@Gardner

Well then, let's have a proper conversation again.

By the way, I completely agree with you that Avonmore is a disappointing Ferry album.

For me, his last great album is Olympia. Just because of the song "Reason or Rhyme." I didn't like the collaboration with the Scissor Sisters.

With that in mind, let's wait for the next album.

@Uwe
Yes you're right ! Sorry for being so snappy in my earlier response. We probably have more in Roxy / Ferry likes in common than we don't. I think we just have very different mindsets on the existence of Loose Talk and the involvement of Amelia Barratt. For me after the disappointment of Avonmore and then Love Letters - I yearned for something jarring, controversial and surprising .. However as time moved on I felt there wouldn't be anything ...
People who don't like Loose Talk generally hate Amelia Barratt's input - but I think they avoid the main point - that it was Bryan Ferry who approached her. The way I understand the situation - he needed a catalyst to keep him excited about making music and working with her was the solution to that problem. I'm glad about this - It's a new vibe - it's not always an easy listen - the juxtaposition creates aural tensions that are completely new to his artistic career - I love the collage feel of the old demo tape vibe, the new playing and her voice. I also like the instrumental versions - but if it wasn't for Amelia Barratt then I don't think we would ever have heard them. You may say this album ruins his legacy .... I totally disagree ... For me it is a brave experimental album which reminds me of his earliest work.

Cher UWE,
There is absolutely no need to apologise.
The intellectual rigour and artistic appreciation you bring to debates in this forum is a constant source of inspiration and amusement.
W2 would never be arrogant enough to claim to represent the majority and would stress that his views are his alone and he does not seek to represent the views of others.
That said, W2 does share the enthusiasm of many learned Roxologists who have expressed an appreciation for ‘Loose Talk’. We may be few in number but we all have great taste !
Salutations et bon continuation,
Windswept

@Gardner

... "The way I understand the situation - he needed a catalyst to keep him excited about making music, and working with her was the solution to that problem" ...

That's a really interesting perspective. That's probably also the reason why he started working on a second album with Amelia Barratt so early on. Especially since he's probably running out of time to release something new. Hence the unusual energy to be so active in such a short time.

Amongst many contributors , UKRichard , Gardner and Windswept are the ones whose posts I enjoy and value the most and its great that Uwe has brought them together on this particular topic. I have learnt a lot in these last few weeks from reading it - for example, that Gardner doesn't care much for Dylanesque, and Avonmore. ( I get it on the first , but disagree on Avonmore)

We are all entitled to offer our opinions , we must , and if we differ at least we can debate and understand each other's views

We also have a shared and long-standing passion for this man's music and the the creative forces behind it.

Please may this forum continue to flourish in its goals , its people (and by default its creator.)