Status Quo – The Early Years (1966-69)”
For ardent Status Quo fans, the recent release of “The Early Years (1966-69)” by BMG is a treasure trove of musical history. This comprehensive 5 CD retrospective provides a meticulous overview of the band’s formative years, offering a deep dive into their early vinyl output. Notably, the compilation includes tracks from Francis Rossi and his colleagues’ prior musical endeavors with The Spectres and Traffic Jam. These earlier groups, marked by a scattergun approach to material, tackled songs made famous by artists such as The Bee Gees and Tom Jones during the mid-sixties.
However, it was the advent of success in 1968 with “Pictures of Matchstick Men” that catapulted Status Quo into the limelight. This classic pop psychedelia gem stands out among the highlights featured in this beautifully annotated package. Mono and stereo versions of Quo’s inaugural two albums are also part of the offering, allowing listeners to traverse the band’s early sonic landscape. Moreover, the collection is enriched with a diverse assortment of outtakes, demos, and rare BBC sessions from those seminal years, providing a glimpse into the creative process and evolution of Status Quo.
“Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks – Live in LA-1973”
In a different musical realm, “Live in LA-1973” by Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks, presented by Floating World, offers a captivating showcase of whimsically eccentric roots music. Dan Hicks, known for his distinctive blend of country, jazz, and Western swing, leads his musical cohorts through a quirky live set from the early seventies. The album not only captures the essence of Hicks’ idiosyncratic style but also provides a time capsule of a bygone era.
As an added bonus, Floating World unearths a string of bonus tracks recorded some thirty years later during Hicks’ shows, infusing an extra layer of charm into this eclectic package. Hicks’ disdain for the commercial demands of the rock industry is palpable in the delightful anachronism of his performance, making “Live in LA-1973” a must-listen for those who appreciate musical eccentricity and genuine artistry.
“Emerson Palmer & Berry – Rockin’ The Ritz-NYC 1988”
Emerson, Palmer & Berry’s “3” and “Rockin’ The Ritz-NYC 1988,” presented by Wienerworld, bring us to the realm of progressive rock. Recorded at the Ritz in New York City for an FM radio broadcast in April 1988, this energized live set features the two surviving members of Emerson, Lake and Palmer, with Robert Berry stepping into the shoes of the late Greg Lake.
Although the set list doesn’t include original ELP compositions, the band treats the audience to instrumental interpretations of classics like Aaron Copeland’s “Fanfare For The Common Man” and The Byrds’ “Eight Miles High.” The vinyl double album captures the synergy between the musicians and the enthusiastic response of the audience. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of ELP’s music, even in a new configuration.
In conclusion, these releases offer a diverse spectrum of musical experiences, catering to fans with varied tastes. From the iconic rock journey of Status Quo to the whimsical roots exploration of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks and the progressive rock resurgence of Emerson, Palmer & Berry, each album adds a unique chapter to the broader narrative of music history.