While STATUS QUO‘s studio platters can seem to demonstrate a bit of sameness – how varied can guitar boogie be, anyway? – the ensemble’s concert albums, from 1977’s “Live!” onward, have always been irresistible thanks to their raw energy. That’s why the veterans’ new endeavor, titled “Official Archive Series” and bringing the best of their previously unissued recordings to the fans, should be interesting.
Its inaugural installment, marked as “Vol. 1: Live In Amsterdam” and scheduled for release on August 11th, was preserved for posterity during the band’s “Pictures Exposed” world tour, on October 19th, 2010, when the quintet delivered hits like as “Rockin’ All Over The World” alongside deeper cuts such as “Softer Ride” which makes this set – to be out on CD and vinyl and as a download – rather riveting. It will be followed in November by a London document from god-knows-what-year.
Official Archive Series Vol. 1:
Live In Amsterdam
CD 1:
1. Intro
2. Caroline
3. Somethin ‘Bout You Baby I Like
4. Rain
5. Don’t Drive My Car
6. Mean Girl
7. Softer Ride
8. Beginning Of The End
9. Hold You Back
10. The Proposing Medley
11. The Oriental
12. Creepin’ Up On You
CD 2:
1. Living On An Island
2. In The Army Now
3. Drum Solo
4. Roll Over Lay Down
5. Down Down
6. Whatever You Want
7. Rockin’ All Over The World
8. Junior’s Wailing
9. Rock ‘N’ Roll Music / Bye Bye Johnny
