In the annals of music history, few bands have embodied the essence of a 'knowing wink' quite like Roxy Music. On December 14th, 2024, at 22:00 in the UK, their legacy continues to captivate. The Last Dinner Party's fathers burst onto the scene in the 1970s, emerging as progenitors of the new wave. If one wants to be pretentious, they were more akin to proto-post-punk, and considering it's Roxy Music, such a label holds weight. They exuded an air of louche and sexy charm, with frontman Brian Ferry at the helm, a legitimate wordsmith crafting the lyrics. Even a near-death experience in a crashing plane in 2000 couldn't deter him; his thoughts were, "Oh no, I've got an album to finish. Could we reschedule?"The Birth of a Joke
It comes as no surprise that Roxy Music has a few songs with a humorous origin. One such notable number is 'A Song For Europe' from their 1973 album Stranded. For those of a certain vintage, the gag might have been obvious from the start. But for the younger generations born after the 1990s, let me shed some light. Initially, Ferry was the creative hub, writing the songs and presenting them to the rest of the group for refinement. After a few albums together, the band decided to expand and start collaborating. In an interview with Rock's Backpages in 2001, he spoke about his work with saxophonist Andy Mackay. "He had more musical training than anybody, including me. (He) had this European music background, where my background was much more American… It actually made for a good combination."Pay close attention to that "European music background." One of Mackay's piano compositions had a distinctly European feel to Ferry. He began writing lyrics, envisioning a lovelorn young man wandering the streets of Paris, pining for his lost love. "And here by the Seine / Notre-Dame casts a long lonely shadow / Now – only sorrow / No tomorrow / There’s no today for us / Nothing is there for us to share but yesterday."Fearing the song was becoming too somber, Ferry took the European factor to an almost comical level. He sang the penultimate chorus in Latin and the final chorus in French, giving a straightforward song of love and loss a self-mocking twist that only Roxy Music could achieve. And the track remained without a title for a while until an unlikely yet fitting source emerged.
The Eurovision Connection
We have to give credit to the Eurovision Song Contest for more than just ABBA and Conchita Wurst. Before the main Eurovision broadcast, there is a whole other process that we all know and try to watch until we realize how long it is. Our contestants don't just appear out of nowhere; there is a long-standing TV tradition of deciding which poor soul gets to represent a nation and face the possibility of a humiliating nil point. From 1961 until 2001, this program was called 'A Song For Europe'. Once Ferry saw what he described in Melody Maker as "one of the more bizarre events in the calendar," he knew he had a title, and one of the most underrated gems in their back catalogue was complete.This song showcases Roxy Music's ability to infuse humor and creativity into their music. It's a testament to their unique style and their willingness to take risks. 'A Song For Europe' is not just a song; it's a piece of musical history that continues to resonate with fans today.
The Musical Collaboration
The story of 'A Song For Europe' also highlights the band's evolution in terms of collaboration. Initially, Ferry was the driving force, writing the majority of the songs. But as the band grew together, they began to share the creative process. Andy Mackay's European music background added a new dimension to the band's sound. His piano compositions brought a touch of European elegance that Ferry was able to build upon with his lyrics. This collaboration between Ferry and Mackay resulted in a song that was both unique and memorable.It shows that Roxy Music was not just a band of individual talents; they were a collective force that could create something truly special. 'A Song For Europe' is a prime example of how collaboration can lead to musical innovation.
The Legacy of Roxy Music
Roxy Music's influence on the music industry cannot be overstated. Their ability to blend different musical styles and create a distinct sound set them apart from their contemporaries. 'A Song For Europe' is just one example of their creative genius. It demonstrates their willingness to experiment and take risks, which has made them a beloved band among music enthusiasts.Even after all these years, Roxy Music's music continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Their legacy lives on through their albums and their impact on the music world. 'A Song For Europe' is a testament to their enduring popularity and their ability to create music that stands the test of time.
