AKA: First Cut

Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers 1974 Album

Streetwalkers

This grab-bag affair was never really matched by succeeding records, and in that respect, it was very much like Family's debut. But this time around Chapman and Whitney call in lots of friends and session players to help out, and the more colorful/progressive tones of Family's work had given way to a slicker mid-70's mindset. This is best encapsulated by the leadoff track "Parisienne High Heels", a cutting, adrenaline-charged funk-flavored rocker which outdoes most of the Stones' work from the same period, right down to the illicit subject matter. Another effective track in this vein is the self-deprecating "Creature Feature". The comedic dance-hall mood from the last Family record is also prominent on quite a few tracks here ("Roxianna", "Showbiz Joe"). All in all, an absolute pleasantly odd record you should give a listen to.