THE QUIREBOYS – This Is Rock’N’Roll II

November 21, 2014, 9 years ago

(Off Yer Rocka)

Aaron Small

Rating: 7.5

review hard rock the quireboys

THE QUIREBOYS – This Is Rock’N’Roll II

Originally issued in 2001 via Sanctuary/EMI and long since out of print, This Is Rock’N’Roll is the third album from The Quireboys; and first after reforming the band with a slightly modified lineup. The original 13 tracks, recorded at E.M.G. Studio in North Hollywood and produced by C.J. Eiriksson, have been re-released without any re-mastering or touch-ups. “This Is Rock’N’Roll” remains a welcome staple in The Quireboys’ live set to this very day. “Searching” and “Six Degrees” continue to warm the insides all these years later. Conversely, the reggae-tinged “Coldharbour Lane” and almost jazz-like improvisation of “To Be” still sit somewhat out of place; not bad songs just slightly experimental compared to the rest of the gypsy infused tracks. Adding appeal to this reissue is the inclusion of four classics from the group’s stellar debut, A Bit Of What You Fancy. “Hey You”, “Misled”, “7 O’Clock”, and “There She Goes Again” were all re-recorded earlier this year at The Ecology Rooms in Dover with producer Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy) at the helm. Staying faithful to the originals, these 2014 versions simply prove that neither Spike nor Guy Griffin’s chops have diminished one bit since The London Quireboys burst onto the scene way back in 1990. And no true fan can ever tire of those killer tunes. As far as packaging goes, the cover art’s been updated with a current picture. The plastic jewel case has been swapped for a cardboard digipak; the centerfold photo collage remains intact, albeit now swathed in red and black as opposed to its initial full colour format. A booklet with recollections, insider tidbits and the like would have been a wonderful treat, but ultimately it’s the music that matters most.

 



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