FAMILY/A SONG FOR ME RSLP 9001 (-70) UK

In my world one of the most interesting bands of the late sixties and early seventies. Favorite LP:s by them were, and still are, the debute "Music In A Doll's House" and the 1972 "Bandstand" (see earlier posts). Both filled with intriguing pieces and hardly a bad spot on any of them. Most of the others come to me as bumpy rides, matching bland with bizarre and in that blend still offering at least a few catchy moments. Like this one. Recorded after a non-succesful US tour and original members Rick Grech leaving for Blind Faith and Jim King quitting because of drug problems, here replaced by John Weider and Poli Palmer. It can be described as a mix of psych, prog and country built on a steady rock foundation and, as customary, Roger Chapman's vocals goes from comfortably cheeky to downright disturbing. I've learned to like his voice so that don't bother me, but as a whole the LP sounds more dutiful than heartfelt...like another day at work rather than a special operation. Still they were such a gifted band so even if so it offers memorable parts. "Drowned In Wine" adventurous progressive rock but still oddly catchy and title track a heavy rocker with some weird violin towards the end. In any case for me good enough to keep for more than just completist reasons. Issued and reissued on vinyl and CD all over the world through the years, also 8-track. First US (Reprise RS 6384) had other track order and replacing "The Cat And The Rat" with the in UK 45 only "No Mules Fool". EU 2011 CD came with UK track order and six bonus tracks, including the 45 A/B "No Mules Fool"/"Good Friend Of Mine" and four live ones. Premiere UK had label as shown here and glossy fold/out cover with lyric insert. (FÄXI*)