Thursday, August 2, 2012

Supertramp feted on all-star album

Some of the biggest names in rock contribute to a very special collection being released by Cleopatra Records on August 14, SONGS OF THE CENTURY: AN ALL-STAR TRIBUTE TO SUPERTRAMP. The record features members of Asia, Yes, King Crimson, The Doors, Deep Purple, XTC, Toto, Mr. Mister, Dream Theater, Nektar, Porcupine Tree, Gentle Giant, Renaissance, and Rainbow.



Supertramp formed in 1970 in the U.K. While initially considered a progressive rock outfit, the incredible songwriting of Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies, coupled with Hodgson’s unmistakable voice, moved the group into the pop and rock stratosphere by the 1980s. They amazingly straddled the line between expansive prog and commercial radio with unforgettable melodies, sing-along lyrics, a wizard-like Wurlizer, and the accent of the saxophone. They sold more than 60 million records, and hit singles from CRIME OF THE CENTURY, EVEN IN THE QUIETEST MOMENTS, and BREAKFAST IN AMERICA are still played on radio stations, used in advertising, and etched in minds.



The recognizable and beloved Supertramp hit songs are reenvisioned on SONGS OF THE CENTURY, including “The Logical Song,” “Take The Long Way Home,” and “Goodbye Stranger,” plus takes on gems like “Rudy” and “It’s Raining Again.” Producer Billy Sherwood enthuses, “There are some cool, unique moments like Annie Haslam singing “Dreamer” and one of the other highlights for me is Rick Wakeman’s piano playing on “Crime of the Century.” And Joe Lynn Turner singing “Bloody Well Right” is just killer.”” Richard Page offers a delightful version of “Give A Little Bit” that exudes all the sweet charm of the original. The bonus track is a new piece from Chris Squire and Tony Kaye of Yes.



The studio guest list also included John Wetton, Tony Levin, Robby Krieger, Colin Moulding, Steve Morse, Steve Porcaro, Roye Albrighton, Peter Banks, David Sancious, Gary Green, John Wesley, Geoff Downes, Jordan Rudess, Rod Argent, Mickey Thomas and more.



Explains Brian Perera, President of Cleopatra Records, “Supertramp is pretty inactive, and there’s a fan base out there that is just hungry for more Supertramp, and nobody can give it to them.”



Sherwood (the producer of the groundbreaking Pink Floyd tribute albums BACK AGAINST THE WALL and RETURN TO THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, as well as supergroup THE PROG COLLECTIVE) was very pleased to be asked to oversee the task of celebrating Supertramp. He says, “Supertramp is a great band. They’ve written so many hits that you can’t even count them all. “



Track List:

1. Breakfast In America - John Wetton (Asia) & Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel)

2. Take The Long Way Home - John Wesley (Porcupine Tree)

3. The Logical Song - Mickey Thomas (Starship), Steve Morse (Deep Purple) & Tony Kaye (Yes)

4. Give A Little Bit - Richard Page (Mr. Mister) & Peter Banks (Yes)

5. It's Raining Again - Colin Moulding (XTC) & Geoff Downes (Yes/Asia)

6. Crime Of The Century - Billy Sherwood (Yes), Rick Wakeman (Yes) & Tony Levin (King Crimson)

7. Dreamer - Annie Haslam (Renaissance) & David Sancious (Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band)

8. Goodbye Stranger - Billy Sherwood (Yes), Gary Green (Gentle Giant) & Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater)

9. Rudy - Roye Albrighton (Nektar) & Steve Porcaro (Toto)

10. Bloody Well Right - Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow) & Dave Kerzner

11. School - Rod Argent (The Zombies) & Robby Krieger (The Doors)



BONUS ORIGINAL TRACK

12. Let The World Revolve - Chris Squire (Yes) & Tony Kaye (Yes)

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