Anyone's Daughter

Release Overview

Anyone's Daughter, a German progressive rock band, released their self-titled second studio album in 1980. This album, cataloged as Spiegelei INT 145.626, was produced by Petrus Wippel and recorded at Tonstudio Zuckerfabrik in Stuttgart. The label, Spiegelei, in collaboration with Intercord, handled the album's distribution.

Musical Direction

Shifting from their debut's side-long epic format, Anyone's Daughter presents a more concise approach with this album. The tracks are dynamic and filled with hooks while retaining the intricate musical interplay reminiscent of Genesis and Camel. The album features nine tracks, beginning with the soaring opener "Swedish Nights" and including the hard prog piece "Moria," inspired by Tolkien themes. The songwriting reflects a blend of rock and symphonic elements, moving through various moods and styles throughout its runtime.

Track Highlights

The album opens with "Swedish Nights," setting a vibrant tone. "Sundance Of The Haute Provence" brings an acoustic Mediterranean flair, contrasting with the heavier "Moria." Another standout is "Another Day Like Superman," an eight-minute progressive workout showcasing the band's musical prowess. The closing track, "Between The Rooms," serves as a symphonic finale, rounding out the diverse offerings of this record.

Lineup and Credits

The band consists of Harald Bareth on lead vocals, bass guitar, and glockenspiel, alongside Uwe Karpa on lead and acoustic guitars. Matthias Ulmer contributes keyboards and vocals, while Kono Konopik plays drums and percussion. The album’s cover painting is by Eva Rudolf, with design work by WA Richard Müller and photography by Roland Michalsky.

Notable Transition

This album marks a significant change for the band, as it is their last studio release featuring English lyrics. Following this, they transitioned to German lyrics for their 1981 album, "Piktor's Verwandlungen." This shift in language reflects the band's evolving identity within the progressive rock scene.

Production Details

Anyone's Daughter was recorded in 1980 at Tonstudio Zuckerfabrik, located in Stuttgart, Germany. The sound engineering was handled by Johannes Wohlleben, contributing to the album's polished production quality.