With albums that reek of cigarettes, absinthe, and sex, Roxy Music helped shape the artier side of 1970s and ’80s Punk with their incredibly rich (yet deliciously subversive) early albums. Their first four records, released between 1972-1974, are filled with intensely passionate, undeniably beautiful, and downright groundbreaking moments. The voice, face, and stylistic force behind Roxy was Bryan Ferry, chief songwriter and dapper vampire-about-town. Megaproducer and ambient pioneer Brian Eno was an original member. He appeared on the first two records, adding bubbly, noisy, and sometimes decidedly non-musical synth effects. With strange usage of keyboards, sax lines that ranged from atonal skronking to soulful R&B, and supple guitar playing that rivaled Mick Ronson, the band was a musical powerhouse. Ferry’s love of pop melodies and his ability to croon, bellow, and vamp with such disarming power brought all these elements together. Roxy always varied from sleek, sexy pop to jagged rockers to swelling ballads, and the former won out by the time of Siren (1975), culminating in the lush, gorgeous music of Avalon (1982). They ended their career revealing just how intoxicating romance can be. – Will Lerner
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