STREETWALKERS Red Car/Vicious But Fair
BGO BGOCD669 (2005)
Former Family man Roger Chapman kept his music alive in the 70s with this excellent outfit that mixed r’n’b and rock. Red Car, the band’s 3rd album, kicks off with Run For Cover, highlighting Chapman’s excellent gravely vocals and some neat guitar from both Charlie Whitney and Bob Tench (the latter ex Jeff Beck Group). It’s a moody affair too, with Crazy Charlie a stand out.
Drummer Nicko McBrain (later of Pat Travers and Iron Maiden) adds weight to the music too.
With McBrain and bassist Jon Plotel replaced, and with the addition of keyboard player Brian Johnstone, the album Vicious But Fair didn’t stand up to its predecessor. Not a bad album, but nowhere near the class of Red Car, which remains one of Chapman’s essential outings. With punk coming through the time just wasn’t right.
A good package, but with two albums on one disc there’s no scope for the addition of extras.
***
Review by Joe Geesin
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