Record Reviews

STREETWALKERS ~ DOWNTOWN FLYERS BGO 542 (Barcode: 5017261205421) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 2002 2nd album by British band StreetwalkersFind albums by this artist, founded by two ex-FamilyFind albums by this artist founding members vocalist Roger ChapmanFind albums by this artist and guitarist John WhitneyFind albums by this artist, after Family disbanded. Strictly speaking, it was the first album released under the Streetwalkers moniker, since the previous album was released as Chapman-WhitneyFind albums by this artist and was only entitled "StreetwalkersFind albums with this title", but in time that album was commonly accepted as the first Streetwalkers album and is referred to as such. Although Chapman and Whitney consciously wished to separate themselves from the Prog image associated with Family when they founded the new band, trying to create a more "straight-forward" Rock band, many of the elements which made Family one of the best and most unique bands were inherited. Chapman´s absolutely distinctive voice and vocal delivery was by itself a sufficient factor to distinguish the band from any other and with Whitney´s subtle guitar work and exceptional talent to write tunes that were both rhythmically and melodically quite apart from most Rock songs made Streetwalkers a great band. They drafted another singer / guitarist Bob TenchFind albums by this artist (ex-Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist group), who was responsible for the Rocky side of things and an excellent rhythm section, which kept the band kicking. Guest keyboardist also participated in the recording to expand the group´s sound. Unfortunately Streetwalkers somehow never really "made it", with their albums selling poorly, which eventually led to their demise, but their recorded legacy remains to this very day as an excellent example of sophisticated British Rock, which combines quality music with great delivery. This is a must to all Family fans, who will find the music a logical continuation to the Family´s output.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

STREETWALKERS ~ LIVE AT ROCKPALAST REPERTOIRE 5327 (Barcode: 4009910532720) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 - 1977 Released: 2013 This is an archival live 2CD / DVD album by the excellent British Rock group StreetwalkersFind albums by this artist, captured live in Germany in 1975 and 1977 for the TV program Rockpalast. The group was co led by the charismatic vocalist Roger ChapmanFind albums by this artist and guitarist John WhitneyFind albums by this artist, who also co-wrote most of their original material. The group was formed following the legendary FamilyFind albums by this artist disbanded. Streetwalkers recorded four studio albums and one live album, and this release captures them in at their best. CD1 recorded in 1975 presents nine tracks and the lineup includes guitarist / vocalist Bob TenchFind albums by this artist, bassist Jonathan PlotelFind albums by this artist and drummer Nico McBrainFind albums by this artist. CD2 recorded in 1977 presents eleven tracks and the lineup includes Tench, bassist Michael FeatFind albums by this artist, drummer David DowleFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Brian JohnstoneFind albums by this artist. Due to time limitations, it misses one of the tracks present on the DVD. The DVD includes all the material on both CDs and one additional track, as mentioned above. Chapman and Whitney (with some help from Tench) were incredible songwriters, which is clearly evident herein, and Streetwalkers performed only original songs, as they always had plenty of material to choose from. Chapman’s incredible and highly idiosyncratic vocal performances are definitely some of the finest in British Rock music. Overall, this is a great piece of Rock history by one of the best British Rock / Blues-Rock performers, which is always a great pleasure to revisit and more importantly remember. The Family / Streetwalkers legacy is truly monumental, sadly somewhat underappreciated IMHO. Check it out for yourself!

Updated: 08/04/2024Posted: 08/04/2024

2CD+DVD 3 Digipak Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

STREETWALKERS ~ RED CARD / VICIOUS BUT FAIR BGO 669 (Barcode: 5017261206695) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 2005 3rd and 4th albums by British band StreetwalkersFind albums by this artist, founded by two ex-FamilyFind albums by this artist founding members vocalist Roger ChapmanFind albums by this artist and guitarist John WhitneyFind albums by this artist, after Family disbanded. The band continues to develop their strength and no-nonsense approach on these two albums, keep a steady core lineup of Chapman, Whitney and Bob TenchFind albums by this artist, with Chapman / Whitney providing most of the material, continuing their cooperation since the early days of Family. "Red CardFind albums with this title" is the band´s strongest album, with both the quality of the material and energetic delivery reaching an artistic peak. For "Vicious But FairFind albums with this title", their last studio album, the band added a fifth member, keyboardist Brian JohnstoneFind albums by this artist, but kept the basic direction. Chapman´s vocal qualities remain exceptional during the entire Streetwalkers period and he truly deserves the status of one of Britain´s most unique and talented vocalists. Both albums are prime examples of British Rock at its prime, with superb musicianship and total dedication and in spite of their lack of success at the time they were released, true icon of the era. These albums are a must to all Family fans, which should see in Streetwalkers a direct extension of the Family legacy and re-visit these recordings to find out how well they withstand the tides of time.

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend