Roxy Music - Avalon (1982)

 

(Art Rock, New Wave)

 

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I bought myself a copy of Roxy Music's Avalon the other day on vinyl, in the city.  It's a classic example of New Wave at it's prime, being released in mid-1982.  It's considered in Rolling Stone magazine's top 500 albums of all time, which is an unbelievable honor.  After buying this gem, I took a gander at their Wikipedia page and found that this was actually their eighth and final studio album.  It's unusual for a band to end on a classic LP, and this was certainly their magnum opus (great piece).  The artwork is great to look at on vinyl, also, with an almost viking-esque figure looking over the clouds, holding a hawk on his arm.  This picture set the mood for the listen remarkably, because it put you into that fictional "Avalon."

Each song, standing alone, is a sweet listen and trip back into the 80s.  You feel the love that goes into each piece and all those eighties synths and textures, blended with the jazz ensemble leave you feeling... happy.  The title song, More Than This, was very popular upon it's original release and is always featured on movie soundtracks and such.  After your first listen, you'll be belting this tune out so hard... It's funny.  Beautiful album in general. 9.5/10.  You NEED this.

More Than This - Roxy Music

 Buy CD: Avalon

Diggin' Through Academy Records

As I posted yesterday, I went into Manhattan yesterday looking for a new record store with a friend who came up from Miami to visit.  We decided on a small place on 5th and 18th called Academy Records, and that wasn't what I expected. It was ALL classical music; LP and/or CD.  Luckily, they had a neighboring store on 12th street, called Academy LP.  THAT was a record store.  Check it out sometime.  Anywho, long story short.  I did not end up buying too much.  I want to wait till Record Store Day to spend some real cash on any vinyl.  I ended up getting the latest Joanna Newsom triple LP, Have One on Me, the latest Via Audio album (on CD), Animalore, and the classic 1982 LP by Roxy Music, Avalon.

I TOLD you how much I LOVE the latest Joanna Newsom album, in my first review.

Via Audio's latest release wasn't given the greatest review on Pitchfork, but I reeeeaaally liked the album artwork and it was a $5 CD, so no loss.  I'll give it a review in a few.

And last, but not least, Roxy Music's Avalon.  Absolute classic, and I considered myself lucky to find an original printing of the record from 1982.  The music is priceless, and I was happy to spend an easy $8 on it.  I'll most certainly review this Sonic Opus for you all.  It's a must have in any collection.