Family Entertainment

 Original released on LP Reprise RS 6340

(US, March 1969)

"Family Entertainment" followed on the heels of Family's "Music in a Doll's House" with the band's first incarnation: Roger Chapman (harmonica / tenor sax / vocals), Rick Grech (violin / cello / bass guitar / vocals), Rob Townsend (percussion / drums), John "Charlie" Whitney (guitar / pedal steel guitar / keyboards), and Jim King (harmonica / keyboards / soprano sax /tenor sax / vocals). While not totally dismissing their psychedelic leanings, much of the material bears a stronger acoustic influence, in much the same manner as Fairport Convention and Traffic were also exploring. The jazzy sitar lead of "Face in the Cloud" and the even more prominent Eastern-flavored "Summer '67" somewhat date the affair, and are contrasted by the beautifully noir and trippy "How-Hi-the-Li" (which may have been the impetus for Chicago's "Wishing You Were Here") and the upbeat "Hung Up Down," sporting Grech's unmistakable violin as it wafts over the rural and slightly surreal lyrics. These sides are set against the edgy "Weaver's Answer," which immediately establishes a broader spectrum of styles, most notably given Chapman's commanding if not slightly intimidating vocals. Whitney's blistering fretwork yields bite to the Grech-penned "Second Generation Woman," while "Emotions," another full-tilt rocker, is infused with an apparent R&B homage. (Lindsay Planer in AllMusic)

FAMILY Debut Album

Original released on LP Reprise RS 6312

(US 1968, July 15)

The non-LP single "Scene Through the Eye of a Lens" b/w "Gypsy Woman" not withstanding, "Music in a Doll's House" is the debut full-length release from the earliest incarnation of Family, featuring Roger Chapman (harmonica / tenor sax / vocals), Rick Grech (violin / cello / bass guitar / vocals), Rob Townsend (percussion / drums), John "Charlie" Whitney (guitar / pedal steel guitar / keyboards), and Jim King (harmonica / keyboards / soprano sax / tenor sax / vocals). Their highly original sound has often been compared to Traffic, which may be in part due to the production skills of Jimmy Miller and Dave Mason, the latter also contributing the organic and rootsy rocker "Never Like This." Additionally, neither band was overtly psychedelic or progressive, contrasting them from the other burgeoning combos such as Soft Machine, Pink Floyd, and Caravan. Family's deceptively involved arrangements are coupled with an equally unique blend of Chapman's commanding vocals driving through the jazz and folk-rooted tunes. "The Chase" is a spirited opener that immediately establishes their unmistakable vibe, which is furthered on the sides "Old Songs for New Songs" and the aggressive rocker "Peace of Mind." The antithesis can be heard on the rural-flavored "Mellowing Grey" and "Winter," or perhaps the almost blatantly trippy "See Through Windows." (Lindsay Planer in AllMusic)