The Quireboys – 7 O’Clock (Single Review)

The Quireboys debut album A Bit of What You Fancy, originally released back in 1990, spawned some classic tracks which are still a firm favourite with gig goers today. Hey You (it’s) 7 O’Clock (time for a) Sex Party! Fast forward over thirty years and the band have recorded an anniversary edition of this quintessential album due to be released on 16th July 2021 via Off Yer Rocka Recordings.

Ahead of the release the classic track 7 O’Clock has just been released as a double A-sided single, with a studio version and live recording from the 35th Anniversary show at the O2 Kentish Town Forum in London.

Spike’s distinctive vocals were apparent back in 1990. A younger band back then, a different line-up with Spike being the only original member today, although Guy Griffin, on guitar, wasn’t too far behind. Today those gravelly vocals a la Rod Stewart are still apparent, although maybe a little more beer soaked, a little more raspy. Think – if The Faces got into a bar room brawl with Status Quo, someone called 999 and they went ‘Down, Down‘ for ‘Homicide‘. A 30 year stretch of wine, women and booze follows and a more mature sound evolves!

Flip the A side to the live recording and in true Spike style it starts with a ‘Cheers everybody’, ‘Let me see your drinks in the air’. ‘What’s the time?’ I could just close my eyes and imagine I was there, or bring the memory back to life because I was actually there! Drink aloft, trying not to spill it as I boogied along to the beat! This is F**king Rock n Roll! Spike’s words (and mine) and it’s always Rock n Roll with the Quireboys! (Rock n) Roll on the next 35 years!