BANDSTAND

Released in 1972, "Bandstand" is the second album recorded by the line up which made "Fearless" a year earlier. While the ever present Roger Chapman's voice is of course the band's signature, it is perhaps surprising that the continuing presence of journeyman John Wetton is largely low key; apart from one co-credit he does not even contribute to the song writing. Wetton would in fact leave the band after this album, heading for King Crimson.

The single "Burlesque" opens the album, a dirty, funky piece of magic with slightly risqué lyrics, and a wonderful vocal performance by Chapman. The album as a whole though is not as aggressive as previous offerings, the reflectively harmonic "Bolero babe" being more representative of the mood. Del Newman's string arrangements are unobtrusive, but nonetheless uncharacteristic for a Family album. The downbeat mood continues on "Coronation" where Chapman's higher range vocals sound a little odd. The track benefits from the addition of some synth and violin and a more spirited chorus. "Dark eyes" is a brief Poli Palmer (who was also to leave the band) contribution, in very much the same vein as its predecessors on the album. The track rather strangely fades in mid verse.

"Broken nose" finally returns us to the heavier and noisier sounds we expect from the band. This story of unrequited love across the classes has a rather messy melody and some of the most obvious synthesiser the band have added to a song.

"My friend the sun" was perhaps too different to their previous releases to succeed as a single. The song is a soft acoustic ballad with CSN like harmonies, and accordion backing. "Glove" sets out as a quiet blues featuring just vocal and piano. As the song develops, it becomes a more orthodox Family song, with some nice lead guitar and ever more dominant strings. The final choruses have a sing-a-long anthem feel.

"Ready to go" is a sort of back to basics affair, with acidic lyrics. Whitney and Chapman are clearly getting something off their chests here, but rather at the expense of a decent tune. The closing "Top of the hill" is a mid paced traditional Family song, with a simple melody. The arrangement is reasonably lavish, accentuated by the ubiquitous strings.

Unlike "Fearless", "Bandstand" is very much a single mood album. This gives it a more coherent feel, but also a measure of dullness. There are some highlights, especially the opening "Burlesque", but overall I find the album to be undistinguished.

The LP comes in a wonderful shaped sleeve designed like an old fashioned radio, complete with Perspex screen.

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