Fanny paved the way for countless female musicians. As the first all-female rock band to release an album on a major label, they defied gender stereotypes and paved the way for countless female musicians who followed in their footsteps. Their raw talent and fearless approach to music challenged the male-dominated industry and inspired a generation of women to pick up instruments and pursue their musical dreams. Despite facing adversity and underappreciation during their time, Fanny’s enduring legacy continues to be recognized as they are celebrated for their pioneering spirit and undeniable musical prowess. And this 4-CD box set brings together their first four albums released by Reprise Records plus many of the band’s single versions, B-sides, and a bunch of vibrant live performances from the period.

Their 1970 eponymous debut album is a groundbreaking achievement in the history of rock music. The album showcases the band’s exceptional musical prowess. June Millington’s guitar virtuosity, often compared to Jimi Hendrix, is matched by the solid rhythm section of Jean Millington on bass and Alice de Buhr on drums while Nickey Barclay’s keyboards and powerful vocals add depth and versatility to the band’s sound. Fanny’s music is a captivating blend of various influences, including British Invasion rock, blues, R&B, folk rock, psychedelic soundscapes, and even hints of funk and soul. Their ability to seamlessly incorporate these elements into their own unique style is a testament to their musical creativity. While the album reflects the sound of its era, the band’s songwriting depth, instrumental mastery, and genre-bending approach set them apart from their contemporaries, their sophisticated compositions showcasing the band’s ability to craft intricate arrangements and memorable melodies. A must-listen for fans of rock music, it’s a timeless piece of work that proves that the band’s talent and innovation transcended the limitations of their time.

1971’s Charity Ball is a significant evolution from their self-titled debut. With newfound confidence and a more refined sound, this album evidences the band’s growth and maturity. The album’s title track is a high-energy rocker, a perfect example of Fanny’s ability to craft infectious hooks and deliver a powerful performance. The interplay between June Millington’s guitar and Nickey Barclay’s keyboards creates a dynamic and exciting soundscape. Tracks like “Soul Child” and “What Kind of Love” reveal a funkier side to the band, showcasing their versatility and willingness to experiment with different styles. Alice de Buhr’s drumming provides the perfect rhythmic backbone for these tracks, while Jean Millington’s basslines add depth and groove. Charity Ball is a stronger, more focused album than its predecessor. The band’s musicianship has matured, and their songwriting has become more sophisticated. While it’s a shame that the album didn’t achieve the commercial success it deserved, it remains a testament to Fanny’s talent and a crucial piece of rock music history.

1972’s Fanny Hill is a band at the peak of their powers. Recorded at the legendary Apple Studios in London with producer Richard Perry, the album benefits from a richer, more polished sound than its predecessors. The album’s title track is a departure from the band’s previous work, with a more introspective and melodic feel. It highlights the band’s ability to craft beautiful harmonies and create a dreamy atmosphere. Tracks like “Borrowed Time” and “Blind Alley” showcase the band’s songwriting depth, with complex arrangements and thoughtful lyrics. While the album retains some of the raw energy that characterized their earlier work, Fanny Hill also demonstrates a newfound sophistication. June Millington’s guitar playing is more nuanced and melodic, while Alice de Buhr’s drumming provides a steady and driving rhythm. Nickey Barclay’s keyboards add layers of texture and atmosphere, and her vocals are increasingly confident. The album’s cover of The Beatles’ “Hey Bulldog” is a bold choice, but Fanny’s interpretation is fresh and invigorating. It showcases the band’s versatility and their ability to put their own unique stamp on a classic song. Fanny Hill is a testament to Fanny’s growth as musicians and songwriters. While it may not have achieved the commercial success it deserved, it remains a standout album in the band’s discography and a must-listen for fans of quality rock music.

Produced by Todd Rundgren, 1973’s Mothers Pride has a more polished and sophisticated sound, but it also represents a departure from the band’s core identity. While the album boasts strong songwriting and performances, the overproduced sound diminishes the raw energy and authenticity that characterized their earlier work. Tracks like their cover of Randy Newman’s “Last Night I Had a Dream” and “All Mine” are well-crafted pop songs, but they lack the edge and spontaneity of their previous output. While there are moments of brilliance, such as the haunting “Long Road Home,” the overall tone of the album is more subdued. The decision to bring in additional musicians John Payne on flute and Barry Rogers on trombone adds a layer of complexity, but it tends to dilute the band’s core sound. A transitional album for Fanny, while it showcases their ability to adapt and evolve, it also represents a loss of identity. The album’s commercial performance was disappointing, and it ultimately led to the departure of June Millington and Alice de Buhr. Despite its shortcomings, Mothers Pride is still worth exploring for fans of Fanny. It offers a glimpse into a different side of the band, and there are moments of beauty and brilliance to be found.

Fanny defied expectations, shattered glass ceilings, and left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their discography is a treasure trove for rock fans, offering a potent blend of raw energy, technical brilliance, and infectious melodies. A reminder of a time when rock and roll was pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, Fanny’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and a refusal to be confined to quarters. Cited as influences by The Go-Gos, The Bangles, and The Runaways, and lauded by David Bowie, Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, and Bonnie Raitt, Fanny should be in your collection.

• Review by JG
• Available from Cherry Records on 23 August 2024, here.
• Keep up with Fanny here.

Disc One: Fanny

1. Come And Hold Me
2. I Just Realised
3. Candlelighter Man
4. Conversation With A Cop
5. Badge
6. Changing Horses
7. Bitter Wine
8. Take A Message To The Captain
9. It Takes A Lot Of Good Lovin’
10. Shade Me

Bonus Tracks:

11. Seven Roads (First Version)
12. Lady’s Choice
13. New Day
14. Nowhere To Run
15. One Step At A Time
16. Changing Horses (Single Version) *
17. Seven Roads (German Single Edit) *
18. Shade Me (B-Side Edit) *
19. Badge (Live At The Bijou Cafe, Philadelphia)
20. Candlelighter Man (The Kitchen Tapes)
21. Seven Roads (Second Version)

Disc Two: Charity Ball

1. Charity Ball
2. What Kind Of Lover
3. Cat Fever
4. A Person Like You
5. Special Care
6. What’s Wrong With Me?
7. Soul Child
8. You’re The One
9. Thinking Of You

Bonus Tracks:

10. Place In The Country (Second Version)
11. A Little While Later
12. Charity Ball (Single Version)
13. Charity Ball (Live In Cleveland)
14. Place In The Country (Live In Cleveland)
15. Back In My Arms Again
16. Lonesome Pine (Mother’s Pride Demo Session)
17. Old Milwaukee (Mother’s Pride Demo Session)
18. Place In The Country (First Version)
19. Queen Aretha (Wild Honey Demo Session)

Disc Three: Fanny Hill

1. Ain’t That Peculiar
2. Knock On My Door
3. Blind Alley
4. You’ve Got A Home
5. Wonderful Feeling
6. Borrowed Time
7. Hey Bulldog
8. Think About The Children
9. Rock Bottom Blues
10. Sound And Fury
11. The First Time

Bonus Tracks:

12. Ain’t That Peculiar (Single Version) *
13. Young And Dumb
14. Knock On My Door (B-Side Edit) *
15. Tomorrow
16. No Deposit, No Return
17. Ain’t That Peculiar (Live In Philadelphia)
18. Borrowed Time (Live In Cleveland)
19. Hey Bulldog (Live In Philadelphia)
20. Knock On My Door (Live In Cleveland)
21. Young And Dumb (Live In Philadelphia)

Disc Four: Mother’s Pride

1. Last Night I Had A Dream
2. Long Road Home
3. Old Hat
4. Solid Gold
5. Is It Really You?
6. All Mine
7. Summer Song
8. Polecat Blues
9. Beside Myself
10. Regular Guy
11. I Need You Need Me
12. Feelings
13. I’m Satisfied

Bonus Tracks:

14. Summer Song (Single Version) *
15. Wonderful Feeling (Single Version)
16. Rock Bottom Blues (Original Version)
17. I Need You Need Me (Single Version) *
18. Last Night I Had A Dream (Single Edit) *
19. Rock Bottom Blues (Backing Track)
20. All Mine (Mother’s Pride Demo Session)
21. Last Night I Had A Dream (Live At The Bijou Cafe, Philadelphia)

* Denotes sourced from the Warner Archives and not previously released on CD