"Music in a Doll's House" is a significant debut album by the English progressive rock band Family. Released on July 19, 1968, the album marked the band's entry into the burgeoning psychedelic rock scene of the late 1960s. Co-produced by Dave Mason of Traffic fame, the album showcased Family's distinctive blend of psychedelic rock, folk, and jazz influences, underpinned by complex musical arrangements.
The album's title itself suggests a sense of playfulness and theatricality, setting the stage for the eclectic and experimental nature of the music within. Family's lineup at the time included Roger Chapman on vocals, John "Charlie" Whitney on guitars, Ric Grech on bass, Jim King on saxophone and flute, and Rob Townsend on drums and percussion. Each member contributed to the album's diverse sonic palette, with Chapman's distinctive vocals and the band's musical dexterity being standout features.
"Music in a Doll's House" received critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its innovative approach and ambitious compositions. Tracks like "The Chase," "Old Songs, New Songs," and "See Through Windows" exemplify Family's ability to fuse rock with elements of jazz and classical music, creating a unique and immersive listening experience.
Overall, "Music in a Doll's House" established Family as a pioneering force in the progressive rock genre, laying the groundwork for their subsequent albums and influencing other bands in the psychedelic and progressive rock movements of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
