So little time, so much Quo
Originally formed as The Spectres in 1962, for 45 of Status Quo's 48-year career they have been recording for and performing at the BBC. No wonder this box set runs to an incredible 7 CD and 1 DVD length, as it covers every step of their astonishing journey from 1966 to 2005. And considering the BBC's penchant for wiping old tapes to save money, it's something of a miracle that so much has survived.
For the casual listener 7 CDs of Quo, often the same songs performed on shows as diverse as Saturday Club to Radio 2, would probably be stretching tolerance (there is a 2-disc 'Best Of' taster for those less patient folk). But for those with a genuine interest in how Quo progressed from freakbeat rock and roll to a brief flirtation with psychadelia, to the seventies denim-clad incarnation that they always seemed most comfortable with, this is a dream come true.
The first CD consists of sessions with Dave Symonds, Ken Bruce, and Steve Wright, as well as performances on Saturday Club. You can hear the group developing their straightforward and note-perfect live performances, which have always been the cornerstone of Quo's appeal. Standout tracks include both versions of 'The Price of Love' for Symonds on Sunday. There are also relaxed sessions with Dave Lee Travis and John Peel, showcasing great boogie and blues such as 'Junior's Wailing' and 'Spinning Wheel Blues' that never made it to an album recording.
The early performances are a stunning reminder of Quo's very different beginnings. Before the three-chord rockers there were slick covers of hits like 'Gloria' and the first glimpses of things to come in 'Almost But Not Quite There'. Growing up from the pop covers, there are several brilliant performances of breakthrough hit and perennial favourite 'Pictures of Matchstick Men'. It's also a rare chance to hear 'Pictures'-alike follow-up 'Black Veils of Melancholy', which has since been lost in the mists of time.
The other CDs consist of oft-bootlegged Quo live performances for Sounds of the Seventies ('72), at the Paris Theatre '73, the Friday Rock Show at the NEC ('82), Wembley Stadium ('88), Party In The Park ('92), and the Brighton Centre ('96). The set also includes a DVD of live performances.
One of the most solid and hardworking bands, Status Quo have carved out a niche for themselves that no one else has ever managed to imitate. This box set is full of hidden gems and proof that the real test of a band's greatness is their energetic live performances. Highly recommended for anyone even vaguely interested in hearing Quo at their best.