Supertramp

First off, I'll ask if anyone knows a similar band?

Second, when you hear Supertramp, or mention it to someone else, what songs pop up in their mind? Just the hits? The people I know don't seem to know songs like "Words Unspoken", "Waiting So Long" or any of the great songs off "Crisis? What Crisis?".. I was on the phone with a friend, and it irks me when he throws the term "girly bubble gum pop" but won't take a few minutes to listen to Babaji or Fool's Overture.

Mentioning Supertramp usually gets a giggle, although I'm not sure why.

Most people I know, remember The Logical Song, Dreamer & Breakfast in America. They are generally seen as a bit 'wet' and whimsey and very mainstream, middle of the road, which is a shame. I think they are very talented songwriters. Crime of the Century would be on my top 10 albums of all time.

The first song by them I heard was "Breakfast in America" and I still love it. The song was almost over on the radio, but that solo by Helliwell towards the end was so wonderful, and the singing of course.

I'd say Roger wrote the better bulk, but if you take their very best, they seem to match up well... "Crime of the Century" is definitely a Top 10 album of mine. First band I heard to criticize school - 5 years before "The Wall". I wish they'd play "Rudy" or the title track on the radio just once. Give the people a chance; radio shouldn't condescend so much.

I don't know of any other groups similar to Supertramp.  They were one of a kind.  2 keyboard players and lead singers, and very little guitar is not usually a recipe for success.  But the songs are so damn good.  They have withstood the test of time with the best of them.  There are different degrees of progginess in their music-but they certainly ARE prog, and one of my personal favorites.  

kjprogger wrote: I don't know of any other groups similar to Supertramp.  They were one of a kind.  2 keyboard players and lead singers, and very little guitar is not usually a recipe for success.  But the songs are so damn good.  They have withstood the test of time with the best of them.  There are different degrees of progginess in their music-but they certainly ARE prog, and one of my personal favorites.

Supertramp sounds quite unique, I can't think of a band sounding similar. 

kjprogger wrote: I don't know of any other groups similar to Supertramp.  They were one of a kind.  2 keyboard players and lead singers, and very little guitar is not usually a recipe for success.  But the songs are so damn good.  They have withstood the test of time with the best of them.  There are different degrees of progginess in their music-but they certainly ARE prog, and one of my personal favorites.

Roger Hodgson does have some impressive lead guitars and some goosebump and hair standing solos on electric guitar and some very hypnotic acoustic and twelve string guitar works. Aint nobody But Me is very guitar heave with raw hammond.

Edited by Icarium - March 03 2018 at 04:08

noni wrote: Blacksword wrote: Mentioning Supertramp usually gets a giggle, although I'm not sure why. Most people I know, remember The Logical Song, Dreamer & Breakfast in America. They are generally seen as a bit 'wet' and whimsey and very mainstream, middle of the road, which is a shame. I think they are very talented songwriters. Crime of the Century would be on my top 10 albums of all time. The people I hang out with are between 40-60 of age and love Supertramp.   Since Roger left,  they made a few reasonable albums after that. Roger had some sort of infection in his throat,  which stopped him singing for several years.   But now all cured and doing great with his solo work.

Sadly most people I know don't like rock music. I'm 49 and grew up with metal and prog, but most I know group up with punk, indie or dance music. They regard Supertramp as 'classic rock' which in their minds is even worse than prog. How little they know...

Top 10 Supertramp songs? It's hard, but here goes...

Crime of the Century
Words Unspoken
A Soapbox Opera
Just a Normal Day
Don't Leave Me Now
Waiting So Long
Rudy
Breakfast in America
The Logical Song
School