Record Reviews

FAMILY ~ BANDSTAND / IT`S ONLY A MOVIE BGO 856 (Barcode: 5017261208569) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2009 7th and 8th albums by the fantastic British Prog band FamilyFind albums by this artist, one of the most imaginative, sophisticated and excellent bands of the 1970s. "BandstandFind albums with this title" was recorded by the same excellent lineup that created its predecessor "FearlessFind albums with this title" and the live album. In spite of extensive touring and some chart success Family sadly remained somewhere in the back trenches of the turbulent Rock scene, never actually achieving the recognition they truly deserved. By the time the recorded the second album included here, which was to be their swansong, the band was clearly running out of steam as far as climbing the commercial top was concerned. Poli PalmerFind albums by this artist and John WettonFind albums by this artist left (Wetton joined King CrimsonFind albums by this artist) and were replaced by keyboardist Tony AshtonFind albums by this artist and bassist Jim CreganFind albums by this artist. The last album was much more relaxed that the previous material, but definitely still a great piece of musical ingenuity, even if the critics and many of the band´s fans thought otherwise. In retrospect its whimsical approach to songwriting and Jazzy undertones sound truly excellent. The quality of the songwriting, as well as the extended instrumental work, is staggering and completely uncompromised by the passage of time. This is the Holy Grail of early Prog, regardless the fact that most Prog historians and music critics often fail to recognize the band´s contribution to the genre. This remastered edition spiced up with many bonus tracks is a must to any collector of Prog albums, as no collection can be complete without them. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

STUD ~ STUD ESOTERIC 2053 (Barcode: 5013929715325) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2008 1st album by the obscure British Prog band StudFind albums by this artist, formed by two ex-TasteFind albums by this artist members: bassist Richard McCrackenFind albums by this artist and drummer John WilsonFind albums by this artist joined by guitarist Jim CreganFind albums by this artist (ex-Blossom ToesFind albums by this artist). Two guest musicians also play on this album: violinist John WeiderFind albums by this artist and vibraphonist Poli PalmerFind albums by this artist (both later associated with FamilyFind albums by this artist). The resulting music is quite interesting, moving between Folk-Rock inspired pieces and long jazzy improvisations, sometimes quite adventurous. The players display a high level of skill and imagination and the overall result is often quite surprising. The album has been unavailable for ages and the original LP is a highly sought after collectors’ item. This reissue creates a new opportunity for Prog and Jazz-Rock fans to get acquainted with this little gem.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend