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.
Good News
Family Lyrics
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We're up at your throats before you begin
Closing your ears to other men′s views
Change for the good, would not bring bad news
Turning your heads away from the crowd
Turning much further than we can allow
Why change the rules, say those at the top
To those at the bottom, caught looking up
(REPEAT CHORUS)
Too many bodies, doubting your worth
Shout to the people, salt of the earth
(REPEAT CHORUS)
The lyrics of Family's song "Good News" convey a strong message about societal power dynamics and the struggle for change. The opening lines, "What is the point, you'll never win, We're up at your throats before you begin," suggest a sense of futility and oppression that individuals may feel when trying to challenge existing systems. It implies that those in power are quick to suppress opposition, making it difficult for genuine change to occur.
The lyrics further highlight the resistance to change by stating, "Closing your ears to other men's views, Change for the good would not bring bad news." This line suggests that those in power are unwilling to listen to alternative perspectives and resist any transformations that might challenge the status quo. It implies a fear that change may disrupt their privileged positions and highlights the narrow-mindedness of those who hold power.
The chorus, repeated multiple times throughout the song, emphasizes the frustration of those marginalized by the system. It confronts the people in power, questioning their motives by asking, "Why change the rules, say those at the top, To those at the bottom, caught looking up." This line draws attention to the unjust disparity between those who hold power and those who are exploited, suggesting that those at the top aim to maintain their position of advantage.
The song also touches on the importance of collective action, stating, "Too many bodies doubting your worth, Shout to the people, salt of the earth." Here, the lyrics urge the marginalized individuals to unite and raise their voices against oppression. It suggests that change can only be achieved when the common people come together and demand it.
Overall, "Good News" by Family delivers a powerful critique of societal power dynamics, highlighting the resistance to change from those in power and the importance of collective action from the marginalized.
Line by Line Meaning
What is the point, you'll never win
What is the purpose of striving, when victory is unattainable
We're up at your throats before you begin
We challenge and confront you before you even make an effort
Closing your ears to other men's views
Choosing to ignore the opinions and perspectives of others
Change for the good, would not bring bad news
Embracing positive change will not result in negative consequences
Turning your heads away from the crowd
Averting your attention from the collective voices of the people
Turning much further than we can allow
Going beyond the limits we are willing to accept
Why change the rules, say those at the top
Questioning why those in power alter the established regulations
To those at the bottom, caught looking up
To the marginalized and disadvantaged, who strive for better opportunities
Too many bodies, doubting your worth
A multitude of individuals questioning your value
Shout to the people, salt of the earth
Raise your voice to the common people, the integral foundations of society
Writer(s): Roger Maxwell Chapman, John Whitney
Contributed by Zachary H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
yolo planter
Congratulations and so happy you folks. This is good fortune and let it rolls. You paddy fields stalks are rising andnso are the corns. And the ducks grow so fast too. All the best and may you and family be happy and blessed always
peaceful life
That's right
Cielo Abierto
Me hicieron reír 😀 con la cerdita mamá. Que divertida persiguiendo a sus cerditos. Hermozo. ❤
peaceful life
That's right that's how I bring the mother pig home
Edwin Morales
Nice!!😃😃
Alanna Beatriz
Bom dia família linda Deus abençõe vcs
Maria Dos prazeres
Muitos porquinhos q Maravilha Deus no comando❤
peaceful life
Yes, there are 9 piglets
ROSA RODRIGUES
Ola família que lindo filho um abraço do Brasil 🇧🇷
peaceful life
thanks you very much 🥰🥰🥰