MovieChat Forums > Flashbacks of a Fool (2008) Discussion > Bowie or Roxy?

Bowie or Roxy?

posted 15 years ago by WarpedRecord
12 replies | jump to latest

So where do you stand on the great Bowie vs. Roxy debate?

Honestly, I think the two complement each other perfectly. I've generally been drawn more to David Bowie, and he continues to release provocative and challenging music. But if there is something this film does, it's make a good case for Roxy Music as well. I only wish they had the longevity of Bowie.

Which did you prefer when you were young, and which do you prefer now? Of course, it's OK if it's a draw. Tell me one thing more than this.

[–] severine999 15 years ago

Apparently this question is just too difficult for the masses to face, since you posted this almost three months ago and you haven't gotten any responses. I can see why; it is indeed daunting. I'm up to the challenge though! Hmmm....if I had to choose, my gut response is Bowie, but I suspect that could be because I got into his music first, and we always have a soft spot for our firsts. I fell so hard for him, and I can't imagine my life without him. I later really got into Roxy too though. They did seem to rather fizzle out, as you say, but when they were good, they were *good*. Final decision: slight edge to Bowie, but mad love to Roxy too.

[–] WarpedRecord 15 years ago

I'm more into Bowie as well, though I love Roxy also, as I suspect most Bowie fans do.

Bowie's had more of a distinctive career – the spaceman phase, the R&B phase, the dance phase, the hard-rock phase. Each of his albums is an assertion of a certain identity rather than a collection of songs. He's also proven himself as an actor in a variety of oddball roles, and the man cannot take a bad picture (even in that booking photo, he looks like he's from central casting).

I do love Roxy Music as well, but some of their later stuff has the feel of "What could have been" rather than "What is." I liked Bryan Ferry in his solo career, but some of his recent stuff could have been better. I guess I've paid much more attention to Bowie, though.

[–] andyengland 12 years ago

Bowie by a long chalk.

[–] majorlester2004 12 years ago

Bowie was much more influential, and had a longer and more successful carreer. (But the track, with Eno written all over it, "If There is Something" is the best Roxy track, and one of the best 70's tracks full stop)

[–] Otto_Partz_973 12 years ago

Although averse to any such false comparisons, I am compelled to make a stand for Roxy in the face of all this Bowie love. Don't get me wrong; I love David Bowie's music. Adore it. But there is a heart to Bryan Ferry's music that is nonpareil. Take just 'If There is Something'; has Bowie ever done anything that equals this scope or passion? You also have to take the band as a whole. Bowie has had many great artists with which to work, but Roxy was a band, and a great one. The amazing guitar work of Phil Manzanera and Andy Mackay's incredible, soulful horn gave Roxy a voice that is as distinctive as it is unforgettable.

Ultimately, I agree with the OP's premise, that these two musical wonders compliment each other, one no greater than the other. They both changed, progressed, delighted and confounded their audience over the course of many years, and still do. I could argue that Bryan Ferry's creative output over the last decade has been more interesting than Bowie's, but really, why quibble over relative brilliance?

But, um, count one vote for Roxy Music.

'I don't want no commies in my car. No Christians either'. - Bud, Repo Man (1984)

[–] aabrams 12 years ago

Whilst both acts are brilliant for me it has to be Bowie - he has released many brilliant albums, even his latest is a stunner.

I love Roxy Music as well - but they only produced 4 and a half excellent albums (BTW one of those is NOT Avalon). Admittedly their first two albums are up there with anything Bowie ever made and "if there is something" is one of the greatest songs ever.

[–] WarpedRecord 12 years ago

Indeed, I'd say Bowie is the most consistently excellent of the two, and "The Next Day" proves he is still very relevant. Roxy Music is always challenging and generally superb, but their music doesn't always connect with me the way Bowie's does.

So you wouldn't include "Avalon" among Roxy's excellent albums? That was the first one of theirs I bought after being vaguely familiar with them for years. I love "Avalon," but I could see how die-hard fans might see it as a bit too much of a nod to commercial trends rather than artistry.

[–] aabrams 11 years ago

I sounded a bit harsh on Avalon in my previous post. Actually I think Avalon is an excellent pop album and I massively prefer it to anything Bowie did in his 80s pop phase. I still listen to Avalon occasionally - it is just I prefer Roxy when they produced those early art rock albums. For me those were the albums that mark Roxy Music out as an exceptional band.

[–] WarpedRecord 11 years ago

Good points. I think "Avalon" is excellent through and through, but in some ways it's a bit too accessible. Roxy's earlier albums were a lot more experimental and challenging, proof that the band was following its own eccentric muse with no regard for commercialism.

[–] ds9-3 10 years ago

Bowie.
Although with Brian Eno added into the mix with early Roxy Music, the gap narrows considerably.

SURRENDER DOROTHY

[–] lattissimo 9 years ago

I love Bowie and always will, but I cannot imagine a life without those first four Roxy albums! Aw, Hell, go ahead and throw in "Siren" and "Viva!" too!

BEST ROXY ALBUM: "Country Life"
BEST ROXY SONG: "Ladytron" (which is really the equally-great "If There Is Something" in condensed form)

"Battle not with monsters lest ye become a monster"

[–] WarpedRecord 9 years ago

"Country Life" is a magnificent album, and "Ladytron" is a superb song. Roxy Music continues to be a major part of my life today, as does Bowie.