The Quireboys - Amazing Disgrace (2019) [CD Rip]

On their essential new album, The Quireboys amazed themselves. 'The new music has surpassed all of my expectations' admitted long-term guitarist Guy Griffin. 'It's the most diverse album we've ever done' added fellow six-stringer Paul Guerin. And for a band celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2019 that's saying something. Amazing Disgrace is the sixth Quireboys' album in seven years but quality over quantity remains the mantra. Twelve typically frank and familiarly evocative rock and roll classics soundtrack a band at the peak of its creative powers. And the decision to lay down Amazing Grace at the world famous Rockfield Studios turned out to be an inspired decision as the weight of history created a unique pressure on a band determined to evolve. 'Getting everyone together at one of the most iconic studios in the world has definitely given the new music a different vibe' said guitarist Guy Griffin. 'Everyone was a lot more up for it because each band member felt so involved in the process, I was actually more apprehensive than usual going in to the studio. I didn't know how things would turn out but the music we came out with was better than anyone could have expected. 'We're at the point in our career where we don't really give a shitt what anyone else thinks! I don't mean that in a negative way but we write songs that we can play with freedom within a live show. 'Aa Paul says, Amazing Disgrace is one of our most diverse records yet I don't think there's anything we can't do or that we wouldn't try. The last few records have proved that.' Guerin conceded that treading in the revered footsteps of Freddie Mercury, Brian May et al across the hallowed Rockfield turf was an unforgettable experience in its own right. Emerging from the studio with an album prepped to take on all-comers in 2019 was the icing on the cake. 'You come out of the front door and on the right-hand side you can see up to the window of the room where Freddie Mercury wrote Bohemian Rhapsody,' added Guerin. 'Look up again and you can see the weather vane referenced in the song. 'If you're of a certain vintage it's just mind-blowing. I was like a kid in a sweetshop. And if you can't draw inspiration from recording in that environment then you're probably in the wrong job!' Guerin is clearly in the right job. And the job satisfaction will surely spike again when The Quireboys headline a special one-off show celebrating 35 years as self-styled rock and roll rebels. The band returns to London's O2 Kentish Forum on September 14 and the two-hour 35th Anniversary special will feature iconic album 'A Bit Of What You Fancy played in its entirety' for the first time ever. Fans will be treated to the best of Amazing Grace and choice cuts from a bulging back catalogue hits and masterpieces. With a special guest still to be announced and support from Aussie label mates Massive and Tequila Mockingbyrd, another night of capital entertainment already looks like being one of the must-see shows of 2019.Last year was rammed wall to wall and with what they are proposing this year, we shouldn't expect it to be any different. What a Saturday night this will be. 'It's always time for a party where The Quireboys are concerned,' added founder member and frontman Spike. 'But even by our standards this looks like being one hell of a party!'