ROGER CHAPMAN ‘The Shadow Knows’ (Mystic MYSCD167)(2003)
Mystic are currently trawling Chappo's backpages and, rightly so. Little-heard gems are being replayed
and, as a follow-on from their wonderful boxed-set, a logical way forward.
With Family in the seventies, Roger Chapman carved out a niche as a distinctive vocalist against a frequently funky backdrop.
This 1985 album was a collaboration with ace guitarist Geoff Whitehorn who some may recall stepped into the mighty
Paul Kossoff's boots in Crawler, and lent that band the benefit of his gutsy, straight-ahead style.
In the eighties Chappo was having some greater success over the Channel, more specifically Germany who seemed to go for his
mix of rock raunch and rhythm. Several tracks here are as funky as hell, notably 'Leader Of Men' and 'How How How' (which is reprised
as a bonus live track) whilst 'Sweet Vanilla' and the live 'Shadow On The Wall' will encourage a twitch in even the most staunch non-convert. Excellent.
***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly
