Status Quo: The Best & Worst Albums

[@deanstanley5799]

I’ve said it many times and I will say it again when Lancaster and coughlan left that’s when it went down hill because classic quo is indeed from 1970 to 84 that’s the quo people love and want and Down Down Caroline and Rockin all over the world are never off the radio !

[@cliffbungalow9373]

They lost the swing feel

[@bock-schroeder]

Piledriver. The first album I ever bought. When I purchased it in 1974, I didn't understand a word of English. As I opened the album, I saw the lyrics and thought each line stood for a song. For a brief moment, I believed there were over 100 songs on that record. To this day, the short Rick Parfitt solo rhythm part in the middle of 'Don't waste my time' gives me goosebumps.

[@alanstrom2221]

I KNOW EXACTLY THE GUITAR PART THAT YOU REFER TO " the short Rick Parfitt solo rhythm part in the middle of 'Don't waste my time' gives me goosebumps." To this day I'm thrilled when I hear it. There is still an internal scream when I hear it. Plus, when you're 12 years old, it is the greatest audio you've ever heard. I'm going to play it right now. Aaaaaaaaaaagh!!!!!!! The Mighty QUO!!!!!!!!!

[@markmiwurdz202]

@Alan Strom. You may already know this. Back in the day, I read a review of "Piledriver" where the journalist mentioned Rick Parfitt's rhythm guitar break in "Don't Waste My Time". He said something like "This is Status Quo setting out their stall for their sound for their future". It gives me goosebumps too when all the other instruments stop and Rick powers the track along on his own. You'll never top the heydays of The Frantic Four. Rick and Alan RIP. Stay safe and well.

[@bock-schroeder]

@@alanstrom2221 I remember the live show of Status Quo in the 70s. At that time Francis Rossi was the central key figure for me. But in later years Rick Parfitt became more and more the main figure. His guitar playing is unique. And when I have a bad day I watch an interview with him. His humour and his likeable manner always put me in a positive state of mind.

[@bock-schroeder]

@@markmiwurdz202 In 1975, I was 10 years old, I heard Down Down on the radio. It was as if I had been struck by lightning. I ran home and told my mother about this incredible event. A few weeks later she told me that Staus Quo would play in Munich and that she had bought tickets. On September 4th 1975, we went to 'Circus Krone' for the Big Rock Show. On the same bill, by the way, were Supertramp and Thin Lizzy. At the entrance I was told that I was too young for this concert. I was devastated. A roadie from Quo saw my misfortune and waved me and my mother into the backstage area. The next moment I had Rick Parfitt's guitar in my hand. Was given John Coghlan's drumsticks, and Alan Lancaster and Francis Rossi handed me their guitars as well. I saw Phil Lynott crawl onto the stage on all fours and come off stage after 90 minutes, upright and drenched in sweat, with a smile on his face. Then we were led to our seats and I saw Staus Quo live for the first time. It remains to this day one of the most significant moments in my life. Over time, I have discovered that every Status Quo fan has a unique story. Status Quo have enriched the lives for many people.

[@markmiwurdz202]

@Bock-Schroeder Foundation. Wow! What a story and a remarkable event in your life. Sounds like meeting Status Quo left a lasting impression on the young you! Don't know if have heard of them, but there is a Swedish tribute band called "Big Fat Mama" and they mainly cover songs from the 1970's era of Status Quo. Look them up on KZbin. The first track that I watched was "Junior's Wailing" and they didn't disappoint! You and yours stay safe and well.

[@crownprinceofgroovy]

As an American Status Quo fan in the 1970's, I'm intrigued by your choices. Personally I've been of the opinion that "On the Level" was probably their best album. (Even the august Stereo Review magazine gave "...Level" a positive review upon release.) Discographers take note: the "Blue for You" album was released in 1976 in the United States on the Capitol label with the title "Status Quo" replete with special packaging. Being an American fan had its advantages: I was able to get front row tickets in March of 1976 at the now-demolished Ford Auditorium for Quo's "Status Quo"/"Blue for You" American tour. Afterwards I was fascinated to realize that the band had the #2 album in Great Britain when I saw them.

[@keithdonald6583]

Shame on you for not mentioning Ma Kelly's Greasy Spoon. Its the most Quo sounding album of all .

[@russdavies9686]

One of the best albums, by anyone, in the early 70's. An absolute classic album.

[@cmccormick6879]

Ma Kelly’s a corker. I too hate seeing it overlooked. Unquestionably better than anything post 1981.

[@vanzandt8809]

It's his favourites not yours!

[@RubUOutC]

Ma Kelly is my #1 Quo album - above Hello, about Quo. There aren’t any real “hits” from it so to speak (unless we’re counting the cover of Junior’s Wailing) but it’s easily my most-played as there’s not a single clanger on it, and it’s an easy listen all the way through.

[@paulvaughancountry]

I was besotted with Quo back in the day. I remember my dad had a pub in the 70s with an old jukebox that he'd filled up with old country music, such as Hank Williams, Merle Haggard etc..... He had the Hank Thompson version of Wild Side Of Life on there, which I, naturally, replaced with the Quo version as soon as it came out. The look of disgust on the old man's face, the first time it blasted out, was a picture! 😂😆

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

The 70’s Quo is my favourite. I kind of jumped ship when entering the 80’s where Quo in my opinion turned more boring than a Genesis album.

[@PhilBaird1]

I think Peel loved them because he couldn't stand all that Prog noodling, as he saw it. Quo had that Chuck Berry straight to the point rock and roll and they could cook up a storm. I think you've picked the best albums there Barry and that lovely picture of Rick at the end deserves a mention of his very decent solo album, Over and Out, recorded just before he died. I think he was probably the soul of the band, and him and Francis together at their peak made for a great rock double-act. They were never just about three chords; sometimes it was only two, as the joke went; but they knew what they were doing and few bands could follow them on stage. The Quo magic was joyous and exhilarating. Thanks Barry, and I enjoyed your interview with Francis recently.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

Over and Out is really great! I almost played the shit out of it for more than a year after it's release! 😀

[@FrozenHero2010]

"Quo had that... straight to the point rock and roll". Spot on!

[@jimmyviaductophilelawley5587]

My personal favourite is "Quo" by a million miles!!! Every track is a blinder but not really mentioned much in the great scheme of things, from the 12-bar goodness of "Backwater" thru "Just Take Me" (nicked by the Clash and transformed into "should I stay or should i go" Listen carefully) , the Oasis inspiring "Drifting Away" and my all time favourite Quo song (Apart from "Mean Girl") "Lonely Man", an unsung masterpiece!

[@DistortionGallery]

Piledriver gets my vote as the best album. I first saw Quo in 1972 at a half empty hall at Hatfield Polytechnic, the leather-jacketed bikers at the front doing their dance - thumbs in the top of their jeans, moving their shoulders in time to the music. The band played their repertoire from the late 1960s and 1970/71. In My Chair blew me away (and probably my hearing too) by it's sheer bassy volume. A year later after the single Paper Plane was released they played the huge Wembley Empire/Arena. I turned up expecting to walk straight in but it was sold out and had to buy a ticket from one of the touts. Great days!

[@mikewest1542]

My personal top 5 as Eric Morley would say in reverse order ... 5 . Blue for You 4. Piledriver 3. Dog of two Head 2. Hello 1. Quo

[@rhysholmes9841]

As a heavy metal/hard rock fan I reckon Piledriver 1972 through to Never Too Late 1981 is their classic period. In my country Australia most people hopped off the Quo train after the Never Too Late album as it was the last top 40 charting album in Australia until the In The Army album in 1986.

[@jaapstolze2020]

Great overview of Quo' s work ! Totally agree with your choices. The only album I missed is Dog of Two Head with one of Quo's best songs, Someone's Learning !! Great that you have mentioned Lonely Man, which I think is one of the most beautiful songs EVER !! The build up of this song, the amazing guitar solo and the ending are outstanding !

[@Robutube1]

I'm surprised that Dog of Two Head didn't make your cut or even a meritorious mention. I'm no Quo devotee and my love of this album might be associated with early 70's sixth form common room braggadocio, but it's there in my list just the same. Their's is a career of diminishing returns in which, in my opinion, the highwater mark is "Down the Dustpipe" - the sound of a summer long ago...

[@dyr234]

someone's learning is my fav track off that album, also love to play it on guitar.

[@stephenlegg262]

Agreed. My first and favourite albums of theirs. Saw them live at the time.

[@dyr234]

Quo 1974 is my fav record and I love that album cover, very prog rock looking.

[@arjanhut3527]

I'm so glad you included Backbone! Though I'm familiar with the wonderful seventies albums and many of the hits singles, it was Backbone that has made me a real fan of the band.

[@alanstrom2221]

It's OK, not great though. It has some excellent tunes and some songs that I skip. Leon Cave writes one of the better tracks on Backbone, so does Rhino.

[@j0hnf_uk]

The one thing about Quo is that they were never afraid to experiment and change, despite the age-old criticism of all their material, 'sounding the same.' They did what they thought at the time would help to keep them relevant, and having enough faith in themselves to just go out there and do it, and to hell with the consequences. They just wanted to play good old rock 'n' roll music in their own inimitable style. So, when the 80's came along, they felt the need to tweak things, especially when it came to the keyboard section, (giving Andy Bown something to do other than runs and fills), but it really didn't work all that well. In fact, some of it sounded totally out of place. By the 90's, they'd kind of lost direction and went through the Wilderness Years, as I like to call it. Making albums, but not really trying to appeal to anyone other than die-hard fans. Then, their manager at the time had the bright idea of trying to recapture the success of their, 'Anniversary Waltz', singles that did well in 1990, but this time, producing an entire album of them. It didn't do their reputation any good and came across as, quite literally a, 'covers band.' It wasn't until 1999 and their, 'Under The Influence', album that the old sparks were starting to reignite. Only on a few of the numbers, mind you. Contractually obliged into having to do a couple more cover albums didn't help, but by 2002 and the, 'Heavy Traffic', album, they'd started getting back to the sound they once had. Time having taken its toll did mean they weren't quite as energetic as before, but nonetheless, they managed to pump the peddle on the gas a few times over the next decade, culminating in the, 'Quid Pro Quo', album.

[@alanjackiefreeman7288]

I agree with the best 5 albums, but I would add Whatever You Want, which was I think the last great album they made. The combination of Francis Rossi, Alan Lancaster and Rick Parfitt and the ensuing tension between them is what created such amazing work. My favorite Quo tracks are Broken man, Who Asked You and Lonely man. I had the privilege of seeing the Frantics in 2014 at the Apollo in Manchester. An unbelievable performance and set list. Status Quo have always been a massively under rated band. So much variety and creativity in the earlier albums. A shame Alan Lancaster had to leave, but I guess thats ''Bands'' for you......

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

imagine how difficult it must be to be in a big band and not getting along with eachother...

[@deanjonasson6776]

Concise survey of an unappreciated band, at least in N.America. I remember liking "Pictures of Matchstick Men", a psychedelic lollipop. Decades passed as I lived in Quo ignorance. Someone played me "Paper Plane" and I was hooked. Scored a helpful "5 Classic Albums" set of the five albums you highlighted. All wonderful, filled with crunching riffs and surprisingly introspective lyrics. I checked out their Eye catalogue and found much to enjoy... listening to the band drift from Nuggets-era psychedelia to stumble upon boogie Excalibur! I'm glad to hear you give some love to the later, QUID PRO QUO, an album packed to the gills with hooks. Great job and, yes, the "Liberty Lane" video is a corker!

[@marcbeil8342]

Great knowledge and fun to watch. Fine honorable mentions. Same with the terrible ones. My first concert was Quo in 1975 when my mom was pregnant with me 😁 So I was glad to see the frantic four reunion in germoney. Here‘s my Magnificent Seven for an Island: 1. Live 2. Piledriver 3. Blue for you 4. Hello! 5. Ma Kelly‘s Greasy Spoon 6. Quid pro quo 7. Quo Honorable mentions: In search of the fourth chord Rockin‘ all over the world Rock til you drop Terrible three: Don‘t stop Perfect Remedy In the army now

[@FundamentalsUK]

Piledriver was my 2nd album ever… in’72 aged 12, wot a classic ! Now 62, still a classic album 🤘🏻

[@b2tall239]

For an American me, the Quo has always been one of those "English bands that never caught on over here" and I've never paid much attention to them. Barry, you've inspired me to take a closer look. "Alexa, play the album 'Hello' by Status Quo...."

[@slowmarchingband1]

Maybe they sounded a bit too much like Savoy Brown or Foghat to catch on in the US?

[@whitehorses460]

play with headphones only

[@alanstrom2221]

@@slowmarchingband1 STATUS QUO only sound like STATUS QUO mate. I've heard Savoy Brown & Foghat, and they are very plain, boring and pedestrian Bands. Record Companies and Radio Stations were terrified that STATUS QUO were a trillion times better than everyone and they were and are.

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

Status Quo, and Slade (biggest selling band in the UK in the 1970s) were both genuine hard rocking bands who could get a crowd going as brilliant live acts (and they toured together once, trying to 'out-loud' each other!) It was a shame these two bands never made it big in the USA. KISS liked Slade and said they took some ideas from them (not music just performance, I think) Quo are steeped in US blues and rock n roll, as were so many other UK bands!

[@calummcgregor3662]

Classic band ... proper British "treasures" embedded in our DNA... everybody knows who Quo are ... and deep down [down], everbody can't help but have a soft spot for at least one or two songs by the band ... for me, personally, they have created a legacy of many wonderful songs throughout their 50+ years ... you can't go wrong with the 1970's albums ... but songs from the later era like Dust to Gold, You'll Come Round, etc are also just majestic .. would love to hear Dust to Gold live ... As a live band... even now ... you will get a good show ... provided they don't have the medley cover section or an accordion within twenty miles .... Got my ticket for my local gig in November at the P & J Arena which I am looking forward to (with Shakin' Stevens ... whose last album is genuinely worth checking out .... and he had the most solo hit singles in the UK in the '80's)... from the opening chords of Caroline ... through Rain (their best song for me)... Roll Over Lay Down ... it will be a good night. I'm also going to the Francis Rossi chat 'n' tell solo night at the intimate Tivoli in Aberdeen ... Great band, great legacy ... will be remembered and talked about in years to come ... Good video ... enjoyed it and enjoyed reviewing other comments ... p.s. I have got a soft spot for "What You're Proposin'" from my 5 years as a DJ at the week-ends ... always was breath of fresh air after playin' Oops Upside Your Head or I'm in the Mood for Dancin' !!

[@andrisbrieze4855]

from the later albums “the party ain’t over yet” is pretty fine too. The track Cupid Stupid is like a big band boogie rock shuffle that goes through about 6 key changes, but chugs along so beautifully in quintessential, unmistakably Quo style. A hidden gem IMHO.

[@ianthomson9363]

I'd add 'Gotta get up and go' from that album. As a guitarist myself, I'm impressed by Rick Parfitt's rhythm guitar on this track- it sounds simple, but you try playing it!

[@ThomasBoqvist]

Seriously good, no-nonsense analysis of Quo. As a fan for more than 40 years, I can just agree on everything said. And, I will go back to some of the later albums mentioned to rediscover some of the tracks there. Thanks a lot!

[@thef1rew1tch]

Excellent! I have binge-watched half a dozen of these this afternoon whilst sifting through my holiday photos! VERY useful. I value your judgement greatly after having watched! Post 1984 I wrote Quo off - Marguerita Time was the final straw! THIS review has woken me up to the fact that there ARE actually 3/4 worth listening to from later, 'Pantomime/Quo Lite days! I listened all 3 er 'Back2Back ( a terrible LP to boot!) and found them very listenable, so THANK YOU again for that ear-opener! John

[@classicalbum]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alanwilson8117]

Got into Quo about the time of the Paper Plane/Caroline singles (72/73) and REALLY got into them in the late 70s when I was old enough to go to concerts by myself. Can't really argue too much with your choices both good and bad, although almost 50 years after I first listened to them I am still regularly playing tracks from the Dog of Two Head album - also have a soft spot for the 'Whatever You Want' album - some excellent tracks on there and about the only album where Pip Williams got the production right.

[@charleshardy3460]

have a listen to the John Eden Remix of RAOTW album..its how it should have sounded originally had Pip Williams not watered it all down.

[@arthurgordon6072]

Special mention 'Live!'. I was there that night in The Apollo Glasgow. An experience that will stay with me forever.

[@calvertphoto]

Mostly agree with what you've said - although I don't agree with your positive comments about Backbone. To me, their performance on that album lacks drive, power and conviction. It's Quo by numbers. I used to be a massive Quo fan (I still love the Frantic Four era), but after Lancaster and Coghlan left, they were never the same. When they released Marguerita Time, that was the final nail in the coffin for me. But every time they release a new album, I listen to it with the hope that they have found their way again. But it's never the case.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

Heavy Traffic album then?

[@fictionuk]

Excellent review and I'd go with your top 5. As a laterish album, I thought 'Never Too Late' was a fair return to form. The track Riverside and Oh Carol with the single Something bout you baby...

[@SPSteve]

Definitely agree on 3,2,1. I especially like the albums Quo and Hello. I gave those albums a lot of play when they were new and have listened to them off and on over the years.

[@MalkyMcMillan]

Another great episode. Glad to say that there's none of the shite on our shelves. I always go back to Quo when I need reminded why I got into music in the first place.

[@gavinsmith9016]

The Frantic Four - One of the best live bands I've seen. So much fun and a real heavy, rocking show. My memory is of the Upper Circle of the Hammersmith Odeon moving under my feet as everyone was jumping and jigging around. I've not experienced anything like it since in many years of going to gigs. The Live Album is the essential purchase but my five studio albums would be 1) Quo, 2) Hello! 3) On The Level 4) Piledriver 5) Blue For You. I agree, of the later albums Quid Pro, Heavy Traffic and In Search of the Fourth Chord are all very good.

[@terryjohnson5275]

Ah the wonderful Quo- just the right band to stick on after a couple of days' of solid prog and fusion. I think you hit the nail fairly and squarely on the head with your rankings of the good and the bad and ugly(bula bula and all those terrible covers albums - dont stop -aaaaargh), and would totally agree with your later 4, and yes Backbone is a pretty damn good album.

[@stuarthopkins1308]

I love pretty much all of your videos but I guess if I had to pick a favourite band from over the years it would be Quo. Your rankings are pretty much the same as mine. I really wanted to love Backbone but I just can’t connect to it for some reason (although I completely agree about Liberty Lane). I’ve always loved 1999’s Under the Influence so that would make my honourable mentions rather than Backbone. Great vid - thanks.

[@stevenpoke2367]

Agree with your 5 best - those are the absolute classic Quo albums. Always had a soft spot for Never Too Late from '81, the closing track 'Riverside' is a stormer!

[@paulday3936]

Fairly new to your channel, so visiting some of your vids from yesteryear. May have to check out some of Quos later stuff that you earmarked as good. I marked them as dead after they broke up for the first time. Enjoyed their get together tour as the Frantic four mind.

[@Freakster1970]

I think if you played someone POMM next to ITABW or Lonely Man next to Down Down they would soon see how varied this band could be in those peak years of the late 60s-mid 70s. Luckily we have some freethinkers like John Peel, Bob Harris, Tommy Vance and John Lydon who never followed the flock just to feel safe. Good honest review !

[@PsychedeliKompot]

Great video. Gotta agree, Backbone is a surprisingly good album. Wish it were a bit more daring, letting Richie Malone sing more songs, and perhaps letting Rhino and Andy sing some as well... and incorporating some guitar solos which this album mostly lacks. But overall its pretty good, and Falling Off The World and Get Out Of My Head are two of the strongest songs the band has released since the 70s. My fav Quo albums will probably still always be Blue For You and Quo. Also their earlier Dog of Two Head, Ma Kelly's Greasy Spoon (so delightfully experimental with no recipe being followed yet), and of course their psychedelic 1968 debut album which is way underrated in my view and features a number of great songs. I don't think Quo's first two albums are talked about enough (although "Spare Parts" for the most part is indeed truly abysmal). I actually quite enjoyed Bula Quo for what it was. It has some songs I absolutely didn't need, like Mystery Island... but it also has some great stuff like "Go Go Go", "The Gun Song" and "All That Money". Also in terms of non-album songs.... "You'll Come Round" will always be one of the best Quo songs ever in my book. And I have a soft spot for "If you can't stand the heat" because it has some really unusual quo songs. Accident Prone is a song unlike anything else the band has ever done.

[@slowmarchingband1]

Mystery Song, Down The Dustpipe, Down Down, Caroline, Rain, Paper Plane, Gerdundula, In My Chair, Don't Waste my Time. I think that's about all the Quo I need.

[@Baz63]

I agree with your top 5 although my ordering is a little different. After Blue For You the band, for me, suffered a drastic reduction in the quality of their albums although Heavy Traffic was a reasonable attempt to recapture former glories. However i will investigate the band's latest based on your recommendation.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

Thank you for doing Status Quo! I mostly agree about your top 5 albums but I don't agree on the worst ones. For my ears the stuff they did in the late 70s is far worse than the 80s; lack-lustre, boring, lacks proper songs, lacks the aggression. At least, in the 80s they made some great songs again. Though the albums would have been better with another, less plastic 80s production, for sure! I would like to add "Ma Kelly's Greasy Spoon" and "Dog of Two Head" to their classic best albums and "Under the Influence" (and "Party Ain't Over Yet") to the great later albums! Thanks again! And thanks for the Rossi interview you did a short while back! 👍

[@andrewabraham2287]

A very fair review. I disagree about Back to Back, but then it was time when I played albums over and over again. Too Close to The Ground, Ol Rag Blues and yes, even No Contract are great. Completely agree with your views about later albums. I'd have Quid Pro Quo in my top 5 I think. Number 1 would now be On the Level. I'd give a special mention to Rock Til You Drop. There are some outstanding tracks there. Personally think the re recording of 4500 times is far better than the original.

[@fellrunner007]

I more or less agree with your favorites, can't really comment on the later ones. I was 11 years old when I first saw them, Carlisle Market Hall in May 1981 I couldn't see much of the band for all the denim, leather and hair stood in front of me but bloody hell I could hear it no problem and I was addicted . Just fantastic.

[@katoness]

Was just reading that Lydon quote from his book and now here I am. Never ever got a Status Quo album, but will check out your recommendations.

[@Blueforyou66]

Thanks for wearing this shirt ! I always thought I was the only bloke in this whole world who loved Status Quo as much as the Grateful Dead !! ,D;D - Thanks Mate, even if I don't quite see it that way...Even if the albums after Blueforyou didn't have the quality of their predecessors, I can identify a lot of songs with excellent melodies (albeit not uncompromissing headsdownboogierock) on these albums, which suffer more from the prevailing sound of that era than from the song quality. To be honest, I was glad that they expanded their range a bit back then, so they could survive. Hey, it was the 80's. You couldn't just sit and watch as sounds and rock music changed around you. Think about what happened to all those formidable 70's bands like UFO, Golden Earring, etc etc (God saved the fabulous Thin Lizzy from that fall)... There were only 2 choices for a rock band, you sort of adapt or You become Heavy Metal... to me they chose the better way. I would only kill the 3 cover albums. I can live with the rest, sometimes more sometimes less.. Quo on!

[@mariog4707]

Interesting - mirrors my preferences for Quo albums exactly. Despite their long career their best work was all in the 70’s, they’ve been living in that shadow ever since. The acoustic album recorded live at the Roundhouse is excellent but of course the material is not new. Great band though and seen them many times.

[@LittleBearBBQ_Food_Original]

What a lovely, wonderfully curated and highly intelligent breakdown of the Mighty Quo's Career; Thank You! I agree completely with your first and last sections...The middle...I really enjoyed "In the Army Now" and "Back To Back" as they showed the Band as they were at that time; Good, Bad and everything inbetween. For me, the period of the cover albums and the Jeans and Suit Jacket era was comparable to the "Dark Ages" in terms of the Bands History to Human History. Thankfully, they also had a Renaissance Period, shortly after!!! But, at the end of the day, Status Quo were and are a legendary, formidable Band who are worthy of respect and admiration. Thank You again for taking the time and effort to make such a wonderful review of a great Band.

[@classicalbum]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching. Do subscribe and share this video if you know anyone who might enjoy it

[@David-uf8ex]

Very good review 👍 pretty spot on . I love all the 70s albums , my favourite is 1981 Never too late many may disagree but I always loved this album and the art work . Perfect remedy definitely the worst. Trouble with a lot of later Quo albums is bland uninspiring art work if the album looks boring it normally follows it sounds boring , first dull cover being Back to Back say no more

[@aurelius1964]

Ah this was great! I grew up with Quo in the '70s and have loved those great 1970s albums ever since. My mate Tony had the Dog of Two Heads album cover stencilled on the back of his denim jacket. Mods used to chuck eggs at us whilst whizzing past on their scooters! Happy days

[@andrewswatland4622]

I couldn’t agree more. My top five too. I saw them at Wembley twice in the early to mid 70’s. You knew, when Bye Bye Johnny came out, it was time to go home 🤟🏻

[@ronald25361]

Danke für Deinen Beitrag, dem ich voll und ganz zustimmen kann! Ich habe mich auch an "Backbone" herangetraut und es nicht bereut. 👍

[@martincampbell4420]

Great stuff dude. My fave Quo album is 'Quo' and fave Quo song is 'Lonely Man' and you're right - what a great album cover. Good to see you rate them highly. Your worst album is 'Perfect Remedy'. Couldn't agree more. It spawned 2 singles that didn't even make it into the top 40 singles chart. That's how bad it was. Brilliant band nonetheless ☺️

[@classicalbum]

Agreed

[@alanstrom2221]

PERFECT REMEDY is a disgusting and revolting recording. It was recorded in The Bahamas and copious amounts of Cocaine were imbibed which made them think that they were making great music, when the opposite was occurring. Cocaine destroyed QUO.

[@tonybroken6353]

Like a lot of fans i lost faith with quo sometime in the 80s, the 70s stuff was great of course so many classics, the 90s stuff was pretty bad from what i've heard, but they made a really good comeback since then, backbone has really reinvigorated my interest in quo recently, it's fantastic.Looking forward to the next album.

[@petegreenfield3645]

I thought you called it out about right with the top 5 and worst albums. I'd also add Under The Influence to the list of decent latter day albums. My top 5. 1. Piledriver 2. Blue For You 3. Hello 4. Quo 5. Whatever You Want Worst 5 1. Perfect Remedy 2. Thirsty Work 3. Don't Stop 4. Famous In The Last Century 5. Bula Quo

[@paulkenney4021]

remedy was only decent album , rest of their music is same sound

[@petegreenfield3645]

@@paulkenney4021 Perfect Remedy is certainly a differen sound for sure. Not to my liking, too much country.

[@moose6509]

Pretty much agree on your choices. I´m quite partial to Aquostic if you can get past the dreadful title and album cover.

[@martincornew8285]

I agree with your list of best albums. When it got to the worst album list, i was quite surprised at "Back To Back" being included. I was in my early teens when it was released & i remember really enjoying it. I haven't played it for donkey's years now, so i think I'll give it a spin to see if it still grabs me.

[@Signofevil_Smile4theCam]

You read once Andrew L. Cope's "Status Quo: Mighty innovators of 70s rock" he boils all their criticals.

[@montaguewithnail6372]

Piledriver has always been my go-to album to lift my spirits ever since 1972. Francis Rossi deserves a knighthood imho.

[@rickyboy591]

Great review and from being a quo fan from buying piledriver at the age of 16 (now 64) I have to agree with you on 99 % of you selections . The one selection I wasn’t on board with is the latest album Backbone which I think is too much rhythm and very much lack Rossi’s lead guitar on this album. But for the rest I agree with all your choices and yes you can add those awful covers albums to the hate list .

[@sometimesdimneverthin]

I bought Blue For You when it was in the charts and I was hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed everything from Piledriver to Quo Live. Rocking All Over The World came out and I hated it as it sounded like over produced loud pop. The next album Can't Stand The Heat was even worse and was the last Quo album that I bought. As for that Living in Margarita Now and dodgy pop covers the less said the better. Rain was my favourite but whenever I heard Ring of a Change I felt as though something was going to happen to the sound that I wouldn't like and I was right.

[@matblack9351]

100% agree with Ring Of A Change, I do like the song but it's those awful high pitched backing vocals that ruin it. They seem to do it on every song that came after it too!

[@SwisstedChef2018]

Imagine, I was in boarding school and my room mate (now already deceased RIP) was a staunch Quo fan. I was a staunch Genesis fan. Could not have been more different types of sound. I just thought every song these guys put out had the same rythem and melodies, da da da da da da da da da da daaaa.....he managed to get me to see them life and that was a whole different level as they were vibrant and fun. Good show. Not to forget, they were invited to Live Aid and were the first band playing.

[@Driver2616]

4500 Times is a little something of a foray into a Quo version of blues rock tinted Prog. it always, always, hits the spot!

[@virago496]

Like many I gave up on Quo in the 80s, the parting of Spud (Coghlan) did it for me. Thought that Kircher sounded like a drum machine.....(actually was on 1982). Fully agree with the 5 best, don't really care about the order you put them in. Waded through you honourable mentions and I'm sorry, it doesnt even get my toe tapping let alone my head banging (other than a headache). I loved Rick's solo album, but no songs after the split do anything for me. I'm having a ball playing along to all the stuff up to Never too late on bass and that is how I want to enjoy Quo. Rock on!

[@ianthomson9363]

I absolutely agree with your 'best' choices, except I'd put 'Quo' at number one. Nobody does the 3-chord shuffle boogie better, with the exception of ZZ Top. These 5 albums also highlight the variety of Quo's music- I once prepared both sides of a C90 cassette with songs such as 'A year,' 'Lonely man,' 'Unspoken words' and so on and challenged a few Quo haters to identify the band. None of them could, but they all liked what they heard.

[@ihasmdb389]

Hah, the albums between 1986 to 1989 are my favourites of theirs! 😄

[@ianchappell2907]

Whatever You Want was imo the best and last album of 70's Quo. Nothing after that was worth the time of day

[@petedavies74]

I would have reversed your pick...Quo no1, Hello no2, the rest I agree

[@nicoladolby2154]

This is an interesting set of choices. When I was 5 years old my dad bought Hello! when it was released. I played it to death and have been a Quo fan ever since. For me the album with the best ideas was Quo, however the production was awful. Far too much treble in the mix, which to a lesser degree On The Level suffered from too. For me the best 5 Quo albums are: 1. Hello! 2. Whatever You Want 3. The Party Ain't Over Yet (even the singe B-sides were great, especially Mirrors From The Ball). 4. Backbone 5. Ma Kelly's Greasy Spoon. As for the bad stuff, their worst album has to be Perfect Remedy. It's not the 4 Country ballads that ruin it, but the unfulfilled ides of the noisier stuff. Only the somewhat cheesy The Power Of Rock is any good, though ironically the single B-side Blondes Don't Lie is absolutely stunning!!!! Another bad one is In The Army Now. I hate most of this album for it's whiny, miserable lyrics, though Red Sky is quite good. Again the single B-sides are much better, but this is 1980s production at it's worst. Then there's 1982. Jealousy is a good song, if a little short. Big Man and Dear John are okay but the standout song is Get Out And Walk. The rest of the album is crap. Under The Influence has 4 great numbers on it, but the rest of the album is like listening to an up-tempo Perfect Remedy. Finally there's the first album, Picturesque Matchstickable Messages. Yes, Quo were learning their craft and the title track is good, but the follow up Spare Parts has much better ideas and is presented better. Anyway, that's my 2p worth !!

[@erickrull2121]

Quo music has been with me since I was 9 and it will be with me until the day I die. For some reason it just always makes me happy. And yes, "Lonely Man" form "Quo" is an absolute masterpiece.

[@perovwellyz560]

Quo peaked at Quo Live, Rocking all over the world was a step towards a more polished mainstream and a bit of a disappointment, they never seemed to get their mojos back afterwards

[@metalmadtom]

the 80s Quo is the best! All bangers!

[@robmorris624]

Absolutely love the Quo! Seems like Im constantly having to defend them to people who think all their music just sounds the same, usually the same people who think AC/DC are really cool 🤷‍♂️ I remember Rhino saying about those 80s and early 90s albums that there were some really good songs on them, all of which were completely wrong for status quo. Which I tend to agree with. From ‘under the influence’ to ‘backbone I think they’ve made some solid albums with some really great songs. Long live the Quo 🤘

[@leifgunnarlindberg3879]

hello i think youre spot one. a also like thirsty work and rock till you drop. mayby thirty work are a little poppy but they seem to be a band effort around the strong rossi song. leif 63 sweden.. a was 14 aruond quo album 74.s.q have had a strong fanbase in sweden.

[@PeaveyPV20]

Cant really argue with the choices. I quite like aor, fm, journey, richard marx etc but quos late 80s stuff was them attempting to be like such acts but doing it badly and it sounds really dated now. I feel rock till your drop is under-rated and sadly forgotton about amongst all the late 80s and 90s dross. Ps will you be reviewing the latest compilation with re-hashes of classics, likes of caroline seem a bit iffy and it reeks of rossi cashing in again

[@mattshaw6674]

Totally agree with your top 5, and ‘Hello’ is my favourite album of all time by any artist. But there are some v good tracks on the albums you consider the worst - ‘in your eyes’ is an excellent track on ‘in the army now’, ‘throw her a line’ is such a good song (different style for Quo) on ‘Perfect remedy’, and the same can be said for ‘lover of the human race’ on ‘thirsty work’. Rock till u drop is one of their worst albums imo.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

I agree, there's a lot of hidden treasures in their 80s-90s albums. I actually enjoy most of it but the worst has to be the cheesy 80s production on those albums.

[@jimbrechin1089]

Been a fan since Blue For You. I always thought the three chord thing was lazy journalism. Not many Quo songs literally have three chords. Your top 5 is strong but I find things to like on most of their albums, the dodgy ones aside. "Lonely Man' for me is possibly Ricks finest moment. It's worth checking out the John Eden remixes from the RAOTW album, he files off some of the gloss and brings back some grit. Also get to hear some studio bants.

[@donk1822]

For me the rot set in when they released 'Rocking All Over The World'. D.O.T.Heads, Piledriver, Hello, Quo & On The Level are the standouts.

[@nik67502]

I only found out recently from a Parfitt interview that it's pronounced Gerd und Ula, after two German friends of theirs.

[@neonskyline1]

Interesting that I've always liked John Lydon and he likes both Quo and Hawkwind, my favorite two bands in the seventies, while everybody else in the school liked RUSH, ZEP, BEBOP DELUX, SABBATH etc, in my opinion "Is there a better way" is the best Quo song, I defy anybody to prove it's a three chord basher, like you say, most rock bands are repetative, especially heavy rock ones, I could stand and knock you out with my mouth sounds one after another tunes for heavy rock music. great watch

[@highdownmartin]

And he sang I’m eighteen as a sex pistols audition by the fantastic Alice cooper. Schools out is a desert island disc for me

[@dennism5731]

From the highs of discovered Quo in the mid 70’s, just before Blue for You came out, going to the Apollo for my first gig and recording of the live album (even made it onto the inside picture) I cannot describe the disappointment in the Rockin all Over the World album - surely one of their worst. Happily, being able to mine the earlier 70’s albums plus the live gigs up to the early 80’s cemented a lifetime love of the band, despite the horrid 80’s albums. Heavy Traffic and Quid Pro Quo stand out as later albums worth listening to, but neither come close to Ma Kelly through to Blue for You.

[@davidhamm7909]

The Holy trilogy of Piledriver, Quo and On The Level will never be beaten, though Hello and Bue for You also have brilliant moments. Quo is a favourite as it is a lot rockier. Lots of Alan Lancaster.

[@whssy]

Surprised "Dog of Two Head" didn't make the cut. The 72-75 period is where most of the gold is of course - but that last Pye album is on my list.

[@Blueforyou66]

ah, another little anecdote about the Blueforyou album... back then I had a record player with a speed control function .. and I always found this album a bit hectic, even the voices sounded higher than usual and it pissed me off. So most times I turned the pitch down a little while listening. .. ok stone me for that... but it sounded really better! even the voices!!..try this if you can! sadly i can't anymore .D

[@colinrgage]

Looking forward to watching this later best albums are obviously Ma Kelly's thru to blue for you imo,I'd have had Pip Williams shot for his production on raotw

[@Avetorro]

Best album - Blue for You. Worst album - can’t say one stands out above any other but the sound did lose something after the Coghlan/Lancaster era

[@TheMyndsurfer]

I have all your top 5 likes and pretty much agree except I would have put 'Hello' at No. 5 instead of !. And I can't believe you didn't mention 'Live' or 'Under the Influence' from the early 2000's. If they were the only two albums of theirs I had I would be happy.

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

You mentioned John Lydon. Paul Weller also a fan of course. Sounds magazine: "Heads down, no-nonsense, mindless boogie"

[@murdockreviews]

Honestly,i have trouble telling some Quo albums apart from each other. A bit like AC/DC or ZZ Top. My mom had the "Paper Plane" 45, though

[@Driver2616]

Agreed. AC/DC & ZZ Top’s output is very much “same same”. However, Let There Be Rock and Eliminator are, in my opinion, essential albums.

[@williamgeorgefraser]

My faves are "Quo" and "Ma Kelly's Greasy Spoon". "Lonely Man" is probably the best song ever recorded by Quo.

[@jaapstolze2020]

Totally agree, Lonely Man is a masterpiece ! One of the greatest songs ever !

[@hhpoa]

Please, let me suggest a song around which you can create any screenplay/theme you think would be good: Long Train Runnin' by The Doobie Brothers. Which thought comes to my mind? The greats songs/arrangements that absolutely don't age. Number 1: Long Train Runnin'.

[@fredsteinhauser]

The "five best" albums are exactly the those that I own, still on vinyl. My ranking would only be slightly different. I have experienced Status Quo live in 1976, squeezed to the edge of the stage, Alan Lancaster only an armlength away. I did not like what they did later on, this "Rockin' All Over the World" thing that made them famous at every beer fest. The remarks about the artworks and the characteristics of some songs made me aware of what I never thought about. It's definitely worth to listen some of this old stuff again.

[@walkingtheboogie]

I can't name a top 5 but the only Quo albums where I like every track on them are: Just Supposin' Never too Late Whatever You Want If You Can't Stand The Heat Blue for You Piledriver Heavy Traffic Ma Kelly's Greasy Spoon Dog of Two Head Every other album has at least one track I'm not so bothered about. Some of my favourite tracks, though, are on the other albums where I don’t like all the tracks.

[@Sonic_Rebellion]

I’m shocked that Ma Kelly’s Greasy Spoon is not only NOT number one but not even mentioned. In fact I often cannot understand the general disregard for it all together by people with working ears.

[@walkingtheboogie]

After the initial UK release of the Piledriver album, it started to ship with an inner sleve that promoted various Phonogram artists. That included Piledriver, and they call Status Quo progressive. So the term progressive had a wider marketing meaning in 1973/74 to what we would think of it as now.

[@wildbullfrog]

Pretty much agree with you on the best and worst albums. But I am probably the only one that loves Alan Lancaster's "Quo" Album as much as Francis Rossi's "Marguarita Time".

[@rancid216]

Maybe because it's the first one I bought, but Piledriver is my favorite. Being in the U.S. I just wish they hadn't gave up on the U.S. Funny thing is until they played Live Aid I didn't know which person was Francis Rossi or Rick Parfit.

[@philbraithwaite1316]

Fell in love with Quo after hearing Dog of Two Head. It deserves an honorary mention.

[@glennpowell3444]

Brilliant and much better than recent prog content.Great live but sadly ended up getting immersed in "pop" crap.I mean "Your in The Army" and Margarita Time" were no more hard rock than The Wurzels had been.Once Coogan and then Lancaster left they became a feeble dried up affair.But it was Quo in 77 that actually lead my path into heavy rock so will always thank them for that.Good review .Also Quo " Quo" must have been the influence of In Rock by Purple in the album cover design.Agree with Aint complaning.In fact after 1981 quo were done for forever but still played a decent live set.

[@JustSupposin1]

Sad you didn't mention Rock 'Til You Drop. In my opinion as a fan the most 70's sounding album of the post '86 Quo

[@balticstain7150]

Great band still the only number that they do in more recent times is , in the army now which lacks quo's push other wise fantastic. Backbone is great lp ...