"School" (Supertramp)

Critics in the 70s were a little stingy about giving a bit of respect to Supertramp, the prog-leaning pop act whose high-voiced hits still make the rotation at classic rock stations. Fans, though, never questioned the brilliance of moody, fidgety songs like "Dreamer" and "Bloody Well Right."

The band were originally called Daddy and were formed in Britain when Rick Davies pulled together a band by advertising in Melody Maker. By 1970 the band now known as Supertramp had released their first eponymous album in the UK (it was released in 1975 in the US).

After a change of line-up, the new band recorded Indelibly Stamped in 1971. Though it achieved cult popularity, commercial success evaded them. Their millionaire sponsor Stanley August Miesegaes withdrew his support and everybody left the band except Davies and Roger Hodgson.

Another new line-up released Crime of the Century in 1974 and success finally began to bite down on them, with songs such as "Dreamer", "School" and "Bloody Well Right". Next was Crisis? What Crisis? an album that produced some concert staples such as "Ain't Nobody But Me" and "Two of Us".

Even in the Quietest Moments included "Give a Little Bit" and "Fool's Overture". The latter marked the band’s relocation to the US and featured a more poppy sound. Finally, in 1979, they released their most successful album to date, Breakfast in America. This album contained fan favourites “Goodbye Stranger”, “The Logical Song” and “Take the Long Way Home”, and has sold over 20 million copies so far.

Hodgson left the band in 1983 to spend time with his family and later undertake a solo career. He had been the major songwriter and singer in the band, solely composing and writing 29 of their 32 hits. After Hodgson's departure, the band continued to perform and went on to release Brother Where You Bound in 1985 and Free as a Bird in 1987. Although Supertramp was successful after Hodgson left, they did not reach the level of commercial success they had attained when he was with them.

The opener and closer of the album, School and Crime of the Century respectively, are the most progressive tracks. School begins with a lonesome harmonica that reinforces the image of being trapped behind bars before spacey chords and driving bass power the verse. Then the band really begins to show their chops with an amazing piano solo. Before Supertramp can go balls to the wall prog the 2nd track begins with its heavy blues influence shining through. Crime of the Century is rather similar to Dark Side of the Moon era Pink Floyd where at first listen the track seems rather simplistic in its make up, but slowly begins to unveil itself after repeated listens. It begins as just a simple piano ballad but soon shows its teeth with a ripping guitar solo as it builds to its crescendo with strings and saxophone overlapping piano and pounding drums.

I can see you in the morning when you go to school
Don't forget your books, you know you've got to learn the golden rule,
Teacher tells you stop your play and get on with your work
And be like Johnnie - too-good, well don't you know he never shirks
- he's coming along!

After School is over you're playing in the park
Don't be out too late, don't let it get too dark
They tell you not to hang around and learn what life's about
And grow up just like them - won't you let it work it out
- and you're full of doubt

Don't do this and don't do that
What are they trying to do?- Make a good boy of you
Do they know where it's at?
Don't criticize, they're old and wise
Do as they tell you to
Don't want the devil to
Come out and put your eyes

Maybe I'm mistaken expecting you to fight
Or maybe I'm just crazy, I don't know wrong from right
But while I am still living, I've just got this to say
It's always up to you if you want to be that
want to see that
want to see that way
- you're coming along!