Roxy Music’s finest filmed moments documented in “The Thrill of it All: A Visual History (1972-1982)” on Virgin/EMI records. This definitive anthology presents 38 music videos, concert performances and TV appearances in a 2 DVD set.
Since the early 1970’s Roxy Music has been known for its combination distinctive experimentation, sophisticated wit and highly developed visual presentation. For the first time, the band’s best-filmed material has been collected for release in a ultimate DVD collection.
“The Thrill of it All” visually captures the three phases of the band’s recording career. Packed with live footage, the DVD follows their early journey, beginning with the band’s first filmed performance in June 1972 at the Royal College of Art. These first songs were rather primitive and frankly not very good. But as the DVD progressed you experience their growth as formable artists with some of the most inspiring music and videos of a decade. They were the precursor of what to come in regards to early video performances.
Roxy Music’s 1972 and 1973 appearances on “The Old Grey Whistle Test” and “Top of the Pops” in England display them with feathers, sequins and animal prints were de rigeur spotlighting the band’s strikingly eclectic visual presentation in stark contrast to the somber attire of their audiences. Obviously slightly influenced by Bowie the music created during the 70’s was highly experimental and improvisational and just plain weird. The 1973 performance of “Editions of You” at the Montreux Golden Rose Festival, the last filmed performance of Brian Eno with the band is a significant rarity.
Not until the performance of “Amazona” did the band solidify themselves as a impressive force in the 70’s because their music developed into more melodic sound as opposed to their experimental improvisation music they have been producing previously. In the collection’s five 1976 performances filmed in Stockholm, Brian Ferry’s eye patch was mistakenly taken as a fashion statement along with his moustache and GI uniform. They were definitely ahead of the learning curve when it comes to video performances during the 70’s and 80’s.
Disc 2 is remarkable grouping of music seeing Roxy Music on the “ABBA in Switzerland” special performance “Dance Away” with bass player number seven, followed by the band’s Manchester Apollo concert in 1979, marking the advent of the famous Anthony Price red leather suit. “Angel Eyes” was directed by Price who also designed the costumes is indicative of their profound unique style. The promo film for “Jealous Guy,” Roxy Music’s only U.K. Number one single and the band’s tribute to John Lennon was filmed on Adeliade while on tour.
This disc highlight some of their greatest crafted music uniquely their own which included “Angel Eyes” “The Main Thing” “While My Heart Is Still Beating” “More Than This,” and perhaps their most famous song, “Avalon” from their Number One selling album.
From their earliest steps, Roxy Music left a massive footprint on British popular culture. Their self-titled debut album in the summer of 1972 strange as it was declared by many then and ever since as the best first album ever and cleared the path for a saunter into the U.K. Top Five by the ravishing stylistic first single, “Virginia Plain.”
Roxy Music triumph of style and musical substance makes them stand out from the rest of the crowd during that decade. From their early beginnings of their experimentation to the smooth sailing song “Avalon” Roxy Music has cemented themselves in the fabric of the ‘70s and ‘80’s. There songs are still relevant today. This 2 DVD set is a great addition to your DVD collection.
