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 Information: Island Records ILPS 9400 |
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Packaging: Gatefold (FOC) 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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Track Listing of: Roxy Music Viva! |
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The Song/tracks on "Roxy Music Viva!" are
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Roxy Music was a British art rock band that was formed in 1970. The band is known for their eclectic music style that blends various genres such as glam rock, art rock, avant-garde, and pop. They are also known for their elaborate stage performances and fashion-forward image.
The founding members of the band were Bryan Ferry (vocals, keyboards), Brian Eno (synthesizers, tape effects), Andy Mackay (saxophone, oboe), Paul Thompson (drums), and Phil Manzanera (guitar). The band's lineup went through several changes throughout their career, with Ferry being the only consistent member.
Roxy Music released their self-titled debut album in 1972, which received critical acclaim and established the band as a major force in the British music scene. The album featured the hit single "Virginia Plain," which reached the top 5 in the UK charts. The band's follow-up album, "For Your Pleasure," was released the following year and included the single "Do the Strand," which became a fan favorite.
In 1973, Brian Eno left the band to pursue a solo career, and Roxy Music continued as a four-piece. Their third album, "Stranded," was released later that year and featured the hit single "Street Life." The album showcased the band's growing sophistication and experimentation with new sounds and arrangements.
Roxy Music's next album, "Country Life," was released in 1974 and marked a shift towards a more polished sound. The album featured the hit single "The Thrill of It All," and the controversial album cover featuring scantily clad models caused a stir in the media.
The band's fifth album, "Siren," was released in 1975 and featured the hit single "Love Is the Drug," which reached the top 5 in the UK and US charts. The album also featured collaborations with guest musicians such as John Gustafson on bass and Chris Spedding on guitar.
Roxy Music's later albums, such as "Manifesto" (1979) and "Avalon" (1982), featured a more streamlined and commercial sound, with a greater emphasis on smooth melodies and polished production. The band officially disbanded in 1983, and Bryan Ferry pursued a successful solo career.
Roxy Music's influence can be heard in the work of numerous artists, such as David Bowie, Duran Duran, and Depeche Mode. Their innovative music and fashion style helped to define the glam rock and new wave movements of the 1970s and 1980s.