Brainchild of Italian producer Giacomo Tosti, Middle Of The Road was Scottish pop band that overnight went from complete obscurity into massive early 1970s pop phenomenon. While practically unknown at home, they found guidance and direction in Italy, where several Italian arrangers tailored irresistible and melodic material, easy on ear and rich in hooks - if it all sounds a bit too calculated, the effort was worth it because audiences lapped it up and singles "Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep" and "Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum" sold in millions.
The trademark of this band was vocal of lead singer Sally Carr - it was a highly unusual, individual and peculiar voice, that worked perfectly in this bubblegum setting, instantly recognisable and idiosyncratic sound with just right hint of melancholy in the ballads. What is the most interesting about the band and this album is how it makes a way for Abba who are just around the corner - it is quite irresistible Europop based on simple melodies, multi-voiced harmonies and yes, not very demanding lyrics. However, once you get over two overplayed hit singles mentioned above, the album actually has surprisingly dark undertone and on songs like dramatic "Lingering Sounds", "To Remind Me" or "Rainin' 'N Painin'" there is unexpected feeling of sadness and melancholy that not only clashes with peppy hit singles but points at direction that Scots were unable to pursue - all people wanted to hear back than (and still today) were sunny pop hits. Personally I find this strange dichotomy between what was commercial and what they wanted to play the most appealing aspect of the album - while perfectly capable to sing jolly ditties, Carr really pours her heart in ballads, which in fact makes her spiritual sister to Karen Carpenter who at the same time was experiencing similar situation across the Atlantic. Since I always loved Abba, it was joy to discover this now forgotten early 1970s band who paved the way for them.
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