A Bit Of What You Fancy (30th Anniversary)

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. ~ John Franck