Status Quo-Dog of Two Head (1971)

Roy Lynes's departure in 1970 left Status Quo a balanced quartet. Thus consolidating the classic lineup of the most remembered and unforgettable Status Quo. For the band, the period from 1970 to 1976 marks the height of their creativity and success, producing works ( indispensable in any newspaper library worth its salt ) of the caliber of the aforementioned "Piledriver" (1972), "Hello!" (1973), or the great "Blue for You" from 1976.
In 1971 the band published their fourth album "Dog of Two Head" that from the beginning with 'Umleitung' until its closing, the album is a forgotten jewel that is easily loved. The duo of Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi (undervalued where they exist) will surely delight the respectable with their great improvisations. Well, the intrinsic beauty of the compositions, like the acoustic 'Gerdundula', are authentic auditory marvels.
The minimalist production of the album, along with the phenomenal play drawn by the guitars and the piano, is one of the strengths of the album. A true diamond in the rough where the best virtues of the Quo come to the scene at this point in their career. Bluesy parts, long guitar solos, and improvisations with a spectacular instrumental display are some of the hallmarks that the band displays here. The acoustic closure with 'Nanana' catchy and effective, reminiscent of Van Morrison's 'Brown Eyed Girl', is responsible for leaving us with a good taste in the mouth, also demonstrating that the Quo have a higher quality than it seems to appear at first view.
Despite the undoubted quality of their subsequent releases, they never again offered an experimental approach similar to this 1971 album. "Dog of Two Head" is, to this day, a work of unquestionable value and uniqueness. It is a transitory album that leaves the initial psychedelic proposal of the band behind and that begins to define the classic sound for which the Quos will be known. Unfortunately, the limited distribution of the album by Pye Records will condemn it to musical ostracism, despite very favorable reviews from the specialized press.
In short, a unique and unrepeatable album, typical of an equally magnificent feat and vintage.