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Thursday, March 21, 2013

"Over You" by Roxy Music

Song#:  0288
Date:  08/09/1980
Debut:  84
Peak:  80
Weeks:  4
Genre: Art Rock, Pop



Pop Bits:  This English band is considered one of the most influential art-rock bands in music. Beginning with their 1972 self-titled debut, Roxy Music's recording career consisted of eight UK Top 10 studio albums, with three of them hitting #1, and ten UK Top 10 singles. Although US critics lauded the group with praise, their music was not as well-received Stateside. They only had three singles reach the chart with 1975's "Love Is the Drug" being their best effort at #30, and their albums peaked in the mid-to-lower chart range. This first single from their 1980 album "Flesh and Blood" hit #5 in the UK and became their last chart entry in the US. Despite the lack of chart action in the US, the group's music popularity and influence has grown over the years. Roxy disbanded in 1983.

ReduxReview:  I haven't explored Roxy Music that much. I'm familiar with some of their songs like "More Than This," but I've never fully dove into their major albums like "Siren" or "Country Life." From my understanding, "Flesh and Blood" was critically panned and considered a low point for the band, but this single is quite interesting. It's like a girl-group tune pushed through an alt-rock filter. I don't think it is quite as good as some of their atmospheric alt-rock songs, but it is a nice listen. It's probably time I should dive into more Roxy, as I think I'm overdue.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) Group founder/leader Bryan Ferry originally auditioned to be the replacement vocalist in King Crimson when Greg Lake left the group. Although Crimson members did think Ferry was the right fit, they were still quite impressed with Ferry and helped to secure a recording contract for Roxy.  2) Brian Eno was an original member of the group. Although he played no instruments, his technical abilities were recognized and his role in the band was "technical advisor." He left after two albums and became a highly influential and successful producer for major artists like David Bowie, Talking Heads, and U2.

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