Having seen them performing tracks from this album on the Old Grey Whistle Test, I went out and bought this album the day after. Formed by ex-Family members Roger Chapman and John Whitney, this is the band’s third album released in ’76. They came around at the wrong time, as just they were gaining a bit of traction, Punk came along and the musical landscape changed nearly overnight. Taking what Family did and expanding the sound with more proggy vibes – they had a sound all of their own. Of course Chapman’s distinctive gravelly tones and vibrato are up front and centre, and the music that supports it is strong and diverse.
Run For Cover is a great opening track and the addition of Bob Tench on guitar really drives the song. Me An Me Horse And Me Rum is a strange but lovable track. Crazy Charade is all about Chapman and is driven by an off funk groove. Daddy Rolling Stone has an underlying old RnB groove, and is reminiscent of Family with Chapman singing his ass off. Side 2 starts with Roll Up, Roll Up and is another funky tune in the Family vein. Between Us follows, and has a barrow boozer vibe to proceedings. Shotgun Messiah has a very southern US vibe – they would get some success in the US with this type of tune. Decadence Code with its funk/reggae groove closes out the album with Chapman wailing all over the track. This type of music is seeing a bit of a revival. Whether Streetwalkers become fashionable again it remains to be seen.
7/10 from The Grooveman.
