Bryan Ferry
Olympia

THE REVIEW

It is known that a leopard cannot change its spots, and on the other hand, good old Bryan is someone who has always loved to revel in his vices.

Thus, not satisfied with having delighted our ears with the mischievous avant-glamsters Roxy Music, who, starting from experimental grandeur with Brian Eno, later landed on more mainstream shores capable of producing good (Siren) and excellent (Avalon) albums, but also decidedly less inspired records (Flesh+blood, Manifesto); upon their disbandment, he decided to continue his solo career.

To be fair, his solo career had already begun earlier while he was still part of the band, a career always marked by a sensual and classy art-pop/rock capable of giving fans delightful moments (particularly Boys and Girls). Let's jump forward to 2010, when 18 years after the release of Avalon, the Roxy's epitaph, comes out what was initially supposed to be a new release in the name of the ex-band of good Ferry, and probably his best solo publication since the aforementioned „Boys&Girls“.

The album, which stands out for the quantity and quality of collaborations (among others Brian Eno, Scissor Sisters, as well as members of Radiohead, Eurythmics, and Roxy Music) seamlessly continues the dialogue started by the Roxy of the second period. Among other things, it also marks the welcome return to the typical seductive cover art with a pin-up of the moment (this time it’s Kate Moss's turn) ready to charm us men with her graces.

The tracks are all of excellent workmanship and have nothing to fear when compared to the band's latest productions, flowing pleasantly and smoothly, in their playfulness and refined elegance (a cover of Tim Buckley and one of Traffic deserve a mention). Certainly, one could argue that these songs add nothing new to what was said in the past and criticize the “frivolity” of this pop that tries to disguise itself as “intelligent” music, but as a good dandy and seasoned man, Ferry has provided the musical equivalent of a collection of aphorisms, which rather than aiming for real “depth,” aims to amaze and entertain us, making us appreciate its elegance and wit.

In short, a record that will not revolutionize music but demonstrates how an aging wolf is still able to bite and how the experience of a veteran can give style lessons to many young upstarts roaming around today.