Spearheaded by a massive U.K. buzz, England's press darlings of 1989-1990, London Quireboys, unleashed Little Bit of What You Fancy on an unsuspecting U.S. audience in 1990. Drenched in good time, barroom, whiskey-soaked swagger, the album is a veritable throwback to the '70s in the best possible sense. To put it in laymen's terms, initially, the Black Crowes were to the the Rolling Stones what London Quireboys were to Rod Stewart and the Faces. Because not only did singer Spike Gray's "weathered" voice wear an uncanny resemblance to one Rod Stewart, Quireboys went so far as to hire former Stewart guitarist and engineer Jim Cregan and George Tutko to man the boards on their freshman effort. And for a moment, it looked as though the band's homeland success would directly translate into U.S. acceptance as well. But much like the Rolling Stones, who had easily outsold the often equally great Faces back in the day, the Black Crowes would make history repeat itself by stopping Quireboys dead in their tracks just as they made their bid for stateside recognition. And that's a real shame, you see, because Little Bit of What You Fancy is a fine album indeed. Beautifully arranged, the album is brimming with classic rockers like "7 O'Clock," "Man on the Loose," "Hey You," as well as slower, more introspective workouts like "I Don't Love You Anymore," "Roses and Rings," and "could-have-been-a-Rod Stewart anthem" "Sweet Mary Ann." The album's U.S. run quickly came and went and you know the rest; however, if you've ever been a fan of Rod Stewart and the Faces, this album is for you.
"The Quireboys have stolen practically everything from The Stones and The Faces. The songs, the sound, the looks, you name it and you'll find it hidden within the sonic exploits of Spike & co. But what a record A Bit Of What You Fancy was and still is, for that matter. The spirit of the album, the lyrics and even the cover of the record spell fun, drinks and joy for all." (Rock Report (opens in new tab))
Quireboys A Bit Of What You Fanc
Well, the 90s themselves, that's what. We hadn't realised it yet, but the times they were a-changin'. Grunge and alternative rock were just around the corner, ready to brighten up all of our lives. The Quireboys' rootsy, good time rock'n'roll, not to mention those ballads laced with romantic lament, were about to become highly unfashionable. The Quireboys were never the types to swap their cowboy boots and bandanas for fucking flannel, and, sadly, the writing was on the wall. After just one more album, 1993's Bitter Sweet & Twisted, they bowed to the circumstances of the time and split.
Do they wear Faces, Stones, Aerosmith et al on their pin-striped sleeves? Hell yeah! But they are very definitely their own band. They absolutely reek of authenticity; can you imagine Spike popping down the shop for a pint of milk or Griff doing anything other than lounging around with a guitar surgically stitched on? The term "rock'n'roll gypsy" is more than somewhat overused, but when you think of the Quireboys, you just imagine them in some sort of van, heading to the next gig, be it a local boozer or Wembley, I don't think they care.
It's what they do, and this album should have catapulted them straight up there with the greatest of the genre. To me they sit in that company anyway, and I've just ordered the re-record on blue vinyl. So there! Man on the loose... lets go!
Steven G Thomas: It's aptly titled. I've never owed a Rod Stewart album in my life, but I wouldn't change the radio station when he was on, either. Starts off hokey with the piano but then starts to wam up about 3-4 songs in. Not a lot of what I fancy, but I don't hate it. 2ff7e9595c
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