Status Quo's Francis Rossi Announces "The Accidental" Out 1/30

The Accidental by Francis Rossi, releasing by earMUSIC on January 30 on CD, LP, and Digital formats, comes as something of a surprise.

It was certainly a surprise to Francis, who had no plans to record an album. "This truly came out of nowhere," says Rossi. "I spend my life in and out of the studio, rehearsing, tinkering, but something happened earlier this year and, before I knew it, we had created something special."

While Rossi's previous solo albums explored his love for acoustic ballads, vocal harmonies, and the blend of British rock with country influences, this album, his first in seven years, marks a true return to the energetic, guitar-driven sound that made him a legend with Status Quo.

The Accidental sees Francis Rossi playing to his strengths, but taking risks, cutting loose, and exploring new territory — this album is all about old bones and fresh blood.

The fresh blood in question comes largely from Hiran Ilangantilike, a guitarist who was originally a school friend of one of Francis' children, and co-producer Andy Brook. What became the sessions for The Accidental was initially born of just plugging in and making some serious noise, but something clicked in the studio. Lightning was indeed bottled: There was a swing and a groove, and the songs started pouring out. With John "Rhino'"Edwards and Leon Cave later laying down the bass and drums parts, and Amy Smith again bringing an extra dimension on back-up vocals, this became a project with a bite and DNA all of its own; albeit Francis' playing is a distinctive as ever. Almost all of the songwriting credits reflect this fresh and collaborative ethos, though there are two that bear the classic Quo hallmark: Rossi/Young. Rossi produced The Accidental; co-producer Andy Brook recorded, mastered, engineered, and played on the record, and co-wrote three tracks.

Kicking off with a flourish "Much Better" segues into the ebullient "Go Man Go," teeing up future classic "Push Comes To Shove" and the plaintive yet strutting blues singalong of "Back On Our Home Ground" [who will be the first sports team to adopt this one?]. By then the engine is well and truly running, and the highlights keep coming. The chug and chant and choppy chords of "Something In The Air (Stormy Weather)" give way to the cantering "Picture Perfect," which could only be a Rossi number. The long strides of "November Again" distill a melancholy refrain into a catchy chorus, and the epic "Beautiful World" channels vintage era Quo with enough guitar to get the balcony of the Glasgow Apollo bouncing again. "Time To Remember" is built around a piano line and swaying melody and serves as a poignant and powerful coda to an extraordinarily strong set of new songs.

Pre-order The Accidental here. 

Today’s announcement coincides with the launch of the first two songs: "Something In The Air (Stormy Weather)" and "Go Man Go" are available for streaming and download now.

Listen to the digital 2-track single below.

"For anyone who liked any of my solo albums previously, well, I've no idea what you'll make of this one because it's a real departure, but I love it," Rossi says. "It's loud, the guitars are right to the fore, and there are some great songs there."

This new album finds Francis Rossi once more at the top of his game, with a searing yet thoughtful collection of rockers that will please anyone who likes their dose of heavy cut with melody and verve. Mark Twain said that the accident is "the greatest of all inventors" when there are no rules, expectations or preconceptions, anything can — and will — happen. The Accidental proves that amazing things unfold when an artist with an unrivaled track record is inspired to create new music — even after more than 50 years of success — by the sheer love of playing. That unbridled joy is where the elemental magic that animates The Accidental is conjured.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo Announces Collection of Previously Unreleased Demo Recordings "The Way We Were Vol. 1" Out 5/2

Francis Rossi of Status Quo will release The Way We Were Vol. 1 on May 2 via earMUSIC on CD, 2LP and Digital formats.

This 17-track album is an illuminating collection of previously unreleased demo recordings, all taken from his own personal archive, and written by the powerhouse songwriting team of Rossi and Bob Young. Five songs are previously unreleased, and have never before been heard outside the studio, whilst others went on to appear on a Status Quo or Francis Rossi album. These early versions capture the purity of the initial ideas and provide a fascinating window onto the creative process that they then underwent, as they evolved into a final version.

Rossi says, "People say you just can't recreate a demo; it's a real moment in time often with a relaxed feel that comes across in the song. A chord sequence or an idea can really shine. Collected on this album are demo recordings that I really like, or even that I now think are better than the recorded versions that people know already, and some alternate takes that really work in this format. Every so often, I would hear these versions and just really feel that they deserved to be heard, and I hope that the fans like them as much as I do."

There are songs featured that went on to appear on a series of Status Quoalbums: 2002's Heavy Traffic; 2005's The Party Ain’t Over Yet; 2004's XS All Areas; 2007's In Search Of The Fourth Chord; and Rossi's well-received second solo album of 2010, titled One Step At A Time.

A variety of styles, and indeed intentions, is on display here. What the songs all have in common is that they are presented in the manner in which they first emerged. There’s a purity and a simplicity to these recordings, and whilst some went on to become rowdy rabble rousers, having received the full classic Quo treatment on some well-loved albums, here they are in the first blush of youth.

Pre-order the album here.

Whilst all of these songs are indeed demo versions, they have been carefully and comprehensively laid down — these are much more than sketches. The Way We Were Vol. 1 lifts the lid on the creative process that has seen Francis Rossi, over an extraordinary career, create some great rock music.