BRYAN FERRY
Boys & Girls (SACD)
Undoubtedly one of the seminal albums of the 80s and probably Ferry's most melodic and colourful album, 'Boys And Girls' gets the re-issue treatment here, having been remastered for an optimum sound quality SACD release.
There are no extras on this 9 track album, which at a running time of just over 38 minutes, suggests that you should expect some celestial sound quality for it to be worthy of the significant price tag, particularly when almost anyone who would be interested in the release already owns at least one copy.
This record has always sounded good, thanks in no small part to the sheen of Ferry's voice, and the warmth of the lavish, yet airy, production. For those reasons, it's proven quite a timeless album, and before playing it I honestly wasn't sure what they could do to improve on the sound quality. What I found though, is that, even on a normal stereo the sound is simply breathtaking, and richer than ever.
Album opener 'Sensations' entices you to listen further, before bringing out the big guns: those naturally being perennial hits 'Slave To Love' (UK #10) and 'Don't Stop The Dance' (UK #21). Both retain their glassy top-end whilst still allowing the warmth of the bass to cut through, which, on older recordings, is not an easy balance to strike without great care when mastering for CD. 'Slave To Love' in particular is an essential recording for anyones collection. You'll never hear it better than this, as a thunderstorm dances across your speakers. The oft forgotten single 'Windswept' (UK #46), a song rich in texture and a
personal favourite, is also included.
Of the remaining songs, I was never particularly a fan of 'Valentine', but the mid-tempo grooves of 'Stone Woman' and 'The Chosen One' are definitely two of the album's defining moments. Either selection could have made a fourth single.
My only gripe about this album is the lack of bonus material. There were 12" mixes of all the singles, and instrumentals of several tracks, like 'Valentine', that were released on the original singles. All could have easily fitted here for completists. Regardless, if you have a quality surround sound system, I think you'll find this album simply divine.
There are no extras on this 9 track album, which at a running time of just over 38 minutes, suggests that you should expect some celestial sound quality for it to be worthy of the significant price tag, particularly when almost anyone who would be interested in the release already owns at least one copy.
This record has always sounded good, thanks in no small part to the sheen of Ferry's voice, and the warmth of the lavish, yet airy, production. For those reasons, it's proven quite a timeless album, and before playing it I honestly wasn't sure what they could do to improve on the sound quality. What I found though, is that, even on a normal stereo the sound is simply breathtaking, and richer than ever.
Album opener 'Sensations' entices you to listen further, before bringing out the big guns: those naturally being perennial hits 'Slave To Love' (UK #10) and 'Don't Stop The Dance' (UK #21). Both retain their glassy top-end whilst still allowing the warmth of the bass to cut through, which, on older recordings, is not an easy balance to strike without great care when mastering for CD. 'Slave To Love' in particular is an essential recording for anyones collection. You'll never hear it better than this, as a thunderstorm dances across your speakers. The oft forgotten single 'Windswept' (UK #46), a song rich in texture and a
personal favourite, is also included.
Of the remaining songs, I was never particularly a fan of 'Valentine', but the mid-tempo grooves of 'Stone Woman' and 'The Chosen One' are definitely two of the album's defining moments. Either selection could have made a fourth single.
My only gripe about this album is the lack of bonus material. There were 12" mixes of all the singles, and instrumentals of several tracks, like 'Valentine', that were released on the original singles. All could have easily fitted here for completists. Regardless, if you have a quality surround sound system, I think you'll find this album simply divine.
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