Search - Status Quo :: Riffs

The best, but hopefully the last, Quo Cover Album

D. Christen | Rushville, IN United States | 11/26/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"'Riffs' was recorded more than 1 year ago and Quo really did not want to come out with another 'Cover' album. Instead, they released 'Heavy Traffic' last year which was really not too bad. But now the record company had the last say and here it is : Cover album number three. In my opinion, 'Riffs' is the best out of the three Quo cover albums (Don't stop' and the horrible 'Famous in the Last Century' are the other two). Still, Quo are miles away from the hard rockin' sound they created in the seventies and early eighties, but since this album was recorded during only 2 weeks, the production is a bit rougher than on their last couple of releases, and that is a good thing. The good about the CD are the more upbeat numbers like 'I fought the Law', 'Don't bring me down' or even 'Born to be Wild'. The bad is, that Rhino (their Bass player) takes over the lead vocals on 'Centerfold' - he just isn't a singer like Alan Lancaster was. Furthermore, Quo cover some of their own songs which sadly shows, how much energy they have lost during the years (compare 'Whatever you want' or 'Junior's Wailing' (now a cover of a cover) to the original versions from the seventies). 'Caroline' sounds just the way they play it in concert these days and 'Down the Dustpipe' got a bit of a face lift, but the original version from the 60's is still quite good. So - why not - buy this album if you already have their back catalogue from 1972 to 1986, otherwise you might want to add these older items to your collection first. The bonus DVD on the limited edition is not too bad either and shows Quo in their former glory."

Another covers album

R. Trainer | Glasgow, Scotland | 11/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Let's get one thing straight I detest cover versions, it smacks of desperation & in more often than not a record company cash in. That said the reason I bought Riffs was for the bonus DVD you get with it, so I gave the CD a chance and it's actually alright. Out of the tracks covered Centerfold & Don't Bring Me Down are a bit of a let down, also the reworked versions of Caroline and Whatever You Want don't add anything new. Although for me the high point of the album is the inclusion of the underrated classic Junior's Wailing and a storming version of Pump It Up. With the nine track DVD you get a selection of live and studio performances, which includes a live version of Forty Five Hundred Times voted top Quo song of all time by Classic Rock readers, new classic Solid Gold & a never before broadcast of All Stand Up.Disc: 2
1. Caroline (From Granada TV's 'One & Only')
2. Roll Over Lay Down (From Granada TV's 'One & Only')
3. Whatever You Want (From Granada TV's 'One & Only')
4. Forty Five Hundred Times/Rain (From 2003 Switzerland show)
5. Solid Gold (From 2003 Switzerland show)
6. Paper Plane (From 2002 Top Of The Pops 2 special)
7. All Stand Up (From 2002 Top Of The Pops - never broadcast)
8. Rockin' All Over The World (From Top Of The Pops 2000th edition special)
9. Jam Side Down (Promo video)"

Battle Of The High School Cover Bands.....

"The Woj" | Downers Grove, IL | 01/01/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I love Quo, I really do, a 30 year fan; but this is almost too much to take.
On the heels of one of their best albums in 20 years, "Heavy Traffic", the band releases an extremely pricey album of covers which comes off a few rungs above a high school prom cover band; and I'm serious. There is little if any emotion, passion or feeling present on one single track. This is straight "rote" rock by the numbers. And come on, another cover of "Born To Be Wild"? Ironically, nothing could be further from the truth on this release! There's even four "reworked" covers of their own tunes; each of which pales when compared to Quo's original verions.
The vocals on "Centerfold" are possibly the worst recorded singing on any Status Quo album, ever.
This reeks of either corporate greed or corporate obligation; which really stinks after what I wrote in my review of the "Heavy Traffic" album. It's been rumoured Francis Rossi is just milking the "Quo" reputation for all it's worth ($$$$). I hope it's not true, but there's little evidence to the contrary on this album. A must listen or two for any Quo fan, but I seriously doubt you'll give it any more than that. Look to the zShop for a used one to take a little bit of the monetary sting away. I sure hope there's a few more "Heavy Traffic" or "Blue For You" like albums left in the band, I really do."