With 1973’s release of “Mothers Pride,” Fanny opted to have Todd Rundgren helm the production of the album. The album’s title is a nod to a brand of bread in the UK. Mr. Rundgren’s condition on producing the album was that he alone could mix the album with no input from Fanny.
This album solidified Fanny’s presence as a major UK act as many of Fanny’s final single releases failed to chart in the USA but did well in the UK markets. Trivia: Alice was drunk while recording the vocals for “Solid Gold.” “Solid Gold” would be recorded by another drunken drummer: The Who’s Keith Moon.
Mothers Pride
Released: February 1973
Reprise MS2137
Producer: Todd Rundgren
Last Night I had a Dream (Randy Newman)
Randy Newman’s nightmare lyric is a good choice of cover to start their fourth album. Todd Rundgren’s individual production immediately makes its presence felt and Nickey’s vocal is suitably fearful. June’s ghostly guitar adds tension and Jean’s deep bass line mimics your beating heart.
Long Road Home (June Millington)
June’s folk roots resurface on this acoustic lament of longing and disillusionment. It also seems to sum up her state of mind during her final days with Fanny and her vocal sounds heartfelt and poignant.
Old Hat (David Skinner)
The album’s second cover is Uncle Dog’s laid back ballad, Old Hat, led by Nickey’s somewhat muted piano. The chorus is buoyed by some close harmony vocals and Alice’s huge drum sound.
Solid Gold (Nickey Barclay)
It’s that girl again! Alice’s vocal weaves its way around Nickey’s paean to fame and fortune in its own inimitable style, complete with off mic chuckle.
Is it Really You? (Nickey Barclay)
The first half of this album has a world-weary ambiance and this song typifies the mood. An expression of regret to a lost life, it starts with a simple piano accompaniment and builds to a staccato chorus built around June’s intricate rhythm guitar and Jean’s intertwining bass.
All Mine (June Millington, Jean Millington)
A nod towards the disco style that the Millingtons would follow in the late 1970s, this swaying rocker features two innovations not seen elsewhere in the Fanny catalogue. Firstly a male backing vocal courtesy of the ‘Fannets’ and secondly a saxophone solo.
Summer Song (June Millington)
The second half of the album is more upbeat and this song starts the ball rolling with Jean’s booming bass line pushing this amiable shuffle along in typical Millington bright and breezy style.
Polecat Blues (June Millington)
June’s wry lyric and laconic vocal delivery drives this country blues, which is augmented by a traditional jazz band and Nickey’s bar room piano giving a vaudeville feeling to the song.
Beside Myself (Nickey Barclay, Jean Millington)
The one-off writing partnership of Jean and Nickey produces one of Fanny’s finest moments – a complex ballad showcasing Jean’s emotive vocal and Alice’s mega-drum fills. June’s solo builds the drama in the mid section and Nickey’s simple piano coda brings us back to earth. Stunning.
Regular Guy (Nickey Barclay)
A happy, upbeat song from Nickey underpinned by some neat acoustic guitar and slide solo from June.
I Need You Need Me (Nickey Barclay)
Nickey’s study in paranoia is a riff driven rocker comprised of several sections, some manic, others reflective. In the former June’s guitar and Alice’s crashing drums provide the madness and in the latter Nickey’s brooding keyboards add a degree of quiet in the storm.
Feelings (Nickey Barclay, June Millington)
The final June and Nickey collaboration results in one of Fanny’s most gorgeous songs. A haunting, folksy melody is beautifully arranged for piano and flute producing a light airy ambiance.
I’m Satisfied (Nickey Barclay)
The album closes with a trademark relentless rocker from Nickey. Prefaced by an A cappella chorus, it features some of her best organ work and a weirdly processed solo from June. Despite its overt sexual references, this song was used to advertise the National Tea Council in the UK!
