Roxy Music - "Country Life" (1974)

This was the fourth album by the band, and a record ranked high (often highest) in their catalog, by fans as well as critics. In addition, it's the LP with the most daring cover, it was censored in several countries, where it was sold either covered by wrapping paper or with the models simply eliminated. My wife doesn't allow me to leave the album out in the open, so it's also censored in our home. I think it's an OK album, but the longer time that passed from Brian Eno quitting the band (after the second album), the less interesting I think Roxy Music became. Artistic ambitions were changed for more straight on glam rock. Many fans were happy, but not everyone.

The censored cover

The biggest hit from the album was All I Want Is You, which is found on side A. Personally, I think this side is a bit boring. The highlight in my world is Out Of The Blue, where the diligent use of the flanger effect makes it sound like Hawkwind is backing Bryan Ferry. Overall, many songs are quite loud and messy, and since I've always preferred the band's quieter and calmer creations, the first side of the record doesn't really fit me.

Side B I find more interesting, which opens with the quieter and darker Bitter Sweet, which suddenly here and there breaks off into German influenced cabaret music. The women on the cover are Constanze Karoll and Eveline Grunwald, who Ferry met in Portugal. He persuaded them that in addition to decorating the cover, also translate parts of the text into German in Bitter Sweet. The album continues with Triptych, which instead of German cabaret music has almost medieval influences. These songs' more odd appearances make them the most interesting songs on the album. The album closes with an ode to Jerry Hall, who would be on the cover of the band's next album, Siren. The song is named Prairie Rose, and to be a love song containing steel guitar, it's really great.

Although Country Life is loved by many, I don't agree 100% with these voices. Much of the band's experimental tendencies have been toned down, and the music is often less complex and less challenging compared to previous albums. The B-side, however, saves the LP thanks to its more interesting creations, so overall it is still a pretty good album.


Tracklist

Side A
1. The Thrill of It All 6:24
2. Three and Nine 4:04
3. All I Want Is You 2:53
4. Out of the Blue 4:46
5. If It Takes All Night 3:12

Side B
1. Bitter-Sweet 4:50
2. Triptych 3:09
3. Casanova 3:27
4. A Really Good Time 3:45
5. Prairie Rose 5:12