Streetwalkers ‎– Vicious But Fair

Streetwalkers – Vicious But Fair

Released in 1977, Vicious But Fair is the third studio album from British rock band Streetwalkers, delivering a distinctive blend of blues rock, hard rock and progressive influences. Built around the expressive vocals of Roger Chapman and the guitar work of Charlie Whitney and Bobby Tench, the album captures a band combining the grit of British blues with a more expansive, adventurous approach to rock.

Streetwalkers emerged from the musical world of Family, with Chapman and Whitney carrying forward the group's unconventional spirit into a tougher, groove-driven sound. By the time of Vicious But Fair, the line-up featured an accomplished group of musicians, including bassist Mick Feat, drummer Dave Dowle and keyboard player Brian Johnstone. The album was produced by Streetwalkers themselves and recorded at Scorpio Sound in London.

Across its eight tracks, the record moves between bluesy rock grooves, melodic passages and more extended instrumental arrangements. Mama Was Mad establishes the album's earthy character, while Chilli-Con-Carne brings a punchy, rhythm-led feel. The extended Dice Man gives the band room to stretch out, making it a particularly interesting track for listeners who enjoy the more exploratory side of 1970s rock.

Elsewhere, But You're Beautiful adds a more melodic dimension, while Belle Star and Sam (Maybe He Can Come To Some Arrangement) demonstrate the group's ability to balance strong songwriting with the loose, muscular feel of a seasoned live band. Cross Time Woman rounds out the album, maintaining the record's blend of blues-rock foundations and progressive ambition.

A worthwhile listen for fans of British blues rock, 1970s hard rock and the wider musical legacy of Family, Vicious But Fair showcases Streetwalkers' individual identity during a particularly fertile period for adventurous British rock. Its combination of expressive vocals, accomplished musicianship and extended arrangements makes it an appealing addition to a collection focused on the era's less predictable rock albums.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. Mama Was Mad
A2. Chilli-Con-Carne
A3. Dice Man
A4. But You're Beautiful

Side B
B1. Can't Come In
B2. Belle Star
B3. Sam (Maybe He Can Come To Some Arrangement)
B4. Cross Time Woman