Record Reviews
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  | FAMILY ~ A SONG FOR ME / ANYWAY...
BGO 854 (Barcode: 5017261208545) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2009
3rd and 4th albums by the fantastic British Prog band FamilyFind albums by this artist, one of the most imaginative, sophisticated and excellent bands of the 1970s. Formed by vocalist Roger ChapmanFind albums by this artist and guitarist John WhitneyFind albums by this artist, who also were responsible for writing the band´s exceptional material, the original lineup included also saxophonist Jim KingFind albums by this artist, bassist Rick GrechFind albums by this artist and drummer Rob TownsendFind albums by this artist. This lineup recorded two exceptional albums: "Music In A Doll`s HouseFind albums with this title" and "Family EntertainmentFind albums with this title", which are considered as Prog masterpieces. Following the departure of Grech (to form Blind FaithFind albums by this artist) and later King, they were replaced by bassist John WeiderFind albums by this artist and multi-instrumentalist Poli PalmerFind albums by this artist respectively. Palmer´s contributions on vibraphone, flute and piano expanded the band´s sound considerably, adding subtle Jazzy nuances to the already intricate musical amalgam the band produced. Chapman´s unique vocal qualities, which had absolutely no rivalry on the British scene, combined with the superb instrumental backing turned Family into an absolute marvel, which has stayed unchallenged for the last 40 years. The new lineup recorded the two albums included here in rapid succession, using 4 live tracks on the second album to speed up the recording process, which ultimately turned out to be the only live material ever formally released by the band. 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 |
  | FAMILY ~ BBC RADIO VOLUME 3 1970
HUX 107 (Barcode: 682970001074) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2009
3rd part of the collected BBC recordings by the seminal early UK Prog group FamilyFind albums by this artist. As usual, the sound quality of these recordings is superb, often better then original studio albums. These sessions were recorded by the second lineup of the group (so called Mk.2), which included bassist John WeiderFind albums by this artist and multi-instrumentalist Poli PalmerFind albums by this artist, and cover the material mostly included on the 3rd and 4th albums ("A Song For MeFind albums with this title" & "AnywayFind albums with this title"). This lineup was the strongest and most versatile incarnation of the group. The quality of the tunes as well as the incredible skills of the musicians is evident and this is a most welcome addition to the Family recorded heritage. The album includes all previously unreleased recordings; some sought to be lost completely before miraculously uncovered here. Family fans rejoyce!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FAMILY ~ FEARLESS / LIVE
BGO 855 (Barcode: 5017261208552) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2009
6th album and an album compiling live material recorded at the same period by the fantastic British Prog band FamilyFind albums by this artist, one of the most imaginative, sophisticated and excellent bands of the 1970s. Following the release of the 5th album, a compilation / remix release entitled "Old Songs New SongsFind albums with this title", bassist John WeiderFind albums by this artist left the band to be replaced by John WettonFind albums by this artist, who not only supplied some of his great bass pulsations but also added his excellent vocals to the group´s arsenal. Family were at that time at the absolute peak of their artistic powers, both in the studio and on stage, as beautifully documented by these two albums. Roger ChapmanFind albums by this artist´s unique vocal qualities, which had absolutely no rivalry on the British scene, combined with the superb instrumental backing turned Family into an absolute marvel, which has stayed unchallenged for the last 40 years. The new lineup recorded two albums: "FearlessFind albums with this title" (included here) and the next studio album "BandstandFind albums with this title". The "LiveFind albums with this title" album, released for the first time as late as 2003, is the only live album by the band, except for the 4 live tracks on "Anyway...Find albums with this title". 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 |
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