SUPERTRAMP

Supertramp

Crossover Prog

3.50 | 428 ratings

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baz91
Prog Reviewer

So you think Supertramp's early music isn't as good as the classic stuff? Try Again!

Supertramp's elusive and and underrated debut shows a startlingly different band to the group that produced such classics as 'Crime Of The Century' and 'Breakfast In America'. Technically, they were a very different band, as only Richard Davies and Roger Hodgson would be the only band members that these albums have in common. This was a band that were not sure what kind of music they were made to produce. The experimental art rock that can be heard on this album is incredibly different to the catchy sophisticated pop heard on later albums, but is no less interesting.

The music here is anything but monotonous. There are dreamy parts and rocky parts and downright experimental parts. The influences here seem to range from The Beatles in I Am Not Like Other Birds Of Prey to King Crimson in Try Again. The lyrics are quite pretentious, but add character and a sense of class to the album. Later, of course, Supertramp would be world-famous for having such classy albums. The best tracks on the album are the pensive, moving and powerful Maybe I'm A Beggar, the 12 minute experimental behemoth Try Again and Surely, a track that neatly doubles as the prologue and epilogue to this album. Each of the other songs have merits in their own rights, and are good for passing the time, but do not leave a lasting impression. At nearly 48 minutes, this is quite a long album for a debut release, and one feels that they get their money's worth of music, especially with the three tracks mentioned above.

Supertramp's early history mirrors that of Yes, whereby the first two albums would not dictate the classic albums that the band would release later. Also like Yes though, these albums are worth investigating and contain some thought provoking and downright enjoyable tunes, even if they are not in the style that we regularly associate with the band. Those wishing to enjoy a different and more progressive side of Supertramp should pick up this album immediately.

baz91 | 4/5 | 2011-7-15

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