No surprises here as this is a pretty typical Bryan Ferry album. This one had an extended genesis - I remember a bootleg called "Alphaville" ages ago. I believe this was pencilled in as a Roxy Music reunion album. Indeed, you can hear Andy Mackay's oboe and Phil Manzanera on guitar here and there. More newsworthy is the return of Eno but like most of the musicians here, he is buried in a lush sludge of feelgood Ferry. Regular sidemen like Dave Gilmour, Chris Spedding and Marcus Miller are here too. Hip collaborators like Mani and Groove Armada add to the delights. A cast of thousands, almost.
The album starts off strongly with single "You Can Dance" and "Alphaville". The next track "Heartache By Numbers" highlights problems with Bryan's voice as he sounds tired and hoarse. This recurs here and there on the album and makes me wonder how long this career can last. "BF Bass" may point to a way ahead. There are covers too, of course, with "Song To The Siren" particularly effective. Like many Ferry/Roxy albums this one peters out a bit towards the end. But at least it manages a decent length of 49 minutes (contrast this to the short measure "Boys And Gilrs" or "Avalon"). For those who want more there is a book-bound deluxe edition with two more tracks and a DVD. Vinyl is also available.
Artwork is stunning with reference back to Manet. The font used is the London Underground one if I am not mistaken, and another pun on "Olympia".
I have been critical of this album but for all its faults, I do love it. I bought my copy just before Christmas along with copies for a couple of friends. After all, at 65, Bryan probably needs our support! He was recently made a CBE but it's sales that he needs! The album seems to be a regular in the bargain bins already, so there is really no reason not to pick up a copy, is there?
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