This is Jamie Dyer welcoming you to another edition of… The Quo-Cast. Well, sort of. I’m hopefully starting a regular weekly feature that takes a look at the week’s events and anniversaries in the Quo world. Much of it is from my perspective, but I’d love to hear any thoughts you may have.
Blue for You at 48
This week in 1976, Status Quo’s Blue for You album was released. In the weeks before its release, the album had been promoted by the single Rain. I wasn’t around at the time but I suspect that excited a lot of fans. I remember the first time that I heard the album. I had just purchased it on vinyl from a market stall in Long Sutton. After placing it on the turntable and allowing the needle to drop onto its surface I was immediately transported by the thrashy guitar intro of Is There a Better Way, and Alan Lancaster’s commanding vocals. It was one of those few moments of magic that I shall remember forever.
This is often termed by fans as one of the last great Quo albums before a decline set in. I don’t wholly agree with this sentiment but I can’t deny that this album is an absolute banger. There is a bluesy earthy current streaming through it that is quite irresistible, along with plenty of variations in the hard rock moments and a sense of light and shade that the earlier albums also had. My favourite track has to be Ring of a Change, a straight-ahead rocker which is a lot more complex than outsiders would believe Quo are capable of. What are your memories of Blue for You?
Early Years Box Set Released
Today sees the release of a brand new box set that focuses on the early years of the band. I know what you’re thinking, we’ve seen dozens of these sets before. I’ve lost count of the number of times that this Pye material has been reissued on CD. However, this set appears to be much more together than previous efforts. For a start, this collection appears to be a far cry from the mixed-up compilations of yesteryear; The ones that featured a rocking band on the front and Psychedelic Beat Pop in the content. The artwork does a great job of distinguishing and extinguishing the past mistakes.
Like many fans, the 1960s era of Quo has passed me by a little. The difference in genre and the usual price point of albums often put me off. The combination of both studio albums, tracks from the Spectres and Traffic Jam plus singles, b-sides and live sessions make this a must-buy for me. All of this stuff has seen a physical release before, but the package looks to be groovy!
Five Years of We Talk Too Much
It is hard to believe that it has been five years since the release of the Rossi Rickard album We Talk Too Much. Francis often expressed a desire to create a country-focused album, and finally got to fulfil his ambition thanks to the collaboration with Hannah Rickard. I know it wasn’t to everyone’s taste, but I enjoyed hearing him embrace this side of his music.
It’s a shame Francis never toured this album, as there were many compositions I would’ve loved to have heard in that setting. I’ve lost count of the number of times that I’ve played tracks such as Sinking in Blue, Maybe Tomorrow and I’m Only Happy. I also liked the new versions of Rearrange (Quo) and But I Just Said Goodbye. (Young & Moody). What are your thoughts on We Talk Too Much?
