BMG Vinyl & CDs

Review: There’s something timeless about the way this veteran UK singer carries himself and this 2010 album, now reissued on striking red vinyl, makes that all the more clear. It feels like a continuation of the Roxy Music legacy in spirit, mood and style, with that familiar air of suave detachment and immaculate detail. The production here is lush and forward-thinking, bridging classic lounge-pop stylings with modern textures that still sound fresh over a decade later. The sleekness is no accident. Every element is meticulously placed, from the glossy synths to the hushed guitars and orchestral flourishes. 'Shameless' is one of the more adventurous tracks, pulling in electronic flourishes courtesy of Roots Manuva. It’s a bold move that actually works, blending suave vocals with a beat-driven framework that never feels forced. The real surprise, though, is the version of 'Song to the Siren'. It’s a haunting, almost fragile take that shows just how much weight his voice can carry with minimal backing. Easily one of the most affecting covers in his catalogue. 'Tender Is The Night' rounds out the highlights with a melodic, romantic glow. There's an added layer of interest with Brian Eno contributing, creating a sense of full-circle collaboration. Throughout, this album sees a seasoned artist evolving gracefully, without losing the qualities that made him magnetic in the first place.

Review: Now reissued on vinyl, this 1999 album from veteran solo crooner and former Roxy Music frontman sees him in full command of his cabaret croon and vintage sensibilities, diving headlong into a collection of pop standards from the 1930s and 40s. Known for reshaping rock and pop songs in his own image, Ferry here takes a more classical routeinot to reinvent, but to evoke, with renditions rendered with delicate, period-authentic arrangements: intimate string sections, lilting piano and subdued brass, as Ferry's famously tremulous voice drifts like perfume through the arrangements. He approaches standards like 'Lover Come Back To Me', 'I'm In The Mood For Love,' and 'You Do Something To Me' with characterstic effortlessness, and rather than sounding like a museum piece, As Time Goes By feels lived-in and cinematic. A smooth, sepia-toned reverie.