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.
Spanish Tide
Family Lyrics
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Slowly watch the tide turn
Far too late then we learn
There are only stars that are burning
Then, quietly the room folds into two
As mirror and window hold the view
Leaving, you stand on Spanish Tide
Here it begins, leading me on
Destiny will show soon
As arrows start to fly
The brightest ring around the moon
Will darken as you cry
Services demanded
For who puts claim to some
A million stars to ask for
Could only think of one
Now it's for real, taking me down
Slowly watch the tide turn
Circle years, we could learn
There are only stars that are burning
The lyrics to Family's song "Spanish Tide" are poetic and enigmatic, yet convey a sense of melancholy reflection and a subtle warning about the passage of time. The opening lines, "Slowly watch the tide turn / Far too late then we learn / There are only stars that are burning," suggest the inexorable march of time and the realization that we are all subject to its ravages. The image of stars burning bright and then eventually fading out is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of our existence, and a reminder to appreciate the beauty of life while we still can.
The second verse introduces a metaphorical "room" that "folds into two" and presents two perspectives: that of the "mirror" and the "window." The two sides of the room represent the duality of human perception and the way we see ourselves and our place in the world. The line "Leaving, you stand on Spanish Tide" is particularly intriguing, as it suggests a moment of decision or departure, perhaps leaving behind the old self to embrace a new beginning.
The third verse introduces a more concrete image of "arrows" flying and a "bright ring around the moon" darkening as someone cries. The lyrics suggest a sense of doom or tragedy, but it's unclear who or what is causing the sorrow. The fourth and final verse brings the song full circle, returning to the image of stars burning and ending with the haunting refrain "There are only stars that are burning."
Overall, "Spanish Tide" is a beautifully crafted song that invites multiple interpretations and speaks to universal truths about the human experience. The lyrics are a testament to the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas with economy and grace.
Line by Line Meaning
Slowly watch the tide turn
Observing gradual changes in time that brings inner realizations
Far too late then we learn
Learnt through past experiences which are too late and cannot be changed
There are only stars that are burning
Life consists of only finite resources, which we must use to achieve the best outcomes
Then, quietly the room folds into two
In a moment of conceptual divide, where seeing things opened up new perspective
As mirror and window hold the view
Realizing how alike and strange things can look through different mediums or lenses
Bright on all sides, holding the eye
Awe-inspiring or captivating experiences, leaving lasting impressions on our lives
Leaving, you stand on Spanish Tide
Departing or transitioning through an intense or alluring period in life
Here it begins, leading me on
The start of new or exciting changes, bringing optimism
Destiny will show soon
Future events will reveal their significance in time
As arrows start to fly
When stressful or negative events occur unexpectedly causing disruptions to daily life
The brightest ring around the moon
Symbolizing hope and better outcomes which are threatened by the following line
Will darken as you cry
Experiencing a loss of hope and positivity due to sad events
Services demanded
High standards expected from others that are difficult to attain as life is not perfect
For who puts claim to some
Who will pursue or take responsibility for these high-standard demands
A million stars to ask for
The desire or expectation for significant achievements, but without care to limited resources
Could only think of one
The most important goal must be prioritized over many lesser goals
Now it's for real, taking me down
Realizing the importance of the situation or the impending outcome, creating anxiety or fear
Circle years, we could learn
Reflecting on the past years of life and the opportunities or learning that came with them
There are only stars that are burning
Reiterating that life is full of limited resources, and that it's important to use them wisely
Contributed by Jason O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.