Bryan Ferry Album: “Mamouna [Remaster]”

"Mamouna," released in the mid-90's, remains one of my all-time favorite Bryan Ferry albums. His unique arrangements and poetic song-writing are displayed beautifully on this album. The title cut, a ballad, is Ferry at his smoothest and most elegant. Another favorite cut, "The 39 Steps," is slightly more pop-py, but with a darker edge. For fans of Roxy Music, or Ferry as a solo artist, this is a must-have.

Rarely do I ever listen to a whole CD and like the entire thing, but this is an exception. The title song "Mamouna" is just haunting. "N.Y.C." is also a wonderful song that barely stands out due to the quality of this work. This would absolutely be one of my TOP TEN to take if on a stranded island. Get this CD, you will not/can not be disappointed.

Bryan Ferry has always been perceived as the debonair vocalist who epitomizes melancholic love songs. Partly, that is true, the man has been responsible for some of the most recognizable and seductive love songs of the 80's, but there is another side to him that is mostly neglected. Ferry is also one of the best producers and songwriters of sophisticated, multi-tracked music there is and this album is the proof. Starting with the otherwordly\funk guitar hook of 'Don't wanna know", to the mid-eastern\electronica of the title track, this album is a masterpiece by any standard. Aside from the accomplished instrumentation and meticulous production, Ferry's vocals on this album are also at their most hypnotic, enigmatic and emotive best. Recorded on 56 tracks and taking 7 years to complete this is Bryan Ferry's towering, most underrated musical achievement. Mixing funk, rock, new-age and even a soupcon of chill-out, this is an original and ethereal melange of genre and sounds that is highly recommended for fans of experimental music or fans of Ferry. Give it a listen, you won't be disappointed

A lot of artists sing ABOUT dreams, but Mamouna was Bryan Ferry's attempt at creating the aural equivalent of dreams THEMSELVES. This is not an album that jumps out and punches you in the nose, but rather envelops you slowly with understated, trance-like rhythms, subdued solos, falling minor key chord progressions and haunting vocals. In lesser hands, this material would sound homogenized and dull, but Ferry's distinct voice and persistent grooves keep the record percolating along. U2 producer and former bandmate Brian Eno is back on board as well, bringing an element of "mannered chaos" that threatens to break through the placid surface at any moment. Of course, like all pleasant dreams it ends way too soon. Highly recommended to people who like an elegant, luxurious sound tempered with menacing undertones. Stand out tracks: "Mamouna", "Gemini Moon", "The Only Face"

Can NOT believe that nobody has reviewed this! Well then, lets just set the record straight shall we? I think of this as the third album in a trilogy of albums following Roxy's final release, the beautiful "Avalon". Then comes "Boys and Girls", and "Bete Noire", which are both excellent. Mamouna fills out the trio by sticking with the same themes, but filling them out perhaps as far as they could be taken, I guess that's up for debate. For you as people looking for info, I say if you like ANY of the albums I've already mentioned, then do NOT wait, order this! My first feeling when I heard it was "Oh, it is more of the same", but then I went on to feel that this is another brilliant entry in Mr. Ferry's fantasitc portfollio. The musicianship is top notch! His band is simply amazing! I saw them play "Love is the Drug" on Letterman, and I was shocked at how it "rocked". OK, I could go on and on, get this! If you don't know any of the albums I mentioned, then get Avalon first, then try the solo stuff.