The Gaunlet: Ferry vs. Palmer

I don't think you can compare the two based on the fact that they both had a predilection for fine European tailored double-breasted suits, heavily pomaded slicked back hair and gorgeous women. Ferry, ever the elegant torch singer sleaze, favored champagne and caviar and personified the greed and lust of the 1980's. His vocal style was like a smooth croon that made the pin-stripe crowd envious and the ladies melt. He was the ultimate sophisticate cad who jet-setted to the South of France for the weekend with mounds of blow, bottomless champagne glasses and a bevy of fashion models. He was untouchable.....unattainable, only meant for the rich and famous.

Palmer was the rough and dapper "blue-eyed soul" singer who seemed more comfortable in a dark dingy barroom than a high-class social affair. I would say that Palmer was more like "the poor man's Bryan Ferry" only because his delivery was more "black"....more soulful than Ferry. No one would ever hear Ferry's voice and think that he was a black man, but Palmer got that all the time. That's the definition of "blue eyed soul". I'd compare Palmer more to Boz Skaggs (now, that's a good one) because their tastes swayed more to R & B, blues and soul music. You can't deny the hits "Johnny and Mary" and "Looking For Clues", man......that's just some hot ass shit! Dude.....The Power Station? Palmer was at his peak just coming off the hugely successful "Riptide" album. Has Ferry (post-Roxy Music) ever gotten so down and dirty like that album? I think not.

So, I can see where you're coming from, because....yes, they both looked impeccable in their fine tailored suits, slicked back hair and Italian shoes standing before the mic. But, the biggest difference is while Ferry made sweet love to you, Palmer was the one who fucked the shit out of that ass.