- 1971 French Release with Gatefold Album Cover
This album "Dog of Two Head" is the 1971 rock album by Status Quo released by Pye Records, their fourth studio album. At the time of recording, the band consisted of Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan.
Too straight, too simple, too... English. But let's crank the volume up on 'Dog of Two Head', and maybe, just maybe, we find a flicker of something worth getting riled up about.
Status Quo weren't exactly reinventing the wheel when this slab of vinyl hit the shelves. They'd already been slogging it out for half a decade, morphing from psychedelic popsters into purveyors of a decidedly un-hip brand of boogie rock. The prevailing winds of '71 were blowing towards prog and glam, but Quo were stubbornly digging their heels in, refusing to let go of the blues-based riffola that would become their trademark.
'Dog of Two Head' is the sound of a band caught between a rock and a hard place. They're not quite ready to embrace the full-throttle, three-chord attack of their later years, but they're also starting to shed the vestiges of their psychedelic past. The album lurches from the proto-metal stomp of the title track to the faux-country shuffle of 'Someone's Learning', and from the Stones-y swagger of 'Railroad' to the meandering, almost proggy instrumental 'Gerdundula'. It's a messy, uneven record, but there's a raw energy and a sense of restless experimentation that makes it strangely compelling.
Of course, none of this would matter if the songs weren't any good. And while 'Dog of Two Head' isn't exactly packed with classics, there are a few nuggets worth digging for. The title track is a bona fide stomper, with a riff that burrows its way into your brain and refuses to let go. 'Umleitung' is a frantic instrumental workout that shows off the band's chops, while 'Nanana' is a surprisingly catchy slice of pop-rock. Fans often debate the merits of deeper cuts like the melancholic 'Mean Girl' and the extended jam of 'Gerdundula', showcasing the band's range even in their early years.
The production, courtesy of John Schroeder, is a mixed bag. The guitars are thick and crunchy, but the drums sound a bit flat and lifeless. The overall mix is muddy and cluttered, which doesn't do the songs any favors. Some audiophiles argue that the album's raw sound adds to its charm, while others lament the missed opportunity for a cleaner, more polished recording. And let's not even talk about the album cover, a psychedelic monstrosity that looks like it was designed by a committee of acid casualties. The cover art, while divisive, has become iconic in its own right, sparking countless conversations and parodies over the years.
Controversy? Not really. Status Quo were never the kind of band to court scandal. They were too busy honing their craft and building a loyal following. But there was a sense, even back then, that they were swimming against the tide. The critics largely ignored them, and the hipsters sneered at their lack of sophistication. But Quo didn't care. They were in it for the long haul, and they knew that their time would come.
'Dog of Two Head' is not a great album, but it's an important one. It's a snapshot of a band in transition, finding their footing and forging their own path. It also marks the departure of original bassist Alan Lancaster, adding another layer of intrigue to the album's legacy. It's also a reminder that sometimes the most unfashionable music can be the most enduring. So let's raise a glass to Status Quo, the perennial underdogs who refused to roll over and play dead.
Even within an album as transitional and exploratory as 'Dog of Two Head', certain songs have resonated more strongly with Status Quo fans over the years. Let's delve into three of the most popular tracks, and see what makes them tick.
1. Umleitung
Kicking off the album with a bang, 'Umleitung' is a seven-minute epic that showcases Status Quo's evolving sound. It's a dynamic and exhilarating journey, full of twists and turns, showcasing the band's ability to blend intricate arrangements with raw energy. The interplay between the dueling guitars of Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt is particularly thrilling, while Alan Lancaster's driving bassline and John Coghlan's powerful drumming provide a solid foundation. Rossi's vocals, though somewhat buried in the mix, add a layer of urgency and intensity to the song's powerful climax. 'Umleitung' is a testament to the band's instrumental skills and their willingness to push boundaries, even within the confines of their hard-rock sound.
2. Gerdundula
Another standout track, 'Gerdundula' is a more laid-back and atmospheric piece, but no less captivating. It features a hypnotic, bluesy riff that weaves its way through the song, punctuated by bursts of fiery guitar solos. The song's extended length allows the band to explore different textures and dynamics, creating a sense of space and depth that is often missing from their more straightforward rockers. 'Gerdundula' is a testament to Status Quo's ability to create music that is both powerful and nuanced, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
3. Railroad
While 'Dog of Two Head' is known for its instrumental prowess and experimentation, it also features some strong vocal tracks, and 'Railroad' is a prime example. This bluesy rocker showcases Francis Rossi's gritty vocals and Rick Parfitt's soulful guitar licks. The song's lyrics, while simple, capture the essence of life on the road, a theme that would become central to Status Quo's identity. With its driving rhythm and catchy chorus, 'Railroad' is a classic Status Quo anthem that still gets audiences singing along today. It's a reminder that even in their early years, the band had a knack for crafting memorable rock songs that would stand the test of time.
These three songs, while just a glimpse into the diverse soundscape of 'Dog of Two Head', highlight the band's musical range and their willingness to experiment. Whether it's the epic journey of 'Umleitung', the instrumental exploration of 'Gerdundula', or the bluesy swagger of 'Railroad', Status Quo prove that they were more than just a one-trick pony. 'Dog of Two Head' may not be their most commercially successful album, but it's a fascinating snapshot of a band in transition, finding their voice and paving the way for the iconic sound that would define their later years.
Rock (and Roll)
PYE Records SLDPY 818
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram
1971 Made in France
This 12" LP vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover contains photos of "Status Quo"
John Schroeder - Producer
Alan Florence - Sound Engineer
This album "Dog Of Two Head" was recorded at: Pye Studios, London
Status Quo - Album Cover Design
Mick Wells - Album Cover Illustration
Francis Rossi - guitar, vocals
Rick Parfitt - guitar, piano, vocals
Alan Lancaster - bass, guitar, backing vocals
John Coghlan - drums
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
Blue Colour PYE SLDPY.818 Record Label Details: Sacem Serie Standard ℗ 1971, Made in France
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PYE Records SLDPY 818 , 1971 , France
"Dog of Two Head " is the 1971 rock album by STATUS QUO released by Pye Records, their fourth studio album. At the time of recording, the band consisted of Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan.
Dog of Two Head Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP
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