BROTHER WHERE YOU BOUND

I was never a fan of Supertramp as they seemed to epitomise the clichéd power ballad 80s sound that I avoided ('It's Raining Again', 'Dreamer') but this is definitely one of their better albums. Yes, the 80s sound is prevalent such as on 'Cannonball' but the song is catchy enough to endure, though too repetitious for its own good, built for radio airplay.

The album peaks later on into prog territory with 'Better days' one of the great Supertramp compositions. The synths are dynamic, the piano drives it headlong and even the melody captivates. The crispy drums are too 80s but this feels darker with the ominous vocals and searing guitars. When the flute chimes in and the sax solo is heard at the end, I am convinced that this is one of the most progressive Supertramp songs and delightfully so.

The real drawcard is especially the showpiece of the album is the 16 minute treasure 'Brother Where You Bound'. The saxophone is absolutely beautiful and there is great guitar from David Gilmour, always incredible to hear. This track has a bluesy feel with piano dominating and effective soulful vocals from Rick Davies. Thin Lizzy's Scott Gorham also makes an appearance on guitar capping off a classic track. Midway through there is surprising dissonance with a jazz improvisation, almost free form RIO at one point, and it works brilliantly against all the 4/4 time sigs previous.

There are love songs as usual on a Supertramp album and mediocre moments, but this has enough to capture my interest beyond the standard power ballad album.