THE ROTTERS' CLUB

If, when it comes to the Canterbury sound, I worship at the throne of "Grey and Pink" (Caravan's classic album), I can still find much to appreciate in the "Rotter's Club". Though the smarminess of the style detracts a bit for me, the rhythms and enthusiasm of the playing provide a counterpoint, and some sprightly melodies are scattered throughout. It does take a few go-arounds to get into, and an ability to change listening modes in favour of the mere "sound" of something when you are hearing it rather than how much you will hum it to yourself later.

"Share it" kicks things off in fine style with a song that seems a bit dated for 1975 but still pleasant and well executed. It segues uninterrupted into the instrumental; "Lounging there Trying" which shows off the jazz tinged timbre of the album. In "The Yes No Interlude" and much of the "Mumps" suite, the group opts for less user friendly workouts that are not dissimilar to what one might find in Caravan's "Nine Feet Underground", but without an overall context and with nary a vocal section. Luckily "Fitter Stoke Has Bath" and "Didn't Matter anyway" both show that trademark mellow humour and Crimson-esque flute flourishes respectively and decidedly put the Rotter's Club into the category of the worthy.

If you are a somewhat adventurous yet conservative listener who wants to explore Canterbury, take a stop at the junction of Hatfield and the North.