Search - Supertramp :: Brother Where You Bound

As Good as a Supertramp Album Could Be Without Roger Hodgson

Parrish A. Highley | Somewhere I've Never Travelled | 04/03/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Brother, Where You Bound" was a reasonable question to ask in the mid-eighties. With an American President who refused to mimic the capitulating posture of the previous administration, the Cold War between The United States and The Soviet Union had reached a fever pitch. And while history has proven Reagan's tone to be the antidote to Soviet aggression, it is also important to remember that a very reluctant European populace was inextricably caught between this proverbial rock and a hard place. Although songwriter Rick Davies' concerns clearly mirrored those of much of Europe, he _does_ represent the other side in this time in history in the fourth verse from the album's title track. Many Supertramp fans regard "Brother, Where You Bound" as the single most epic piece the group ever produced and, considering the weight of the subject matter, they certainly have point! Since this song is not available for download, I would recommend picking up the entire album rather than just cherry-picking here and there. While Roger Hodgson is certainly missed, none other than David Gilmour steps up to the plate to deliver some fantastic guitar work throughout this sixteen-and-a-half minute odyssey!



The very strong single Cannonball affected me the same way that The Alan Parsons Project's Stereotomy did; defiant of trends and thoroughly engaging! An exceptional poly-rhythmic song that never overstays its welcome despite being seven-and-a-half minutes long. If, for any reason, you are reluctant to purchase the entire album, dip your toe in the water here!



But those who jump all the way in will be richly rewarded with the beautifully atmospheric No Inbetween. In some many ways, this is my favorite piece on the whole album and this remaster does a wonderful job of expressing the resonance of the song's opening ringing bells. As a matter of fact, this remaster dodges the pitfall into which so many other remasters fall; there is no undue narrowing of the dynamic range! And while I do wish the essential cannon of Supertramp, of which "Brother, Where You Bound" is one, was available on Sony's Super Audio CD, this redbook compact disc is audiophile quality."