Record Reviews

FAMILY ~ A SONG FOR ME (EXPANDED EDITION) MYSTIC 170 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 3rd album (recorded 1970). Poli Palmer joined Family for this one and his outstanding instrumental capabilities on vibes and flute created another dimention. The tunes are more complex, with longer instrumental passages, Chapman`s voice superb as usual and the group is really a well oiled Prog machine by that time. Essential!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

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