Bryan Ferry: In Every Dream Homme A Heartache

Growing up in the 70's, Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music albums were in regular rotation on my turntable. My introduction to the band followed a linear path from King Crimson, through their lyricist Peter Sinfield, who in turn produced the first Roxy Music album. My friends and I were immediately blown away by this art school collective, using camp and kitsch as it's musical starting point.

Ferry, with his matinee idol good looks, became an icon for my gay friends (you know who you are...) and a cool Humphrey Bogart-style lady's man to my straight friends. Finally a band whose music I could share with all my friends! The Bogart reference was not lost on Ferry either, as he paid tribute in the song "2HB", one of many Roxy tracks licensed for films such as Todd Haynes' "Velvet Goldmine" and Anton Corbijn's "Control".

As with many musical marriages though, Roxy's relationships eventually came apart. Throughout the years ahead, Ferry and guitarist Phil Manzanera released many side projects and solo albums, a delight for fans craving anything new and Roxy related. But perhaps this taste of freedom became too big a temptation, resulting in the band's slow demise. 1999's Avalon proved to be their studio swansong.

Over the past few years, rumours have been flying around fansites eager for a reunion album. News of a new release was mentioned on one band member's website! Alas, nothing has materialized, leaving many to wonder if the bandmates will ever get together again. Ferry has even stated in an interview last November that it may never come to be.

Since his disappointing, and critically unacclaimed album of Dylan covers, Ferry's been hard at work making up for things, preparing his new CD of original works featuring Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, Red Hot Chili Pepper bassist Flea, and Nile Rodgers of Chic. Lately, the project seems to have stalled since it's original release of Fall 2009 has now been pushed out to Summer 2010. Well known for his perfectionism in the studio, this could be part of the reason for the delay.

Besides recording, Ferry has been keeping himself busy on the UK social scene. Here he's seen performing at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival Opening Ceremonies. The ever-present tuxedo still exudes class and style, an tasteful image he has always projected.

Even when photographed in attendance at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival horse races, his scruffy, unshaven appearance could not disguise him from the paparazzi.

Despite his busy social calendar, he's still managed to find time to add his vox to a couple of dance tracks, giving us a preview perhaps of his own headspace.

Released as the opening track on DJ Hell's "Teufelswerk" CD last Spring, "U Can Dance" is over nine minutes of Georgio Moroder/ Kraftwerk inspired synth grooves, layered over with Ferry's plaintive vocals. Considering what his voice has been sounding like of late (an ever-present cold/ sore throat?), this appearance comes as a return to the smooth, fey crooning of earlier Roxy releases. Almost a year later, a release of remixes from Carl Craig, Simian Mobile Disco, and DFA's Tim Goldworthy is now available from the UK dance site Beatport.

In what appears to be a tribute to Vogue models, possibly photographer Helmut Newton, and Roxy Music album covers and videos of the past, enjoy what must be the four minute radio edit of "U Can Dance":



Groove Armada, a dance collective known for it's chillout classic "At The River" and the often-remixed funk of "I See You Baby", gives us a taste of their soon-to-be-released new album, Black Light, with a sneak preview on music promo site RCRD LBL called "Shameless", a track co-written with Mr. Ferry.

For the timeless crooner, it's a perfect fit with the Armada's melody. The laid back, downtempo groove is a return to his 80's ambiance, complete with the romantic overtones of some uncredited French language sampling introducing the song. Tres cool. News just posted on his website is that his version of the song, "Shameless (Rock 'n Roll Desire) as he calls it, will be included on his upcoming CD, to be released this summer.

In other Roxy-related news, fan site Roxyrama.com has announced the release of three new officially sanctioned remixes from "nu disco scene stars" Cinnamon Chasers.

On a humanitarian side note, wherein every dream world a heartache, Ferry has generously donated a piece of Roxy Music artwork to be auctioned on eBay UK for Oxfam Haiti Relief.

Roxy rules.

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