Bandstand

Not all progressive rock dealt with sci-fi fantasy, silver capes and airbrushed art; Family was proof positive of that. Their music lacked the overt virtuosity and accompanying pretentiousness of most prog rock music, but still contained more sophistication than most rock of the day. The previous year had been one of transition for the band. Released in March 1971, the compilation Old Songs New Songs contained remixes of songs from their prior albums, as the band had been unhappy with the originals. A new single "In My Own Time" b/w "Seasons" peaked on the UK charts at No. 4 in June 1971, and was followed by the excellent Fearless album in October. Bassist John Wetton from Mogul Thrash was the new blood, replacing John Weider who went off to play guitar in Stud. Bandstand—which, like the previous album, featured a unique die-cut jacket—is perhaps Family's finest recording. The symphonic textures of "Bolero Babe" and "Top of the Hill" are pure art school rock, while the simple meandering of "Dark Eyes" speaks volumes over its short two minutes. The single from the album, "Burlesque" b/w "The Rocking R's" reached No. 13 in the UK; however, the acoustic "My Friend the Sun" b/w "Glove" failed to chart (but certainly not to charm). And as the excellent "Broken Nose" demonstrates, Family could rock as hard as any peer. The album is another testament to Roger Chapman and Charlie Whitney's songwriting genius; however, even with a supporting slot for Elton John, the band couldn't change their fortunes in the US. Despite reaching No. 15 in the UK, the album did not chart in America. Both Wetton and Poli Palmer would depart shortly after the album's release; Family then added Jim Cregan and Tony Ashton as replacements and set up their own Raft label. They recorded one final album, It's Only A Movie, before breaking up in late 1973, never again to reform. However, Chapman and Whitney would later emerge as the hard-rocking Streetwalkers, recording a string of albums for A&M in the mid-to-late 70s.