QueenZone discussion #1129455

So... OK, it's not what you expected. It's a smaller set. Originally 156 items over 10 CDs, spanning 9 hours (from memory), and with a colossal book of text that most people would have criticised to hell without even reading. But, had we issued that, as planned (and actually handed in, by the way), you guys would now be saying... "£249 for a box. Are they joking? Who can afford that in these money-tight times? Don't 'they' know the world is on the brink of recession, with more people losing their homes than ever, and more bankrupt people than EVER before? QPL live in a dream world if they think we have ALL THIS money to spend at this time."

Yara wrote: Wow, it must be great, I know very, very little, in fact, almost nothing about B-sides and different versions. And I love this kind of thing. Now, problem is that it's funny! It's funny to read you guys talking because these things don't even make their way into my country. :-( Really! Now, I don't understand the ITunes guys. None of the Itunes resources can be used by us - we can't buy music in the Itunes store, we can't buy the Itunes Originals, we can't...damn, do nothing in the Itunes store besides looking at pictures! And Brazil is a good market for music, I don't get it.

brians wig wrote: What I would like to say is that when I uploaded the first radio broadcast of "C-lebrity" a few weeks ago, 1728 people downloaded it from Queen Zone. If the singles boxset is limited to 10,000 copies only, that equates to 1728 fans who quite possibly won't waste their money or, if you like, a whopping 17.28% of copies produced that won't automatically be snapped up by fans. Go show that to EMI.

regmarha wrote: My problem here is that QPL produces a maximum of 1 product annually and this year's one is not interesting for us for many reasons (we're not the target group).

Ray D O'Gaga wrote:

regmarha wrote: My problem here is that QPL produces a maximum of 1 product annually and this year's one is not interesting for us for many reasons (we're not the target group).

It seems we're never the target group - or haven't been since the Freddie box in 2000. Eight years is a long time.

regmarha wrote:

Ray D O'Gaga wrote:

regmarha wrote: My problem here is that QPL produces a maximum of 1 product annually and this year's one is not interesting for us for many reasons (we're not the target group).

It seems we're never the target group - or haven't been since the Freddie box in 2000. Eight years is a long time.

so true it hurts. we are like junkies, addicted seriously to the music and we cannot get our dose.

AlexRocks wrote: I think such a compilation of singles as the proposed 10 c.d. one will come in due time...

Ray D O'Gaga wrote:

regmarha wrote:

Ray D O'Gaga wrote:

regmarha wrote: My problem here is that QPL produces a maximum of 1 product annually and this year's one is not interesting for us for many reasons (we're not the target group).

It seems we're never the target group - or haven't been since the Freddie box in 2000. Eight years is a long time.

so true it hurts. we are like junkies, addicted seriously to the music and we cannot get our dose.

Personally I feel like the loyal wife of a sexy cad, who can't be bothered to come home and give it to me regularly because he's off chasing the passing fancy of every two-bit tramp in a miniskirt. When will he realise I need to be satisfied? I need the release provided by his big throbbing boxset - all 10 discs of it. Don't make me beg for it, baby.

AlexRocks wrote: I think such a compilation of singles as the proposed 10 c.d. one will come in due time...

pittrek wrote:

So... OK, it's not what you expected. It's a smaller set. Originally 156 items over 10 CDs, spanning 9 hours (from memory), and with a colossal book of text that most people would have criticised to hell without even reading. But, had we issued that, as planned (and actually handed in, by the way), you guys would now be saying... "£249 for a box. Are they joking? Who can afford that in these money-tight times? Don't 'they' know the world is on the brink of recession, with more people losing their homes than ever, and more bankrupt people than EVER before? QPL live in a dream world if they think we have ALL THIS money to spend at this time."

I WOULD buy this version ! It would be fantastic to have something like that !

Ray D O'Gaga wrote:

regmarha wrote: My problem here is that QPL produces a maximum of 1 product annually and this year's one is not interesting for us for many reasons (we're not the target group).

It seems we're never the target group - or haven't been since the Freddie box in 2000. Eight years is a long time.

Pim Derks wrote: The wonderful world of Queen Productions gets stranger and stranger everyday. Like any casual fan in their right mind would shelf out 40 pounds for 13 cd-singles while they don't know half of the tracks - if the Platinum Collection is next to it for 1/4th of the price and ONLY has tracks they know.

The British rank well down the list. Men come in at 14th in the world table, living to an average age of 75 while women are in 18th place, living on average to 79.9.

Queen Archivist wrote: ...you purchased "UK 3" CD single collection" and then you ALSO purchased "Japan 3" box-set single collection", knowing fully well that the two items are IDENTICAL in content.

Future Manager wrote:

Queen Archivist wrote: you purchased "UK 3" CD single collection" and then you ALSO purchased "Japan 3" box-set single collection", knowing fully well that the two items are IDENTICAL in content.

I thought that the Japanese 3" singles box contained the correct stand-alone versions of Funny How Love Is, Tenement Funster and Flick of The Wrist, and the European 3" singles did not (album versions).

Queen Archivist wrote: continued..... Cwazy Little Thing wrote.... I cant help wondering who they think will buy this at all? GB. Many thousands of people who find themselves in a million CD stores around the world, who see all Queen's wonderful singles in a lovely little colourful box, containing great sleeves from Japan, Hungary, France, Spain, UK, etc.... they are the people, MOSTLY, that buy these things. Die-hard long-term Queen fans like you and I, are only a tiny part of the picture. I would liken this to 40 Liverpool football fans abandoning the stadium next Saturday, in protest to something they don't like... while 85,000 other fans swarm past them into the stadium regardless. Liverpool cater for the majority, the masses, not the tiny minority. It is after all, a business. EMI, Liverpool F.C., McDonalds... they're not charities, are they. Cwazy Little Thing wrote....My main interest in the thing was the b-sides, remixes and so forth which gathered together and in decent sound quality presented at least some notion of rarity. I probably would have bought a £40-60 box set containing all those. Anyone who wants the artwork already has it, so all that remains is the tracks themselves, and anyone who wants them already has the albums/greatest hits/rocks - even in the general non-superfan public. With the b-sides being spread out across 4 releases (and this first one only containing one!!!) only people to whom money doesnt really matter will feel they must buy all to get those tracks. GB. This is all fair comment. But like I say, these points are only relevant to a small fraction of the people that will ultimately buy this box. Cwazy Little Thing wrote.... So what is there that more than about 10 people will actually want enough to buy this product? GB. Cwazy, this is a cwazy comment. You cannot assume that all the people who will buy this box, will share your views. Only the tiniest fraction of them might.... and most of them will still buy it. When all said and done, even after complaining, it's likely that even you will hand over your money for this box. 95% of those who will be in HMV or Virgin in December and will see this box, will pop it into their basket and NOT spot any of the things you and I might notice. They will not care what the B-side is, what is or is not extended or remixed. Not at all. As long as they see KILLER QUEEN, BO RHAP, CHAMPIONS, ROCK YOU, FAT BOTS, BIKE RACE, DON'T STOP ME NOW, BEST FRIEND, SEVEN SEAS OF RHYE, etc, and all the great sleeves, and at a reasonable price, they will buy it. It's really as simple as that. I myself have purchased boxes identical to this Queen Box 1, from artists like Marillion, Stranglers, Kate Bush, and recently a FANTASTIC Simon & Garfunkel one. I know next to nothing about these bands/artists. The boxes offered all the tracks I know, and they look great, and they were all under £50, So I bought them. I don't know or care what B-sides or Ext mixes they have, or are missing. But somewhere in the world, no doubt, there will be Simon/Garf fans, Marillion fans, saying, like you,.... "So what is there that more than about 10 people will actually want enough to buy this product?"

Pim Derks wrote: Let's face it people. As long as Brian May lives, we will NEVER get an archive box with demo's, alternate takes etc. I bet Roger doesn't care what they release - as long as he can live the happy life with lots of girls, booze and coke ;) Brian is just waaaaay to perfectionistic to allow a demo of him singing TYMD to be released. From news.bbc.co.uk

The British rank well down the list. Men come in at 14th in the world table, living to an average age of 75 while women are in 18th place, living on average to 79.9.

So that's.... 14 more years of waiting.

Ray D O'Gaga wrote:

Pim Derks wrote: Let's face it people. As long as Brian May lives, we will NEVER get an archive box with demo's, alternate takes etc. I bet Roger doesn't care what they release - as long as he can live the happy life with lots of girls, booze and coke ;) Brian is just waaaaay to perfectionistic to allow a demo of him singing TYMD to be released. From news.bbc.co.uk

The British rank well down the list. Men come in at 14th in the world table, living to an average age of 75 while women are in 18th place, living on average to 79.9.

So that's.... 14 more years of waiting.

That's a pretty ugly thing to say. Way too far. Waaaaaaay too far.

Queen Archivist wrote: So... OK, it's not what you expected. It's a smaller set. Originally 156 items over 10 CDs, spanning 9 hours (from memory), and with a colossal book of text that most people would have criticised to hell without even reading. But, had we issued that, as planned (and actually handed in, by the way), you guys would now be saying...

Ray D O'Gaga wrote: That's a pretty ugly thing to say. Way too far. Waaaaaaay too far.

Ray D O'Gaga wrote: That's a pretty ugly thing to say. Way too far. Waaaaaaay too far.

Zebonka12 wrote: He's still right, doesn't matter how 'ugly' it sounds. I doubt the Freddie box set would've come out if Freddie hadn't kicked the bucket.

Togg wrote: I know this will be an unpopular view here I have to say I side with Greg on this, the product is pretty much as I expected it to be although I can understand why people are dissappointed. Frankly this box set was never aimed at the serious collecter, as Greg points out it was aimed at the millions of people who wander into stores around the world and like Queen but don't have much in there collection (particularly the new fans after this new album and tour) £40 per set will fly off the shelves, the version you are all talking about would have cost £250 at least and would simply sit there until a member of Queenzone walked in off the street. Whilst I too would love to have seen all the variants released, I am in a tiny minority of people who would shell out for it, and frankly not sure I would. I will not buy this set either, not because it's bad but I just don't need it, however others many other will, I bet it will be one of the best selling products since greatest hits 1 and makes much more commercial sense than a big whooper of a set that only a select few will buy. Sorry but I can see perfectly the sense behind this, I am sure initially Greg was equally dissappointed but I bet he too can see the logic here...

Togg wrote: Frankly this box set was never aimed at the serious collecter, as Greg points out it was aimed at the millions of people who wander into stores around the world and like Queen but don't have much in there collection (particularly the new fans after this new album and tour) £40 per set will fly off the shelves, the version you are all talking about would have cost £250 at least and would simply sit there until a member of Queenzone walked in off the street.

Tero wrote:

Togg wrote: Frankly this box set was never aimed at the serious collecter, as Greg points out it was aimed at the millions of people who wander into stores around the world and like Queen but don't have much in there collection (particularly the new fans after this new album and tour) £40 per set will fly off the shelves, the version you are all talking about would have cost £250 at least and would simply sit there until a member of Queenzone walked in off the street.

I'm sorry, but you really are talking out of your arse with the first half of your post. 1) A £40 compilation of 28 songs is NOT aimed for the general public, that's what the greatest hits are for. 2) If this was aimed at millions of people, it would be a limited edition of 500,000 copies instead of 10,000. A limited edition of 10,000 means it's aimed at the fans of the band who are willing to pay ahything for a Queen product. 3) A 10 cd box set with huge book does not cost £250 in the stores. If your memory goes back as far as 2000, you'll remember that the Freddie box was under £100. If you want to justify this release, please feel free to do so with facts instead of halftruths.

Togg wrote:

Tero wrote: The Freddie solo box was far smaller than what you have been talking about here, his solo career stemmed two albums for gods sake.

The Freddie boxset featured 10 cd's plus 2 dvd's. That's 2 discs more than the proposed Queen singles boxset. And that cost me (I think) 240 guilders in autumn 2000 (around 80/90 pounds).

Pim Derks wrote:

Togg wrote:

Tero wrote: The Freddie solo box was far smaller than what you have been talking about here, his solo career stemmed two albums for gods sake.

The Freddie boxset featured 10 cd's plus 2 dvd's. That's 2 discs more than the proposed Queen singles boxset. And that cost me (I think) 240 guilders in autumn 2000 (around 80/90 pounds).

Yes but just look and the volume of material, we are talking Queen rather than a two album solo career, we are talking 2000 and as I said read Gregs post he himself quotes a similar figure, then if you don't beliebve me go down to HMV and look at the box sets, I think you will find a fair number well over the £100 mark.
check out this as one example
Rolling Stones -
Bigger Bang: World Tour: 8cd: Box Set: Ltd: Special Packaging
CD £243.99

Togg wrote: Yes but just look and the volume of material, we are talking Queen rather than a two album solo career, we are talking 2000 and as I said read Gregs post he himself quotes a similar figure, then if you don't beliebve me go down to HMV and look at the box sets, I think you will find a fair number well over the £100 mark. check out this as one example Rolling Stones - Bigger Bang: World Tour: 8cd: Box Set: Ltd: Special Packaging CD £243.99

Tero wrote:

Togg wrote: Yes but just look and the volume of material, we are talking Queen rather than a two album solo career, we are talking 2000 and as I said read Gregs post he himself quotes a similar figure, then if you don't beliebve me go down to HMV and look at the box sets, I think you will find a fair number well over the £100 mark. check out this as one example Rolling Stones - Bigger Bang: World Tour: 8cd: Box Set: Ltd: Special Packaging CD £243.99

So that's your argument? That a new Queen box set would cost the same as eil would charge for a collectible Japanese boxset of Rolling Stones albums? Next you'll probably tell me that the Freddie Mercury box set has a price tag of £400, because that's what it says in the Amazon marketplace. I don't deny that several box sets will cost over £100 (especially if you pick the most expensive store in the city). In fact, I paid more than £100 for the Freddie Mercury box, and it would have been £140 in the most expensive place where I saw it. That is however a long way from £250, and I have never EVER seen any box sets that expensive. Please give me a link to any new 10 cd box with a price tag of £250, or I will never believe that anybody would try to extort that much money out of their audience.

Benn wrote: Togg, re: --Frankly this box set was never aimed at the serious collecter, It may not be, but what is or ever HAS been offered to the serious collector? --£40 per set will fly off the shelves, the version you are all talking about would have cost £250 at least No - it would be looked at by numerous groups of people; singles collectors; queen collectors; chart music completists; re-mix collectors It would have been high quality product, representative of the band's unique career as opposed to a budget, half-arsed multi-purchase set.

Togg wrote: Look, there are plenty out there over £200 walk into any music super store and you will find them, Oxford street in London has hundreds, So ok you might find cheaper versions but that is not the argument, you seem to think they don't excist

slarty wrote: While I can understand business considerations for the revised concept,I think that QPL have missed one very important point.Where would Queen be today without the massive support and work done by the fan clubs everywhere especially since 1997.Since John retired there has been only half of Queen(ironically the same half that I first saw in 1969 at imperial college - that gives my age away)and it is our support that has kept everything going and kept Queen high in the public conscienceness.So I put forward an idea that comes from the other side of music(classical)where I worked as a musician for over 25 years. If there is really that great a demand for the original GB project from us(yes I would buy it),then begin a subscription for it. Make a private issue for fans only(members only?) with a deposit to be paid when the minimum number neccessary to make the project feasable is reached.It requires QPL/EMI to decide what that number may be.They must also decide whether to do it as a "break even" issue so as not to cripple us financially,or whether it has to make a nominal profit.Whichever,this would convince all fans of the appreciation in which they are held.By all means keep bringing new issues like the singles collection onto the market for everyone,but before a lot of us get too much older,how about doing something for us.It would finally put this case to rest if a subscription could only raise a few hundred interested die hards, However if there is enough interest in this,running into the thousands then it should be considered. It only takes a question. Who will sign up for it? Me for one Slarty. (PS name address and credit card number supplied on request of subscription announcement

Adam Baboolal wrote: For all I've read on here the last few days, I still don't know what the box actually looks or how it's divided up. So, with that said, for those giving their opinions on it, can you lay down the entire concrete information on the box? I know about how many discs there are and that it'll be £40. Adam.

Adam Baboolal wrote: Now I see! Thanks for that. Well, it looks ok, but I'd prefer a complete collection, I guess. However, that said, the price is actually decent for what you're getting. So, in that sense, I can see why they've split it up into 4 separate sets. Kind of interesting, but not that interesting! Hmm...I just hope JSSmith wasn't used to remaster the songs! Otherwise, that's me OUT. Adam.

Mustapha_Ibrahim wrote: That's a good point, 13 discs for £40 does seem a good deal. However, they all have 2 tracks (exception to the E.P.) which will make it a pain to listen to the whole thing. But that's what singles are all about, so I would be ok with that.

cmsdrums wrote: Thanks Greg for explaining yours, and the band's thoughts, behind this.
Unfortunately most of the reasons given for releasing it just don't stand up:
GB: IN YOUR OPINION, THEY DON'T STAND UP. YOU'RE QUITE EMPHATIC ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY, AS IF YOU KNOW THE MINDS OF EVERY PERSON WHO BUYS MUSIC IN THE HIGH STREET. BUT ACTUALLY, CMSDRUMS, IT'S CLEAR THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE MINDSET OF THE SO CALLED 'GENERAL PUBLIC'. I'M NO EXPERT, EITHER, BUT CLEARLY KNOW MORE THAN YOU ON THIS ASPECT.....
"They will not care what the B-side is, what is or is not extended or remixed. Not at all. As long as they see KILLER QUEEN, BO RHAP, CHAMPIONS, ROCK YOU, FAT BOTS, BIKE RACE, DON'T STOP ME NOW, BEST FRIEND, SEVEN SEAS OF RHYE, etc"
CMS: In this case, why bother having the single box released at all, or if so then why have the B sides there at all??
GB; WHY BOTHER TO RELEASE IT AT ALL??? SIMPLE.... IT WILL BE A VERY NICE BOX, AND IT WILL CONTAIN MANY SONGS THAT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WILL RECOGNISE. AND IT WILL BE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. THUS, MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WILL BUY IT. AND SINCE QUEEN ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF SELLING RECORDS (OR CDS), AND THIS WILL SURELY SELL, IT'S A GOOD SOUND BUSINESS VENTURE.
IT'S REALLY THAT SIMPLE.
Why not just leave these people to buy one or more of the multitude of Greatest Hits packages already on the market at a much cheaper cost (as cost seems to be one of your main points for this set).
GB: I DARE SAY TAT GREATEST HITS WILL CONTINUE TO SELL, ALONG SIDE THIS BOX.
YOUR LOGIC DOES NOT STAND UP.
I BOUGHT THE BEST OF MARILLION, PLUS STRANGLERS GREATEST HITS ALBUMS, BUT I ALSO BOUGHT THEIR SINGLES BOXED SETS. BECAUSE, NOT LEAST, THEY LOOK GREAT; NOVEL PACKAGES... JUST THE SORT OF THING THAT ME, AND MILLIONS OF OTHERS, LIKE TO HAVE ON OUR CD SHELVES AT HOME.
YOU SUGGESTING WE LEAVE SOME PEOPLE TO BUY JUST THE GREATEST HITS THINGS, IS STRANGE. PEOPLE DON'T WORK LIKE THAT. I DON'T, YOU DON'T, THE GENERAL PUBLIC DOESN'T.
"I know next to nothing about these bands/artists. The boxes offered all the tracks I know, and they look great, and they were all under £50, So I bought them. I don't know or care what B-sides or Ext mixes they have, or are missing".
CMS: If you were just after songs you know well then you should have bought the greatest hits by these artists - probably available for about a fiver on CD, and saved yourself £40 or so
GB: THERE YOU GO AGAIN. LIKE MANY MANY PEOPLE, I DO NOT PURCHASE EVERY CD I BUY JUST IN TERMS OF LOGICAL PRACTICAL SENSIBLE CONSIDERATIONS. TASTE AND NOVELTY, AND THAT WHICH SIMPLY 'LOOKS GOOD' COMES INTO IT TOO.
YES IT MAKES SENSE TO BUY GREATEST HITS COMPILATIONS, BUT I LOVE TO BUY BOXED SETS, SO I'D BUY THEM TOO.
I HAVE KATE BUSH, PINK FLOYD, ERIC CLAPTON, BREAM, GENESIS, AC/DC HITS ALBUMS COMING OUT OF MY EARS... MANY OF THEM, HUNDREDS INDEED.... BUT WOULD I STILL (ALSO) BUY THEIR SINGLES BOXED SETS IF THEY DID THEM? YES OF COURSE I WOULD.
CMSDRUMS.... ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE WRITING HERE? I DON'T THINK SO.
PEOPLE BUY CLOTHES, MAGAZINES, MUSIC, ALL KINDS OF THINGS... SOMETIMES JUST BECAUSE OF THE LOOK AND FEEL AND NOVELTY VALUE. NOT ALWAYS BECAUSE OF PRACTICAL LOGICAL REASONS.
"certain of these mixes are identical to the original vinyl cuts"
CMS: Identical?? Does this mean they are the original masters too, as well? If not, they are not as per the original singles, even if the mix is the same. In fact, virtually all of Queen singles (with the odd exception) has always been the same MIX as the album version - perhaps you mean EDIT???
GB: READ WHAT I SAID AGAIN. I THINK IT'S CLEAR ENOUGH IF YOU READ IT CAREFULLY.
Did you buy Queen Rocks??? Or Live Aid? or Montreal or Live at the Bowl????
CMS: Of course JSS (and the rest of us did): Live Aid? Unique individual performance featuring medleys/live edits not performed any other time available for first time on Live Aid DVD box. Queen Rocks? Completely new version of a song, plus one other new one. Montreal? First time these versions on most songs, is available, plus Flash and The Hero. Live At The Bowl? Live Hot Space tracks never before available. These examples are NOT comparable to the singles box set.
"The sleeves are great and Richard has done meticulous work that most of you will not even notice"
CMS: What the point then?!!!?
GB: I REST MY CASE.... YOU ARE ASKING WHAT'S THE POINT.
IT'S TO DO WITH THE BEST POSSIBLE JOB, ATTENTION TO DETAIL. RATHER THAN A QUICK 5 MINUTE JOB.... WHICH HE 'COULD' HAVE DONE, AND PEOPLE LIKE YOU WOULD BE NONE THE WISER ABOUT.... BUT INSTEAD HE CHOSE TO COMPLETELY OVERHAUL CERTAIN DETAILS.... AND PEOPLE LIKE ME AND OTHERS I KNOW CERTAINLY WOULD NOTICE IT.
"..it is significant to a lot of the people I spoke with in Montreux over the last weekend - who simply DO NOT HAVE £200 or £100"
CMS: Any chance then of a £15 set featuring just A Human Body, See What a Fool I've Been, Soul Brother etc.. etc..."??
THESE TRACKS WILL FEATURE. I DOUBT THERE IS A MARKET FOR A CD OF QUEEN SONGS THAT GENERAL PUBLIC MASS MARKET PEOPLE WILL NEVER HAVE HEARD OF.
IF YOU WERE EMI OR QUEEN, WOULD YOU INVEST IN A CD OF 8 TRACKS THAT'S ONLY GOING TO SELL 2,000 COPIES??????
"Before you criticise the next Tim Burton film, and pull it apart for all the usual predictable reasons, from your armchair perspective, go see it first. .
CMS: But even if we know the general outline of a Tim Burton film, we don't know the dialogue, the exact nature of what will happen, how it happens etc... I know for a fact what I would hear by playing these CDs - exactly what I have already on 7" vinyl (which sounds better than CD anyway).
GB; FAIR COMMENT. SO YOU HAVE NO NEED TO BUY IT THEN. BUT, LIKE I SAY, TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WILL BUY IT. WIVES WILL BUY IT FOR HUSBANDS, CHILDREN FOR THEIR DADS, AND MUMS. XMAS GIFTS, FATHERS DAY GIFTS, BIRTHDAY GIFTS. IT'S PERFECT FOR THAT. THESE SINGLES BOXES SELL VERY WELL, I CAN ASSURE YOU.
I BET YOU WILL FIND SOME OF YOUR NON-QUEEN FANS, WILL SUDDENLY HAVE THIS BOX. THEY'LL SAY TO YOU, "I'M NOT A MASSIVE QUEEN FAN. I ONLY HAVE GREATEST HITS... BUT I REALLY LIKED THE LOOK OF THIS BOX, AND THE GREAT RARE SLEEVES, AND IT WAS REASONABLY PRICED, AND HAD ALL THE HITS I LOVE, SO I BOUGHT IT."
YOU CANNOT ARGUE WITH THAT.
cont...

Ray D O'Gaga wrote:

AlexRocks wrote: I think such a compilation of singles as the proposed 10 c.d. one will come in due time...

Sadly, I don't. To extend my lascivious metaphor, I think they're shooting their entire singles wad with this and the proposed releases. Maybe Greg can secure permission to release the text that was to accompany the 10 disc set as a PDF file or something someday.

Togg wrote: I know this will be an unpopular view here I have to say I side with Greg on this, the product is pretty much as I expected it to be although I can understand why people are dissappointed. Frankly this box set was never aimed at the serious collecter, as Greg points out it was aimed at the millions of people who wander into stores around the world and like Queen but don't have much in there collection (particularly the new fans after this new album and tour) £40 per set will fly off the shelves, the version you are all talking about would have cost £250 at least and would simply sit there until a member of Queenzone walked in off the street. Whilst I too would love to have seen all the variants released, I am in a tiny minority of people who would shell out for it, and frankly not sure I would. I will not buy this set either, not because it's bad but I just don't need it, however others many other will, I bet it will be one of the best selling products since greatest hits 1 and makes much more commercial sense than a big whooper of a set that only a select few will buy. Sorry but I can see perfectly the sense behind this, I am sure initially Greg was equally dissappointed but I bet he too can see the logic here...

AlexRocks wrote: "Freddie Mercury + Queen: The Show Must Go On! We Still Rock You: The Best of Queen." That was PRICELESS Pim Derks! Lol! SO funny! Lol!

cmsdrums wrote:

Togg wrote: I know this will be an unpopular view here I have to say I side with Greg on this, the product is pretty much as I expected it to be although I can understand why people are dissappointed. Frankly this box set was never aimed at the serious collecter, as Greg points out it was aimed at the millions of people who wander into stores around the world and like Queen but don't have much in there collection (particularly the new fans after this new album and tour) £40 per set will fly off the shelves, the version you are all talking about would have cost £250 at least and would simply sit there until a member of Queenzone walked in off the street. Whilst I too would love to have seen all the variants released, I am in a tiny minority of people who would shell out for it, and frankly not sure I would. I will not buy this set either, not because it's bad but I just don't need it, however others many other will, I bet it will be one of the best selling products since greatest hits 1 and makes much more commercial sense than a big whooper of a set that only a select few will buy. Sorry but I can see perfectly the sense behind this, I am sure initially Greg was equally dissappointed but I bet he too can see the logic here...

I have to politely disagree with you on this one - whatever packaging you dress it up in, it effectively amounts to £160 for The Platinum Collection box!

Queen Archivist wrote: GB; AGAIN, WITH RESPECT, I DO NOT BELIEVE YOU. THERE IS NO WAY THAT YOU WILL NOT BUY THAT LITTLE PURPLE BOX WITH 13 RATHER NICE CARDBOARD CDS INSIDE. NO WAY.

Adam Baboolal wrote: Now I see! Thanks for that. Well, it looks ok, but I'd prefer a complete collection, I guess. However, that said, the price is actually decent for what you're getting. So, in that sense, I can see why they've split it up into 4 separate sets. Kind of interesting, but not that interesting! Hmm...I just hope JSSmith wasn't used to remaster the songs! Otherwise, that's me OUT. Adam.

Queen Archivist wrote: cmsdrums.... you're being deliberately obtuse on this, right!?

earwig wrote: Yeah, I don't like Justin Shirley-Smith's live mixes either. Way too boomy on the bottom end!!! This goes back to Live at Brixton Academy through to Montreal (and beyond...!)

pittrek wrote: Hi Greg, I won't buy this set but I could be interested in the other volumes. Do you think that the other box sets will inlude : - the 12" mixes GB: THE ORIGINAL PACKAGE DID, BUT THE REVISED FORMAT DOES NOT... AS IT CURRENTLY STANDS. THE BANDS WANTS THIS TO BE JUST THE SINGLES, AS THEY ORIGINALLY WENT OUT. NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS. I THINK THE EXTENDED MIXES WOULD BE ISSUED ALL TOGETHER IN ONE HIT, AS PART OF A RARITIES/ANTHOLOGY PROJECT. - the instrumental mixes THE U.S. MACHINES INSTRU, FOR EXAMPLE, WOULD PROBABLY FEATURE ON THAT RESPECTIVE BOX, RATHER THAN THE UK MACHINES B-SIDE (WHICH WASN'T INSTRU) JUST BECAUSE IT'S MORE INTERESTING. BUT NOT THE GA GA INSTRU, COZ THAT WAS NEVER ON THE ORIGINAL 7" SINGLE. YOU SEE THE PATTERN. - Hollywood Records remixes NO. - You Don't Fool Me remixes AS PER ORIG VINYL/CD.... TO BE CONFIRMED. - Queen + collaborations Q&DB ONLY, AS FAR AS I ONLY. THAT WAS CERTAINLY THE THEME OF THE ORIG 10-CD VERSION. BUT THINGS CAN CHANGE, ACCORDING TO THE BAND. - Queen + Paul Rodgers ? NOT AS FAR AS I KNOW. DITTO ABOVE. If yes, do you know how often will these volumes appear ? Once a year, twice a year, every 2 years ... Thanks a lot

Yara wrote: What does "boomy bottom end" mean?

Holly2003 wrote: GB; MINORITY. NOT MAJORITY. PUT YOUR 'BUSINESS' CAP ON FOR JUST ONE SECOND. FORGET ABOUT THE WORLD OF QUEEN MUSIC HAVING TO REVOLVE EXCLUSIVELY AROUND DIE-HARD FANS. IT DOESN'T. QPL AND EMI ALSO CATER FOR THE MASS MARKET. You make it sound like Queen are catering to BOTH markets when you wel know they are not. They cater only to the lowest common denominator -- the mass market. This point has been made clear to you on numerous previous occasions and is probably the main criticism that people here have about future releases. Yet still you appear not to get it; why is that?

cmsdrums wrote:

Queen Archivist wrote: GB; AGAIN, WITH RESPECT, I DO NOT BELIEVE YOU. THERE IS NO WAY THAT YOU WILL NOT BUY THAT LITTLE PURPLE BOX WITH 13 RATHER NICE CARDBOARD CDS INSIDE. NO WAY.

Cardboard CDs??? My god, they're really trying to screw us now - they'll knacker up my CD player (if I bought them that is) !!!!
GB: YOU GOT ME THERE.
THEY'RE FINE IF YOU DON'T GET THEM WET.
On a less flippent note to Greg's reply to JSS - I thinkthe fact that Greg constantly keeps saying that he knows for fact that JSS (and presumably myself and lots of others) WILL buy this set regardless makes it even worse in my opinion; it seems to suggest that Queen know full well that they have a hardcore following of, let's say, 10,00 fans who will buy ANYTHING they release, and so can release anything they like, safe in the knowledge that they will get their return from the likes of these people.
WELL THAT'S QUITE A MASSIVE LEAP THERE.
IT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT AT ALL, NOR WHAT I IMPLIED.
I SIMPLY MEAN THAT... USING JOHN AS A TYPICAL EXAMPLE... DESPITE THE POINTS HE MAKES (SOME OF WHICH I AGREE WITH... ISH)....HE WILL STILL BUY THE THING. HE JUST WILL. YOU KNOW IT AND I DO TOO.
HE PURCHASED BOTH THE UK 3" SINGLES AS WELL AS THE JAPANESE VERSION, THUS PROVING HE LOVES HIS QUEEN BOXES AND BUYS THEM ALL REGARDLESS OF ALREADY HAVING THEIR CONTENT ELSEWHERE... LIKE MOST OF US DOES.
I DID NOT SUGGEST OR IMPLY THAT EMI OR QPPL OR QUEEN THE BAND, COLDLY OR OTHERWISE, RELY UPON JOHN, ME, YOU, ALL QZ-ERS AND OTHERS TO BUY ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING WITH A QUEEN LABEL ON IT.
I CANNOT IMAGINE FOR ONE SECOND ROGER OR BRIAN HAVING TIME TO SIT AND PONDER WHO EXACTLY, PRECISELY, IN DETAIL, WILL BUY THE QUEEN SINGLES BOXED SET PART 1. THEY WILL HOPE THAT IT SELLS WELL, OF COURSE, AND THAT PEOPLE LIKE IT. AND.... LET'S BE ADULTS HERE.... 99.9% OF THOSE WHO BUY IT, WILL LOVE IT.
I THINK YOU GUYS ARE IN SLIGHT DANGER OF ANALYSING ALL THIS STUFF FAR TOO SERIOUSLY - HARSHLY.
THE BAND CONCEIVED A PROJECT THAT, ALL TRIVIA AND MINUTIA ASIDE, IS ACTUALLY COMMON-SENSE, PRACTICAL, LOGICAL AND RATHER SIMPLE AND NEAT - AND WHICH MOST PEOPLE WILL AFFORD IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. DON'T TEAR THE ARSE OUT OF IT LIKE YOU MIGHT SOME VIRUS UNDER A MICROSCOPE.
Finally, for all the 'pretty packaging' reasons touted, I've STILL yet to see a valid argument for Joe Public buying this £160 set rather than The £10 Platinum Collection.....
HEY.... I THINK IT'S £40 OR THEREABOUTS IN THIS YEAR OF 2008. LET'S WAIT FOR THE NEXT PRICE TAG NEXT YEAR.... A LONG WAY OFF. 2009. IT'S GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY.
I BUY MY 'RADIO TIMES' MAGAZINE BY SUBSCRIPTION. WHEN IT DROPS THRU MY LETTERBOX, I DON'T THINK ABOUT THE COST OF ALL 52.... I TAKE THEM ONE AT A TIME.

Queen Archivist wrote: THE BANDS WANTS THIS TO BE JUST THE SINGLES, AS THEY ORIGINALLY WENT OUT. NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS. I THINK THE EXTENDED MIXES WOULD BE ISSUED ALL TOGETHER IN ONE HIT, AS PART OF A RARITIES/ANTHOLOGY PROJECT.

Queen Archivist wrote: HEY.... I THINK IT'S £40 OR THEREABOUTS IN THIS YEAR OF 2008. LET'S WAIT FOR THE NEXT PRICE TAG NEXT YEAR.... A LONG WAY OFF. 2009. IT'S GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY.

Queen Archivist wrote:

Hang on. Just a second. There is a strange beast at the window. I need to go investigate, in a completely not being evasive type way.............

It's probably a cash cow ;)
But I appreciate that it's not you who decides what to release and the blame lies with band/management.

Holly2003 wrote: It's probably a cash cow ;)

Holly2003 wrote: But I appreciate that it's not you who decides what to release and the blame lies with band/management.

Queen Archivist wrote: THE WWRY MUSICAL HAVE CREATED MILLIONS OF NEW FANS ALL AROUND THE WORLD.

Queen Archivist wrote: GB: YES. TRUE. AND 10,000 MORE PEOPLE WILL HAVE QUEEN MUSIC IN THEIR COLLECTION WHEN THIS GOES ON SALE. MY SISTER, MY COUSIN, MY NEIGHBOUR, THE BLOKE IN THE LOCAL PAPERSHOP... THEY WILL BE THE KINDS OF PEOPLE WHO BUY IT. NOT JUST QUEEN FANS OF OLD.

Tero wrote: I guess that would be at least 8 discs full of material, and something I would gladly buy for 100€, or even £100.

Fenderek wrote:

Tero wrote: I guess that would be at least 8 discs full of material, and something I would gladly buy for 100€, or even £100.

Ditto

Holly2003 wrote:

Fenderek wrote:

Tero wrote: I guess that would be at least 8 discs full of material, and something I would gladly buy for 100€, or even £100.

Ditto

None of my money would go to what would be the modern day equivalent of an unofficial mix tape. But...each to his own.

Tero wrote:

Holly2003 wrote:

Fenderek wrote:

Tero wrote: I guess that would be at least 8 discs full of material, and something I would gladly buy for 100€, or even £100.

Ditto

None of my money would go to what would be the modern day equivalent of an unofficial mix tape. But...each to his own.

Exactly, each to his own. Some people want nice flashy covers with the same old songs, and some people consider the music as the main attraction.

CMI wrote: I think if it will be interesting project for QZoners, there will be also great artwork and it will be non-commercial project!

(1000 sets x 10 cds x £3 is a nice sum for doing nothing and giving nothing the fans don't already have!)

oh-ja wrote:

(1000 sets x 10 cds x £3 is a nice sum for doing nothing and giving nothing the fans don't already have!)

just to remind you: nobody wants them to do or give "nothing" - but to supply the masters ...

John S Stuart wrote: (Secondly: Will there be more official live downloads from the new proposed tour?)

Tero wrote: Yes, currently that would be the case. I am however willing to bet that will be changed in the next five years before the first Beatles albums would become fair game. ;)

mr_creosote wrote: At the end of the day, Greg gets a raw deal because he has the kind of job that most people can only dream of, and everyone is bitter towards him because of that. Some credit is due to him for actually coming here and speaking out about such matters when it is far easier just to keep quiet.

Togg wrote: This box set is a good example, wouldn't it have been great if it was all the the mega fans wanted, but it was never going to happy really, way too expensive to produce and very few would buy it.

Queen Archivist wrote: A lot of you guys keep going on about the cost, and the cost ALONE being the reason that the format was changed, and far fewer tracks released. It wasn't MAINLY due to cost. BM & RT, as I understand it, had other reasons for not wanting to put out close to two thirds (more or less) of the band's album material, as part of a SINGLES collection. When you think about it, releasing a DEFINITIVE Queen singles collection, pretty much means you're putting the entire (or most) Works and Magic albums out there (most tracks having been a single A or B somewhere in the world), and much of Innuendo and Miracle, a whole lot of Jazz and The Game, etc. Not just 2 or 3 tracks from each. They were concerned that this be a SINGLES collection. Yes, I know all the things you could say to that, and offer up as arguments. Of course I do... but so too do the band. They know what they're doing. So far, since 1973, the decisions they have made have been proven to be good and logical ones, don't you think?!?! It WASN'T 99% about cost... as most you have convinced yourself it was.

Queen Archivist wrote: A lot of you guys keep going on about the cost, and the cost ALONE being the reason that the format was changed, and far fewer tracks released. It wasn't MAINLY due to cost. BM & RT, as I understand it, had other reasons for not wanting to put out close to two thirds (more or less) of the band's album material, as part of a SINGLES collection. When you think about it, releasing a DEFINITIVE Queen singles collection, pretty much means you're putting the entire (or most) Works and Magic albums out there (most tracks having been a single A or B somewhere in the world), and much of Innuendo and Miracle, a whole lot of Jazz and The Game, etc. Not just 2 or 3 tracks from each. They were concerned that this be a SINGLES collection. Yes, I know all the things you could say to that, and offer up as arguments. Of course I do... but so too do the band. They know what they're doing. So far, since 1973, the decisions they have made have been proven to be good and logical ones, don't you think?!?! It WASN'T 99% about cost... as most you have convinced yourself it was.

Queen Archivist wrote: Originally 156 items over 10 CDs, spanning 9 hours (from memory), and with a colossal book of text that most people would have criticised to hell without even reading. But, had we issued that, as planned (and actually handed in, by the way), you guys would now be saying... "£249 for a box. Are they joking? Who can afford that in these money-tight times? Don't 'they' know the world is on the brink of recession, with more people losing their homes than ever, and more bankrupt people than EVER before? QPL live in a dream world if they think we have ALL THIS money to spend at this time."

cmsdrums wrote: Greg My only real main query is; CMS: Identical?? Does this mean they are the original masters too, as well? If not, they are not as per the original singles, even if the mix is the same. In fact, virtually all of Queen singles (with the odd exception) has always been the same MIX as the album version - perhaps you mean EDIT??? GB: READ WHAT I SAID AGAIN. I THINK IT'S CLEAR ENOUGH IF YOU READ IT CAREFULLY. OK, I have. You said "certain of these mixes are identical to the original vinyl cuts". The use of the word certain very heavily implies, (if not states categorically) that some, (ie NOT all), of the tracks will be as the original vinyl releases. In this case, what reason is there for some of the tracks NOT being reproduced as per the original single mix? And if so, why are they being re-mixed just for this project?? Hope you can provide some info on this, cos different mixes are the kind of thing that some Queen fans are keen on collecting. Thanks

pittrek wrote: Hi Greg, I won't buy this set but I could be interested in the other volumes. Do you think that the other box sets will inlude : - the 12" mixes GB: THE ORIGINAL PACKAGE DID, BUT THE REVISED FORMAT DOES NOT... AS IT CURRENTLY STANDS. THE BANDS WANTS THIS TO BE JUST THE SINGLES, AS THEY ORIGINALLY WENT OUT. NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS. I THINK THE EXTENDED MIXES WOULD BE ISSUED ALL TOGETHER IN ONE HIT, AS PART OF A RARITIES/ANTHOLOGY PROJECT. - the instrumental mixes THE U.S. MACHINES INSTRU, FOR EXAMPLE, WOULD PROBABLY FEATURE ON THAT RESPECTIVE BOX, RATHER THAN THE UK MACHINES B-SIDE (WHICH WASN'T INSTRU) JUST BECAUSE IT'S MORE INTERESTING. BUT NOT THE GA GA INSTRU, COZ THAT WAS NEVER ON THE ORIGINAL 7" SINGLE. YOU SEE THE PATTERN. - Hollywood Records remixes NO. - You Don't Fool Me remixes AS PER ORIG VINYL/CD.... TO BE CONFIRMED. - Queen + collaborations Q&DB ONLY, AS FAR AS I ONLY. THAT WAS CERTAINLY THE THEME OF THE ORIG 10-CD VERSION. BUT THINGS CAN CHANGE, ACCORDING TO THE BAND. - Queen + Paul Rodgers ? NOT AS FAR AS I KNOW. DITTO ABOVE. If yes, do you know how often will these volumes appear ? Once a year, twice a year, every 2 years ... Thanks a lot

Lester Burnham wrote:

Queen Archivist wrote: A lot of you guys keep going on about the cost, and the cost ALONE being the reason that the format was changed, and far fewer tracks released. It wasn't MAINLY due to cost. BM & RT, as I understand it, had other reasons for not wanting to put out close to two thirds (more or less) of the band's album material, as part of a SINGLES collection. When you think about it, releasing a DEFINITIVE Queen singles collection, pretty much means you're putting the entire (or most) Works and Magic albums out there (most tracks having been a single A or B somewhere in the world), and much of Innuendo and Miracle, a whole lot of Jazz and The Game, etc. Not just 2 or 3 tracks from each. They were concerned that this be a SINGLES collection. Yes, I know all the things you could say to that, and offer up as arguments. Of course I do... but so too do the band. They know what they're doing. So far, since 1973, the decisions they have made have been proven to be good and logical ones, don't you think?!?! It WASN'T 99% about cost... as most you have convinced yourself it was.

OK, so regarding The Works / AKOM singles ... will the extended versions be included? Because it would make logical sense, considering they were released as SINGLES to have those bad boys on there for all to enjoy. And in response to your "since 1973" argument, I have 3 words for you: "Greatest Hits III".

Michael Allred wrote: for those interested, it seems the box set has been delayed until December 1st. Dunno why.

pittrek wrote: Did somebody buy it ? I'm curious to see some "customer review"

Adam Baboolal wrote: NO BOOKLET?! But that was like one of THE saving graces of this set. What's the point of not getting the info behind the releases, just the remastered releases themselves? Now I can't see the point in looking at this at all. Weird... Adam.

Penetration_Guru wrote: Adam Baboolal wrote: P_guru, it's not £3 for each cd though because there's the packaging that's been recreated AND a booklet to go along with it all. So, it's not as simple as the cd's costs. That's why I think it's generally worth it. Adam.

Benn wrote: Wonder whether we'll really see volumes 2, 3 & 4?  Hope not.  Polydor saw sense in not issuing volume 2 of The Who's set.......but pushed hard for the eventual release of the Kilburn '78 / Coliseum '69 DVD instead, God love 'em!

Voice of Reason 2008 wrote: I was suprised to see two copies of the singles collection in my local hmv. I haven't mentioned it to any of my friends in the hope they don't get it for me for Christmas! Cheers.

Adam Unger (QueenVault.com) wrote: IDisc 11 Spread Your Wings (Album Version) Sheer Heart Attack (Album Version)   The original UK 7” of Spread Your Wings does have a minor fade out edit that makes it different from the album cut.  To be technically correct (or anal), it should have been that version that was included.

Adam Unger (QueenVault.com) wrote: Disc 9 Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy (Album Version) Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To…) (Album Version) Tenement Funster (UK 3” CD Version) White Queen (As It Began) (EP Version) This one is quite annoying and has been mentioned before.  Tenement Funster should be the 7” UK/Japan 3” CD version.  Instead, the UK 3” CD version has been wrongfully included.  White Queen has the same “edit” as on the original EP.

Not really much you can do with this.  I would have preferred the 1975 US re-release as the basis for this, just for the b-sides.  US version had KYA (single edit), Lily of the Valley (US edit), and God Save The Queen (Single Version).  It does make more sense to have the UK tracklisting though.

Micrówave wrote: So it all comes down to this.  We get this little boxed trinket for Christmas, which is nice.  That's about all you get this year.  Times are tough. In fact, Terrorists levelled the Twin Towers on 9/11.  We launched an all-out Blitzkrieg at the Middle East.  Oil prices rose.  The cost of gas rose.  Then the housing industry crashed.  The stock market plummetted and began a roller coaster ride...  causing the box set that we really want to be delayed yet again. The terrorists have won.

Adam Unger (QueenVault.com) wrote: Disc 9 Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy (Album Version) Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To…) (Album Version) Tenement Funster (UK 3” CD Version) White Queen (As It Began) (EP Version) This one is quite annoying and has been mentioned before.  Tenement Funster should be the 7” UK/Japan 3” CD version.  Instead, the UK 3” CD version has been wrongfully included.  White Queen has the same “edit” as on the original EP.

RonB wrote: In fact these versions are all correct! This is how they originally appeared on the 7" back in the 70's. I admit that a true stand alone of Tenement Funster! is better, but as said before, this is how they were on the EP back then.

CMI wrote:

RonB wrote: In fact these versions are all correct! This is how they originally appeared on the 7" back in the 70's. I admit that a true stand alone of Tenement Funster! is better, but as said before, this is how they were on the EP back then.

Ron, so which release has the real standalone version of Tenemnt Funster? Is it ONLY 1992 Japanese 3"CD from the Singles Box? Can anyone tell me the detailed explanation about the extra bits in the beginning of Flick Of The Wrist on Dutch 7" single in opposition to UK version? As I hear the UK version, it has the complete piano intro. Thanks in advance. Does any release has the true unedited stand-alone version of Lily Of The Valley?

Adam Unger (QueenVault.com) wrote: I stand corrected :)