Viva! Roxy Music #232/365

I bought Viva! Roxy Music in 1976, when I was 12.

I had a few singles from the past, but this was my first full album – and it was live! (Not sure where I got the money from to buy it. Probably pinched it off my sister. Only kidding – I had a milk round.)

A bit like Bowie, Roxy Music helped me through my formative years. (Or hindered them. It’s hard to tell which.) And yes, I did have a stupid floppy fringe.

True, they probably don’t have the creative gravitas that Bowie still holds today. But when Brian Eno was with them they were a class act.

Unfortunately, they kind of slipped into the bland malaise of pop as the years went by.

I went to see them at the Point Depot in Dublin with my good friend, Mr. Patrick Chapman. The audience was filled with 40-something+s, like us. In fact, I think it’s the last gig I went to. (I don’t really like crowds.) Or other people, for that matter.

Anyways, here are a few of my faves from the album and there’s even a link to a greatest hits should you be feeling nostalgic.

And, if you want to see what Roxy Music look (and sound) like in the 21st century, here’s “If there is something” from a gig in Lyon last year. (By ‘eck, the years have been kind to Andy McKay on sax.)

Things for which I am grateful #37/365

The Penguin Café Orchestra.

I first heard about PCO in the late 80s and was immediately captivated by their uniquely eclectic sound. I hadn’t heard anything quite like them before. (Or since.)

The ‘orchestra’, (which is more of an ensemble), was set up by classical musician and composer, Simon Jeffes in 1972, prompted by an hallucination he’d had in the South of France after eating some bad fish!

Sadly, Jeffes died prematurely of a brain tumor in 1997.

Although, the baton was picked up again by his son, Arthur in 2010 under the name – Penguin Café.

Credit must also go to co-founder, and cellist, Helen Liebman who was the only member of the orchestra to be in it from its inception to Jeffes’ death.

Once you hear them, you will probably recognise a few of their compositions from ads and movie sound tracks.

Have a listen, I doubt that you will be disappointed. This is music that speaks to the soul. They have brought me many happy hours of hypnotic tranquility. For that, I am very grateful.