Album review: THIRSTY QUIREBOYS – God Bless America: The Best Of Thirsty

Website [Release date 05.06.26]

The band Thirsty were formed in 2014 by former (and founder) Quireboys guitarist Guy Bailey, and over the next decade released three albums. With lyrical help from Russian poet Irina D, there was a different feel to the Quireboys, a little more cinematic. Lyrically based on literature or historic events.

Bailey did in 2023, and the original plan was to do a posthumous duet, former bandmate and vocalist Spike (also a Quireboys founder) was invited in by Thirsty/Quireboys bassist Chris Johnstone. However, the project evolved into a full reimagination of the catalogue, with Spike singing along to Bailey’s original guitar work, and the sound getting an overhaul by producer Chris Kimsey.

So with Spike’s husky whisky soaked vocals over the classic guitar sound, we get a marvellous rock sound. There’s a strong Rod Stewart feel (think the early rocking material), and a serious nod to the bluesier end of The Rolling Stones, but it’s more mid paced and presentational than the rock’n’roll of the Quireboys.

“1-10,7 and Possibly 6’ is a solid opener, and ‘Flawless’ has some neat slide guitar. ‘God Bless America’ features some rich keyboards, and has a heartfelt sound.

The rhythm and pace in ‘Mercury’ has a more Pink Floyd feel, thus the idea of Spike’s vocals and Bailey’s guitar on top of that may be odd on paper, but it really does work.

The overall feel is a great listen, lyrically diverse, and while there are some feel variations, the pace of each track is similar throughout. But despite any sameness that gives, it’s a wonderful sound and an enjoyable listen. Quireboys fans will love it. ****

Review by Joe Geesin

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Power Plays w/c 25 May 2026

BABY JANE Midnight Highway (Sped Up) (indie)
ASTRAL ROCKS The Flame In Me (Astral Rocks Prodns.)
INDIGO SYNDICATE dwn4smr (indie)
THE SKBS The Prying Eye (indie)
AGAINST THE CURRENT Dead Man Walking (indie)
ICONIC Tears Keep On Falling (Frontiers)

Featured Albums w/c 25 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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