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The Family (Mashmakhan album)

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The Family
Vinyl cover of The Family.
Studio album by
Released1971
Recorded1971
StudioColumbia B Studios
GenreProgressive rock, psychedelic rock
LabelEpic
ProducerBilly Jackson
Mashmakhan chronology
Mashmakhan
(1970)
The Family
(1971)
Mashmakhan/The Family
(1995)
Singles from The Family
  1. "Couldn't Find the Sun"
    Released: 1971
  2. "Start All Over"
    Released: 1971

The Family is the second studio album by Canadian Rock fusion band Mashmakhan.

History

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In 1970, Mashmakhan released their self-titled debut album, which released three successful singles and garnered critical acclaim. After the debut album was released, Mashmakhan contributed to the musical score of the 1971 film Epilogue/Fieve, with the song "Couldn't Find the Sun." The track from the film was released as the first single to Mashmakhan's second album, followed by "Start All Over." Mashmakhan afterwards released their second album, The Family, which bombed shortly after.[1][2] The Family, along with Mashmakhan's debut album, were compiled into one compact disc by Collectables Records, Mashmakhan/The Family in 1995. The last track of The Family, "Mr. Tree" was cut off due to time restraints.[3]

Track listing

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No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Children of the Sun"Pierre Senecal3:29
2."The Family"Senecal5:10
3."The Prince"Senecal5:13
4."Come Again"Rayburn Blake4:36
5."Children Laughing"Senecal3:34
6."Couldn't Find the Sun"Blake2:41
7."Start All Over"Senecal3:43
8."Mr. Tree"Senecal6:11

Reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic [4]

At the album's release, it was a major flop, due to loss of fan support.[1] The album received mixed reviews from critics. The Family was well received by Allmusic, getting a four and a half out of five star review, along with an "AMG Album Pick." Allmusic critic Lindsay Planer stated that the album is "a noticeably more cohesive collection," and a "thematic return" to the "rural introspection" that had "influenced much of their self-titled debut." Lindsay stated that the opening tracks "continue in the progressive rock leanings established on their earlier effort." Lindsay praised "Senecal's deft and ethereal flute" instantly evoking Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull and said that "Blake's delicate fretwork" had the "combo's affective vocal harmonies" highlight the tracks "The Family" and "Come Again."[4] The single "Children of the Sun" reached #40 in the RPM Magazine charts. Further singles released include "Love Is" (#47), Ride Johnny Ride" (#84), and "Dance A Little Step" (#35).

Personnel

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References

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  1. ^ a b Pettipas, Keith. "Mashmakhan > Biography" (DLL). Ann Arbor, MI: Allmusic/All Media Guide. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
  2. ^ "Mashmakhan - Biography". Canadian Bands.com. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  3. ^ Pettipas, Keith. "Mashmakhan/The Family > Overview" (DLL). Ann Arbor, MI: Allmusic/All Media Guide. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
  4. ^ a b Planer, Lindsay. "The Family > Overview" (DLL). Ann Arbor, MI: Allmusic/All Media Guide. Retrieved August 15, 2009.