edd
New Rocker Rollin'
Posts: 43
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Post by edd on Mar 12, 2023 12:46:36 GMT
I have just listened to the remastered version of Heavy Traffic, having not listened in quite a while. I had forgotten how wonderful this record is, as a "modern" Quo classic (albeit made over 20 years ago...!). I think key to its brilliance is:
- Quality and variety of songs. From a standard like All Stand Up to the unusual Rhythm of Life. From a song that could fit easily on a 70s album (e.g. Solid Gold) to 'different' yet really cool songs like Green.
- Sound - a "real", authentic feel. Raw sound, with minimal effects, and not too much compression - just great sounding guitars/bass/piano/drums etc. I reckon you can really sense performances on this record.
- Piano/Hammond. Andy Bown's Hammond playing really stands out on several songs. Not in an intrusive way, but in a way that greatly enhances the song, and adds character/emphasis where needed. His piano playing is perfect on likes of Money Don't Matter, and You Let Me Down.
Anything to add?
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matt
Rocker Rollin'
Posts: 812
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Post by matt on Mar 12, 2023 13:08:54 GMT
I think has a belting opener. The best for many years.
The high points are high
The weird bits are ok (green I really like)
The single was good(jsd)
At the time it seemed like the band remembered they were in a band not a travelling circus.
But I think the main addition to its legacy is the fact that a decade of utter crap preceded it.
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Post by 4th Chord on Mar 12, 2023 14:08:44 GMT
It’s the old glass of iced water to a man in a desert analogy again.
Decent, better than expected at the time, Hasn’t aged well. I know a lot of fans love it which is cool.
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Post by iamcomplaining88 on Mar 12, 2023 14:11:14 GMT
It's not a great album, the production is terrible and most of the songs are average at best, it's only lauded cos it's closer to the 70's Quo sound than most albums before it, certainly from 1+9+8+2 onwards.
Heavy Traffic is way down the list if I ranked their albums but I don't hate it, it's just not an album I'd listen to on a regular basis, but I do really like Heavy Traffic, Solid Gold, Jam Side Down & Blues And Rhythm.
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Post by shallwesingsome on Mar 12, 2023 14:12:39 GMT
Basically it sounds like a Quo album should. I'm sure having Bob Young involved helped the direction too.
It has a real good feel and flow to it.
The live tracks performed fitted in really well, although admittedly out stayed their welcome.
Just why did they not release the title track as the first single. School boy error there without a doubt and I believe would have pushed the album really well.
Also as has been stated, compared to what had been released before made this album stand out.
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Post by frozenhero on Mar 14, 2023 10:13:34 GMT
Think it has a lot to do with "vibe". Objectively speaking, many of the songs are kinda average (or derivative - Diggin' Burt Bacharach just reuses the Gotta Go Home riff) and would not have made a positive impression with a different approach. But because they're surrounded by some quality material and played by an inspired band, it works.
Continuing the line of weird choices, I don't understand why, from Rick's three vocals, only one was written by him. Yes, he was dealing with writer's block, but "The Madness" would've been a good album track and instead languished as a b-side.
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mortified
4500 Timer
Posts: 4,608 
Favourite Quo Album: Hello!
Favourite other bands.: 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 Mar 14, 2023 11:50:30 GMT
I do agree that the releases from the previous 15 years or so ( Rock 'til You Drop apart) had an impact on our expectations so there is that. But, for me, when I first listened to it, my immediate thought was this is their best album in a very long time. Certainly the best since the break up of the classic line up. And better than one or two of theirs. And, for me, it still stands up by comparison today. I think the re-establishment of the Rossi/Young writing partnership had a massive part to play. Many of the tracks had a bit of an edge to them that had been missing. Only Shine On from the previous album hinted at past glories. And the keyboards were now augmenting the songs rather than detracting from them. The Hammond work throughout is superb. And has been ever since. I wonder if Matt Letley's involvement played a part as well. I tend not to notice the drumming all that much but was it a coincidence that the inclusion of Matt and Bob led to an album that was largely praised rather than pilloried? There wasn't a skip track on it for this old fanatic and I hadn't said that probably since Whatever You Want, 23 years previously. A serious indication of the loyalty of many Quo fans. Because, let's face it, we had been tested  The B-sides for the singles were just as good so, yes, 2002 was a very good year  It signalled a renaissance of sorts and the tour was outstanding. |
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Post by 4th Chord on Mar 14, 2023 13:35:21 GMT
I do agree that the releases from the previous 15 years or so ( Rock 'til You Drop apart) had an impact on our expectations so there is that. But, for me, when I first listened to it, my immediate thought was this is their best album in a very long time. Certainly the best since the break up of the classic line up. And better than one or two of theirs. And, for me, it still stands up by comparison today. I think the re-establishment of the Rossi/Young writing partnership had a massive part to play. Many of the tracks had a bit of an edge to them that had been missing. Only Shine On from the previous album hinted at past glories. And the keyboards were now augmenting the songs rather than detracting from them. The Hammond work throughout is superb. And has been ever since. I wonder if Matt Letley's involvement played a part as well. I tend not to notice the drumming all that much but was it a coincidence that the inclusion of Matt and Bob led to an album that was largely praised rather than pilloried? There wasn't a skip track on it for this old fanatic and I hadn't said that probably since Whatever You Want, 23 years previously. A serious indication of the loyalty of many Quo fans. Because, let's face it, we had been tested The B-sides for the singles were just as good so, yes, 2002 was a very good year It signalled a renaissance of sorts and the tour was outstanding. Yep, great tour. Band was reinvigorated somewhat. |
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Post by dennis on Mar 14, 2023 14:27:09 GMT
no album featuring Creepin' Up On You &, especially, The Oriental can be considered "great", or anywhere near it, imo
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Post by quomaster on Mar 16, 2023 0:12:14 GMT
no album featuring Creepin' Up On You &, especially, The Oriental can be considered "great", or anywhere near it, imo Loved the Oriental - used to repeat it in the car! |
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Post by charles on Mar 16, 2023 6:28:44 GMT
My brother and I went back to a SQ gig because of the album. It had rekindled the old Quo feelings and you needn't be embarrassed to like the band.
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Post by backbone on Mar 16, 2023 9:48:57 GMT
no album featuring Creepin' Up On You &, especially, The Oriental can be considered "great", or anywhere near it, imo Loved the Oriental - used to repeat it in the car! When I first heard The Oriental (it was on a Saturday morning radio show) I thought it was fantastic, a little bit different. Equally I was delighted that it made the live set. Still to be playing it live 20 years later though is bloody ridiculous; given the vast back catalogue (most of which has never been given a chance) defies any logical thinking to me. |
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ant
Rocker Rollin'
Quo covers & more https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfcyZng8z03-RpOhdWdawvw
Posts: 529
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Post by ant on Mar 16, 2023 10:10:39 GMT
Bob Young's influence was much greater than many give him credit for. Matt also just held them back a little which allowed the groove to be more natural. Very good album.
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Post by frozenhero on Mar 16, 2023 13:07:57 GMT
no album featuring Creepin' Up On You &, especially, The Oriental can be considered "great", or anywhere near it, imo Loved the Oriental - used to repeat it in the car! On the live show included with the deluxe edition, you can hear several shouts from the audience demanding the song. (They didn't play it at the show.) |
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Post by freewilly on Mar 16, 2023 14:16:38 GMT
Old message board's fault for The Oriental still being in the set.
All the posters made a big thing about getting it into the set and the band listened...
I was one who did not partake in this movement...
Those who did, step forward and be shamed!
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