Sublimely Live4 out of 5 Stars
There are two variants of Roxy Music. There was the original band, beautifully chaotic and artful. Then there was the second Roxy, silky and sublimely arty. "Heart Still Beating
" captures the second version of Roxy Music, recorded on the tour supporting their masterpiece, "Avalon
."
By now, it could be argued that Roxy Music had just become a vehicle for Brian Ferry and friends to recreate the elaborate and dreamy sounds that had evolved from the albums "Manifesto
" on, and you'd have a valid argument. Even more so that Ferry pulled the plug on Roxy as a band and went solo after this tour was done.
What you'd miss is just how beautifully performed this version of Roxy was on stage. Sure, there's nothing here as giddy as "Virginia Plain," but that Roxy wasn't writing something as gorgeous as "While My Heart Is Still Beating."
A pair of non-Roxy/Ferry songs are included; the band's cover of John Lennon's "Jealous Guy" (a major hit in Europe) and Bob Dylan's "Like A Hurricane." I have always marveled at how Ferry could sink his teeth into a great song and ultimately Roxify it, and these two exemplify that trait. A few old favorites do show up, including "Love Is The Drug" and "Song For Europe," which made me happy. Also noteworthy, the sound is immaculate. But if you are still in need of the wild Roxy, that's OK. The brilliant "Viva! Roxy Music
" is still available.
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