Simon RushworthAt their peak Spike and Guy Bailey were one of the most compelling songwriting partnerships to come out of London’s vibrant 80s rock and roll scene. Three years after Bailey’s tragic passing, July’s Vinyl Of The Month — God Bless America — turns out to be a fitting celebration of a talent taken far too soon.
Nobody saw this coming. The prospect of Spike singing Guy Bailey’s songs again seemed entirely fanciful when the latter passed away in 2023. The dual driving forces behind the classic Quireboys’ anthems that peppered the band’s 1990 debut were as close off stage as they were on it. And when Spike heard his best pal had died it was like a spark had been extinguished in the colourful frontman’s soul.
Fast forward three years and Thirsty Quireboys is evidence of that spark reignited. Armed with a bunch of brilliant Bailey tunes reimagined by Thirsty’s Irina D, Spike’s only gone and delivered one of the vocal performances of his life. That familiar JD-soaked tone is complemented by raw emotion and a determination to pay proper respect to a much-missed pal. It’s stunning stuff.
Thirsty released three albums before 2018 — the self-titled debut, 2016’s Albatross and Nomad. Featuring Bailey and Russian poet and lyricist Irina D, alongside a who’s who of rock and roll hired hands, the project stuck to a ‘three-minute’ formula that nevertheless spawned some seriously affecting songs.
Those songs have taken on a new lease of life behind Spike’s familiar rasp and it’s little wonder the workaholic Geordie was hired to sing right across God Bless America — the umbrella title for this posthumous celebration of Bailey’s best work.
Initially the Quireboys’ frontman only intended to sing on album opener 10, 7 and possibly 6 but a sensational vocal turn led to a timely rethink. Producer Chris Kimsey (Rolling Stones) wanted to hear more and Spike committed to 11 of the 13 songs here.
“Spike’s voice has always complemented Guy’s guitar playing perfectly,” explains Kimsey. “And the addition of one of the world’s best vocalists really complements and illuminates these songs. It was a really happy accident and I was delighted to be a part of it.”
Side one of the vinyl edition sparkles from start to finish: long-time Thirsty collaborator Lynne Jackaman pops up on 10,7 and possibly 6 and follow-up Flawless — the latter does what it says on the tin. It’s standout rock and roll as a simple but powerful lyric pops in the face of Bailey’s timeless guitar.
The title track’s sombre retelling of JFK’s sister, Rosemary Kennedy, allows Spike to dig deeper than ever before. It’s a glorious reminder of how two kindred spirits always worked as much on intuition as they did on memory with Bailey’s melodies perfectly blended to showcase his best buddy’s unique style. Jackaman’s there again to add some serious emotional heft to this record’s reflective standout.
Albatross is another fabulous feature of side one: the title track of Thirsty’s critically acclaimed sophomore release never sounded better wrapped in layers of retro-fitted Spike.
Libertine launches side two with the wonderful line ‘I am not your suitor, I’m prosecutor’. Genius stuff and Spike’s canny intonation allows the lyric to breathe. It’s the same on Chaos — Jackaman’s there again in the background and her contribution to this memorable album can’t be over-estimated. Roll on new material from the soulful voice of British blues.
Bailey, who else, sets the seal on this moving tribute to his generational talent, taking the lead on set closer Black. It’s morose, magical stuff as Irina D’s simple, striking words find an unexpectedly compelling voice.
Thirsty Quireboys’ God Bless America should, by rights, be elevated way above cult status but those who know, know. It might remain a rarely unearthed treasure but those who do make the shrewd choice to invest in this remarkable record are guaranteed a rich reward.
