Music in a Doll's House is the debut album by progressive rock group Family, released in July 1968. The album, co-produced by Dave Mason of Traffic , features a number of complex musical arrangements contributing to its ambitious psychedelic sound.
The Beatles had originally intended to use the title A Doll's House for the album they were recording during 1968. The release of Family's similarly titled debut then prompted them to adopt the minimalist title The Beatles for what is now more commonly referred to as The White Album due to its plain white sleeve.
"Old Songs, New Songs" features a cameo from the Tubby Hayes group.
This album was initially issued in the US using the UK import and sold in the US as a domestic album (with an extra piece of cardboard to stiffen up the sleeve). Around the time the second album was issued in the US, US pressings of this album started to appear.
In the Q & Mojo Classic Special Edition Pink Floyd & The Story of Prog Rock, the album came #30 in its list of "40 Cosmic Rock Albums".
All tracks credited to John Whitney, Roger Chapman and Family unless noted.
Side one
1. "The Chase" – 2:16
2. "Mellowing Grey" – 2:48
3. "Never Like This" – 2:20 (Dave Mason)
4. "Me My Friend" – 2:00
5. "Variation on a theme of Hey Mr. Policeman" – 0:25
6. "Winter" – 2:26
7. "Old Songs New Songs" – 4:18
8. "Variation on a theme of The Breeze" – 0:39
Side two
1. "Hey Mr. Policeman" – 3:14
2. "See Through Windows" – 3:44
3. "Variation on a theme of Me My Friend" – 0:22
4. "Peace of Mind" – 2:26
5. "Voyage" – 3:31
6. "The Breeze" – 2:52
7. "3 x Time" – 3:51
Family were an English rock band that formed in Late 1966 and disbanded in October 1973. Their style has been characterised as progressive rock, although their sound often explores other genres, incorporating elements of such styles as folk, psychedelia, acid, jazz fusion and basic rock and roll. The band achieved recognition in the United Kingdom, through their albums and appearing at festivals, but were unable to attract the same level of attention in USA.
The band's rotating membership throughout its relatively short existence led to a diversity in sound throughout their different albums. Family are also often seen as an unjustly forgotten act,when compared with other bands from the same period and have been described as an "odd band loved by a small but rabid group of fans". (Wikipedia)
Associated bands and acts;
Kevin Ayers, Streetwalkers, Traffic, Blind Faith, King Crimson, Stud, Mogul Thrash, The Animals, The Farinas, The Rocking R's, The Roaring Sixties, Ashton, Gardner & Dyke, Dave Mason, Nicky Hopkins
