"Virginia Plain" is a song written in 1972 by Bryan Ferry. It was recorded by
his band Roxy Music and became their first single, backed with "The Numberer"
(an instrumental composed by Andy Mackay). It became a Top 10 hit in the UK,
peaking at #4.
The song was not present on the original LP version teen
of the band's debut,
Roxy Music, and had not even been recorded when the album was released.
After the success of the album in the UK, it was included on later
reissues.
"Virginia Plain" features bass guitarist Rik Kenton, who joined huge
after
Graham Simpson left the band. It begins with a deceptively quiet
introduction, followed by an instant increase of volume as soon as the
boob
vocals come in on the first verse, this apparently being a deliberate
ploy by Bryan Ferry to trap unwary radio and club DJs.
Former art student Ferry took the title "Virginia Plain" from one of his movies
own
paintings, featuring images of the cigarette brand of the same name and Warhol
sexy
superstar Baby Jane Holzer. Holzer is also referenced in the lyric, "Baby Jane's
in Acapulco / We are flying down to Rio".
Musicians
* Bryan Ferry - vocals, Hohner pianet, Mellotron, harmonica (on "The Numberer")
* Andrew Mackay - oboe, saxophone
* Brian Eno - VCS3 synthesizer, treatments
* Paul Thompson - drums
* Phil Manzanera - electric guitar
* Rik Kenton - bass guitar