Wardour Street is the latest album by The Quireboys and is almost a miraculous Lazarus like resurrection of the bands original line-up, after the recent contretemps that saw an attempt to throw Spike out of his own band, this is as perfect a response to that as you could wish for, Spike enlisted the help of original songwriting partner Guy Bailey before he left this realm, getting the old gang back together alongside Nigel Mogg, Chris Johnstone, Rudy Richman and Luke Morley from Thunder who also produced the album.
The album opens sounding exactly how you hope an album by The Quireboys will sound on Jeez Louise the sleazy down at heel blues rock with heavy hints of The Faces and Spike's booze and fags vocals, all the whoops and hollers you could want and of course some tasty guitar.
Happy is Spike telling us that he is happiest when he's out of control, and having had the odd drunken conversation with him over the years in clubs that would certainly seem to be true, back with the old gang and out on the razzle flirting with disaster, as it should be, the crossfire hurricane guitars set light to any notion that they will go down without a fight.
Raining Whiskey is for all those bedraggled waifs with too many scarves and bangles necking Whiskey like its water and drowning their sorrows for another broken heart, another woman's walked out on them, the blowsy louche feel of the piano and guitars is magnificent just sloppy enough while always being spot on, they walk that fine line perfectly, with Frankie Miller along to make sure it's as whiskey soaked as can be.
I Think I Got it Wrong is a slowly unfolding apology that turns into a barnstorming tale of threesomes, cross dressing with a glam stomper of a beat, with nods at the Ace Face and Granny Takes A Trip et al, the guitar solo doesn't waste a note as they get down and dirty like normal, so he needs to say sorry again.
Howling Wolf is a great rollicking tribute to the influence of Howling Wolf on the particular kind of Rock & Roll The Quireboys have always dealt in, a great harmonica solo, the bonhomie helps raise the spirits and the glasses in praise of the original full moon blues gods.
Like it Or Not is a direct response the all the hoo ha of his ousting from the band, this return to glory with the original gang back together again. Spike states his claim and why would we argue with him on such imperious form, wallow in that guitar, they shuffle back to the top once more, while that Sax blows on down the street once more.
Myrtle Beach is a slow blues reminiscence for the fun they had while touring the states back in the day, the drink drugs and women the never-ending party, perfect to sway along too.
You And I is as close to classic Faces as you could wish for, in the best ways possible, a love song to old friends to stroll along the road too, telling tales and having a blast like always.
No Honour Among Thieves is pointed, taking aim at those that have done him wrong, Spike will look those devils in the eye and make them beg for forgiveness, on this slow folk blues song with gentle rolling piano and strings.
It Ain't Over Now is a classic Quireboys ballad, tear stained with regrets for what's gone down, with classic Stonesy backing vocals, Spike will always miss you, no matter what, you'll always be with him.
The album closes with the title track Wardour Street that evokes memories of nights out in Wardour Street missing the last train home and wandering about until you can get home, this slow blues with the sax almost busked on the corner of Meard Street, the acoustic guitar strums us to a suitable conclusion, Spikes vocals become a distant whisper of Soho in days gone by.
Find Out More at https://cadizmerchstore.com/collections/frontpage/products/quireboys-wardour-street-box-lp-cd https://www.facebook.com/QuireboysOfficial https://linktr.ee/quireboysofficial
