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Post by craydarr on Sept 10, 2019 11:53:53 GMT
I’ve heard it probably about 7-8 times now and I think it’s one of their most consistent albums in decades.
When I say consistent I mean very good over the whole album, not just a few standout tracks padded out by fillers.
It’s good album and it well worth it’s place in the Quo legacy.
The only thing I miss from it really is Mr Parfitts harmonising with Fran, but there’s not a lot they can do about that.
Can I also add, Better Take Care is my favourite overall track and Liberty Lane is rapidly becoming my favourite ever Quo single. 🙂
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frozenhero
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Post by frozenhero on Sept 10, 2019 18:19:00 GMT
Good sound, very guitar-centered record with only a minimum of keyboards, but I'm not sold on the songs. Some highlights like Cut Me Some Slack and Get Out of My Head, the rest didn't do much for me. Upon first hearing, not a patch on ISOTFC or QPQ. A dominance of Rossi vocals... I don't need Andy singing, but Rhino is severely underused, and Richie doesn't really get the chance to make an impression.
Upon second listen, it's quite enjoyable (with "Backing Off" being the obvious dud), but somehow still not really satisfactory... although it certainly invites re-listening more than TPAOY did.
Hard to put it really, I like it when it's playing, but somehow I don't remember much afterwards? We'll see what the third round will bring...
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Post by I Ain't Complaining on Sept 10, 2019 18:27:58 GMT
Upon second listen, it's quite enjoyable (with "Backing Off" being the obvious dud) I've learned not to say things like that, as there is no right and no wrong (with music), just opinions. I learned this when someone on the original Quo message board told me (genuinely) that he preferred Perfect Remedy over Hello! You might get a general consensus, but it's rarely absolute. Sorry, that was the long way of saying that I really like Backing Off.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2019 20:01:13 GMT
Three listens, one with headphones at full blast, and I have to say, this is a very, very good album. Every song has it's own distinctive hook that gives the record the light and shade Quid Pro Quo lacked. For me, the best since NTL. The bonus track Face The Music, is another cracker and I honestly enjoy Crazy Crazy as well.
Well done, guys...you did good!
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frozenhero
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Post by frozenhero on Sept 10, 2019 20:07:21 GMT
Upon second listen, it's quite enjoyable (with "Backing Off" being the obvious dud) I've learned not to say things like that, as there is no right and no wrong (with music), just opinions. I learned this when someone on the original Quo message board told me (genuinely) that he preferred Perfect Remedy over Hello! You might get a general consensus, but it's rarely absolute. Sorry, that was the long way of saying that I really like Backing Off. Well, it's the song that certainly made me sigh already the first way through, so for me (although I don't think it's as bad, as, say "The Winner"), it is the bad apple of the bunch. I fixed your quote, by the way. The joys of being an admin!
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Post by I Ain't Complaining on Sept 10, 2019 22:19:25 GMT
I've learned not to say things like that, as there is no right and no wrong (with music), just opinions. I learned this when someone on the original Quo message board told me (genuinely) that he preferred Perfect Remedy over Hello! You might get a general consensus, but it's rarely absolute. Sorry, that was the long way of saying that I really like Backing Off. Well, it's the song that certainly made me sigh already the first way through, so for me (although I don't think it's as bad, as, say "The Winner"), it is the bad apple of the bunch. I fixed your quote, by the way. The joys of being an admin! What did you do to my quote, I can't tell/remember??
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frozenhero
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Post by frozenhero on Sept 11, 2019 9:24:39 GMT
There was a bracket missing so the quote was not showing properly. I wouldn't dare to change content just for fun!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2019 9:31:42 GMT
Got back from Corfu yesterday and was busy all day. Just sat down giving the album its first listen on amazon music...like what I hear so far.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2019 9:42:25 GMT
My grand daughter appears to be enjoying it too, if the dance she’s doing is anything to go by.
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Sept 11, 2019 10:18:55 GMT
I'm still only on one listen and that was on Sunday. I really must get on with it I've got all manner of excuses but none of them really hold any water
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Post by I Ain't Complaining on Sept 11, 2019 12:59:22 GMT
So the new album became available on Amazon Music about 12.20am! I was beginning to think it wasn't going to happen, so I'm well happy. I've listened to the first 10 tracks a few times. Obviously I was already really familiar with Liberty Lane and Backbone, I had been listening to I Wanna Run Away with You for the last few days, and Falling Off the World today after it was played on Radio 2 this morning. I'd also listened to Cut Me Some Slack live and the John David version of Better Take Care. I'm going to leave track 11, Running Out of Time until the morning, and hopefully the deluxe CD will come through the door and then I'll be able to listen to the 2 bonus tracks as well.....I've basically been spreading the new tunes out since LL and CMSS were first played live and put on youtube! First off, I love it! I do think in time there'll be a few dodgy songs that I'll get a bit bored of, but generally I like the sound and the style of the album, and the effort they've made to sound like this (It's a million miles away from Perfect Remedy or Thirsty Work)! It does sound like a different Quo album to me (maybe partly because it's so new and I'm not used to it yet), but in a good way. I'm sure I'll get used to it over the next few weeks when the new tracks blend in with the ones I already knew and it will start to sound like a complete album rather than random tracks that I've heard at different times, some a lot more than others. To me it sounds like there's a lot of 'grooves' on the album....a bit like the Elvis Costello song they covered on the Riffs album. I think in general a lot of the songs are slower in tempo than a lot of the songs on QPQ; I think part of the reason I like the WYW and RTYD albums are because there are more slower tempo songs on them. QPQ on the other hand seems to be more of an up tempo album. Also I don't think the album in general (except LL and BB) sounds too poppy in it's production, in fact it sounds quite bare and striped down in places. I really like the sound of Cut Me Some Slack (which I had only heard live), and Better Take Care (the Quo version). BTC in particular I really think they've done a good job of and I much prefer it to John David's original version. I wouldn't have opened the album with Waiting for a Woman (probably Liberty Lane) but I do like the song, and think it'll be a grower. I really like Leon's song, Falling Off the World, and after only a couple of listens I think Ritchie's song Get Out of my Head will also grow on me. There's none of them that I don't like at the moment....I'll report back next week! I think I need to listen to it some more (and to the other 3 songs) before I can formulate any more opinions and get a true handle on it. But I do think in the long run it might sit somewhere near the top of the post 1985 Quo albums, and better than the weaker Frantic Four/Five albums. Sorry if I've rambled a bit....it's 1.40am and I should be in bed! Will be interesting to hear everyone else's thoughts after a few listens, and then again next week. Happy listening! After listening to the album a lot since Friday, these are my current thoughts. Marks are out of ten.....are (probably) judged against recent Quo efforts rather than classic Quo era. Waiting for a Woman 8 Really like it. Love the laid back feel. Would not have chosen it to open the album though, and I never play it first. Cut me some Slack 9 I'm not always a big fan of this type of Quo song (like Solid Gold) but really like this one. The studio version exceeded my expectations. Liberty Lane 9 Loved this right from hearing the live version on YT. One of my favourite Quo singles for a long time. Good to see Radio 2 really backing it. I See you're in some Trouble 7 A little bit disappointed by the Rossi/Young songs, but they're not bad. Not one of my favourites but still like it all the same. Backing Off 8 Didn't think I was going to like this one but I do. A bit different, but I really like it. Grew on me quite quickly. I Wanna Run Away with You 7.5 Fairly standard Quo shuffle. Reminds me (in general) of the type of stuff they did on Blue for You. Nice tune. Backbone 8 I know it's taken a bit of stick, but I like this one. I have no problem with the riff being repeated all the way through....I like ACDC! Better Take Care 9 One of my favourites. Bit of a different John David song. Good choice of cover imo. Love what they've done with it. Falling off the World 8 Really liked this one from first listen. Not massively keen on the intro, but love the tempo of the song, love the tune. Great job Leon. Get out of my Head 7.5 Wasn't sure about this to start with but I do like it now. One of the faster songs on the album. Probably not one of my favourites but like it and would never skip it. Good job Ritchie. Running out of Time 7.5 Wasn't sure about this one to start with but it has grown on me and I do like it now. Again, I'm liking the laid back tempo. Crazy Crazy 7 Like the song but I thought they'd stopped putting stuff like this on Quo albums and should have saved it for a solo or duet album. Unfortunately because Andrew co-wrote it, it probably wouldn't end up on a Rossi album. I don't mind it though, and it is only one of the bonus tracks. Face the Music 8 I do like this one. Sounds like classic Radio 2/Quo to me. I would have put it on the album proper. A bit lighter, but still good. Overall in terms of post '85 Quo, I would give the album 8.5 out of 10. I think it's a very consistent album, without maybe the standout songs (although I do really like the three that I gave 9s to). I think that for this reason it could be one of those albums that I always play all the way through without skipping any. I like the sound and the feel of it. What pleases me the most (other than that I like the songs) is that Francis/the band have made an effort to produce an album that sounds like this. In terms of 'being a Quo album' that people would expect, I think it is even a step up from the good efforts of the last 20 years. I like that I don't find it too poppy. I like that there's plenty of slightly slower tempo songs on there and it's not all 100 miles an hour! I like that it doesn't sound over-produced (to me). I love that Francis, Andrew and Rhino (with some help) have been able to make an album like this at their age. I do have a few thoughts on what 'I' would have done differently, but I'll leave them for now and stick with the positives, of which there are a lot. Just one thing, I switch round the order of the first 3 tracks and listen to LL, CMSS followed by Waiting for a Woman (just my preference)...I like my Quo albums to start with some oomph! After that it's all good!
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Post by reasonforliving on Sept 11, 2019 20:41:47 GMT
I've listened to the album a few times but just in the car and so can't really remember what I think track by track so I guess this is just an overall impression. I tend to see (or hear) through 'quo tinted spectacles' and so I was very unlikely to not like the album and I do like it. As I listen to it I hear lots of through backs to previous stuff. Sometimes I can place it, other times I can't but I generally think it sounds like the more recent albums than the earlier stuff. Not that this is a bad thing. I think already it has grown on me. I wasn't keen on the first track initially bit now I can hear hints of Dire Straits which is praise indeed. I do like the production. I think they've worked much harder on the vocals that I can remember ever before - Not really harmonies, don't know what they are called- are they simply backing vocals? In Backbone where they sing 'different strokes' I was thought they were singing 'Status Quo! Kinda wish they were! I find it catchy - I've been in Germany for a couple of days without listening to anything and I've had Cut Me Some Slack stuck in my head.So there you go. D9nt know what that all adds up to. A good album and as someone else said more than we deserve for their 33rd album. Hope it's not the last.
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Post by caroline42 on Sept 11, 2019 22:27:11 GMT
Great album! Definitely got a Rock Till You Drop type of sound. I suppose since Francis produced that album as well,it makes sense they sound similar. I just read that the new album is at Number 2 in the charts. Fantastic!
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Post by I Ain't Complaining on Sept 11, 2019 23:59:53 GMT
Great album! Definitely got a Rock Till You Drop type of sound. I suppose since Francis produced that album as well,it makes sense they sound similar. I just read that the new album is at Number 2 in the charts. Fantastic! It was number 2 in the (unofficial) midweek chart which doesn't really count for much. Let's hope it's still up there on Friday when they announce the charts for real.
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Post by snakelady on Sept 12, 2019 8:14:40 GMT
The album definitely is a grower - the more I listen to it, the more I like it ! Even the two tunes I found a bit weaker first - Waiting For A Woman and even Crazy Crazy - I'm starting to like. Especially WFAW has an earworm factor not to be underestimated. Sometimes, actually a lot of the time, I've found the choice of single strange to say the least. Not this time though. Liberty Lane is perfect to get the band across. IT's rocky, melodic and dynamic and it has this tendency to get stuck in your head. What's not to like ?! If this album doesn't do really well, it's down to marketing. I just feel management should've gotten more behind it and done something special - like the Arc Royal for HT, like the Roundhouse for A1 .. I suspect somewhere on the Hydepark bill just isn't good enough to grab the general music buyers' attention IMVHO.
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Sept 12, 2019 13:07:23 GMT
Right then; two full listens in. So I guess first impressions is what this is. Here are the results of le jury d'Ecosse I think, first of all, I have to admit that the album hasn't grabbed me in quite the same way that most of it's immediate predecessors did. Don't get me wrong, it's a good album - very - and maintains an outstanding quality that I think we've had for 20 years now. I'm also acutely aware of the change in my listening habits and that could also be a factor. The opening two songs are blinding and, for me, the two best on the album. Certainly, for the moment, these are my two favourites. I love that languid, bluesy quality to Waiting For A Woman. I can't remember the last time Quo did something like this and Andy's understated keyboard work and Francis's economic fretwork ( Sign O' The Times by Prince anyone?) make my hair stand on end. Without the obligatory gel I hasten to add Cut Me Some Slack is simply what Quo are brilliant at; more so than anyone. A thumping neck mover After that, they're all pretty good. No skip tracks yet, although I think I Wanna Run Away With You may end up that way. If someone wanted to do a parody of Quo, and a fairly poor one, this might be the road they'd go down. It actually reminds me a little of Ease Your Mind, not only in style but also in the fact that it's a so-so track on a very good album. One that did grab my attention was Falling Off The World. It has that tasty break in it which is straight from the Ma Kelly/Dog school of arrangements. Only back then, the song would have gone off in a completely different direction for 5 minutes followed by a 5-minute rambling guitar solo before the big finish Running Out Of Time has shades of Falling In Falling Out and I hear more than hints of Breaking Away running through Face The Music. But Francis has said in numerous interviews that the album almost pays homage to old Quo songs occasionally, even by accident. Their best since Never Too Late? Not for me. I think there are at least 3 albums that can legitimately lay down that claim to fame in the Mortified household. But it is early days. There are no bad tracks on it. But, equally, there are also only two stand-outs for me. The overall sound of the album is first class. Probably the best sounding album in a very long time. Maybe ever. By the way, anyone listened to the live album yet? Nah, me neither
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Post by cammythemortonfan on Sept 12, 2019 17:31:07 GMT
Overall very enjoyable for me but not as good as Heavy Traffic as I don’t feel it has the same impact or the same amount of belting songs. There’s only two songs out of the 13 I don’t like ( or one out of the 11 on the album proper) so for me that’s a very good return. I had nowhere near that on Thirsty Work for example. Anyway, here are the votes from the Campbell Jury: 1. Waiting For a Woman: 8.5/10. I loved this from the first time I heard it on getreadytorock.com ahead of the album release. It’s laid back with a great groove and riffs.....there’s something Canned Heatish about the lead break for me. A track i’d describe as nifty . 2. Cut Me Some Slack 9/10. I’ve heard this in concert and it pounds along live- I love it. I like that bluesy riff rock that Quo sometimes do . Since 1999, Rhino has co written some top songs with both Rick and Francis. Can’t See for Looking is perhaps the only song he is credited with that I’m not keen on. I’m really glad the track ends as it does live and the riff is given a full workout, bashing into your head. The only thing I’d question is Francis’ vocal sound on this one. But I’m nit picking there. 3. Liberty Lane 8.5/10 . I love the chorus on this and the way the vocals sound on the chorus. Again, Rhino and Francis work well together ( albeit not at the same time in the same room). 4. I See You’re In Some Trouble 8/10.This has the potential to be annoying .....but I love it!! The acoustic start works because when they all crash in the song really gathers momentum . I like the way the song doesn’t let up and I like the drum sound on this one . I keep going back to it and can’t help myself singing along. 5. Backing Off 7/10 . This is a strange one on that I don’t love it but I can happily listen to it. I have a feeling that had it been on Perfect Remedy, I’d have hated it. What saves it is that there are little bits which just lift it and add interest ....I like the intro and the outro and the “whenever you come near “ parts are melodic. The chorus is made more powerful by the instrumentation after each line. It’s an interesting track as opposed to one I instantly love like CMSS. 6. I Wanna Run Away With You 6.5/10. Bog standard Quo....Rossi’s vocals are well down in the mix....I like it but it’s not spectacular. Not bad either. 7. Backbone 7.5 . This is something different and think it works well on this album . I can’t help singing along to it- especially the bit in the middle where I try and do all bits at the same time !!!! Overall I like it . 8. Better Take Care 8.5/10. Love the groove, the guitars and the singalong chorus. 9. Falling Off the World 8.5/10. This could have been really bland.....but actually I love it as although on the surface it’s deceptively simple, there are lots of different elements to give it a lift. I love the verses, I love the spacey bridge , the instrumental bit into the lead break and shuffle is really good. My only criticism is that the end instrumental could have gone on for a few bars more as that bit is really good . 10. Get Out of My Head. 8/10. This means business .... rocks along really nicely and good to hear Richie singing. A welcome addition to the album . 11. Out of Time 2/10. Bland , boring, it’s this album’s Money Don’t Matter. I just can’t get into this at all. 12. Crazy Crazy. 1/10. Awful. This should have been kept for Francis’ country album . People are comparing it to Burning Bridges . I love Burning Bridges but this is more akin to All Around My Hat for me, which I’m also not keen on. Hate Rossi’s opening vocal ....dear oh dear. 13. Face the Music. 9.5. Oh my god, yes!!!!! Richie Malone, take a bow. As you may have read on my topic about this, I love this song. The opening riff is catchy, the guitars are crunchy, it’s strong melodically , the chorus stays in your head, it’s a great lead break...it’s magic, this track. The only thing that stops it being a ten for me is that at the end , the riff could have gone on for a few more bars as it’s very hooky...it ends too soon. This track is totally wasted as a bonus...it’s radio friendly and should have been part of the first eleven. Overall then a solid album for me. Apart from two tracks there’s nothing I dislike , with a couple of absolute highlights . One footnote...Rhino and Andy had a song called Never too Old( to rock and roll). Looks like Francis didn’t like it as it didn’t make it but this would have been a welcome addition to the album as it’s a shuffle and live it would have worked really well as there’s a call and response which even if you are hearing the song for the first time you pick up on it really easily. Hopefully it will make the next album . Read more: statusquo.boards.net/thread/12856/backbone-opinions?page=8#ixzz5zKg9vbvX
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2019 20:56:36 GMT
Listened to it twice now and I like it.
Don’t have a CD player in the house anymore and the one in my car no longer works so I will dl it from iTunes so I can listen to it at work and when out and about .
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Post by I Ain't Complaining on Sept 12, 2019 23:37:35 GMT
Right then; two full listens in. So I guess first impressions is what this is. Here are the results of le jury d'Ecosse I think, first of all, I have to admit that the album hasn't grabbed me in quite the same way that most of it's immediate predecessors did. Don't get me wrong, it's a good album - very - and maintains an outstanding quality that I think we've had for 20 years now. I'm also acutely aware of the change in my listening habits and that could also be a factor. The opening two songs are blinding and, for me, the two best on the album. Certainly, for the moment, these are my two favourites. I love that languid, bluesy quality to Waiting For A Woman. I can't remember the last time Quo did something like this and Andy's understated keyboard work and Francis's economic fretwork ( Sign O' The Times by Prince anyone?) make my hair stand on end. Without the obligatory gel I hasten to add Cut Me Some Slack is simply what Quo are brilliant at; more so than anyone. A thumping neck mover After that, they're all pretty good. No skip tracks yet, although I think I Wanna Run Away With You may end up that way. If someone wanted to do a parody of Quo, and a fairly poor one, this might be the road they'd go down. It actually reminds me a little of Ease Your Mind, not only in style but also in the fact that it's a so-so track on a very good album. One that did grab my attention was Falling Off The World. It has that tasty break in it which is straight from the Ma Kelly/Dog school of arrangements. Only back then, the song would have gone off in a completely different direction for 5 minutes followed by a 5-minute rambling guitar solo before the big finish Running Out Of Time has shades of Falling In Falling Out and I hear more than hints of Breaking Away running through Face The Music. But Francis has said in numerous interviews that the album almost pays homage to old Quo songs occasionally, even by accident. Their best since Never Too Late? Not for me. I think there are at least 3 albums that can legitimately lay down that claim to fame in the Mortified household. But it is early days. There are no bad tracks on it. But, equally, there are also only two stand-outs for me. The overall sound of the album is first class. Probably the best sounding album in a very long time. Maybe ever. By the way, anyone listened to the live album yet? Nah, me neither Good review Billy. What are the 3 post 85 albums that you rate higher at the moment? Out of interest. TPAOY will be one of them! Haha
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Post by I Ain't Complaining on Sept 12, 2019 23:49:43 GMT
Overall very enjoyable for me but not as good as Heavy Traffic as I don’t feel it has the same impact or the same amount of belting songs. There’s only two songs out of the 13 I don’t like ( or one out of the 11 on the album proper) so for me that’s a very good return. I had nowhere near that on Thirsty Work for example. Anyway, here are the votes from the Campbell Jury: 1. Waiting For a Woman: 8.5/10. I loved this from the first time I heard it on getreadytorock.com ahead of the album release. It’s laid back with a great groove and riffs.....there’s something Canned Heatish about the lead break for me. A track i’d describe as nifty . 2. Cut Me Some Slack 9/10. I’ve heard this in concert and it pounds along live- I love it. I like that bluesy riff rock that Quo sometimes do . Since 1999, Rhino has co written some top songs with both Rick and Francis. Can’t See for Looking is perhaps the only song he is credited with that I’m not keen on. I’m really glad the track ends as it does live and the riff is given a full workout, bashing into your head. The only thing I’d question is Francis’ vocal sound on this one. But I’m nit picking there. 3. Liberty Lane 8.5/10 . I love the chorus on this and the way the vocals sound on the chorus. Again, Rhino and Francis work well together ( albeit not at the same time in the same room). 4. I See You’re In Some Trouble 8/10.This has the potential to be annoying .....but I love it!! The acoustic start works because when they all crash in the song really gathers momentum . I like the way the song doesn’t let up and I like the drum sound on this one . I keep going back to it and can’t help myself singing along. 5. Backing Off 7/10 . This is a strange one on that I don’t love it but I can happily listen to it. I have a feeling that had it been on Perfect Remedy, I’d have hated it. What saves it is that there are little bits which just lift it and add interest ....I like the intro and the outro and the “whenever you come near “ parts are melodic. The chorus is made more powerful by the instrumentation after each line. It’s an interesting track as opposed to one I instantly love like CMSS. 6. I Wanna Run Away With You 6.5/10. Bog standard Quo....Rossi’s vocals are well down in the mix....I like it but it’s not spectacular. Not bad either. 7. Backbone 7.5 . This is something different and think it works well on this album . I can’t help singing along to it- especially the bit in the middle where I try and do all bits at the same time !!!! Overall I like it . 8. Better Take Care 8.5/10. Love the groove, the guitars and the singalong chorus. 9. Falling Off the World 8.5/10. This could have been really bland.....but actually I love it as although on the surface it’s deceptively simple, there are lots of different elements to give it a lift. I love the verses, I love the spacey bridge , the instrumental bit into the lead break and shuffle is really good. My only criticism is that the end instrumental could have gone on for a few bars more as that bit is really good . 10. Get Out of My Head. 8/10. This means business .... rocks along really nicely and good to hear Richie singing. A welcome addition to the album . 11. Out of Time 2/10. Bland , boring, it’s this album’s Money Don’t Matter. I just can’t get into this at all. 12. Crazy Crazy. 1/10. Awful. This should have been kept for Francis’ country album . People are comparing it to Burning Bridges . I love Burning Bridges but this is more akin to All Around My Hat for me, which I’m also not keen on. Hate Rossi’s opening vocal ....dear oh dear. 13. Face the Music. 9.5. Oh my god, yes!!!!! Richie Malone, take a bow. As you may have read on my topic about this, I love this song. The opening riff is catchy, the guitars are crunchy, it’s strong melodically , the chorus stays in your head, it’s a great lead break...it’s magic, this track. The only thing that stops it being a ten for me is that at the end , the riff could have gone on for a few more bars as it’s very hooky...it ends too soon. This track is totally wasted as a bonus...it’s radio friendly and should have been part of the first eleven. Overall then a solid album for me. Apart from two tracks there’s nothing I dislike , with a couple of absolute highlights . One footnote...Rhino and Andy had a song called Never too Old( to rock and roll). Looks like Francis didn’t like it as it didn’t make it but this would have been a welcome addition to the album as it’s a shuffle and live it would have worked really well as there’s a call and response which even if you are hearing the song for the first time you pick up on it really easily. Hopefully it will make the next album . Read more: statusquo.boards.net/thread/12856/backbone-opinions?page=8#ixzz5zKg9vbvXGreat review Cammy. I agree with a lot of what you say, except I like Running Out of Time, and I don't mind Crazy Crazy but agree that it should have been on a solo or duet album. Totally agree with you that a few of the endings could easily have been extended. That was one of my 'suggestions', that I have purposely decided not to post yet! But liked your review and agreed with most of it.
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Sept 13, 2019 4:27:57 GMT
13. Face the Music. 9.5. Oh my god, yes!!!!! Richie Malone, take a bow. As you may have read on my topic about this, I love this song. The opening riff is catchy, the guitars are crunchy, it’s strong melodically , the chorus stays in your head, it’s a great lead break...it’s magic, this track. The only thing that stops it being a ten for me is that at the end , the riff could have gone on for a few more bars as it’s very hooky...it ends too soon. This track is totally wasted as a bonus...it’s radio friendly and should have been part of the first eleven. The first time I listened to the album it was in strict playing order so by the time I got to Face The Music, I was beginning to wane a bit so didn't really take it in. Next time, I shuffled them around a bit, giving the later tracks more attention. And I completely agree; this song is a thing of beauty. I suspect they all are. One thing I did notice was that every single song has a hook. Every one gets into your head very quickly.
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Post by snakelady on Sept 13, 2019 5:27:39 GMT
13. Face the Music. 9.5. Oh my god, yes!!!!! Richie Malone, take a bow. As you may have read on my topic about this, I love this song. The opening riff is catchy, the guitars are crunchy, it’s strong melodically , the chorus stays in your head, it’s a great lead break...it’s magic, this track. The only thing that stops it being a ten for me is that at the end , the riff could have gone on for a few more bars as it’s very hooky...it ends too soon. This track is totally wasted as a bonus...it’s radio friendly and should have been part of the first eleven. The first time I listened to the album it was in strict playing order so by the time I got to Face The Music, I was beginning to wane a bit so didn't really take it in. Next time, I shuffled them around a bit, giving the later tracks more attention. And I completely agree; this song is a thing of beauty. I suspect they all are. One thing I did notice was that every single song has a hook. Every one gets into your head very quickly. Indeed .. I was the same at first as you were, found it ok-ish overall, but it didn't grab me in the same way previous Quo albums have done. It keeps growing on me though. And yep, after having listened to it a few times in the correct order I've returned to shuffle mode. Sorry, Francis, being surprised by what comes next is much more exciting than your intended flow . I don't agree about the order of the songs anyway . Not knowing what comes next makes you take note of the single songs and appreciate them for themselves far more. Should work for a set list as well . Those who went for a version without bonus tracks are missing out, big time. I can only recommend you get them asap ! Crazy Crazy needs some getting used to, but Face The Music is a gem.
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mortified
Administrator
This is no' gettin' the bairn a shirt
Posts: 5,563
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Post by mortified on Sept 13, 2019 10:20:59 GMT
Right then; two full listens in. So I guess first impressions is what this is. Here are the results of le jury d'Ecosse I think, first of all, I have to admit that the album hasn't grabbed me in quite the same way that most of it's immediate predecessors did. Don't get me wrong, it's a good album - very - and maintains an outstanding quality that I think we've had for 20 years now. I'm also acutely aware of the change in my listening habits and that could also be a factor. The opening two songs are blinding and, for me, the two best on the album. Certainly, for the moment, these are my two favourites. I love that languid, bluesy quality to Waiting For A Woman. I can't remember the last time Quo did something like this and Andy's understated keyboard work and Francis's economic fretwork ( Sign O' The Times by Prince anyone?) make my hair stand on end. Without the obligatory gel I hasten to add Cut Me Some Slack is simply what Quo are brilliant at; more so than anyone. A thumping neck mover After that, they're all pretty good. No skip tracks yet, although I think I Wanna Run Away With You may end up that way. If someone wanted to do a parody of Quo, and a fairly poor one, this might be the road they'd go down. It actually reminds me a little of Ease Your Mind, not only in style but also in the fact that it's a so-so track on a very good album. One that did grab my attention was Falling Off The World. It has that tasty break in it which is straight from the Ma Kelly/Dog school of arrangements. Only back then, the song would have gone off in a completely different direction for 5 minutes followed by a 5-minute rambling guitar solo before the big finish Running Out Of Time has shades of Falling In Falling Out and I hear more than hints of Breaking Away running through Face The Music. But Francis has said in numerous interviews that the album almost pays homage to old Quo songs occasionally, even by accident. Their best since Never Too Late? Not for me. I think there are at least 3 albums that can legitimately lay down that claim to fame in the Mortified household. But it is early days. There are no bad tracks on it. But, equally, there are also only two stand-outs for me. The overall sound of the album is first class. Probably the best sounding album in a very long time. Maybe ever. By the way, anyone listened to the live album yet? Nah, me neither Good review Billy. What are the 3 post 85 albums that you rate higher at the moment? Out of interest. TPAOY will be one of them! Haha You obviously know me too well On first listen, Rock 'til You Drop, Heavy Traffic and The Party Ain't Over Yet had a more immediate effect and I still love all 3 today. I'd certainly put Backbone up there with everything else since 1999 though. Already I prefer it to both Under The Influence and ….Fourth Chord and it's giving Quid Pro Quo a run for it's money. But, to be fair, I'm splitting hairs here. I love all of the albums I've named. It's like saying one album is outstanding and another is only brilliant. Semantics. Looks like Fursty Wurk is the only album of self-penned material in nearly 30 years that doesn't cut it for me. Now THAT's consistency
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col
High Flyer
All my Gods are leaving......
Posts: 302
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Post by col on Sept 13, 2019 11:59:04 GMT
So, week in and my favourites are starting to come to the fore.
I've only had the chance to play this in the car, no fancy headphone shenanigans for me, no sire!!
Something has happened to me with Liberty Lane. After hearing it on YT and then live, to on the radio and finally at my disposal. After about 20 listens, from thinking pretty OK to Mmmmm to an out and out love. That chorus is nigh on perfection and that "here's the thing" line is bordering on genius, changing the meaning of the lyric and linking the melody beautifully. I seriously, seriously love this song.
I also think Backing Off is great, it doesn't go where you expect it to go, the guitar tone is to die for and I wonder who the lyrics are about, Alan Lancaster? A Parfitt family member? I conject.
Get Out Of My Head has a bit of a MKGS era feel to me, and there's absolutely nothing wrong in that.
I like the way I See You In Some Trouble explodes with swagger after the acoustic guitars, and it reminds me of The Everly Brothers' Claudette in parts.
Waiting For A Woman nearly goes in to Give Me All Your Lovin so many times it must be deliberate, especially when the guitar solo has the same tones as Billy Gibbons. Good start to the album though.
Better Take Care reminds me of something from the seventies, and it's not Sweet Home Alabama!!
Falling Off The World is part TRAOY era with a dash of late seventies Quo, and it works.
Cut Me Some Slack is cut from the same cloth as CUOY and Bella Vista Man, only this is much better.
I really like this album. I am surprised by how much I like it.
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Post by cammythemortonfan on Sept 13, 2019 12:10:47 GMT
So, week in and my favourites are starting to come to the fore. I've only had the chance to play this in the car, no fancy headphone shenanigans for me, no sire!! Something has happened to me with Liberty Lane. After hearing it on YT and then live, to on the radio and finally at my disposal. After about 20 listens, from thinking pretty OK to Mmmmm to an out and out love. That chorus is nigh on perfection and that "here's the thing" line is bordering on genius, changing the meaning of the lyric and linking the melody beautifully. I seriously, seriously love this song. I also think Backing Off is great, it doesn't go where you expect it to go, the guitar tone is to die for and I wonder who the lyrics are about, Alan Lancaster? A Parfitt family member? I conject. Get Out Of My Head has a bit of a MKGS era feel to me, and there's absolutely nothing wrong in that. I like the way I See You In Some Trouble explodes with swagger after the acoustic guitars, and it reminds me of The Everly Brothers' Claudette in parts. Waiting For A Woman nearly goes in to Give Me All Your Lovin so many times it must be deliberate, especially when the guitar solo has the same tones as Billy Gibbons. Good start to the album though. Better Take Care reminds me of something from the seventies, and it's not Sweet Home Alabama!! Falling Off The World is part TRAOY era with a dash of late seventies Quo, and it works. Cut Me Some Slack is cut from the same cloth as CUOY and Bella Vista Man, only this is much better. I really like this album. I am surprised by how much I like it. Totally agree with you about “now here’s the thing”...it’s something on the face of it quite subtle yet what a massive impact it has
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