It's June 29! The second batch of remasters were released on Monday and I haven't heard a single review, except for Jazz. I want to see some reviews while I wait for mine to arrive in the mail from amazon.uk!
Q Magazine has been reviewing the re-masters for the past couple of months
This months they review (briefly) News of the World and here is what they said
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The avalanch of remastered Queen is jaw dropping for its rabble-rousing consistency. This album where they established themselves as stadium slaying rock gods, is a standout
Feelings, Feelings (Take 10, July 1977)
Super. A different take to the bootleg version. Maybe should put both on? A great addition to the catalogue, not an essesntial song but great to hear new stuff
Spread Your Wings (BBC Session, October 1977)
My Melancholy Blues (BBC Session, October 1977)
Superior to the album cuts and great to finally have officially. A real shame the complete session is not here. If you didn't know, but versions as unique - SYW has a 'rock' play out and MMB has guitar.
Sheer Heart Attack (Live in Paris, February 1979)
Nice to have although I'm not a fan of SHA live. The album cut cannot be bettered.
We Will Rock You (Fast) (Live in Tokyo, November 1982)
No reissue of NOTW would be complete without a WWRY fast version and this is a good one Overall - a shame the BBC session is incomplete, this disc could happily be a full 10 tracks long. I can't help thinking Rogers solo single wouldn't be out of place as a bonus.
Fat Bottomed Girls (Single Version)
Good for completion, but we obviously all have this. In fact, I think most households do on the GH1 album.
Bicycle Race (Instrumental)
As said elsewhere, inferior to the Karaoke version which makes it uneccesary.
Don't Stop Me Now (With Long-Lost Guitars)
Really super. I HATE this song so much, but now this is one of my favorites. Good find.
Let Me Entertain You (Live in Montreal, November 1981)
Got.
Dreamers Ball (Early Acoustic Take, August 1978)
Need! A smashing lazy take. I assume this is what you'll find if you take all the electrics off the album cut, but this is an unused take. Not quite as good as the Live Killers version if I'm honest, but nevertheless, very generous for them to let us have this. Overall, again more live versions would've been good, especially of the 'rarer' tracks like IYCB'E. I'd really have liked these discs bumped up to 10 tracks.
Save Me (Live in Montreal, November 1981)
Got.
A Human Body (B-Side)
Got
Sail Away Sweet Sister (Take 1 With Guide Vocal, February 1980)
NEED! A rehearsal snippet with mumbled word. Interesting but can't help feeling there is better stuff than this in the vault.
It's A Beautiful Day (Original Spontaneous Idea, April 1980)
Combined with the above, the album is watered down with unfinished fooling about. Again, interesting but you do think something more sturdy would be better placed.
Dragon Attack (Live in Milton Keynes, June 1982)
Got. I think the joint worst bonus disc of the batch (with Hot Space). A real shame.
Flash (Single Version)
Got, but different enough to warrent inclusion
The Hero (October 1980… Revisited)
Wouldn't mind finding out what this is. Unused single version? The end titles mix? Haven't had a chance to compare yet. Alway good to hear another version of the albums best track.
The Kiss (Early Version, March 1980)
Interesting, especially as it has part of Football Fight on it. Infact, it's only the sleeve dates that stops me thinking they are part of the same demo reel.
Football Fight (Early Version, No Synths! - February 1980)
See above. An interesting working version - fun.
Flash (Live in Montreal, November 1981)
The Hero (Live in Montreal, November 1981)
Got. Quite a solid bonus disc - would have been good to have some of the early live renditions of Battle Theme etc.
Staying Power (Live in Milton Keynes, June 1982)
You're joking, right?
Soul Brother (B-Side)
Got
Back Chat (Single Remix)
Got
Action This Day (Live in Tokyo, November 1982)
Calling All Girls (Live in Tokyo, November 1982)
These were always rubbish live, even crash endings make the actual songs sound even flimsier. I'm a big fan of this album (I honestly don't know why - nostalgia?) but the bonus disc is spread real thin. The album WOULD have got away with remixes (especially the contempory Staying Power 12") as it's that kind of vibe.
dysan wrote:
Action This Day (Live in Tokyo, November 1982)
Calling All Girls (Live in Tokyo, November 1982)
These were always rubbish live, even crash endings make the actual songs sound even flimsier. I'm a big fan of this album (I honestly don't know why - nostalgia?) but the bonus disc is spread real thin. The album WOULD have got away with remixes (especially the contempory Staying Power 12") as it's that kind of vibe.
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Please tell me you're joking...please?
These two versions are great! At least we can hear Roger now on Action This Day, compared to the MK version. Probably the best version of Calling All Girls as well.
In fact, all Hot Space songs which were performed live piss all over their studio counterparts.