Hipsters,

DJC, BlankFrank and other illustrious luminaries seem to be of the opinion that a "Stripped" album could be a great way for our hero to celebrate his forty years of recording creativity.

The idea was floated in the TFT thread and in an attempt to goad Geordie's favourite son into action, I've taken the liberty of giving the subject its own post and to start the ball rolling here is my fantasy track listing:

* Palaces of Montezuma (Cave,Scalavunos,Ellis,Casey)
* Amazona (Ferry,Manzanera)
* Going Back (Goffin,King)
* Windswept (Ferry)
* You Go To My Head (Gillespie,Coots)
* For Shame Of Doing Wrong (R.Thompson)
* Trouble In Mind (R.M.Jones)
* Running Wild (Ferry,Manzanera)
* Down From Dover (D.Parton)
* Piece Of My Heart (Berns,Rogovoy)
(Bonus Tracks - deluxe edition)
* Into My Arms (N.Cave)
* More Than This (Ferry)

If we could get some Ferry dust sprinkled on this lot it would make for a fantastic anniversary "stripped" collection.

The fantasy album comprises tracks I've dreamt of Ferry interpreting but I'd love to hear alternatives from all you Ferryistas out there!

Regards,
Windswept

I think he should do stripped down versions of each album on their anniversary.

Personally, although this might be a neat marketing idea, I think that executionaly it would be quite difficult.
When the Stones did "Stripped" they picked songs that really benefited from being pared back. Otherwise,I don't see the point.
Also, it would be great to see the boy do some new interpretations.
I love the songs he picked for "Taxi" and the thought of him laying his take on Cave's "Palaces Of Montezuma" and Thompson's "Shame Of Doing Wrong" sends shivers down my spine.
Regards,
Windswept

OK. How about an expanded version coming out on the 40th anniversary of each album, with the second cd containing out-takes from the original sessions plus a few stripped versions of suitable songs from the relevant album. Or the second CD could feature live performances of songs from the relevant album.
Any cover versions cd should come out as a separate project.

How about this? How about that? Or what about this?

How about everything ever released? All the videos,
all the music released, plus pull everything out of the vault?

BRYAN: WE WANT IT ALL, AND WE WANT IT NOW!

Dear Erland,
I think you'll find that most of the ageing hipsters visiting this prestigious arena actually have everything and meet to pray for more.
Regards,
Windswept

I think this is a terrific idea, and I am flattered to see my suggestion of Thompson's For Shame of Doing Wrong has some legs.

Personally, I would like to see more Roxy and Ferry-penned songs in such a collection, perhaps one from each album, and the remainder covers. From each of the Roxy albums, a thematic line appears:

Roxy Music: If There is Something
FYP: Grey Lagoons
Stranded: Sunset
Country Life: Bitter Sweet
Siren: End of the Line
Manifesto: Spin Me Round
F&B: Running Wild
Avalon: Take a Chance With Me

Throw in When she Walks in the Room and Rock of Ages, September Song and I Thought, I think it would be magnificent.

Dear Earro,
A brilliant listing and I'm forever indebted to you for turning me on to Thompson's "For Shame Of Doing Wrong" - it's such a great song. Every time I listen to it I can't help but imagine Ferry's interpretation. It would be be up there with his take on "Gates Of Eden". I'm sure this project has legs - even if only "In My Mind".
Regards,
Windswept.

Windswept,

I was referring to stuff they have not released
that I'm sure is buried somewhere.

We'll see. Time is moving fast.

Hipsters,
I have been hallucinating further about this project and have come to the conclusion that Ferry should incorporate a couple of duets
(I liked his version of "She" with Charles Aznavour and the sailing songs he cut with Antony for "Rogues Gallery" - albeit I thought the Birkin affair was a little lack lustre).
Ray Davies dueted on his last album and a couple of tracks worked well. Particularly the stonking version of "Lola" he did with Paloma Faith.
Any thoughts on Roxy/Ferry tracks that would work as duets and vocalists that we could work into these "Stripped" sessions?
My vote for one would be Anna Calvi but I can't figure out the song. Any ideas?
Regards,
Windswept