Monday, September 29, 2008

Stand Up And Fight

Quartz were one of the better second tier NWOBHM bands that, sadly, never really got the attention they deserved. While their first couple of releases were a bit clumsy and unfocused, Stand Up And Fight is a minor metal masterpiece of street-tough anthems loaded with hooks and jabs. Some duds here for sure like "Can't Say No To You" which is ripped off from some Boston song I don't know the name of because Boston sucked. There are some standouts as well like "Revenge" with its beautiful breakdown at around the 1:20 mark, that brings to mind UFO's more sensitive moments, and "Charlie Snow," a spirited rocker about the perils of heroin. Stand Up And Fight isn't anything that will profoundly change your life, but still well worth a listen.

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9 comments:

  1. NickthroneSeptember 29, 2008 at 9:01 AM

    you are out of your mind. BOSTON's first album rules!!!!!!!!

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2008 at 5:28 PM

    No, I've got to agree with him,Boston really does suck,no matter what album you are talking about? Quartz on the other hand,does not. I had always heard their name listed along with their contemporaris but had never heard them. I've been on a Tank kick this last week, so Quartz hit me at the right time........Troy

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  3. AesopSeptember 30, 2008 at 1:29 AM

    As a rule, bands named after geographical locations suck: Asia, America, Europe, Chicago, Kansas, Boston..

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2008 at 5:27 AM

    That is correct. Don't forget the god awful Little Texas and Alabama

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  5. AnonymousOctober 1, 2008 at 3:34 PM

    obscure NWOBHM? I'm there with bells on. For my money you can't top the first Maiden, Tank and Angel Witch albums when it comes to NWOBHM. Unless you count Venom too because Welcome to Hell gives me a half stack every time I hear it.

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  6. AesopOctober 1, 2008 at 3:45 PM

    All great,I'd add Diamond Head's "Lightning To The Nations" and Tygers of Pan Tang's "Spellbound" to the list of all time great NWOBHM albums.

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  7. GRK.October 6, 2008 at 5:04 PM

    Got this one on vinly. It's just a bit above average for me, but that great thick Iommiesque guitar makes it worth keeping.

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  8. DurvisNovember 13, 2008 at 9:53 PM

    The 1977 Quartz album (also very good albeit softer) was also a classic. It was produced by none other than Mr. Tony Iommi himself and judging from the sound of it he played on more than just the 2 tracks listed on the album sleeve. I reckon Iommi also mixed or engineered this one, not sure to what extent he controlled this one as opposed to the debut. Anyways, PHAT record yall.

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  9. solidturdAugust 23, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    exactly what Durvis said. Mainline Riders.
    Excellent record! And i didn't have it!

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