Reading some of the comments on here I can't help but think that there are too many regarding when all these tracks were recorded. The songs are new when they are released into the public domain however old they are or whenever the vocal was done. I think it is a very good album from the listens I have given it so far, and its great after four years we have another one so soon. I think this album as with 'Olympia' has much more to offer than 'Frantic' which is not my particular favourite, and I agree there are better melodies on here than 'Mamouna'.
When it comes down to it 'Mamouna' was released in 1994 and 'Frantic' eight years later, then 'Olympia' was another eight years after that. We should be grateful not insulted that he has released two albums of almost original material in a space of four years. I also think you find that most of these songs were recorded in 2008/09 not in the 90's as suggested, apart from an obvious backing track from 1981. I think the next record will be a major change from this current direction.

[quote="LondonPubs"]Reading some of the comments on here I can't help but think that there are too many regarding when all these tracks were recorded.

Debauched Dilettantes,
The great @LondonPubs is correct.
The provenance doesn't determine the quality and many "CorduorySuits" (the Ferryista equivalent of an "Anorak") pontificate way too much about the 'Horoscope' and 'Alphaville' sessions.
Interesting as both are, our hero didn't elect to put them into the public domain and for good reason. When you discount the coolness factor associated with ownership they don't actually stack up against his published work. It's like comparing sketches with finished art. Nice to know but ultimately works in progress.
'Avonmore' is the finished product and should be judged as such and IWNSHO, it is a good album that is probably gaining more traction with casual listeners than anything since 'Boys & Girls'.
W2 says this because although he prefers both 'Bette Noir' and 'Mamouna' to 'Boys & Girls', he thinks that they both lacked the commercialism of the 1985 release as Ferry ploughed a progressively sophisticated furrow.
Interestingly (at least to W2) both of his sons like 'Avonmore' a lot and see it as something very new. Indeed, one of them went out and bought it rather than stealing mine! A solid testimony to its appeal to the casual fan.
Salutations,
W2

This thread reminded me how little affection I have for the Boys and Girls album. Granted Slave To Love, Windswept, Don't Stop The Dance and the title track are all excellent to my mind, the album also contains some of the most boring work Ferry has ever released (Sensation, The Chosen One) - songs without choruses or hooks, just a rhythm section and precious little tune. That Ferry chose to open his Live Aid appearance (his first live performance for 2 years and since the end of Roxy) with Sensation highlights to me how out of touch (and out of reach ) he became over the next decade.

It was the last Ferry/Roxy album I bought on vinyl and I never felt the need to replace it with a CD copy.

Along with Frantic, I think Avonmore is BF's strongest album of his own material since TBSB in '78. It certainly has more oomph than Boys And Girls, Bete Noire & Mamouna and is more consistent than Olympia.

Some of those recordings grew on me, but this one leaves a stronger first impression. Reason Or Rhyme has become a great live song and I think several of the current batch could do likewise, if the 2015 setlist is bold enough...

Avonmore is one of his best - my initial enthusism has not waned with repeated listening. As with most of Ferry's work there is depth to discover.

I hope he quickly chooses a second single, makes a cool video with him and studio band, a couple of mixes and promotes over the festive period.

[quote="Topiary"]Avonmore is one of his best - my initial enthusism has not waned with repeated listening. As with most of Ferry's work there is depth to discover.

Cher Topiary,
C'est vrai!
It's a good solid album and there is much to discover albeit my favourite tracks remain the same.
The boy done well - we are lucky to have him!
Salute,
W2