Customer Reviews

Entertainment

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4 star:		(3)
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If Family's first album, "Music from a Doll's House," had not set such an incredibly high standard, then their rather eclectic second album "Entertainment" might not be so overlooked. I think it is clear that the group decided to assert more influence over their sound, and the results are mixed. The recording itself has some technical problems and the band actually remixed and rereleased several of these songs on a long out-of-print LP to compensate their fans.

An undercurrent of tension fills some songs, showing what happens when this much creativity is brought to bear on a project. If you have heard some of the later live versions of "Weaver's Answer" without reedman Jim King, then you can see how flat those takes sound compared to this one. His spark also lights up cuts such as "Hung Up Down" and "Procession." King also arranged much of the music though he did not receive writing credits.

Rick Grech, never a contender for the greatest bass player ever, still made solid contributions with his violin, which was an integral component of the first two Family albums. I actually like both "How-Hi-The-Li" and "Second Generation Women," both Grech-penned and sung tunes that many Family fans dismiss too quickly.

Roger Chapman, as always, sings as if his life depended on each note. You cannot question his heart even if his delivery leaves you cold. Charlie Whitney seems to be in the background but then he emerges from the mix to nail a few bars of riveting lead guitar. "Dim" showcases Charlie's versatility and presages his current focus on bluegrass, acoustic, and folk music. The drummer Townsend is rock solid when needed and subtle when needed, proving why he was the perfect drummer for this band that refused to be nailed down into one category throughout its too brief history.

Family's second album "Family Entertainment" since 1969, clearly is among group's best releases; in fact perhaps the album is their most seamless.

The original line-up is still intact and the group's songwriting (mostly Chapman / Whitney) is original, exciting and versatile. Many genres are touched upon, without compromising the overall feel, and there is varied and tasteful instrumentation. Not the least important is it that the band's desire to experiment does not go beyond the melodic which to the finest degree characterizes the entire album.

On this excellent record you'll find some of the group's live favorites. Not least, the outstanding "The Weaver's Answer" which is one of the finest recordings the group has released.

Among other highlighs there is "Observations From a Hill", which funny enough here on the original album is not sung by Chapman, perhaps a fact which also in a positive way helps to vary the overall impression of variety. Chapman's version can be found on "Old Songs New Songs" - a version which must not be overlooked. On these two cuts the group is stronly related to contemporary groups like Traffic and Jethro Tull.

On the "Hung Up Down" we hear the groups sounding more like Family on their later albums, also a very strong track.

The instrumental "Summer 67" is for an instrumental very interesting, very inspired by oriental sounds and tones.

Bassist Rick Grech, who left Family immediately after this album contributes to writing songs on four tracks. "How Hi the Li" is one of those, and it is an exciting number a little in the vein of Cream on "Wheels of Fire", maybe the song does not quite have the catchiness the Chapman / Whitney songs.

On the other hand Grech shows on "Second Generation Woman" a strong flair for writing a straight-forward rocker - a number that must have had clear hit potential.

"From Past Archives" is a sad and small acoustic tune that shows the group was a little rare soft side, but also a little surprising change of style towards the jazzy. Indeed, it is worth listening to acoustic guitar through the album, very well played and well-produced.

The song "Dim" is one of my big favorites, a little in JJ Cale style - would really like to hear a Cale version of this little laid-back tune with a very catchy chorus.

"Procession" is equally strong, almost country - again with nice acoustic guitars.

"Face In The Cloud" is Grech again you'll notice his songwriting a little different - not bad but different.

The closing track "Emotions" is a Whitney / Chapman / Grech collaboration - and a fine and worthy one too.

Definitely an album that is among the classics of the late 1960's

After the extraordinary Music in a Doll's House album (one of the most underrated albums from the late 60's by the way) Family follows up that impressive offering with an album that seems to take away some of the pop and replace it with more rock and Procol Harum-style vocal melodies and instrumentation. This is actually a GREAT thing in my book. A natural progression in the life of a rock band.

"Weaver's Answer" is a highly melodic (not to mention ANGRY) display of Chapman's Peter Gabriel-like vocals. I don't think Gabriel ever sang so direct and cold-heartedly though. A treasure of a song here.

Other highlights include "Second Generation Woman" (yeah yeah, the song sounds like a Five Man Electrical Band throwaway number, I don't care- those vocals are melodic and enjoyable) and the utterly bizarre and fascinating "Face in the Cloud" with a sitar actually jamming in the background. The vocals closely resemble David Bowie from his "Space Oddity" song, and seeing as how both songs were both released the same year, I doubt this was a coincidence.

The album finishes up with perhaps the most emotionally devastating song I've ever heard- "Emotions". Ever think about your own family during a gathering, and the day seems so nice you wish it'd never come to an end?

So years later when you think upon those joyous times, you realize so much has changed in your life since that spectacular period in time that you only have the great memories to connect to that experience, and no matter how hard you want those days to return, they never will. They're gone forever. That's exactly why this song makes me shed some tears. It strikes me pretty darn hard. It gives off that powerful and somewhat negative feeling that a certain part of your life is gone forever. Maybe I'm alone with these thoughts.

Overall, not quite as insanely melodic as Music in a Doll's House, but a great follow-up nonetheless, and a perfect album for Procol Harum fans. Also pick up Procol Harum's A Salty Dog for another incredible album with compositions written similarly to this one.

If you have not yet been bitten by a bug called Family (the late sixties, early to mid seventies GENIUS band from the UK), catch up now by purchasing Bandstand, Fearless, and Family Entertainment. Melodic, driving, multilayered, fascinating music from a one of a kind, supremely talented wunderband. Get on board!

True music collectors-especialy those interested in the rock era-should own all of Family's albums, but more casual customers should by this if they are only going to buy one.

The music on Family Entertainment is less risky than that on their first, Music in a Doll's HouseThat album had great writing but badly dated production. Family Entertainent's tracks are more straightfoward, but excellent. There is hard rock and folk, and it is all gripping and organic. No sound effects or flanged eccho. Just great songs.

Roger Chapmen rips it up on Doll's House with his vibrato voice: here, he works closer to the vest. Listen to his vocals on the pristine "Summer Of '67." He sings with no vibrato and in a direct alto. Perfect for the accustic guitar and decending chord changes that make the song so effective.

The whole album works with this good taste. Family Entertainment might not be revolutionary, but for straight 1960s rock from England, you can't find better workmanship than Family Entertainment. -

I think that this album is the one i've heard the most this summer 2004 even more than his follow up in my summer chart (the fleetwood mac from 69 the masterpiece "then play on")

whatever if you want to ear mysterious sounds, strange associations of instruments in a brand new way...if you like adventurous music...you've got to buy this one...this is waooowww...i can't find the correct words to talk 'bout this LP today...

Well if you like psychedelic rock this is a lost masterpiece

"The Weaver's answear" (1) is magic especially when Jim King (saxo & other instrum.) deliver the hands of Charlie Whitney who play an incredible acid guitar who cross the horizon...this is probably one of his better guitar work.

"Observations from a hill" (2) fly all over "the 2 feet on earth kind" of modern music...yep it makes you travel man.

"Second Generation Woman"(single title6) is a beautiful and generous baby built in a solid rock formula. "From past Archives" and "Procession" are incredible ...it's incredible too that some of the songs out there where never a classic in the "Haight Ashbury" aera.

"Face in the cloud" (10) and "summer of '67" (4) are great sitar oriented songs.

All for me is perfect exept a sort of xylophone solo of 30 seconds in the great last song "Emotions" and a song called "Dim" that is just not my cup of tea darlin' ...

If you want to buy magic sounds and want to travel far away from the poor grey minds who intrude even our soul...so come on...

I reccommend you too their first album from late 67 (or beg.68 whatever) because their first album is even bigger than this one...the first one is even more strange and bohemian...yep if you like traffic , the pink floyd 2 first albums or even Spirit this album must be very attractive to your delicate ears...

I've been a big fan of Family for over 30 years. I particularly like the earlier albums, and I think this one may be the best. The selections really have left an impact on me. I still play the original vinyl LP.
It's very difficult to describe the sound of Family to someone who has never heard them. They're somewhat in the style of Roxy Music when you factor in the vocals and the saxophone, and even that description doesn't do them justice. Those who would appreciate this CD might very well like the earlier recording 'Music in a Doll's House' and possibly their later recording 'A Song for Me'.
If you have none of the first 3 recordings and want sort a 'best of' composite CD, I'd recommend 'Old Songs, New Songs'. The latter is mostly a rerecording of the best of the earlier 3.
I have all these recordings in vinyl L.P. form, and assume they are currently available on audio CD.