An elegant and vibrant video clip by Ridley Scott (yes, "Alien" and "Blade Runner" fame) and Howard Guard, "Roxy Music: Avalon" is an experience to be seen, and thankfully the directors allowed us to conquer such ideal, an exercise in style and rhythm which is far off the grounds of what clips were starting to become back in the early 1980's. Less is definitely more here. It marks the introduction and practically ending of Roxy Music to MTV generation since "Avalon" was their final album after several others in the 1970's. However, lead singer Bryan Ferry end up becoming one of the most familiar faces of the period in music videos due to his smashing solo career that brought us "Slave to Love" and "Kiss and Tell" just to expose a few.
Scott and Guard makes us dream of Avalon just as the smooth song does the same. The concept revolves around the group performing the tune in this fancy and old-fashioned room, inhabited by few guests (looking for what they wear it seems like the video reflects the first half of the 20th century) and this gorgeous lady, played by Sophie Ward, with her glowing tempting eyes looking at us and at Bryan, seducing him without actually intending to, and then culminating with a slow dance. The whole affair between them seems to echo some vibes of "Last Year at Marienbad", even the scenery, difference being the colors. In between shots, there's the band members glancing their dark eyes in mysterious stares at the audience. And let us not forget about the falcon, who appears in few shots - a great visual composition that reminds of "Avalon" album cover.
That's the genius thing about it. Scott understands that a clip is all about selling the music, the artists and make the audience feel the quality or something that appeals to viewers/listeners; and he knows the band as well, that's why the result works. Roxy Music had as trade-mark displaying beautiful girls on album covers and other promotional material, and here Sophie almost steals the show from the group with a magnificent presence and light - it took me several views and some research here to discover that I've seen her in several films through the years. I'm not saying exactly she's the main factor of appeal - it's key but not the main. Bryan Ferry also has a charismatic effect, not just voice but the way he moves, his bright shining tuxedo in contrast with the darkness from the scenario...the man is pure class. And the music is a true breeze of fresh air, a dazzling chill of the senses, you just float and relax. Roxy at their greatest moment, the whole album in fact. 10/10.
