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There is something off about The Rolling Stones releasing a first-anniversary edition of their 2023 studio album ‘Hackney Diamonds’ next month. Something un-rock-and-roll about fleecing their fans for another £50 for an album that hit Number One on the National Album Charts through fans shelling out real money rather than all the modern pop artists that hit the same place on the strength of multiple streams.
A far better, and far cheaper option, and one less likely to leave a bad taste in the mouth would be to invest in ‘Wardour Street’ the brand new album from the Quireboys, now back in the stewardship of the inimitable founder, and frontman – Spike Gray. After all, this is rock ‘n’ roll.
A new Quireboys album that features Thunder’s Luke Morley on guitar was never going to begin quietly, and the opening track ‘Jeeze Louise’ is anything but quiet.
Full of Quireboys trademarks like honky tonk piano, harmonica, gorgeous, simple guitar tones, and Spike’s raspy vocals; it’s a cracking way to announce the arrival of the Quireboys 2024-style. Little Richard-like in places thanks to the ivory tinkling of long-term band member Chris Johnstone (‘I Think I Got It Wrong Again’ also features Johnstone just about stealing the show) it is a hand-clapping thing of beauty. As is the Luke Morley co-write ‘Happy’ which comes with a nailed-on guitar tone from Morley that seems effortless and the entire song feels like it was cooked up right there on the spot.
It’s obvious that Morley is having a total blast, and if there is a more underrated guitarist/songwriter on the UK scene than Morley, then who the hell is it? ‘Howlin’ Wolf’ is another Spike/Morley co-write and the strut coming from Morley’s guitar is massive on a track that, ahem, will have many howling at the moon after a few libations. Theirs is a fantastic partnership, and if any further proof of this is required then strap on ‘Like It Or Not’ for size, this one will no doubt stretch out when played live, and expect audience participation galore when Spike demands “Let me hear you scream…”.
Some of the album’s heavy hitters (albeit slower moments, but heavy hitters nonetheless) come in the latter stages of the album with the country-tinged ‘Myrtle Beach’, the deeply personal ‘No Honour Amongst Thieves’, and the stunning Stones-like title track (which ends the album on a laidback ‘Fool To Cry’-like note) all featuring the Quireboys striking gold. Much the same can be said of Spike’s love letter to Frankie Miller: ‘Raining Whiskey’. Spike’s love and admiration for Frankie Miller has been well documented and here, he pays tribute on a track that features a previously unheard vocal performance from the Scottish legend that was seemingly meant for Spike’s ‘100% Pure Frankie Miller’ project. The drum sound from Rudy Richman on this one is perfect (as it is on the entire album) and is the perfect example of how a drummer can control the song by allowing it space and without overplaying.
With the acrimonious shenanigans with his previous bandmates behind him, and old mate Luke Morley – as well as fellow-Quireboys OG Nigel Mogg on bass – alongside him, Spike is back to doing what Spike does best: delivering honest, down-to-earth, rock and roll stories delivered with that cheeky smile of his that sets him out from the pack. The result is arguably the strongest Quireboys album since 1990’s debut ‘A Bit of What You Fancy’.
RIP Guy Bailey.
‘Wardour Street’ is available now via Cadiz Music, more information HERE.
Connect with Spike and the Quireboys, HERE.
Review – Fitz
All live images – Callum Scott
