MY FATHER is moved and soothed by classic rock. A generally innocuous butt-rock punt like Styx’s “Lady” can elicit an anecdote of near biblical proportions from his reservoirs of sentimentality. The radio dial in his truck appears firmly stuck on 92.3 FM.
The other day, Supertramp’s “School,” from their 1974 album Crime of the Century, sent him reminiscing in such a way: He told me about the time he and his friends, Gil and David, were on a balcony listening to Supertramp’s live record Paris with the sun beating down on them on a late spring afternoon. He said it felt as if the music itself was heralding summer (a doobie or two must have been present). “What a great summer,” he recalled, and he proceeded to tell me all about it.
I more or less checked out.
“School”—which was co-written by Roger Hodgson—actually is an exceptional song, though. As a matter of fact, despite being a frequent target of anti-album-oriented-rock derision and relegated to record-store 50-cent bins, Supertramp have at least three classic LPs that rank among some of the best pop recordings this side of Paul McCartney’s early ’70s output. I’d even go as far to say that “The Logical Song” is timeless. The problem is that even Supertramp’s best cuts are marred by the tawdry glossiness and gratuitous instrumentation that characterize rock production of that period. So it’s easy to see why people associate the ‘Tramp with abominable groups like Kansas—but it’s a rookie mistake. These pop gems are ripe for rediscovery; the lyrics—especially those penned by Hodgson rather than his songwriting partner, Rick Davies—are often pensive and evocative. (You could even say that “School” and the “The Logical Song” are a little bit punk rock!)
Recent live footage of Hodgson reveal he’s among the fortunate handful of aging artists whose voice has hardly withered a glint—and the guy looks pretty damn good, too. His (bizarrely mystical) press release for this tour ensures performances of all his “hits with Supertramp,” in addition to material off of his three solo records.
I’m prepared to be the youngest person there who knows all the words to “Dreamer,” and I’m totally okay with that.
Hopefully you’re also prepared to be the most cynical and obnoxious person there too.
I agree with you Morgan– Roger’s songs are absolutely timeless!! I’m 20 and my two younger brothers are 16 & 14, we all love his songs very deeply because our father raised us always listening to music non-stop, and Roger has always been a favorite in our family. We’re going to be seeing him three times on his current tour, and couldn’t be any more excited! I’ve always loved the deep meanings behind his lyrics, as you said they are pensive and absolutely evoke a lot of emotion. Roger is able to bring out the deepest feelings in a lot of people– he is truly a wonder of an artist & a human being. When he sings on stage you feel like he is right beside you, singing only for you… actually he’ll be at the Oregon Zoo in Portland on August 10th, it’ll be a show you absolutely will never forget!! 🙂
To see tour details & ticket links visit:
http://www.rogerhodgson.com/documents/tour…
Hope to see you there!!
I have been a Supertramp for years but really, much more specifically, a Roger Hodgson fan. Many people don’t realize that although Roger and Rick Davies shared writing credit, they actually wrote and composed separately with each singing their own respective songs. It is Roger who gave us School, The Logical Song, Breakfast in America, Dreamer, Take the Long Way Home, Give a Little Bit, It’s Raining Again, Fool’s Overture, and so many more. When people think of Supertramp, they usually associate Roger’s voice with it. See Roger Hodgson live in concert. He is selling out shows all over the globe and receiving fantastic reviews from media and fans alike. His show is not to be missed. Tour details for the Breakfast in America tour are at http://www.facebook.com/RogerHodgsonOffici….
Don’t miss Roger Hodgson at Portland Zoo, You will love this concert. It is one of the most uplifting, energizing, inspiring concerts you will ever experience. Roger is not only an amazing musician, he is warm and real and open with the audience. Whatever plans you have .. consider changing them to be at the show at 7pm on Friday Aug 10 🙂