Roxy Music still has a ways to go if it is to return to the glorious heights of Siren, its late-’70s masterpiece. Nevertheless, Flesh + Blood is a good deal better than some critics would lead you to believe.

Granted, the lack of a permanent rhythm section causes problems, as do Bryan Ferry‘s frequently detached vocals and his failure to intersperse more punchy rockers with his melancholy ballads. On the other hand, there are a lot of strong melodies here; both Ferry and the band have their moments; and a version of Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour,” which contains one of the most arresting intros I’ve heard all year, is by itself nearly enough to justify the price of admission.