Status Quo album-by-album thread (50 Years of Quo)

I never would've guessed! But yeah, I don't care much for Jam Side Down. I did like the video, though Has some funny scenes.

 

Riffs up next?

 

2003: Riffs


2003: Riffs

1. Caroline (Rossi/Young) [new version] 4:54 L
2. I Fought The Law (Sonny Curtis) 3:04
3. Born To Be Wild (John ‘Mars’ Bonfire) 4:31
4. Takin' Care Of Business (Randy Bachman) 5:07
5. Wild One (O'Keefe/Greenan/Owens) 3:47
6. On The Road Again (Floyd Jones/Alan Wilson) 3:04
7. Tobacco Road (John D. Loudermilk) 2:39
8. Centerfold (J Geils Band/Seth Justman) 3:48
9. All Day And All Of The Night (Ray Davies) 2:29
10. Don't Bring Me Down (Jeff Lynne) 3:57 [UK Edition]
11. Juniors Wailing (White/Pugh) [new version] 3:28 L
12. Pump It Up (Elvis Costello) 3:30
13. Down The Dustpipe (Grossman) [new version] 2:23 L
14. Whatever You Want (Parfitt/Bown) [new version] 4:32 L
15. Rockin' All Over The World (Fogerty) [new version] 3:56 L

DVD:

1. Caroline 4:42
2. Roll Over Lay Down 5:30
3. Whatever You Want 4:20
4. Forty-Five Hundred Times/Rain (Live in Switzerland) 9:50
5. Solid Gold (Live in Switzerland) 4:22
6. Paper Plane 3:18
7. All Stand Up 4:08
8. Rockin’ All Over the World 3:50
9. Jam Side Down 3:31

Swiss tracks: Zofingen, Heitere Festival 10.8.2003

Bob Young – Harmonica on “Takin’ Care of Business” and “Down the Dustpipe”

Oh, the cover album. Very very successful. If you ever get to some, you’ll want another one, and another one…

Yeah, I can imagine Quo being less than enthused about the fact that they couldn’t sign a new record deal (for “Heavy Traffic”) without the obligation to record another album of covers. Both albums were actually recorded in 2002 but “Riffs” was being held back for after the “Heavy Traffic” campaign. And after the success of HT, there was an inversion of sorts – this time, the covers were far less successful than the self-penned material. Though this may also be because “Riffs” was less promoted than its predecessors (none of the new covers were performed live). Still, Francis gave it faint praise, saying that it was nice and listenable, though nothing special. Maybe the reason why some feel this is more of a proper Quo album than the previous two releases in the same vein is because the focus is almost exclusively on riff-driven (hence the name) rock songs + it includes re-recordings of five Quo classics by the new line-up. Also, Bob Young guested on two songs (reprising his appearance on the original version of “Down the Dustpipe”), making it his first playing contribution to a Quo album since 1980!

What else is there to say about this album? Well, Rhino sings his first lead vocals on “Centerfold”. Francis finally got over his reluctance to do ELO songs, which resulted in a cover of “Don't Bring Me Down”. And “Whatever You Want” already got its third studio version here (fourth if you count the US remix as a separate version)…

 

Ah the much reviled Riffs album. Couldn't see the point of Quo redoing their own songs in a not too different way than before, so that was an instant disappointment. I'll comment on the rest.

2003: Riffs

1. Caroline (Rossi/Young) [new version] 4:54 L
2. I Fought The Law (Sonny Curtis) 3:04 Not bad. Think I preferred the Clash
3. Born To Be Wild (John ‘Mars’ Bonfire) 4:31. Not a good choice.
4. Takin' Care Of Business (Randy Bachman) 5:07 Really like the way they did this one and I am always happy to give it a play
5. Wild One (O'Keefe/Greenan/Owens) 3:47 No, no, no
6. On The Road Again (Floyd Jones/Alan Wilson) 3:04 This one is ok
7. Tobacco Road (John D. Loudermilk) 2:39 Again an ok one
8. Centerfold (J Geils Band/Seth Justman) 3:48 Rhino's first lead vocal. I have always liked the song, cheesey or not.
9. All Day And All Of The Night (Ray Davies) 2:29 Pointless
10. Don't Bring Me Down (Jeff Lynne) 3:57 [UK Edition] Just can't compete with the original
11. Juniors Wailing (White/Pugh) [new version] 3:28 L
12. Pump It Up (Elvis Costello) 3:30 I do like this
13. Down The Dustpipe (Grossman) [new version] 2:23 L
14. Whatever You Want (Parfitt/Bown) [new version] 4:32 L
15. Rockin' All Over The World (Fogerty) [new version] 3:56 L

I know it was a contractual obligation bit really isn't that good and apart from 3 or 4 songs there is little to recommend to anyone.

 

Really selling this one to us.

I'm never a fan of re-recording tunes. Sometimes its for rights issues, if an advertiser wants to take a recording and use in an advert or film, then using this version means the band gets the cash rather than the old record label, but then not all of those songs were written by them so who knows the full reason why.

I'll give a listen later today/tomorrow and post my thoughts.

 

Well you know I rarely have a bad word to say about Quo, but there really isn't much to recommend with this one.

I didn't mind the Acoustic albums they did recently as they tried something different with the songs and a lot of it worked really well.

I'll give you a guess at your review - probably very short begins with s add a couple of ** and ends in t!! lol

Ordered the Parfitt album today so if it arrives before Monday I'll do you a copy.

 

Methinks the Parfitt album will deserve a brief review on here too. Cheers!

 

Off Rick's solo album I've heard Without You and Long Distance Love.
I got hammered on a Quo forum by someone because basically I said Without You is awful and that's because IMHO it is.
Long Distance Love is much better, but I have a sneaky feeling if it was on a Quo album and Rick was still alive it would be seen as an ok album track and a bit "Quo-Lite". It is very catchy so I imagine Radio 2 will be playing it a lot.

 

Riffs:

1. Caroline (Rossi/Young) [new version] 4:54 L Sounds alright but pointless
2. I Fought The Law (Sonny Curtis) 3:04 Already this album screams of being on sale at £1.99 on a petrol
station counter.
3. Born To Be Wild (John ‘Mars’ Bonfire) 4:31. Terrible
4. Takin' Care Of Business (Randy Bachman) 5:07 Not terrible, this is okay.
5. Wild One (O'Keefe/Greenan/Owens) 3:47 Even with Rick singing this it doesnt get a pass from me. Sh*te!
6. On The Road Again (Floyd Jones/Alan Wilson) 3:04 Not terrible
7. Tobacco Road (John D. Loudermilk) 2:39 Always like the Nashville Teens version, a great single. A good song, just about passable version
8. Centerfold (J Geils Band/Seth Justman) 3:48 Not too bad, lead vocals lets it down but i'll let Rhino off.
9. All Day And All Of The Night (Ray Davies) 2:29 This is as pointless as The Stranglers version, another band I love. Why not cover one of Mr Davies less covered tunes. Maybe Til The End of the Day?
10. Don't Bring Me Down (Jeff Lynne) 3:57 [UK Edition] No, No, No. No, No!
11. Juniors Wailing (White/Pugh) [new version] 3:28 L Gives Rick a chance on vocals in the studio. Okay.
12. Pump It Up (Elvis Costello) 3:30 Not bad but never going to compete with Elvis.
13. Down The Dustpipe (Grossman) [new version] 2:23 L Can't see the point, original version better
14. Whatever You Want (Parfitt/Bown) [new version] 4:32 L Can't see the point, original version better
15. Rockin' All Over The World (Fogerty) [new version] 3:56 L Can't see the point, original version better

Definitely not recommended. After the previous album with originals its pointless to see a third covers album. I like covers but change them or make them interesting or preferable, pick the lesser know songs by those artists.

A charitable 3/10 for this one. Give me an album of originals.

I wonder now if the fact the old Frantic Four fans are so frustrated/annoyed with the later line-up is now something more to do with these crummy covers albums, less so than the new material they've written post 1986.

 

Don't. Stop. They may have been famous in the last century as more than a covers band but enough of these second hand riffs. I'll pass on listening to this and wait for the next one, which I don't remember.

 

The correct choice, might I add. Your world will only be poorer after listening to Riffs. Lets keep things positive and avoid.

Next....................

 

Party Ain't Over Yet is next I think.

 

Yes, but not until we're through Quo's discog - or maybe in a separate thread.

 

Sure, not yet, at the end, mainly as the Rossi solo albums were covered on this thread.

 

2004: XS All Areas

2004: XS All Areas

CD 1:

1. Caroline [Album Version] 4:20
2. Down Down [Single Version] 3:41
3. Paper Plane 2:55
4. Big Fat Mama [Edit] 4:54
5. Roll Over Lay Down 5:41
6. Softer Ride 4:06
7. Don’t Waste My Time 4:21
8. Little Lady 3:04
9. Mystery Song [Single Version] 3:58
10. Rain 4:36
11. Break the Rules 3:40
12. Something ‘Bout You Baby I Like [Edit] 2:41
13. Hold You Back 4:32
14. Rockin’ All Over the World 3:36
15. Whatever You Want 4:03
16. Don’t Drive My Car [Edit] 4:15
17. Again and Again 3:41
18. Forty-Five Hundred Times [Edit] 7:42
19. All Stand Up (Never Say Never) 4:11

CD 2:

1. You’ll Come Round [new track] 3:27
2. Thinking of You [new track] 3:57 L
3. Jam Side Down 3:28
4. Creepin’ up on You 5:04
5. Down the Dustpipe [2003 Re-Recording] 2:24
6. Pictures of Matchstick Men 3:13
7. Ice in the Sun 2:13
8. In My Chair 3:12
9. Gerdundula [1970 B-Side Version] 3:22
10. Wild Side of Life [Single] 3:17
11. Rock ‘n’ Roll [Single Version] 4:05
12. What You're Proposing [Album Version] 4:17
13. The Wanderer [Single] 3:29
14. Living on an Island [Single Version] 3:47
15. Marguerita Time 3:29
16. In the Army Now [Album Version] 4:42
17. When You Walk in the Room [Album Version] 3:04
18. Burning Bridges [Album Version] 4:21
19. Fun Fun Fun [Album Version] 4:05
20. Old Time Rock and Roll 2:59
21. Anniversary Waltz Part 1 5:33

Associated tracks:

Bob Young Demos
1. You'll Come Round
2. Thinking of You
Single Tracks
3. You'll Come Round (Single Version, remixed by Pelle Gunnerfeldt & Johan Gustafsson) 3:26
4. Lucinda (Edwards/Parfitt) 3:17 [B-Side “You'll Come Round”]
5. Thinking of You (Radio Mix) 3:37
Live 2004
6. Something ‘bout you Baby I Like (Live 2004) ["You'll Come Round" picture disc]
7. Break the Rules (Live 2004) ["Thinking of You" picture disc]
8. Forty-Five Hundred Times (Live 2004, Montreux) ["XS All Areas" DVD, see below] ~
9. Rain (Live 2004, Montreux) [not included on DVD but performed as medley with previous]
10. Mystery Medley (Live 2004, Montreux) 10:18 [B-side "Thinking of You"]
a. Mystery Song
b. Railroad
c. Most of the Time
d. Wild Side of Life
e. Rollin' Home
f. Again and Again
g. Slow Train
11. Gerdundula (Live 2004, Montreux) ["XS All Areas" DVD]
12. Down Down (Live 2004, Montreux) 5:51 [B-side "You'll Come Round"]

I know I ignored a couple of Quo compilations but this one is worth noting not because it’s particularly well-mastered (it isn’t – aside from a few tracks that sound surprisingly good, most are rather compressed and then strangely level-shifted down by -5 dB), but because a) it’s career-spanning and b) it includes two new tracks. Both were released as singles (in remixed form) with (otherwise unavailable) b-sides. Some of the tracks on the compilation are also unique edits that fade out earlier than on the original releases – not such a bad idea considering that there’s only limited space on a CD and most Quo compilations shy away from album tracks like “Big Fat Mama” or “Forty-Five Hundred Times”. This release is also noteworthy for being non-chronological and including some very recent (at the time) tracks as well as the two earliest hits (though “Ice in the Sun” runs a bit slow).

The inside of the booklet actually includes advertising for the coming 2005 remaster campaign and the possibility to order some Quo (denim, obviously) clothing!

Also, “XS All Areas” is not only a CD compilation, but also a book (“The Status Quo Autobiography” – i.e. one chapter by Francis, one by Rick, one by Francis, one by Rick and so on) and a DVD compilation. The DVD includes promo videos & live stuff (medley versions ripped apart!) sequenced more or less in the same way as on the CD, plus an “audio commentary”, which amounts to Rick and Francis mumbling funny things over the videos. Hilarious, if you can understand it!


XS All Areas – The Greatest Hits (2004)

A. Videos
1. Caroline (Live at the N.E.C. 1982)
2. Down Down (Live at the N.E.C. 1982)
3. Paper Plane (Promo)
4. Big Fat Mama (Live 2003, Switzerland)
5. Roll Over Lay Down (Live 1975)
6. Don’t Waste My Time (Live at the N.E.C. 1989)
7. Little Lady (Live 1993)
8. Mystery Song [Single Version] (Promo)
9. Rain (Promo)
10. Break The Rules (Live 1993) [Roadhouse Medley, Part e]
11. Somethin’ ‘Bout You Baby I Like (Video)
12. Hold You Back (Live 1993)
13. Rockin’ All Over The World (Promo/Video) [without Alan Lancaster]
14. Whatever You Want (Promo/Video)
15. Don’t Drive My Car (Promo/Video)
16. Again And Again (Promo)
17. Forty-Five Hundred Times (Live at Montreux, July 4th 2004)
18. All Stand Up (Live 2002 for Granada TV)
19. Jam Side Down (Video)
20. Creepin’ Up On You (Live 2002 for Granada TV)
21. Pictures Of Matchstick Men (Live at BBC’s Top Of The Pops, transmitted 15/02/1968)
22. In My Chair (Live 1993?)
23. Gerdundula (Live at Montreux, July 4th 2004)
24. Wild Side Of Life (Promo)
25. Rock ‘n’ Roll [Album Version!] (Promo)
26. What You’re Proposin’ (Promo)
27. Ol’ Rag Blues (Video)
28. The Wanderer (Video)
29. Living On An Island (Promo/Video)
30. Runaway (Promo)
31. A Mess Of Blues (Promo) [without Alan Lancaster!]
32. Marguerita Time (Live 1993) [Roadhouse Medley, Part c]
33. Rollin’ Home (Video)
34. In The Army Now (Video)
35. When You Walk In The Room (Video)
36. Burning Bridges (Live 1993)
37. Fun Fun Fun (Video)
38. Old Time Rock and Roll (Live at BBC’s Top Of The Pops 2, Status Quo Special 7/9/2000)
39. Anniversary Waltz Part 1 (Medley) (Video)
40. Anniversary Waltz Part 2 (Medley) (Video)
B. Audio commentary
1. Mystery Song
2. Wild Side of Life
3. Rockin’ All Over The World
4. Living on an Island
5. A Mess of Blues
6. In the Army Now
7. Whatever You Want
8. Jam Side Down
9. All Stand Up (Live)

 

XS All Areas was probably the best Quo compilation to that date as it covered more than just the hits. I won't disect it as I pretty much like everything on it, but it was a welcome addition to my ever growing Quo cd shelves. Only real complaint is Francis does look like he is trying to do a massive s**t from the expression on his face on the cover.

 

Not as bad as the recent 3CD set "Whatever You Want - The Essential Status Quo" where it looks like 2 out of 3 are just having an orgasm!

Anyway, I guess I'll move on to TPAOY soon.

 

2005: The Party Ain't Over Yet…



2005-2006: The Party Ain’t Over Yet…, Just Doin’ It & The One and Only

1. The Party Ain’t Over Yet (David) 3:51 L
2. Gotta Get Up And Go (Rossi/Young) 4:18
3. All That Counts Is Love (David) 3:41
4. Familiar Blues (Parfitt/Young) 5:09
5. The Bubble (Bown/Edwards) 5:36
6. Belavista Man (Parfitt/Edwards) 4:21 L
7. Nevashooda (Bown/Matt Letley) 3:52
8. Velvet Train (Edwards/Bown) 3:33
9. Goodbye Baby (Rossi/Young) 4:08
10. You Never Stop (Rossi/Parfitt/Bown/Edwards/Letley) 4:33
11. Kick Me When I’m Down (David/Webb Wilder) 3:17
12. Cupid Stupid (Rossi/Young) 3:51
13. This Is Me (Parfitt/Edwards) 4:47

2017 Deluxe Edition Disc 2 (originally bonus tracks from Australian “Tour Edition”):

1. The Party Ain’t Over Yet [Single Mix] 3:51
2. Bellavista Man [Live at Emden] 4:27 [B-Side of “All That Counts is Love”]
3. I Ain’t Ready (Rossi/Young) 4:34 [B-Side of “All That Counts is Love”]
4. I’m Watching Over You (Rossi/Young) 3:49 [B-Side of “The Party Ain't Over Yet”]
5. Gerdundula [Live at Liverpool Pops 2005] 6:45 [B-Side of “The Party Ain't Over Yet”]
6. Mystery Medley [Liverpool Pops ’05]: Mystery Song / Railroad / Most Of The Time / Wild Side Of Life / Rollin’ Home / Again And Again / Slow Train 10:05

Missing bonus tracks:

Single Tracks
1. All That Counts is Love (Single Remix) 3:41
Ken Bruce 09/09/2005
2. Caroline 4:50
3. The Party Ain't Over Yet
4. Whatever You Want 4:55
5. Belavista Man
6. Rockin' All Over The World 3:59
Bob Young Demos:
7. Get Up and Go
8. It's Cupid Stupid
9. Goodbye Baby [This & That] 3:05
Live in Liverpool 23rd July 2005 [40th Anniversary Souvenir]
1. Caroline (Live 2005) 5:39
2. Something ‘bout you baby I like (Live 2005) 2:12
3. Break the Rules (Live 2005) 2:33
4. Rain (Live 2005) 4:43
5. Solid Gold (unreleased)
6. The Oriental (unreleased)
7. Creepin' Up On You (unreleased)
8. Roll Over Lay Down (Live 2005) 5:46
9. Down Down (Live 2005) 5:45
10. Whatever You Want (Live 2005) 5:09
11. Rockin' All Over the World (Live 2005) 3:58
Live in Emden 2005
12. The Party Ain't over Yet (Live in Emden 2005) 3:51 [All That Counts Is Love B-Side]

If fans had thought that “Heavy Traffic” finally signalled the end of the wilderness years, then this album must have been a huge disappointment. While it’s not without its merits, it falls flat in several places. The Rossi/Young axis only contributed three songs (shades of 1974’s “Quo”?); three more were by outside writer John David, the rest of the writing was done by Rick, Andy, Rhino and Matt. But neither of them seemed to be very inspired. I wouldn’t necessarily mind a more laid-back album, but it just ends up sounding bored/boring. The production is fuller-sounding than HT did, but the mix is all mids with little treble or bass to speak of and the mastering is too compressed. Certainly not a great sonic experience and nothing that gives the music its necessary punch either.


The Party Ain't Over Yet: Catchy, fun country pop. Not bad at all, but not particularly great either. It feels too forced as an anthem and didn't work well live. Still, a good opener. Curiously enough John David didn’t write it for Quo; country singer Patty Loveless (what a name!) had recorded it before, so this is actually a cover. And, of course, it benefitted from being tied in to Quo’s cameo in the series “Coronation Street”.

Gotta Get Up and Go: This is more like it. Only Francis & Rick at the beginning - intertwined guitars, just like back in the 70s. But I'm not fully convinced: It never reaches its full potential, even if the band takes it up a notch near the end. Francis’ lead playing is horrible!

All That Counts Is Love: I hear Rhino in the chorus... hard not to hear him when he's doing backing vocals, whether that's a good or a bad thing. This is a harmless, toothless track that doesn't do much for me. It's also too similar in style to the title track, and coming only two positions later it sure feels weird. Maybe it would have been better to have the two songs bookend the album, or whatever.

The Bubble: Booooooring. The longest track from the album and it sounds like it. I remember a time when Quo songs beyond 5 minutes were amazing! This is supposed to be a rock song but it just trots along at a mid-tempo pace without ever getting interesting. Lyrics are pretty bad too.

Belavista Man: It seems the band never really decided how this song should be spelled: "Belavista", "Bellavista" and "Bella Vista" all appear on various releases. But forget about the spelling! This is a great track! And it comes out of nowhere, stuck in the middle of mediocrity-land. It's not new - it could be described as a slowed-down hybrid between “Over the Edge” and “Long Ago” with a bit of "Roll Over Lay Down" for good measure - but it sounds like proper, serious Quo. Yes, it's a bit too relaxed, but I like the shuffle. And the funny lyrics ("little dress that starts late and ends early“J). And Andy's blues harp.

(Still, “Over the Edge”, “Long Ago” and “Belavista Man” don’t just share the same riff, but they’re also all in the same key! Quo sure aren’t helping their case here…)

Nevashooda: A bad title is not an indication for a good song. "I hate that." What happens when the keyboard player and the drummer write a song together? "Up the Khyber". Or this. Honestly, I think it's a pretty awful track, the only good moment being the little psychedelic 60s excursion in the middle.

Velvet Train: Blues harp and Hammond organ, you got me there! And the harmonica really helps me to ignore the obvious flaws of the songs, namely: the appalling intro, the pretty rubbishy lyrics, the fact that the song doesn't flow well. Overall, I'd still rank it as the 3rd best song from the album. But I think I'll wait for the next train...

Goodbye Baby: This is... er, this isn't so bad on paper; two guitar solos and the "Big Fat Mama" guitar break near the beginning. However, this track is really ruined by abysmal lyrics.

You Never Stop: The only full band composition by this line-up. This time the lyrics are OK, but the verse (which is another son of "Over the Edge") and chorus really don't fit together.

Kick Me When I'm Down: Third song about love troubles in a row. This is getting monothematic! Also it's the third John David song. And Rick's voice really doesn't sound good here - if he was trying to sound like Dylan ("Thunder on the Mountain", which was released later), it doesn't work for me....

Cupid Stupid: I yearn for more Rossi/Young songs, but this isn't exactly what I wanted. "You think you're cupid stupid, your body never cries." OK, whatever. It sounds like Quo, but not GOOD Quo - rather STUPID Quo! Not surprising considering the title.

This is Me: The dark chorus is good, the rest not so much. Rick still wasn't capable of writing Quo songs again, but at least we have the closest we will ever get to an autobiography in the lyrics.


I'm Watching Over You: Better than some of the tracks that made the LP, even if the chorus is rather banal. But the riff is good and Matt gives it some needed kicking.


The Party Ain’t Over Yet (2005)

DVD 1:

1. How It All Began
2. The First Hit
3. The Blues
4. A Key Change
5. Francis & Rick
6. Andrew, John & Matthew
7. Song Writers
8. Jiggy Type Things
9. In The Studio
10. Long Live Quo

DVD 2:

A. Classic Archive Tracks
1. Technicolour Dreams
2. Down The Dustpipe
3. Tune To The Music
Live At Wembley 1974
4. Big Fat Mama
5. Backwater/Just Take Me
6. Roll Over Lay Down
7. Don't Waste My Time
Live at the N.E.C. 1982
8. Forty Five Hundred Times
-
9. Someone Show Me Home
10. Let Me Fly
11. Burning Bridges
Night of the Proms 1999
12. Whatever You Want
13. In The Army Now
14. Rockin' All Over The World
Outtakes
15. Teleguitar Communication
16. Consenting Adults
17. Don't Phone Me At Work
18. All Stand Up
19. Glossy Mags
20. Freddy's Sandwich Bar
21. Squirrels & Ducks
22. A Million Lira
23. I'm Not Doing That On Camera
24. A Lovely Bunch Of Fellas
25. Fans
26. Odds & Sods

27. Coronation St. Featurette

I'm not sure how many documentaries there are about Quo – probably more than you can count on two hands! This one basically shows Quo in the studio, recording their album – and offers a slew of bonus material, including live footage from all previous line-ups and all sorts of outtakes. To a lot of Quo fans, this is actually a worthier release than the studio album of the same name…

 

When I first heard the single I was shocked at the reaction on Quo's message board as I actually think it's a great track, so for many a Quo fan their mind was already made up about the album. Personally I like it better than Heavy Traffic as I think it has more of a flow to it and more light and shade.

2005-2006: The Party Ain’t Over Yet…, Just Doin’ It & The One and Only

1. The Party Ain’t Over Yet (David) 3:51 L Really good choice as a single. Loved it then and still do
2. Gotta Get Up And Go (Rossi/Young) 4:18 A kind of Softer Ride for the 2000's. Very good indeed
3. All That Counts Is Love (David) 3:41 I think some people forgot that Quo are supposed to be about fun, and for me this is a really good catchy singalong fun track.
4. Familiar Blues (Parfitt/Young) 5:09This is ok without being bluesy at all.
5. The Bubble (Bown/Edwards) 5:36 Personally I love this. I think it rolls along nicely and builds up towards the end
6. Belavista Man (Parfitt/Edwards) 4:21 L Again not too bad, but crap lyrics
7. Nevashooda (Bown/Matt Letley) 3:52 Written mainly by Matt I believe. Again really like it. Quite different for Quo
8. Velvet Train (Edwards/Bown) 3:33 This breezes along quite the thing. Good album track
9. Goodbye Baby (Rossi/Young) 4:08 Same as for Velvet Train
10. You Never Stop (Rossi/Parfitt/Bown/Edwards/Letley) 4:33 Chug a long a Quo. Decent track
11. Kick Me When I’m Down (David/Webb Wilder) 3:17 I actually like Rick's voice on this one. Another good song
12. Cupid Stupid (Rossi/Young) 3:51 Again a slight twist on the Quo sound. Decent album track
13. This Is Me (Parfitt/Edwards) 4:47 the one track on the album I really don't like

I’m Watching Over You (Rossi/Young) - Decent b-side

Over all I think it's a solid album and there is plenty to enjoy on it. And after all these years I still think it's better than Heavy Traffic

 

Had a listen to this today. Didn't remember much about it. Probably prefer 'Heavy Traffic'. Better than I expected. Never hit the 'skip' button. Not sure there's anything on there to make me put it on again. Last track was probably the poorest. I see there's a few yellow vinyl copies online for sale, a re-issue I guess.

Just heard Rick's solo effort. Apart from one awful song, the single I think, it wasn't too bad. As good or better than TPAOY. Quite surprised.

 

While we're waiting for some more opinions, I'll fill this thread with some more entries.

Just Doin’ It! Live (2006)

1. Caroline~
2. Something ‘Bout You Baby I Like~
3. Don’t Waste My Time
4. Forty-Five Hundred Times [Part One]~
5. Rain
6. Hold You Back
7. All Stand Up (Never Say Never)
8. The Oriental
9. Creepin’ Up On You
10. Mystery Medley:
a. Mystery Song
b. Railroad [Part One]
c. Most of the Time
d. Wild Side of Life
e. Rollin’ Home
f. Again and Again
g. Slow Train
11. Belavista Man
12. The Party Ain’t Over Yet
13. Gerdundula [incl. The Killer (Drum Solo) (Letley)]
14. Roll Over Lay Down
15. Down Down
16. Whatever You Want
17. Rockin’ All Over the World
18. Proposing Medley:
a. What You’re Proposing
b. Down the Dustpipe
c. Little Lady
d. Red Sky
e. Dear John
f. Big Fat Mama [Second Part]
19. Burning Bridges
20. Junior’s Wailing
21. Rock and Roll Music~
22. Bye Bye Johnny

Bonus Features:
23. The Party Ain’t Over Yet (Video)
24. Fan Gallery

Recorded live at the National Exhibition Center, Birmingham on 21st May 2006.

This is still my favourite live DVD release by Status Quo. They played an interesting set at the time, featuring no less than five relatively new songs (from HT and TPAOY). I do admit I miss “In the Army Now”, which tends to be a show-stopper, also because there isn’t much to fill that track’s role here – the set does sag a bit in the middle, although Quo’s at this point semi-legendary “intertwined limbs and guitar necks” show in “Gerdundula” certainly entertains the audience at one of the band’s most loved venues. Rick’s voice still sounds a bit weak/raspy after his throat problems, and Francis’ lead guitar at times…well, I’ll refrain from commenting. But otherwise there is much to love here – the energy levels are really high at times, “Down Down” is an absolutely crazy version and when the first medley comes near its conclusion I'm always a little afraid my DVD player might explode! Seriously, watching/hearing the audience boil over when they go into “Again and Again” is a truly amazing moment. I also like that there was more to follow RAOTW than just two or three tracks.

The sound mix is OK, but nothing to write home about. The video to TPAOY is embarrassing!


The One and Only (2006)

1. Caroline
2. All Stand Up (Live in Switzerland)
3. Roll Over Lay Down (Live in Switzerland)
4. Down Down
5. Heavy Traffic
6. Creepin’ Up On You (Live in Switzerland)
7. Interviews
8. Whatever You Want
9. Rockin’ All Over the World (Live in Switzerland)
Doing Their Thing: Granada TV studio, Manchester, 1970
10. Roadhouse Blues
11. Down the Dustpipe
12. Spinning Wheel Blues
13. Is It Really Me?/Gotta Go Home
Rockpop in Concert: Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, 28.5.1982
14. Roll Over Lay Down
15. Little Lady
16. Whatever You Want
17. Hold You Back
18. Rockin’ All Over the World
19. Big Fat Mama
20. Don't Waste My Time
21. Dirty Water
TOTP2 Status Quo Special
22. Caroline
23. Pictures of Matchstick Men
24. Paper Plane
25. Down Down
26. What You're Proposing
27. Roll Over Lay Down
28. Ol’ Rag Blues
29. Marguerita Time
30. Whatever You Want
31. In the Army Now
32. Rain
33. Rockin’ All Over the World

Another Quo DVD, they were running hot at the time! Some more recent live tracks (taken from the same Swiss gig as several on “Riffs” and one on “XS All Areas”), but also the legendary 1970 session (still with Roy Lynes), a later TV broadcast from 1982 (made for German TV, unfortunately not the entire gig, but every song that was originally broadcasted) and some more Top of the Pops stuff make up this release called “The One and Only Status Quo”.

Also, this was the period when almost all the older Quo albums were remastered and reissued. I'm not talking about the Pye-era albums (that’s a subject of its own) but those owned by Universsal.

In 2005, all the Frantic Four albums were reissued: Piledriver, Hello, Quo, On the Level, Blue for You, Live, Rockin’ All Over the World, If You Can’t Stand the Heat, Whatever You Want, Just Supposin', Never Too Late. These featured bonus tracks and were remastered by Tim Turan.

All of these were more or less supplanted by the deluxe editions starting in 2014 (remastered by Andy Pearce and with far better design) although one bonus track (“Getting Better”) fell by the wayside.

In 2006, this was followed by these albums: 1982, Live at the NEC, Back to Back, In the Army Now, Ain't Complaining, Perfect Remedy, Rock ‘Til You Drop, Live Alive Quo, Thirsty Work, Don't Stop, Famous in the Last Century.

Of these, only “Live at the N.E.C.” has subsequently received the deluxe treatment, but this may well change in the next couple of years.

 

Man, this thread has sure lost steam... can I post ISOTFC tomorrow in spite of that?

 

Apologies, i've been mad busy and i'm behind on reviewing The Party Aint Over.

Problem is there's only a few of us left with the later period and i'm guilty of being slow over past few weeks. I'll get back on it.

I liked ISOTFC a lot upon release, and I have it too so no excuses. I'll be posting, just maybe not straight away.

We will continue this until the end!!

 

You've still got some time to comment on TPAOY... I make no excuses on how I feel about ISOFTC, by the way. Just wait for my review... tomorrow

 

I'm intrigued