Supertramp Crime Of The Century CD

Replaces #A&M3647

Supertramp: Roger Hodgson (vocals, guitar, piano); John Anthony Helliwell (vocals, saxophone, clarinet); Richard Davies (vocals, harmonica, keyboards); Dougie Thomson (bass); Bob C. Benberg (drums, percussion).
Producers: Ken Scott, Supertramp.
Reissue producer: Beth Stempel.
Recorded at Trident, Ramport Studios and Scorpion Sound, London, England between February & June 1974.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Supertramp came into their own on their third album, 1974's Crime of the Century, as their lineup gelled but, more importantly, so did their sound. The group still betrayed a heavy Pink Floyd influence, particularly in its expansive art rock arrangements graced by saxophones, but Supertramp isn't nearly as spooky as Floyd -- they're snarky collegiate elitists, an art rock variation on Steely Dan or perhaps a less difficult 10cc, filled with cutting jokes and allusions, best heard on "Bloody Well Right." This streak would later flourish on Breakfast in America, but it's present enough to give them their own character. Also present is a slight sentimental streak and a heavy fondness for pop, heard on "Dreamer," a soaring piece of art pop that became their first big hit. That and "Bloody Well Right" are the concise pop moments on the record; the rest of Crime of the Century is atmospheric like Dark Side of the Moon, but with a lighter feel and a Beatles bent. At times the album floats off into its own world, with an effect more tedious than hypnotic, but it's still a huge leap forward for the group and their most consistent album outside of that 1979 masterwork, Breakfast in America. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
The punishment befits the crime, and a quarter of a century later, Supertramp have been forgiven by critics. Quite why they induced such negative press seems unjustified, as 'Bloody Well Right' and 'Dreamer' sound as fresh as ever. The electric piano cuts through the speakers like a knife through butter, the treble at times hurting the ear like a heavy rock guitar solo. Both Hodgson's and Davies' voices sound rich and confident, although both are quite different. Maybe the pace slackens with the slightly indulgent 'If Everyone Was Listening' and the title track, but there are enough musical highlights to recommend this for any would-be '90s progster's wants list.