John S Stuart 24.10.2004 21:59 |
As before. Please feel free to contribute. Very little remains from "Queen II". Followed so quickly behind the heels of the debut album "Queen", that the two sessions were almost cut back to back. For this reason their is a distinct lack of out-takes or alternative material. So much so Brian May had to recycle an old 1968 home demo of "White Queen", (a song about a blind girl Brian had met). It was always Freddie's intention to end "Queen" and begin "Queen II" with "Seven Seas Of Rhye, but this time, he "lost the vote". Album was divided into two sides Side White and Side Black (representing the duality and co-existence between good and evil). Brian & Roger shared the credits for wiriting side white, While Freddie Mercury was sole responsibility for writing side black. The song 'The Fairy Fellers Master Stroke' is based on a painting by Richard Dadd which is in the Tate Gallery in London. 1974 Queen II Line-up: Freddie Mercury (Vocals), Brian May (guitar), Roger Taylor (drums), John Deacon (bass). Recorded Trident Studios August 1973. Released UK 8th March 1974, US 9th April 1974. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker & Queen: except Nevermore, produced by Robin Geoffrey Cable & Queen. March Of The Black Queen produced by Roy Thomas Baker, Robin Geoffrey Cable & Queen. Engineered by Mike Stone. Procession Album Version 1:17 Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 1998 eYe Stereo 1:12 Remix Electronic Arts DDE05501 101S Father To Son Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 Exposed Hybrid 5:49 Ending Exposed MC C-EXP 0491 Starlicks Video Edit Starlicks Video White Queen Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 7" Single 3" CDS EMI QUE CD5 (First EP) BBC 03.04.1974 (4:41) Unreleased: Home Mini-Disc Brian May 1968 Smile/home demo Unreleased Someday, One day Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 Loser In The End Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 Lammey Mama’s Boy 4:09 Mix ISDN: Download Ogre Battle Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 BBC 03.12.1973 (4:01) Queen At The Beeb: BOJCD 001 BBC 03.12.1973 Long Lost Intro Ultimate Collection: Royalty Music RMCD 001 BBC 03.12.1973 Restored Hybrid (5:12) Unreleased: Home Mini-Disc 1991 Nicholas Sansano 3:30 Remix Queen II: US 1991 Hollywood HR-61232-2 Intro Edit: 35” Total Guitar CD Magazine Fairy Feller's Master Stroke Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 Nevermore Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 BBC 03.04.1974 (1:28) Unreleased: Home Mini-Disc Electric Piano Version Unreleased: Home Mini-Disc March Of The Black Queen Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 BBC 03.04.1974 (6:25): (Queen II Album version) Starlicks Video Edit Starlicks Video Lammy Reign & Rule 7:21 Remix ISDN: Download Exposed Fake Mono Demo Exposed MC Funny How Love Is Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 Japan 3” CDs (2:53) Japan 3" CDS EMI TODP 2251 Original (1st Press) Cassette Tape Mix Queen II: TC M-M EMI TC EMA 767 Seven Seas Of Rhye Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 1991 Freddie Bastone 6:43 Remix Queen II: US 1991 Hollywood HR-61232-2 Price 3:21 Remix ISDN: Download Withdrawn Test Press Unreleased: As It Began p75 Top Of The Pops BBC TV Original Erased: (Rein's version?) US Hollywood Promotional Video Unreleased: Home Video Top Of The Pops BBC TV Video Unreleased: Home Video See What A Fool I've Been See What A Fool I’ve Been Smile: Royal Albert Hall 27th February 1969 BBC 25.07.1973 (4:18) Freddie's Boys At The Beeb: Bulsara Records Album Version 4:36 Queen II: US 1991 Hollywood HR-61232-2 I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside Acapella Version Unreleased: Queen: Unreleased BBC Radio Session, 3rd April 1974 Recorded 03.04.1974. Broadcast 15.04.1974. |
Adam Unger (QueenVault.com) 24.10.2004 23:29 |
You listed the following for Funny How Love Is: - Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 - Japan 3” CDs (2:53) Japan 3" CDS EMI TODP 2251 - Original (1st Press) Cassette Tape Mix Queen II: TC M-M EMI TC EMA 767 There are a few more versions including: UK 3” CD Single Version 3:15 Digital Master Sampler Edit 2:51 |
Rien 25.10.2004 02:57 |
And on this site: link under Back Chat you will find the picture of the FFMS painting also, on which I have put the names on the figures. |
FriedChicken 25.10.2004 04:38 |
"There are a few more versions including:" I'm sure there's more. Isn't John just listing his personal collection? |
Sebastian 25.10.2004 05:19 |
It isn't so much that Freddie "lost the vote". The idea changed because, by one side, Seven Seas ended up being different to what they expected, it become a stronger track, better for closing the album (and releasing it as single). The idea of black & white sides came after Fred wrote The March Of the Black Queen. |
John S Stuart 25.10.2004 11:48 |
Adam Unger (Queen Webworks): You listed the following for Funny How Love Is: - Album Version Queen II: EMI CDP 7 46205 2 - Japan 3” CDs (2:53) Japan 3" CDS EMI TODP 2251 - Original (1st Press) Cassette Tape Mix Queen II: TC M-M EMI TC EMA 767 There are a few more versions including: UK 3” CD Single Version 3:15 Digital Master Sampler Edit 2:51 Yes, you are correct (and please feel free to answer guys) but I did not know where to draw the line. I have focused on the music. I have not included Japanese 7" pic sleeves etc because the track is the same everytime. (So yes, it is based on my own collection). I think this is a fair enough stance to take. But this is where I was stumped. Should I include ALL remastering edits and errors? EG: "Funny How Love Is" - UK 3” CD Single Version 3:15 & Digital Master Sampler Edit 2:51. Essentially - if you have the album, you have these versions (so I decided not to include them on my list), however, Adam has decided to include them on his. I don't see this as a case of "right" or "wrong" - I just wondered how you guys prefered your information? (Obviously I would include the French 7" Bo Rhap edit as it IS radically different - but what about these other cases?). |
Benn 25.10.2004 11:57 |
John, re: >(Obviously I would include the French 7" Bo >Rhap edit as it IS radically different - but >what about these other cases?). I'd prefer to see variations added ONLY if the mastering / mixing of a track is radically different (ie change in feel / tempo) or if a track has been edited. Other than that, I think you're doing a stunning job here. |
Maz 25.10.2004 12:22 |
John S Stuart wrote: But this is where I was stumped. Should I include ALL remastering edits and errors? EG: "Funny How Love Is" - UK 3” CD Single Version 3:15 & Digital Master Sampler Edit 2:51. Essentially if you have the album, you have these versions (so I decided not to include them on my list), however, Adam has decided to include them on his. I don't see this as a case of "right" or "wrong" - I just wondered how you guys prefered your information)It's a matter of giving the most complete information. If the idea is to provide the most complete source available on Queen tracks, then I think they should be included for reference purposes. Of course, it's up to the listener to decide if they want to track them down or not. My two cents |
John S Stuart 25.10.2004 12:32 |
LOL: Ben v. Zeni both have great points to make, so I thought I would steer a middle line and satisfied neither. So, do you want to fight for it - or shall we flip a coin? Seriously though - both excellent points - leaving me with a dilema. Any other thoughts on Queen II? |
Ron 25.10.2004 13:27 |
what about my Uncovered Mix project? :) besides that, I always wondered this... I heard (perhaps from you) that FHLI was a stand alone version on the first press cassettes and some acetates. This however means that MOTBQ must also be a stand alone version. So was FHLI indeed a stand alone version or just a diff mix? you might also add the edited Ogre Battle bbc version which is on a Trident 7" acetate (runs 3:04min). It's not edited in a way as on At The Beeb! |
John S Stuart 25.10.2004 14:52 |
RonB: FHLI was a stand alone version on the first press cassettes and some acetates. This however means that MOTBQ must also be a stand alone version. So was FHLI indeed a stand alone version or just a diff mix? Funny Ron, but I never really thought about that before, but you are indeed correct, if one is stand alone, by definition, so must the other. DOH! what about my Uncovered Mix project? :) Nothing personal - but I don't think I have ever heard that one. Ron, I keep getting asked to answer/explain "what is an acetate?" Some people think acetate means "flimsy plastic" (which I suppose it does) - they have this idea of those free 45 rpm 7" singles which "Readers Digest" or teenage magazines used to give away free. Could you start an acetate thread to explain this for me please? |
Benn 25.10.2004 17:53 |
john re: >So, do you want to fight for it - or shall we >flip a coin? No - I'm right...... :-) I certainly don't see the need to have any fan or other people's re-mixes of Queen tracks - it ought really to be kept to just having "official" versions of Queen songs that are unique to a particular release. Hell, that might even satisfy everyone.....? |
Adam Unger (QueenVault.com) 25.10.2004 20:34 |
I consider edits or remixes as specific song versions. Pretty much anything that is a stand alone version or is edited differently than the album track i consider to be unique. I am pretty obsessive when it comes to song versions however. |
Adam Unger (QueenVault.com) 25.10.2004 20:35 |
Also, this is your list, not mine.. feel free to put whatever you wish :) I would be more interested however in as complete a list from you as possible. |
iGSM 25.10.2004 20:49 |
Tee-hee...John called Brian, Frian...I'm sorry. Great info. I wish I knew this much about anything...even the cover of Bohemian Rhapsody. |
Wilki Amieva 25.10.2004 21:34 |
Adam, I am a 'versionist' myself and I coincide with your understanding of version lists. As for adding something interesting (?) to this particular list: Have you noticed at the very end of the suposedly fifth (? - the one that starts with Freddie asking for the song) take of Silver Salmon that there is a little bit of a Liar-reminiscent percussion (could it be Liar itself) and then the piano intro of Seven Seas Of Rhye could be heard for a second or two? I know I should include this info in the QUEEN thread, but the tempo of the version is like the one on QUEEN II (or faster). |
The Real Wizard 26.10.2004 00:06 |
John S Stuart wrote: I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside Acapella Version Unreleased:Now this sounds cool. How long does it run for? |
Wilki Amieva 26.10.2004 10:22 |
Well, I found something more: the early version of Procession as can be heard at the Golder's Green Hippodrome on 1973-09-13. |
Wilki Amieva 26.10.2004 20:22 |
I will link it soon. |
Penetration_Guru 27.10.2004 04:08 |
As another "versionist", my view is that 1. Anything not generated by the band should not be included (fan mixes, no matter how good, will only serve to confuse) 2. Deliberate variations (stand alone edits) should be separated from accidental ones (mastering errors etc), but both should be included. 3. Brian adding random guitar to radio played tracks should not be included, but should perhaps be listed as "live" performances. |
John S Stuart 28.10.2004 20:51 |
I would also like to add this final footnote... There is NO BBC Version of "March Of The Black Queen"... they just employed the album version! A true BBC Version never did exist, that is all just a myth! |
Wilki Amieva 28.10.2004 22:33 |
I agree with your three rules. In fact, my own lists consider them. There is indeed no BBC recording of March Of The Black Queen. However, the BBC version of March Of The Black Queen is not the regular album version but a stand-alone one. |
Bohardy 28.10.2004 23:00 |
How about this from Record Collector, June 2001: "'March Of The Black Queen', as you might expect, is the other showpiece track from this session. Penned by Freddie, the version found on the album encompasses everything within the extensive Queen repertoire, and then some. Although Freddie deviates little from the familiar lyrics, he offers the odd ad-lib by way of extra interest. In essence, this recording of "Black Queen" sounds more like a remix of the original version, rather than a new session take". Are you absolutely sure there are no tiny little vocal differences in the track, as RC seem to think there are? Is it not possible that, like Tenement Funster say, the only difference between the BBC and album version is that a new, near identical, lead vocal track was used, and in the case of TMOTBQ the vocal track was so similar to the original most people haven't noticed the difference? [Edit: I didn't notice this very same point had been made in the 'Nevermore' thread]. |
Wilki Amieva 28.10.2004 23:40 |
I think what John meant is that nothing new was added to March Of The Black Queen during the BBC recording session. They just used what they had for the album at the time. |
John S Stuart 29.10.2004 03:20 |
I assure you there is NO BBC "...Black Queen". "Record Collector" is not the bible, and has printed oft-repeated mistakes. This is a myth. There is NO "Black Queen", There is no stand-alone version - you can even hear the fade into "Funny How Love is". It is THE released LP version. SirGH: I keep saying, if the BBC version of Black Queen was nothing interesting, then why wasn't it shared along with the others?" It HAS!!!!!! The BBC "Black Queen" HAS been released - not officially - but it is out there. It was even in the hub - and I know that for a fact. It's just that you guys will not believe it. It has been shared over and over and over. My copy IS an original session recording - NOT a copy from copy! NO "...Black Queen". Sorry. |
Jan78 24.12.2005 22:52 |
Sorry for being so late on this. There is another version of White Queen to be added. I have a tape and the LP of an album that was produced for and sold in former East Germany, and White Queen indeed starts with Freddie's voice immediately, as is said here, not with the short intro: link Regards Jan |
GinjaNinja 16.07.2010 11:43 |
Digging up an old topic, but MOTBQ/FHLI seem no different on my copy of "Cassette TC M-M EMI TC EMA 767." Is it perhaps a miss-press? |
Dane 19.07.2010 05:52 |
GinjaNinja wrote: Digging up an old topic, but MOTBQ/FHLI seem no different on my copy of "Cassette TC M-M EMI TC EMA 767." Is it perhaps a miss-press? Indeed I too have never heard of the mentioned 'stand alone' version of these songs. Maybe JSS can explain his addition of FHLI (cassette version) to this list. It would be very fascinating (if it is a stand-alone) to get a sound sample of this version. |