures, unconventional instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyrics. Art rock musicians aimed to create music that was intellectually stimulating and artistically expressive. They often embraced a wide range of influences and drew inspiration from diverse sources, including literature, visual arts, and philosophical concepts. By blending different styles and experimenting with musical techniques, art rock bands created a sound that was both sophisticated and innovative. One of the defining features of art rock is its emphasis on musical complexity and instrumental proficiency. Bands would often employ intricate arrangements, unconventional time signatures, and extended song structures, challenging the traditional verse-chorus format of mainstream rock. This allowed for a more dynamic and expansive musical landscape, giving artists the freedom to explore a wide range of moods and emotions within a single composition. Lyrically, art rock often tackled unconventional themes and explored philosophical and introspective concepts. The lyrics were often poetic and laden with symbolism, reflecting the influence of literature and poetry on the genre. Art rock songs frequently delved into introspection, existentialism, social commentary, and surreal imagery, offering listeners a deeper and more thought-provoking experience. Several influential bands and artists have contributed to the development and popularization of art rock. Progressive rock bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, and King Crimson pushed the boundaries of rock music with their epic compositions, intricate instrumentation, and conceptual albums. David Bowie, with his ever-evolving musical style and theatrical stage presence, incorporated art rock elements into his music, blurring the lines between rock, pop, and avant-garde. Other notable art rock artists include Roxy Music, with their blend of glamour, artifice, and musical experimentation; The Velvet Underground, who combined avant-garde sensibilities with rock and roll; and Kate Bush, known for her ethereal vocals, poetic lyrics, and eclectic musical arrangements. The influence of art rock can be seen in subsequent genres and movements, such as post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock. Many contemporary bands continue to draw inspiration from the art rock tradition, incorporating experimental and progressive elements into their music. Overall, art rock represents a fusion of musical creativity, intellectual exploration, and artistic expression. Its emphasis on innovation, complexity, and lyrical depth has left a lasting impact on the evolution of rock music, expanding its boundaries and inspiring generations of musicians to push the limits of popular music. |
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Album Production Information: Produced by Chris Thomas for E.G. Records Ltd |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Island Records ILPS 9400 |
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Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design. This album includes the original black custom inner sleeve |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone |
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Year & Country: 1976 Made in Gt Britain |
Band Members and Musicians on: Roxy Music Viva! |
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Complete Track Listing of: Roxy Music Viva! |
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The Song/tracks on "Roxy Music Viva!" are
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Roxy Music emerged during a time when rock music was evolving rapidly. Led by the visionary musician Bryan Ferry, the band embraced experimentation, combining elements of various genres to create their own distinctive sound.
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"Country Life" is a testament to Roxy Music's creative prowess, helmed by the visionary Bryan Ferry. The album represents a progression from the band's previous works, showcasing a more refined and sophisticated sound.
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The album's production was a collaborative effort between the band and Chris Thomas. Thomas, along with Roxy Music, meticulously crafted each track, resulting in a cohesive and atmospheric record.
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The 1974 Roxy Music - Greatest Hits - 12" LP Vinyl Album is a compilation of the band's biggest hits from their first four albums. The album includes the singles "Virginia Plain", "Do the Strand", "Pyjamarama", "Editions of You"
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Recorded by Radio Clyde's Mobile 2 and engineered by Alan Boyd, the sound quality on "High Road" is exceptional, providing a true representation of Roxy Music's live performance. The Apollo Theatre in Glasgow,
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The late 1970s saw disco fever still raging, while punk and new wave movements were challenging the dominance of established rock acts. Roxy Music found themselves navigating this changed landscape. "Manifesto",
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The album cover of "Stranded" exudes a sense of intrigue and sophistication. Designed by Nicolas De Ville, it captures the essence of Roxy Music's distinct visual style. The artwork draws inspiration from surrealist and pop art
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Produced by Chris Thomas for E.G. Records Ltd, "Viva!" was the band's first official live album. It was recorded over a span of three years, from 1973 to 1975, and expertly captures the essence of Roxy Music's live shows
Learn more