Legendary psychedelic band Supersister from The Hague, started in the sixties and they were highly successful with their progressive pop/rock music. Supersister's line up at the moment of course consists of founder and chief Supersister Robert-Jan Stips (vocals, keys), Golden Earring bass player Rinus Gerritsen and drummer Leon Klaasse. Last year Supersister released The Elton Dean Sessions, an album with Supersister live recordings from 1974, featuring Soft Machine saxophone player Elton Dean. Nancy Never Knew is the new album of this notorious Dutch band and it features twelve "new" tracks, all composed and produced by Robert-Jan Stips. All songs are back to the sixties and seventies music featuring electric piano, Farfisa organ, no guitar, and no flute and that is quite extraordinary as Supersister's older music contained a lot of flute indeed. Right from the first tones/chords of opening track Something In Return you know that this is Supersister; meaning: a blend of psychedelia, jazz rock, pop, and symphonic music, featuring those typical Supersister twists and turns. Out Of The Darkness, the longest track, is rather melancholic and dreamy, while Anywhere The Wind, the single of the album released on February 14, is a 100% pop song, reminding me of The Nits, another notorious Dutch band. Never In A 100,000 Dreams is a beautiful song and the sixties Medley is a live recording with a complete orchestra. The three interludes however are completely superfluous, and I wonder why the excerpt from Pudding & Gisteren (from Super Sister's third studio album, 1972) is added to this album?? Super Sister's new album ends with the "boring" ballad The Last Chord Open with only piano and vocals from Stips, stating that this album is probably Supersister's swan song indeed: "It's getting oh so quiet here, so let's sing this final song, and leave the last chord open...." For fans of Supersister Nancy Never Knew is a must have album, for others I have my doubts, so check it out for yourselves.... **+ Martien Koolen Where to buy? |
