Status Quo, back on form - big style!
K. D. H. Miles | UK | 09/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is pure joy. The band have teamed up with long time writing collaberator Bob Young for the first time in years (and I mean years). The influence certainly shows. The songs are rawer, more energetic, more experimental (whilst retaining the Quo sound) than ever before. This is a return to Quo's bluesier, dirtier sound of the mid 70's. Stand out tracks? Well pretty much every one of them. All Stand Up (Never Say Never) sticks in your brain and doesn't let go. Rhythm of Life and Green would not look wierd on a REM or Radiohead album as they are experimental and Rhythm is very moody.This is the best Quo album since Hello! (1973) or Quo(1974)
All credit goes to Quo, Bob, and Mike Paxman."
Heavy Traffic:Boogie Rock & Roll at it's best!
alan benson | Greenacres,Florida,USA | 09/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great anticipation for Status Quo's first original CD since 'Under The Influence" in '99.They vowed this album would be more traditional Quo-up tempo rockers like they did mostly in the 70's,when they had FOUR albums enter the UK charts at #1.Highlights on the CD are the first single,"Jam Side Down",a catchy 12 bar song with a great melody.It 's a perfect rock single complete with a great riff,sing-along chorus,and a foot-tapping beat."The Oriental"is perhaps the most unique song on the album.Some say it's offensive(the lyrics referring to oriental ladies),but I say,...I consider it a compliment to Asian women.Nobody made a big deal about Queen's "Fat Bottom Girls".I'm sure some overweight women felt insulted about that song.GREAT guitar riff throughout the song and I find myself moving my head back and forth to the beat.Great song-so different in it's makeup and beat.Also "Solid Gold" has a great chorus sing-along as well as "All Stand Up",a real rocker.A typical Quo kick ... song is Rick Parfitt's "Creeping Up On You",which is what Rock & Roll should be-12 Bar,3 chord boogie that should have you bopping your head and stomping your feet.If not,go see a neurologist."Do It Again" is a simple,feel good song about enjoying the finer things in life....A few songs are mediocre,but all in all,a great effort by England's most successful rock group of all time on the UK charts!!"
ROCK AND ROLL AS IT SHOULD BE
Tony Crow | Westhoughton,Manchester,UK | 12/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having been a Quo fan since 1973 I have never understood why they have not taken off in the US.Well if you Americans like Rock and Roll then you must listen to this album cos this is R&R at its very best.From the first track Rhythem and Blues the toe tapping head banging music never stops.If you can keep still to All Stand Up,The Oriental,Creepin Up on You and Do it Again, to name but 4 then all I can say is that you must be dead or at least deaf.Buy it you wont regret it."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1