Vinyl of the Week - 12 July 2020

Many of us have undoubtedly looked at this week’s album and wondered what was behind the iconic cover. Released in 1979, Breakfast In America is the 6th studio album for UK band Supertramp. It is also their most successful, selling over 20 million copies and containing some of their biggest hits including ‘The Logical Song’, ‘Take the Long Way Home’ and of course, the title track. Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson had very different approaches to writing an album, both agreeing on the feel and theme then going away to write the songs separately. Originally, the album was meant to reflect these differences and take on a conversational approach like two strangers talking, however the idea was eventually scrapped in favour of a fun, more upbeat feeling album. (This seemed to translate as a satirical nudge at the US but the band insist that was never the intent). The brilliant cover was conceived by graphic designers Mike Doud and Mick Haggerty, depicting a view of Manhattan from a plane window, constructed out of breakfast table items. A waitress named “Libby” holds up a glass of orange juice in place of the Statue of Liberty. (“Libby” is in fact American actress Kate Murtagh, known for her time on broadway and appearances in TV shows such as ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ as well as multiple films including ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’). The back cover depicts the band eating breakfast at a diner, reading papers from their respective home towns. The fun feel they intended for this album is very much realised in its songs. And it remains one of those albums where the music is instantly recognisable - you just may not realise you’re listening to Supertramp! I love it for all of these reasons but in particular that late 70’s vibe. One to revisit - DS