Search - Status Quo :: Very Best Of: Whatever You Want

Finally...FINALLY!

ctownjak | Cleveland, OH USA | 07/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The radio stations in the US only play "Pictures of Matchstick Men." That song had me curious enough years ago to read the article in my Harmony Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock about Status Quo. There I saw that "Down Down" was a number 1 tune in England, and I had never, ever heard it! Couldn't convince the dj to play it, either. So, after years of wondering, I took a chance and bought this anthology with everything on it.For those others who are curious, but have no clue, just like me before cracking this baby open: The album reminds me of Thorogood's greatest hits, and the J. Geils Anthology: Song after song of boogie and blues, all in the exact same style. Sound-wise, the album graduates from "classic rock" sounding to somewhat electronic and progressive. Add a mix of "poshness" and over-production to the later tunes, and you're there. Honestly, the common driving beat became a little incessant after 2/3 of the first CD. (There are a LOT of tunes here, 41 in all, keep in mind.) Non-stop. Love it. Hate it. But you can take a long trip, and play this collection as traveling music, and not get bored anywhere along the line. While at home, you'll be selective and play the top rated tunes. Aside from so much great traveling music, I feel like I've bought a giant slice of England's landscape. I hear all these top rated tunes that have escaped America's radio. I had to do it to "figure it out." Glad I did."