Shot by Eric Boman, the Country Life cover features two scantily-clad models, Constanze Karoli (sister of Can's Michael Karoli) and Eveline Grunwald (who was also Michael Karoli's girlfriend). Bryan Ferry met them in Portugal and persuaded them to do the photo shoot as well as to help him with the words to the song "Bitter-Sweet". Although not credited for appearing on the cover, they are credited on the lyric sheet for their German translation work. The cover image was controversial in some countries, including the United States and Spain, where it was censored for release. As a result, early releases in the US were packaged in opaque shrink wrap; a later American LP release of Country Life (available during the years 1975–80) featured a different cover shot. Instead of Karoli and Grunwald posed in front of some trees, the reissue used a photo from the album's back cover that featured only the trees. In Australia, the album was banned in some record stores, while others sold each copy inside a black plastic sleeve. Author Michael Ochs has described the result as the "most complete cover-up in rock history". Critical reception Jim Miller, in a 1975 review for Rolling Stone, wrote that "Stranded and Country Life together mark the zenith of contemporary British art rock." In 2003, Country Life was ranked number 387 on Rolling Stones list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It was one of four Roxy Music studio albums that made the list (For Your Pleasure, Siren and Avalon being the others). Track listing Note: "Out of the Blue" was listed incorrectly as being 4:26 on original pressings. Personnel Roxy Music Bryan Ferry – vocals, keyboards, harmonica Eddie Jobson – strings, synthesizer, keyboards (credited as 'Edwin Jobson') Andy Mackay – oboe, saxophone (credited as 'Andrew Mackay') Phil Manzanera – guitar Paul Thompson – drums John Gustafson – bass guitar Note: On the 1999 CD reissue of Country Life, Manzanera and Thompson's respective credits are erroneously reversed. Charts Certifications References Bibliography Rex Balfour (1976). The Bryan Ferry Story David Buckley (2004). The Thrill of it All: The Story of Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music Todd Burns (2004). Stylus Magazine: "Under the Covers" External links Roxy Music albums 1974 albums Albums produced by John Punter Island Records albums Polydor Records albums Atco Records albums Reprise Records albums Virgin Records albums E.G. Records albums Albums recorded at AIR Studios