A Song For Me (studio album) by Family (UK)

"A Song For Me" was Family's first album after the departure of keymembers Rick Grech and Jim King. Both Grech and King were talented musicians who greatly contributed to Family's very original music which can be heard on the group's first two albums "Music In a Doll House's" and "Family Entertainment".

These two albums were noteworthy for their original instrumentation, but also for the fine songwriting; partly influenced by the psychedelic wave. Obviously the importance of Roger Chapman's very personal vocal cannot be overestimated. Chapman, who later showed tendency to exaggerate his vocal pursuits, is actually very controlled on the first Family albums, and he often resembles another great singer, Peter Gabriel.

"A Song For Me" is more rock and blues and less psychedelia than the previous two albums, but still comes as a good and natural extension of these.

The songwriting is still fine and original, and the two new members, Poli Palmer, John Wetton, are fine substitutes for Grech and King.

The album's highlights are many, not least Chapman's tour de force "Drowned in Wine". In the melodic department you'll notice "Stop the Traffic," "Wheels", which actually is an outtake from the original line-up, and "Song For Sinking Lovers."

The charming "The Cat And The Rat" is of course impossible to ignore, and together with "Drowned in Wine" this was a song that would become a favourite during their live-appearances.

The very fine single "No Mule's Fool" / "Good Friend of Mine" is included as bonus, making this album an even greater release..

There is also a fine live versions of "Drowned in Wine", "Wheels" and "The Cat And The Rat". Personally I have never been particularly enthusiastic about the title track and the live recording also included here seems unduly long and laborious. This, though, can in no way ruin the general impression of a great album.

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