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Customer Reviews of Entertainment

Great Second Helping
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.

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Family Entertainment - innovative progressive rock
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.