Album review: STATUS QUO – Status Quo Live (box set)

Status Quo Live - box set

UMC [Release date 08.09.14]

One of the real highlights of rock in recent years is the reunion of the classic Quo line up – and the successive Frantic Four tours. Riding the crest of this nostalgia wave is a 4-CD boxed set which celebrates the band in three different settings from 1974-1976.

Discs 1 and 2 are taken from the band’s definitive ‘live’ album that came out originally in 1977 (and remastered in 2005). Fans will surely have this set, but the real bonus in this collection is the rare Japan-only ‘Tokyo Quo’ recorded in November 1976. This received a limited vinyl release for Record Store Day this year. The recording is a little rough around the edges but balanced by the band’s high energy levels.

The fourth disc was recorded in Sydney, Australia in November 1974 and is previously unreleased. However the sound quality is poor and in mono!

There is, inevitably, a fair amount of duplication in the tracks. Strangely their only No.1 U.K. hit single ‘Down Down’ is conspicuous by its absence along with ‘Mystery Song’ and ‘Paper Plane’ whilst the 1973 album ‘Hello’ offers up the most tracks. The package is rounded out with an informative booklet and facsimile 1976 tour programme.

Overall, this is really quite an expensive package for general consumption and the rarity value of the Japan and Australia gigs is countermanded by the wide availability of the classic 1977 live set. For diehards only. ***1/2

Review by David Randall

David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.

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