Stackridge

Exploring "Friendliness" by Stackridge

Released in November 1972, "Friendliness" is the second studio album by the British band Stackridge. Hailing from Bristol, the group blends various musical genres, including progressive rock, folk rock, and whimsical music hall elements. The album was recorded in August 1972 at Sound Techniques Studios in London and was co-produced by the band alongside engineer Vic Gamm.

"Friendliness" consists of eleven tracks that feature the band’s trademark narrative-driven songwriting. The album introduces eccentric characters such as "Syracuse The Elephant" and "Amazingly Agnes," showcasing the group's whimsical storytelling approach. The title track is divided into two parts, with "Friendliness Part 1" appearing on Side A and "Friendliness Part 2" concluding the album on Side B. This structure offers a cohesive listening experience that reflects the band's artistic vision.

The lineup for this album includes Andy Davis on keyboards, lead guitar, and vocals; James Warren on lead guitar and vocals; and Mike "Mutter" Slater on flute and piano. Additionally, Mike Evans contributes violin and cello, enhancing the album's chamber pop feel. Jim "Crun" Walter plays bass guitar, while Billy "Sparkle" Bent handles drums and percussion. This diverse instrumentation helps create a rich and layered sound throughout the album.

In terms of production, the collaboration between Stackridge and Vic Gamm resulted in a polished sound that captures the band's unique style. The album also features contributions from Slater on piano for the track "Story Of My Heart," further expanding the musical palette of the record.

In 2023, a deluxe two-disc reissue was released by Esoteric Recordings, which included bonus tracks and live recordings from the original era. This reissue offers fans a chance to explore additional content from the band's early years.

"Friendliness" is cataloged under MCA Records with the catalog number MDKS 8010.