Le Freak,

I think the Bryan quote I mentioned was even earlier than Mamouna, I wish I could identify it more specifically. But I think his criticism of that album refers more to the production....and while I can take his point, I adore that album's multilayered sound and feel; it's magnificent.

You will have to educate me on the Leonard Cohen reference, I know very little about him - to my shame.

And, to lighten the mood a bit, doesn't Bryan look amazing in that coat in the pix Teresa posted!!!??

Yes, he does.

"Leonard Cohen" was just me trying not to be too direct. I meant vulnerability, something I`d say came with the Mamouna album. Just think of The Only Face. Wooo, hooo, hooo. -And Your Painted Smile. Ooooooooh. Which Way To Turn, very much so. -Very introvert songs. Something new by then, I`d say, which goes hand in hand with the change of his voice.

Regarding PYJAMARAMA, members of Roxy said they were rushed for a single by the record company, so they deemed it a mistake for not giving it enough time. I remember hearing it start and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, wow such a simple riff but done with a massive statement of intent. When the singing/main tune started it went limp and never picked up. I loved the start and really like the singing/tune but they didn't match. So I could see what the band members were getting at. I thought they looked at it as a lost opportunity, after all they were attempting to eclipse VIRGINIA PLAIN.

And Mamouna

You Wait
All Will Come...
Isn't it Enough

My Moonlight and the Sun....

Multi Layered is a Perfect Description Rendezvous
As My British friends Say
Spot On

I guess the underlying trite takeaway of this thread is that change is the only constant in life, including that of artists. Whether it be Bowie's stylistic evolutions, or the vocal maturation (degradation) of one Bryan Ferry. They might not be pleasant changes, but they are undeniable, and people have a right to hold a position without being labeled a sycophant or a pessimist/contrarian.

This thread reminds me so much of many on Bob Dylan's fan forum, instead over there it's people longing for the nasal twang of Blonde on Blonde and lamenting Bob's evolution to what can be be described as a growl - I actually prefer his current vocals strangely enough. Nostalgia is a funny thing, often bringing about massive cognitive dissonance, in myself as well it would appear.

Regarding Pyjamarama, I've always thought it quite remarkable that the British public would embrace it and make it a Top Ten single. No way it could have made a dent in the US charts of '73!!!

It is not polished but it is quite evocative and powerful. The live version on VIVA! is actually quite polished and powerful, but different because Eddie J has replaced Eno. I enjoy both versions!!!

rendezvous.Try these links on YouTube for Leonard Cohen, He goes deep but he is strangely silky. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOnXe8ttmjY ......https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_j9Whdf_6k

Thanks treboroxy, superb selection. I'd heard a couple of Cohen's songs before, many years ago, and should have followed the guy up.

This is really cool and I am very grateful.

For me Leonard Cohen is like Tom Waits. I recognize that they are capable of writing some noteworthy songs, but find their ever-so-gruff (at times nail-gargling) vocals to be very difficult to listen to. But clearly there are many people who find their vocals moving and evocative...