THE QUIREBOYS - review added 3rd December 2010
Live Album Review: Live In London (Live) (2010)
For fans of: Rock 'n' Roll... and a bit o' sleaze
The Quireboys were formed in London in the mid 1980s after singer Jonathan "Spike" Gray and guitarist Guy Bailey met in the local pub. The initial line-up included Spike, Guy Bailey, Chris Johnstone, and Nigel Mogg, and the band was firstly called The Choirboys, then The Queerboys. Ginger (The Wildhearts) was a member for a short period, and it wasn't long before Sharon Osbourne came knocking on the door wanting to manage the guys.
After being signed to EMI, gaining a UK number 2 album in 1990 with debut "A Bit of What You Fancy", and touring the world, the band's fame rapidly went downhill. After their 2nd album "Bitter Sweet & Twisted", in 1993 they went their separate ways for nigh on a decade.
"Live In London" isn't the first live album these guys have put out, but it does include both a CD and DVD of the same gig - a show at the Marquee back in the early 2000s. The DVD footage includes a few extra snippets, comments and audience interaction, but it is otherwise the same...and reasonably good it is too. The picture quality is ample, and it actually works as well as the CD; it isn't just a cheap freebie thrown in.
Good:
The Quireboys always have been and always will be a fun band. This is a live party album through and through. Okay, the band only have one thing on their mind when they write lyrics - see the last track for a clue - but there's nothing here that'll depress anyone. The quality is great for a live album with polished performances and a decent clarity to the sound.
Not So Good:
The Quireboys have a few good songs to their name, but they aren't exactly going to give Lennon & McCartney a run for their money. I have heard that this LP doesn't have the blessing of the band (it's purely a record company release), and if that's true it's rather irritating.
The Songs:
High-charting song 'Hey You' is the cream of the crop, but most of the other tracks offer an entertaining diversion from real life. 'There She Goes Again', and the obligatory ballad 'I Don't Love You Anymore' are the pick of the remainder.
In Summation:
This is a nicely consistent release that should appeal as much to fans of the band as it does to people who haven't heard of them before.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall:
Check out... All of it.
Track List:
01. C'mon
02. Misled
03. Hey You
04. This Is Rock 'N' Roll
05. There She Goes Again
06. Show Me What Ya Got
07. Tramps & Thieves
08. I Don't Love You Anymore
09. Turn Away
10. 7 O' Clock
11. Whippin' Boy
12. Sex Party
Label: Global Music
Artist's website(s): The Quireboys | MySpace | Facebook
