A Manic Manifesto of Decadence and Dance: Roxy Music’s Revolutionary “Do The Strand”
“Do The Strand”: The Daring, Dashing Manifesto of Art Rock’s Sophisticated Swagger
Ah, the early 1970s. A pivotal moment when rock music, fresh from its psychedelic and progressive explorations, began to fracture into new, electrifying subgenres. And emerging from the experimental fringes of art school, a band arrived that was unlike any other: Roxy Music. With their avant-garde aesthetics, meticulously crafted soundscapes, and an air of alluring detachment, they didn’t just play music; they created a whole new world. And among their most vibrant and iconic declarations was the dazzling, intellectual dance anthem, “Do The Strand.”
Released in March 1973, “Do The Strand” was the electrifying opening track from Roxy Music’s groundbreaking second album, ‘For Your Pleasure’. This album was a critical triumph, widely celebrated for its innovative sound and ambitious artistic vision. While “Do The Strand” was not a standalone single in the UK or US upon its initial release, its prominent position as the album’s opener immediately cemented its status as a cornerstone of Roxy Music’s evolving sound. It was the band’s bold, sophisticated invitation to their unique sonic world. For those of us who were eager to embrace music that challenged conventions and offered something truly new, ‘For Your Pleasure’ and tracks like “Do The Strand” were revelations. The album itself reached a respectable No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart, further establishing Roxy Music as a major force in the burgeoning art rock scene.
The story behind “Do The Strand” is deeply intertwined with the creative minds of Bryan Ferry, the band’s charismatic lead singer and principal songwriter, and the innovative contributions of the entire band, particularly the atmospheric textures provided by Brian Eno’s synthesizers. The song’s conception reflects Roxy Music’s fascination with glamour, artifice, and a certain decadent sophistication. The “Strand” itself is less a literal dance step and more a metaphorical invitation to join a new, elite, and stylish movement. Ferry, with his distinct lyrical style, often imbued his songs with literary allusions and a sense of theatricality. The song is a playful yet profound commentary on artistic expression, cultural trends, and the desire to be part of something new and exciting. It’s an intelligent critique wrapped in an irresistible groove, a quintessential example of Roxy Music’s ability to be both intellectually stimulating and viscerally thrilling.
At its core, “Do The Strand” is a sophisticated, almost sardonic, call to artistic and cultural liberation, packaged as a dance craze. It challenges listeners to shed their inhibitions and join a new avant-garde movement, to embrace a more refined, yet still exhilarating, form of self-expression. The lyrics, filled with references to high art and modernism (“There’s a new sensation, a fashionable craze / Though it may seem a little wild, it will last for days”), playfully mock and celebrate the very notion of cultural trends. It’s about being ahead of the curve, embracing intellectual rebellion, and doing it all with impeccable style. For older readers, this song taps into the enduring appeal of artistic movements, the allure of being part of something cutting-edge, and the desire to break free from convention, even if only through a metaphoric dance. It harks back to a time when music was intertwined with broader cultural and intellectual shifts.
Listening to “Do The Strand” today is like stepping into a vibrant, stylish time capsule. The song immediately grabs you with its propulsive, almost jazzy rhythm, driven by Paul Thompson’s dynamic drumming and John Gustafson’s agile bassline. Phil Manzanera’s distinctive, angular guitar lines cut through the mix with precision and flair, while Andy Mackay’s saxophone adds bursts of melodic brilliance. But it’s Bryan Ferry’s cool, sophisticated vocal delivery, often verging on a theatrical sneer, combined with Brian Eno’s pioneering synthesizer textures, that truly defines the song’s unique sonic landscape. “Do The Strand” isn’t just a classic rock song; it’s a brilliant piece of art-rock history, a timeless anthem of innovation, intellectual swagger, and an irresistible invitation to join the party of the stylish and the avant-garde. It continues to beckon, urging us to step out of the shadows and simply “Do The Strand.”