1) A British… Read Full Bio ↴There are several artists using this name, chronologically:
1) A British rock band (1967 - 1973)
2) A disco group signed to New York Salsoul Records (1970's-1980's)
3) A Spanish indie pop band (1991 - 1993)
1) Family was British rock band from Leicester, England, active between 1967-1973. Their music has been described as a masterful blend of Blues-Rock, Prog-Rock, Art Rock and Psychedelia.
Family's debut single "Scene Through The Eye Of A Lens/Gypsy Woman" was released by Liberty in the autumn of 1967. While the single received praise from critics, it received very little airplay, due to its rather complex, uncommercial nature. Family's debut album, Music in a Doll's House, was released in July 1968 and it was produced by Traffic's Dave Mason and Jimmy Miller on a 4-track machine at Olympic Studios, London. The band's line-up: Roger Chapman (vocals/harmonica/tenor saxophone), Charlie Whitney (guitars/vocals), Rick Grech (bass/violin/cello/vocals), Rob Townsend (drums/percussion), and Jim King saxophone/flute/harmonica/vocals). Bandleader Tubby Hayes and his brass section played on "Old Songs New Songs". An extraordinarily ambitious album, 'Music In A Doll's House' marked an audacious beginning of what was a rather mixed career for Family. Many of the sounds conjured up in the studio had never been heard before - more incredible given that the album was created on a 4-track. The band's ability clearly transcended the available technology. Chapman's unusual vibrating delivery did not appeal to everyone, but it's a remarkable voice all the same. The musicianship and the unusual arrangements on this album found favour with fans who regarded it as a rather surreal musical feast. Music In A Doll's House is a truly innovative album and years ahead of it's time. The album charted respectably in the UK (reaching No. 35 in the UK album charts) and received considerable airplay from well-known British radio personality John Peel. It did not chart in the US. Interestingly, Mike Batt got his first big break in record production on this album by arranging "Mellowing Grey".
Family's 1969 follow-up, Family Entertainment, toned down the psychedelics of their previous offering, and featured their first UK hit "The Weaver's Answer." For the 1970 release A Song For Me, they developed a more aggressive sound, gaining them a larger European following. That year they played at several major rock festivals including the Isle Of Wight music festival and Holland's Kralingen Festival. Both of which were included in the documentary films Message To Love and Stomping Ground. The next release, Anyway, featured a side of a live performance of new material at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, England, as well as a side of new studio recordings.
The bar was raised in 1971 with Fearless, but the band's biggest success was yet to come, in 1972's Bandstand, featuring hits "Burlesque" and "My Friend the Sun". This was followed by the underrated but enjoyable It's Only a Movie, where the band's sound was augmented by Tony Ashton of Ashton Gardner and Dyke on piano.
Family disbanded in 1973 and former members went on to play in the bands King Crimson, the Streetwalkers and Stud.
2) Family were a disco group who formed in the 1970's and released the single 'Music (Listen To The Music)', on the Salsoul label which was later re-released on the Suss'd 2007 compilation 'Deep Disco Culture Vol. 2'.
3) Family was a Spanish indie band active 1991-1993 formed by Javier Aramburu and Iñaki Gametxogoikoetxea. They released just one album in 1993 titled Un soplo en el corazón," a tribute to the film by Louis Malle. In 2003 Spanish magazine Rockdelux released an album with the same songs played by other Spanish bands to celebrate 10 years from probably one of the best Spanish albums of 90's.
From Past Archives
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why can't we forgive, forget and be returned to harmony
Singing our song, duetting as one
It took time as pictures very hard to find
Melodies divine, completely in tune
Become flat so soon.
Three years gone and still I'm holding on
Will soon be revived.
The lyrics of Family's song "From Past Archives" touch upon the theme of forgiveness and rekindling relationships that were once dear to the singer's heart. The opening line, "Why can't we forgive, forget, and be returned to harmony," suggests a longing to overcome past grievances and rebuild broken connections. The use of "harmony" as a metaphor for a healthy relationship or community is further amplified in the second line, as the idea of people "singing our song" together is presented as a desirable outcome.
The next two lines hint at the fragility of relationships and how the passage of time can make it hard to reconcile or revive what has been lost. The phrase "pictures very hard to find" could be interpreted as a reference to memories that have faded or become jumbled with the passage of time. Despite this, the singer holds onto the hope that the "melodies divine" of their shared past can be rekindled, even if they may "become flat so soon."
In the final lines, the singer reveals that it has been three years since the relationship or connection they are describing has been lost. The phrase "the song from past archives" conjures up an image of a cherished treasure that has been buried away and is now waiting to be rediscovered. The use of the adverb "soon" suggests that the singer holds out hope for reconciliation and healing.
Line by Line Meaning
Why can't we forgive, forget and be returned to harmony
It's difficult to move forward without forgiveness and forgetting past grievances, to reach a state of harmony.
Singing our song, duetting as one
We used to sing together in perfect harmony and unity.
It took time as pictures very hard to find
It's taken a long time to piece together the memories and nostalgic elements of the past.
Melodies divine, completely in tune
Back then, our music was magnificent and in perfect harmony.
Become flat so soon.
Unfortunately, our music and relationship quickly lost its luster.
Three years gone and still I'm holding on
Despite the time that has passed, I am still hopeful.
Hoping that the song from past archives
I am hoping that the music we made in the past will be brought back to life.
Will soon be revived.
I believe that we can recreate the harmony and unity that we once had.
Contributed by Chloe N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
FreedomsPrisoner
Ohhhh, such a melody, with twists twixt jaunty and sublime. First class, in any genre. If only such diversity was around today. Alas and joy!
Steve Ryder
Beautifully put.
shemanic1
beaUTIFUL tune from one of my all time top 20 albums, of all Family's albums, this one is my fave. Had the vinyl since day 1 still play it.
groundhog713
This is a superb piece of music!
Nick
Brilliant band, so good!
MeloLand
Wonderful song.
puppadonkey
Beautiful. Never on any Family compilations, for some reason.
shemanic1
my top Family Album
Valientlink
Too good
mark bing
Mozart had children ...before Sgt Pepper !!!