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Post by kursaal75 on Aug 3, 2020 10:06:42 GMT
An album I only ever play to test if my speakers are wired up correctly. There's nothing left, there's nothing right.....
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mortified
4500 Timer
Posts: 5,772
Favourite Quo Album: Hello!
Favourite other bands.: Sheryl Crow, Gary Numan, Alabama 3, ZZ Top, Paul van Dyk, Jeff Beck, Bowie, Gerry Rafferty, Band of Skulls, UFO, S.A.H.B
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Post by mortified on Aug 3, 2020 10:26:59 GMT
I've noticed that Don't Mind If I Do gets some better press than the rest of the album. It was the same on the other message board when this subject cropped up.
I don't really get that. I'm obviously missing something because, to me, it's as bland - if not more so - as every other song.
I guess (maybe much like Thirsty Work) it's down to the arrangements or production of the songs as opposed to the material itself. But this track is lost on me. My loss, though, I guess.
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Post by paradiseflats on Aug 3, 2020 13:41:19 GMT
Never a favourite of mine, although far from their worst. I actually really like the title track, particularly the 12"/CD single version. It has a nice groove in the middle section. The rest of the album never really hit the spot for me, although I didn't specifically dislike any of the songs. They were just sort of average to middling and quite easy to switch off from. The best stuff like Reason For Goodbye, Lean Machine and The Greatest Fighter were left off for whatever reason. For me, the album is fairly bland all the way through and that blandness carried through to the next release as well. Took them 3 years to get their act together again. Love it or hate it, Burning Bridges is a bit of a classic. I don't mind it. It's sort of Hold You Back with the breaks on and good fun live. Although as I got older, sticking it in the encore was a real challenge for my ageing muscles The gigs for the 1988 tour were blinding. Among the very best. But with new material, Quo had lost their way. I think as fretbuzzzzz says, there was an element of trying to have something for everyone but ending up pleasing no one. Sometimes there are just too many songwriters so what you end up with is a mish mash of styles. There were something like a dozen writing credits on this album. It shows. 6 out of 10. Its funny how we see things. I went on the tour, one of the worst gigs I have ever seen. The band were poor for me. But each to their own.
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Post by fretbuzzzzz on Aug 3, 2020 13:46:43 GMT
I've noticed that Don't Mind If I Do gets some better press than the rest of the album. It was the same on the other message board when this subject cropped up. I don't really get that. I'm obviously missing something because, to me, it's as bland - if not more so - as every other song. I guess (maybe much like Thirsty Work) it's down to the arrangements or production of the songs as opposed to the material itself. But this track is lost on me. My loss, though, I guess. It is a curiosity as the song is quite dark and sombre. Certainly have to be in the right mood! Not a style of song that the more casual fan would relate to their vision of Quo perhaps? For me, it was an instant appreciation of that near perfect marriage of the lyrics with the melody. Just works on that level for me and I wouldn't be so bold as to suggest the blues here but it has elements I suppose. Lyrically it connected at the time personally as had been moving on from a relationship. Where the album is all over the place it seemed, especially at the time, that some real thought and effort had gone into recording a credible song but that's not necessarily the case of course. As I said in a previous post, the song is a curiosity with the minor to major change mid way through the lead solos and the major section being a complete nick from their track 'In Your Eyes' from the Army album. Just remembered as well that the turnarounds are from 'You Don't Own Me'! I hope that's cleared things up Mortified?!
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Post by Victor on Aug 3, 2020 13:53:56 GMT
I've noticed that Don't Mind If I Do gets some better press than the rest of the album. It was the same on the other message board when this subject cropped up. I don't really get that. I'm obviously missing something because, to me, it's as bland - if not more so - as every other song. I guess (maybe much like Thirsty Work) it's down to the arrangements or production of the songs as opposed to the material itself. But this track is lost on me. My loss, though, I guess. It is a curiosity as the song is quite dark and sombre. Certainly have to be in the right mood! Not a style of song that the more casual fan would relate to their vision of Quo perhaps? For me, it was an instant appreciation of that near perfect marriage of the lyrics with the melody. Just works on that level for me and I wouldn't be so bold as to suggest the blues here but it has elements I suppose. Lyrically it connected at the time personally as had been moving on from a relationship. Where the album is all over the place it seemed, especially at the time, that some real thought and effort had gone into recording a credible song but that's not necessarily the case of course. As I said in a previous post, the song is a curiosity with the minor to major change mid way through the lead solos and the major section being a complete nick from their track 'In Your Eyes' from the Army album. Just remembered as well that the turnarounds are from 'You Don't Own Me'! I hope that's cleared things up Mortified?! Yep same here, so another thing I recognize very much in your views about the song !
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Post by paradiseflats on Aug 3, 2020 14:15:47 GMT
1988, I believe. I was young and I most certainly wasn't buying Francis and Ricks Kool aid. I didn't buy the album and I really don't remember when I first heard the album at a guess some time in the early 2000s, maybe the reissue was the first time I heard the album.
Can anyone explain why the drummer holds a headless bass on the cover.
So I decided to put the album on today.
I must admit I don't get why Ain't complaining the song gets a lot of grief. Is it my Quo... well no. But its alright and catchy. The second song... its beyond naff. Whoever wrote this, must have have thought they could write a pop rock song. Its insipid and not very good. This could have been any name of forgettable bands from that era. Like Cutting crew. Francis really struggles with some of the notes.
One for the money. Oh dear. Sounds like they picked up the cuttings from a poor American sound track. The production is terrible.
Another shipwreck... utter pish. Strangely reminds me of Genesis for a few bars. Terribly boring and bland.
Don't mind if I do is ok.
I know that your leaving. Is a fair song of its type. But not what I would want from a rock band. Its bland and unmemorable. Its no surprise I had not heard of any other song by Eric van Tijn & Jochem Fluitsma.
Cross that bridge. Shit.
Cream of the crop is terrible. So boring. Keyboard section is dreadful.
Loving game... next.
Who gets the love. Its not a bad song.
Burning bridges. Utter bilge. Now I hear you, its really popular. And... the Birdie song is popular doesn't make it good. In fact is not the Birdie song with terrible keyboards, lyrics and insipid vocals.
I think under the production, there's a half decent song in Magic. But its over produced.
So for the album I will give it a generous 3/10. To think they hadn't got to the bottom of the barrel in terms of albums yet.
I read its an album with a bit for every Status Quo fan. Well those who like good quality rock songs will find nothing of interest on this album.
Thats alright. Bang average.
I am in some ways glad to hear Francis didn't play some or even most of the solos on here as they are mostly lacklustre and some of the worst I have heard.
Lean Machine. Is boring but understand why some like it, but its lazy song writing.
Halloween I have never really understood why its so popular. Its better though than anything on the album.
The reason for goodbye. Average song with terrible solo.
The greatest fighter. Again bet this was wrote in 10 minutes. Its generic post Alan Quo. So boring. Pop. Which is really pap.
So there you have it, an hour of my life I won't get back. I went to see them on the 1988 tour. Was terrible. Was gutted they were so poor live. So light weight, key boards too high in the mix, playing faster than the speed of light. After that I was finished, didn't return for over a decade.
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Post by Victor on Aug 3, 2020 14:30:27 GMT
1988, I believe. I was young and I most certainly wasn't buying Francis and Ricks Kool aid. I didn't buy the album and I really don't remember when I first heard the album at a guess some time in the early 2000s, maybe the reissue was the first time I heard the album. Can anyone explain why the drummer holds a headless bass on the cover. So I decided to put the album on today. I must admit I don't get why Ain't complaining the song gets a lot of grief. Is it my Quo... well no. But its alright and catchy. The second song... its beyond naff. Whoever wrote this, must have have thought they could write a pop rock song. Its insipid and not very good. This could have been any name of forgettable bands from that era. Like Cutting crew. Francis really struggles with some of the notes.
One for the money. Oh dear. Sounds like they picked up the cuttings from a poor American sound track. The production is terrible. Another shipwreck... utter pish. Strangely reminds me of Genesis for a few bars. Terribly boring and bland. Don't mind if I do is ok. I know that your leaving. Is a fair song of its type. But not what I would want from a rock band. Its bland and unmemorable. Its no surprise I had not heard of any other song by Eric van Tijn & Jochem Fluitsma. Cross that bridge. Shit. Cream of the crop is terrible. So boring. Keyboard section is dreadful. Loving game... next. Who gets the love. Its not a bad song. Burning bridges. Utter bilge. Now I hear you, its really popular. And... the Birdie song is popular doesn't make it good. In fact is not the Birdie song with terrible keyboards, lyrics and insipid vocals. I think under the production, there's a half decent song in Magic. But its over produced. So for the album I will give it a generous 3/10. To think they hadn't got to the bottom of the barrel in terms of albums yet. I read its an album with a bit for every Status Quo fan. Well those who like good quality rock songs will find nothing of interest on this album. Thats alright. Bang average. I am in some ways glad to hear Francis didn't play some or even most of the solos on here as they are mostly lacklustre and some of the worst I have heard. Lean Machine. Is boring but understand why some like it, but its lazy song writing. Halloween I have never really understood why its so popular. Its better though than anything on the album. The reason for goodbye. Average song with terrible solo. The greatest fighter. Again bet this was wrote in 10 minutes. Its generic post Alan Quo. So boring. Pop. Which is really pap. So there you have it, an hour of my life I won't get back. I went to see them on the 1988 tour. Was terrible. Was gutted they were so poor live. So light weight, key boards too high in the mix, playing faster than the speed of light. After that I was finished, didn't return for over a decade. Written by John Edwards/Jeff Rich/Mike Paxman
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mortified
4500 Timer
Posts: 5,772
Favourite Quo Album: Hello!
Favourite other bands.: Sheryl Crow, Gary Numan, Alabama 3, ZZ Top, Paul van Dyk, Jeff Beck, Bowie, Gerry Rafferty, Band of Skulls, UFO, S.A.H.B
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Post by mortified on Aug 3, 2020 15:18:01 GMT
Never a favourite of mine, although far from their worst. I actually really like the title track, particularly the 12"/CD single version. It has a nice groove in the middle section. The rest of the album never really hit the spot for me, although I didn't specifically dislike any of the songs. They were just sort of average to middling and quite easy to switch off from. The best stuff like Reason For Goodbye, Lean Machine and The Greatest Fighter were left off for whatever reason. For me, the album is fairly bland all the way through and that blandness carried through to the next release as well. Took them 3 years to get their act together again. Love it or hate it, Burning Bridges is a bit of a classic. I don't mind it. It's sort of Hold You Back with the breaks on and good fun live. Although as I got older, sticking it in the encore was a real challenge for my ageing muscles The gigs for the 1988 tour were blinding. Among the very best. But with new material, Quo had lost their way. I think as fretbuzzzzz says, there was an element of trying to have something for everyone but ending up pleasing no one. Sometimes there are just too many songwriters so what you end up with is a mish mash of styles. There were something like a dozen writing credits on this album. It shows. 6 out of 10. Its funny how we see things. I went on the tour, one of the worst gigs I have ever seen. The band were poor for me. But each to their own. It is funny. I remember really enjoying the gigs immensely. I even ended up with an exploratory op on my throat a year later because I had an ulcer on my vocal chords as a result of singing and shouting so much But the album I wasn't keen on. I'm still not. And, you're right; there was poorer stuff to come. Much poorer. They don't do Andy's Another Shipwreck any justice whatsoever. The original was much better. Quo began over-producing at the end of the 80's just as rock was finding it's synth-free feet again. Timing is everything
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mortified
4500 Timer
Posts: 5,772
Favourite Quo Album: Hello!
Favourite other bands.: Sheryl Crow, Gary Numan, Alabama 3, ZZ Top, Paul van Dyk, Jeff Beck, Bowie, Gerry Rafferty, Band of Skulls, UFO, S.A.H.B
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Post by mortified on Aug 3, 2020 15:25:26 GMT
I've noticed that Don't Mind If I Do gets some better press than the rest of the album. It was the same on the other message board when this subject cropped up. I don't really get that. I'm obviously missing something because, to me, it's as bland - if not more so - as every other song. I guess (maybe much like Thirsty Work) it's down to the arrangements or production of the songs as opposed to the material itself. But this track is lost on me. My loss, though, I guess. It is a curiosity as the song is quite dark and sombre. Certainly have to be in the right mood! Not a style of song that the more casual fan would relate to their vision of Quo perhaps? For me, it was an instant appreciation of that near perfect marriage of the lyrics with the melody. Just works on that level for me and I wouldn't be so bold as to suggest the blues here but it has elements I suppose. Lyrically it connected at the time personally as had been moving on from a relationship. Where the album is all over the place it seemed, especially at the time, that some real thought and effort had gone into recording a credible song but that's not necessarily the case of course. As I said in a previous post, the song is a curiosity with the minor to major change mid way through the lead solos and the major section being a complete nick from their track 'In Your Eyes' from the Army album. Just remembered as well that the turnarounds are from 'You Don't Own Me'! I hope that's cleared things up Mortified?! Major and minor references are lost on me. I read music about as well as I can ballet dance. That is, I can't. Lest there be any Darcey Bussell jokes Thanks for clearing that up. Still think it's bollox though. I was being polite before
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Post by fretbuzzzzz on Aug 3, 2020 16:38:10 GMT
It is a curiosity as the song is quite dark and sombre. Certainly have to be in the right mood! Not a style of song that the more casual fan would relate to their vision of Quo perhaps? For me, it was an instant appreciation of that near perfect marriage of the lyrics with the melody. Just works on that level for me and I wouldn't be so bold as to suggest the blues here but it has elements I suppose. Lyrically it connected at the time personally as had been moving on from a relationship. Where the album is all over the place it seemed, especially at the time, that some real thought and effort had gone into recording a credible song but that's not necessarily the case of course. As I said in a previous post, the song is a curiosity with the minor to major change mid way through the lead solos and the major section being a complete nick from their track 'In Your Eyes' from the Army album. Just remembered as well that the turnarounds are from 'You Don't Own Me'! I hope that's cleared things up Mortified?! Major and minor references are lost on me. I read music about as well as I can ballet dance. That is, I can't. Lest there be any Darcey Bussell jokes Thanks for clearing that up. Still think it's bollox though. I was being polite before My hopes were not high of finding a middle ground with this one Mortified! The mysteries of music eh? Can't think of the last time that I had any enthusiasm to listen to this album. Many years. Decided to give it a go when Victor put up the thread. Nothing has aged that well including 'Don't Mind If I Do' but at least the song wasn't overly glazed in keyboards/synths but complimented by them. I possibly connected the style of the song at the time of release with a track I used to like in the 80s by The Cars called 'Heartbeat City'. Again, where any synths complimented under the melody rather than annihilated! Had a quick look at the '88 gig video that sqcollector has put up on here. Has made me listen to 'Who Gets The Love' with more interest again as think that song sounded pretty good live on stage compared to the tame version on the album. Had been to the outdoor 1986 Quo gigs with Queen at Wembley Stadium and Knebworth and wasn't particularly impressed or disappointed, perhaps the set list was good enough and balanced to have taken home any good memories and viewed more from a distance and they were different days anyway supporting Queen. Though when seeing the band at Wembley Arena in '88 it didn't sound convincing. Had expected much more than was realistically possible I suppose. Didn't resemble the Quo sound I had known for many years. Inevitable I guess in the circumstances but perhaps it was just different with the new line up being indoors as well and the Arena had been notorious for dodgy acoustics. Rossi was definitely on a mission to Out-Frantic the Frantics! He was very lively on stage and making sure we all knew that the new band were the biz for him, but I wasn't completely convinced at the time. Though this state of affairs started to get better from around '90 onwards.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2020 18:45:52 GMT
1988, I believe. I was young and I most certainly wasn't buying Francis and Ricks Kool aid. I didn't buy the album and I really don't remember when I first heard the album at a guess some time in the early 2000s, maybe the reissue was the first time I heard the album. Can anyone explain why the drummer holds a headless bass on the cover. So I decided to put the album on today. I must admit I don't get why Ain't complaining the song gets a lot of grief. Is it my Quo... well no. But its alright and catchy. The second song... its beyond naff. Whoever wrote this, must have have thought they could write a pop rock song. Its insipid and not very good. This could have been any name of forgettable bands from that era. Like Cutting crew. Francis really struggles with some of the notes.
One for the money. Oh dear. Sounds like they picked up the cuttings from a poor American sound track. The production is terrible. Another shipwreck... utter pish. Strangely reminds me of Genesis for a few bars. Terribly boring and bland. Don't mind if I do is ok. I know that your leaving. Is a fair song of its type. But not what I would want from a rock band. Its bland and unmemorable. Its no surprise I had not heard of any other song by Eric van Tijn & Jochem Fluitsma. Cross that bridge. Shit. Cream of the crop is terrible. So boring. Keyboard section is dreadful. Loving game... next. Who gets the love. Its not a bad song. Burning bridges. Utter bilge. Now I hear you, its really popular. And... the Birdie song is popular doesn't make it good. In fact is not the Birdie song with terrible keyboards, lyrics and insipid vocals. I think under the production, there's a half decent song in Magic. But its over produced. So for the album I will give it a generous 3/10. To think they hadn't got to the bottom of the barrel in terms of albums yet. I read its an album with a bit for every Status Quo fan. Well those who like good quality rock songs will find nothing of interest on this album. Thats alright. Bang average. I am in some ways glad to hear Francis didn't play some or even most of the solos on here as they are mostly lacklustre and some of the worst I have heard. Lean Machine. Is boring but understand why some like it, but its lazy song writing. Halloween I have never really understood why its so popular. Its better though than anything on the album. The reason for goodbye. Average song with terrible solo. The greatest fighter. Again bet this was wrote in 10 minutes. Its generic post Alan Quo. So boring. Pop. Which is really pap. So there you have it, an hour of my life I won't get back. I went to see them on the 1988 tour. Was terrible. Was gutted they were so poor live. So light weight, key boards too high in the mix, playing faster than the speed of light. After that I was finished, didn't return for over a decade. Written by John Edwards/Jeff Rich/Mike Paxman Paxman proves he's as incompetent at song writing as he is at record producing. At least he's consistent.
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Post by dennis on Aug 3, 2020 19:03:00 GMT
Army was the last Quo lp I bought, I'd had enough after 3 dreadful albums in a row. Somebody kindly gave me a 4th one! I never had any more afterwards.
Ain't Complaining - could have been but isn't "arright" Everytime I Think of You - formulaic pap One for the Money - were they trying to sell this to somebody compiling tracks for an Eddie Murphy film? Another Shipwreck - can't help feeling the arrangement diminishes the song somewhat Don't Mind If I Do - I think the first 4 tracks make this one seem better than it really is I Know You're Leaving - I like this song, in a different era it could have been quite good Cross That Bridge - who's this meant to appeal to? Cream of the Crop - this certainly isn't, would this even appeal to whoever might like the previous track? The Loving Game - sadistic tendencies? Who Gets The Love? - I like this one even more, especially the extended version Burning Bridges - is this meant to be folk rock? Magic - sounds rather like Dreamin', yeah - that bad
That's Alright - Smokey play Quo? Lean Machine - sounds good compared to most of the rest, but it's nothing special Halloween - sounds like a Rick solo number ...... hey! The Reason for Goodbye - dreadful chorus The Greatest Fighter - utter tosh
Although there'd been a certain amount of drift after Live!, the studio releases after John left rarely sounded much like Quo to me. They still don't, tbh.
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Post by MrWaistcoat on Aug 3, 2020 19:11:33 GMT
Francis "side 2 should have been side 1.we shocked people and we never intended too" Well the album cover shocked me to the core!! Can't stand to look at it even now! So a massive stylistic / image change and some massive sound changes. The 12" remixes were particular difficult for me to accept, the AC single and running-aotw AC, magic (love the intro) and cross that bridge would have been so much better if not over produced. As it is, cross that bridge is annoying. Same bridges, terrible here, awful, but very enjoyable live Slick and polished... yet I still like Don't mind if I do and the loving game. Don't mind isn't a great song but for me it:s more than saved by some magic lead guitar work. I could enjoy one for the money as a Rick outing, but it's not Quo. I have a rare pressing error on my copy. There's a song on mine called "I know you're leaving" - it's obv the BeeGees. I wonder if it's valuable? Saw Quo 3 times in 88. NEC was as clean sounding as the album. Manchester Gmex was dirty, rockin and awesome, easily one of the best gigs I've ever seen. I don't say that lightly. I was equally blown away on the PR tour
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gerh
Grizzled Rocker Rollin'
Posts: 2,907
Favourite Quo Album: 'Hello' [and 'Quo Live']
Favourite other bands.: Zappa, Kansas, Rush, Deep Purple, Yes, Richard Thompson, Horslips, Rory Gallagher, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest etc etc. [ANYONE but Kiss!]
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Post by gerh on Aug 3, 2020 23:18:12 GMT
I have a rare pressing error on my copy. There's a song on mine called "I know you're leaving" - it's obv the BeeGees. I wonder if it's valuable? Ah yes - 'I know you're leaving', the FR penned ditty from just around the time of Live Aid; written in a Rossi-esque fit of "Aaaaaaaah I can't play with AL any more". It was never meant to see the light of day, so yes it's valuable - or at least it would have been to AL in the court case as it indicated malicious premeditation.
(I really should stop watching courtroom dramas!)
G
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Post by railroad007 on Aug 4, 2020 12:00:49 GMT
It was okay played a couple of times but it confirmed that the glory days were well and truly over.
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