Album review: THE QUIREBOYS – This Is Rock n Roll II

Off Yer Rocka [Release date 27.10.14]

This has been some year for The Quireboys. They are celebrating their 30th anniversary, have been on a worldwide tour and have recently released latest album “Black Eyed Sons”. They are also re-releasing their 3rd studio album “This Is Rock n Roll”.

More redux then deluxe, “This Is Rock n Roll II” features a re-mastered version of the original 2001 album in a digipack sleeve and featuring 2014 re-recordings of 4 of their best loved songs.

“This Is Rock n Roll” was originally released after the band reformed after their untimely split in 1993. Recorded in Hollywood’s EMG studios it set The Quireboys back on their natural path and I’ll stand by my quote of the time that opening track “This Is Rock n Roll” is one of the greatest rock n roll songs ever written.

If you already have a copy of the album then you will know it well, if you are new to it or need a reminder then here is a brief summarisation of what is on offer.

“This Is Rock n Roll” contains everything you would expect in a Quireboys album- the swagger of “Show Me What You’ve Got”, the jangly and mid paced Small Faces like “Six Degrees” and looser “Seven Days”, the big Stonesy riffs of “Turn Away” and the Rod Stewart like vocals on “Searching”.

The Stones like vibe is also in play on “C’mon” and “Taken For A Ride” and on “Coldharbour Lane” the band introduce a reggae feel to proceedings. “It’s Alright” is typical Quireboys but it is the slower, emotion drenched “To Be” that stands out here.

The 4 newly recorded re-worked tracks are “Hey You”, “Misled”, “7 O’Clock” and “There She Goes Again”. At times I think they sound a little faster, or the piano is up in the mix or even putting the rolling into rock and roll- but overall the tracks retain the feel of the originals and 25 years later still sound fresh and full of life. It also has to be said that Spike’s vocals have not been affected by the passage of time.

“This Is Rock n Roll II” is a great re-issue and one that will appeal to fans who own the original as well as newer fans who have not yet experienced the album. *****

Review by Nikk Gunns

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)