Supertramp (album)
Encyclopedia
Supertramp is the self-titled debut album by progressive rock
band Supertramp
, released in July 1970 (see 1970 in music
). It has sometimes been published under the title Now and Then. The album explored a more conventional style of progressive rock than their later works, and was their only album recorded without a saxophonist.
It was not released in the United States until late 1977, but it was available in the US through importers and was usually carried in record stores that specialize in British imports. The 1977 issue reached #158 on the U.S. Billboard 200
.
All the album's lyrics were written by Richard Palmer, since none of the other members of Supertramp were willing to write any. Palmer himself later said that he considered writing lyrics "like having to do school work" at the time.
Except where noted, all lead vocals are by Roger Hodgson.
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
band Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp are a British rock band formed in 1969 under the name Daddy before renaming to Supertramp in early 1970. Though their music was initially categorised as progressive rock, they have since incorporated a combination of traditional rock and art rock into their music...
, released in July 1970 (see 1970 in music
1970 in music
- Events :*January 3**Davy Jones announces he is leaving the Monkees**Former Pink Floyd frontman Syd Barrett releases his first solo album The Madcap Laughs....
). It has sometimes been published under the title Now and Then. The album explored a more conventional style of progressive rock than their later works, and was their only album recorded without a saxophonist.
It was not released in the United States until late 1977, but it was available in the US through importers and was usually carried in record stores that specialize in British imports. The 1977 issue reached #158 on the U.S. Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
.
All the album's lyrics were written by Richard Palmer, since none of the other members of Supertramp were willing to write any. Palmer himself later said that he considered writing lyrics "like having to do school work" at the time.
Reception
In their retrospective review, Allmusic said the album was "inundated with pretentious instrumental meandering, with greater emphasis and attention granted to the keyboards and guitars than to the writing and to the overall effluence of the music." However, they admitted that the album's "mixture of ardor and subtlety" is appealing.Track listing
All music written by Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson, and Richard Palmer. All lyrics written by Richard Palmer.Except where noted, all lead vocals are by Roger Hodgson.
Side one
- "Surely (reprise)" – 0:31
- Listed simply as "Surely"
- "It's a Long Road" – 5:33
- "Aubade" / "And I Am Not Like Other Birds of Prey" – 5:17
- "Words Unspoken" – 3:59
- "Maybe I'm a Beggar" – 6:44
- Lead vocals: Richard Palmer and Roger Hodgson
- "Home Again" – 1:15
Side two
- "Nothing to Show" – 4:53
- Lead vocals: Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies
- "Shadow Song" – 4:23
- "Try Again" – 12:02
- Lead vocals: Roger Hodgson and Richard Palmer
- "Surely" – 3:08
Personnel
- Richard DaviesRick DaviesRick Davies is an English musician, best known as the founder and keyboardist of progressive rock band Supertramp...
– organOrgan (music)The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
, harmonica, piano, electric piano, vocals - Roger HodgsonRoger HodgsonCharles Roger Pomfret Hodgson is a British musician and songwriter, best known as the former co-frontman, and founding member, of progressive rock band Supertramp....
– acoustic guitar, bass guitar, cello, flageoletFlageoletThe flageolet is a woodwind musical instrument and a member of the fipple flute family. Its invention is ascribed to the 16th century Sieur Juvigny in 1581. There are two basic forms of the instrument: the French, having four finger holes on the front and two thumb holes on the back; and the...
, vocals - Robert Millar – drums, percussion, harmonica
- Richard PalmerRichard Palmer-JamesRichard Jeffrey Charles Palmer-James was lyricist for the progressive rock group King Crimson in the early 1970s....
– acoustic guitar, balalaikaBalalaikaThe balalaika is a stringed musical instrument popular in Russia, with a characteristic triangular body and three strings.The balalaika family of instruments includes instruments of various sizes, from the highest-pitched to the lowest, the prima balalaika, secunda balalaika, alto balalaika, bass...
, electric guitar, vocals
Charts
Billboard (North America)| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Pop Albums | 158 |