Family were formed in England in late 1966 and band existed until October 1973. Musically their style has been often characterised as progressive rock, but their sound incorporates several genres such as folk, psychedelia, acid, rock 'n' roll and even jazz.
The band experienced quite a lot of line-up changes throughout its relatively short existence. Singer Roger Chapman was along with guitarist John Whitney in the band throughout its career, and as songwriters they were key members of the band.
Other prominent members were multiinstrumentalist Rick Gretch; only on the first two albums, and saxophonist Jim King also only on the first two albums.
Among later members John Wetton is also known for having a member of famous bands like Uriah Heep, Roxy Music band King Crimson. Also Jim Cregan later had a career in Cockney Rebel.
Band Members:
Roger Chapman Born : 8 April 1942 in Leicester. Lead vocals and songwriter
John Whitney Born : 24 June 1944. Lead guitar and songwriter.
Jim King Born : 5 May 1942. Saxophone, harmonica and vocals. In the very early days of the band King was the lead-singer. He left the band after the first two albums.
Ric Grech Born :1 November 1946. Bass, violin and cello. Grech left the band in 1969 to join Blind Faith
Rob Townsend Born : 7 July 1947. Drums. Townsend was drummer in the band throught their recording career.
John Weider Born : 21 April 1947. Bass, guitar and violin. Weider was in the band 1979-71
John Palmer Born : 25 May 1943, in Evesham. Vibraphone, flute, piano, synthesizers and occasional drums. Joined in 1969 after the recordings of the first two albums.
John Wetton Born : 12 June 1946. Bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer and songwriter. He was in Family 1971-1972.
Jim Cregan Born : 9 March 1946. Guitarist and bassist. Joined in 1972.
Tony Ashton Born : 1 March 1946, Blackburn. Keyboards. He was in Family from 1973 until the break-up.
Discography:
1. Music in a Doll's House - Reprise 1968
Tracks:
1. Chase / 2. Mellowing Grey / 3. Never Like This / 4. Me My Friend / 5. Variation on a Theme of Hey Mr. Policeman / 6. Winter / 7. Old Songs for New Songs / 8. Variation on a Theme of the Breeze / 9. Hey Mr. Policeman / 10. See Through Windows / 11. Variation on a Theme of Me My Friend / 12. Peace of Mind / 13. Voyage / 14. Breeze / 15. 3 X Time
Rating : 9
2. Family Entertainment - Reprise 1969
Tracks:
1. Weaver's Answer / 2. Observations from a Hill / 3. Hung Up Down / 4. Summer '67 / 5. How-Hi-the-Li / 6. Second Generation Woman / 7. From Past Archives / 8. Dim / 9. Processions / 10. Face in the Cloud / 11. Emotions
Rating : 9
3. A Song for Me - Reprise 1970
Tracks:
1. Drowned In Wine / 2. Some Poor Soul / 3. Love Is A Sleeper / 4. Stop For The Traffic / 5. Wheels / 6. Song For Sinking Lovers / 7. Hey - Let It Rock / 8. The Cat And The Rat / 9. 93's OK / 10. A Song For Me / 11. No Mule's Fool (*) / 12. Good Friend Of Mine (*) / 13. Drowned In Wine (* - Live) / 14. The Cat And The Rat (* - Live) / 15. Wheels (* - Live) / 16. A Song For Me (* - Live)
Rating : 7
4. Anyway - Reprise 1970
Tracks:
1. Good News - Bad News / 2. Willow Tree / 3. Holding The Compass / 4. Strange Band / 5. Part Of The Load / 6. Anyway / 7. Normans / 8. Lives And Ladies / 9. Strange Band (* - Alt. Live ) / 10. Part Of The Load (* - Live) / 11. Lives And Ladies (* - Live)
Rating : 5
5. Old Songs New Songs - Reprise 1971
Tracks:
1. Hung Up Down / 2. Today / 3. Observations from a Hill / 4. Good Friend of Mine / 5. Drowned in Wine / 6. Peace of Mind / 7. Hometown / 8. Cat and the Rat / 9. No Mule's Fool / 10. See Through Windows / 11. Weavers Answer
Rating : 8
6. Fearless - Reprise 1971
Tracks:
1. Between Blue And Me / 2. Sat'D'Y Barfly / 3. Larf And Sing / 4. Spanish Tide / 5. Save Some For Thee / 6. Take Your Partners / 7. Children / 8. Crinkley Grin / 9. Blind / 10. Burning Bridges / 11. In My Own Time (*) / 12. Seasons (*) / 13. Between Blue And Me (* - Live) / 14. Sing 'Em The Way I Feel (* - Live)
Rating : 7
7. Bandstand - Reprise 1972
Tracks:
1. Burlesque / 2. Bolero Babe / 3. Coronation / 4. Dark Eyes / 5. Broken Nose / 6. My Friend The Sun / 7. Glove / 8. Ready To Go / 9. Top Of The Hill / 10. The Rockin R's (*) / 11. No Mule's Fool (*- Live) / 12. Good News - Bad News (* - Live) / 13. The Weavers Answer (* - Live)
Rating : 7
8. It's Only a Movie - Raft 1973
Tracks:
1. It's Only A Movie / 2. Leroy / 3. Buffet Tea For Two / 4. Boom Bang / 5. Boots 'N' Roots / 6. Banger / 7. Sweet Desire / 8. Suspicion / 9. Check Out / 10. Hometown (*) / 11. Holding The Compass (*- Live) / 12. Weavers Answer (* - Live) / 13. Dim (* - Live) / 14. Procession / No Mule's Fool (* - Live)
Rating : 5
Essential Albums!
Original albums as listed and rated on “Rate Your Music” - February 25 - 2014
69 Music in a Doll's House - 1968
121 Family Entertainment - 1969
288 Fearless - 1971
292 Old Songs New Songs - 1971
308 A Song for Me - 1970
455 Bandstand - 1972
649 Anyway - 1970
958 It's Only a Movie - 1973
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February 25 - 2014 - "rateyourmusic.com"