QueenZone discussion #1129466
The Cosmos Rocks - got it today - my review
| Mr. Bed Guy 11.09.2008 11:30 |
Hi everyone! I got the new album today (ok, some of you might think the f.....g earlier release in Germany...)! A very kind woman at the shop helped me and opened 7 boxes for me to find the album... First of all: I'm a Queen fan for 23 years, since i was 15! I spent my last money to get to the tribute concert at London. I don' hate Paul Rodgers! The Queen + Paul Rodgers thing is ok for me. After I've heard the album three times now I can say: - There's very less "Queen" in it - without Brians guitar nobody in the world would think it's Queen-related - It'a blues/rock - rock/blues - rock - blues -folk album - nearly no catchy hooklines except "Cosmos Rockin'"(which is a very simple rock'n roll song) - C-lebrity is not a masterpiece but one of the best songs on the album. That says it all. - no theater, no pop, no classical moments When I listen to it there is no "Queen" feeling. It's like listening to an average rock album. Not bad at all, but no heartbeat. It's kind of something new. Perhaps exactly what the guys wanted.... "We Believe" should become a nice ballad. It would have been a perfect song for Mike& The Mechanics. I don't want to rate every single song here. But have very mixed feelings 'bout this album. Too many fillers, too less classical moments. Are there any other guys who have heard the album yet? What do you think? |
| Matias Merçeauroix 11.09.2008 11:44 |
I'd add "BRIAN'S PLAYING IS SLOPPY" and "PAUL SOMETIMES SINGS OUT OF TUNE"... and I guess I agree with everything you said. Cheers, Hor |
| brians wig 11.09.2008 11:50 |
Most people are going to hate it on first listen. I say go listen to it a few more times and you'll start to love it. This IS Queen. This is Queen 18 years on after their lead singer died. This is a natural progression and I reckon Freddie would have tackled the slower Bluesier numbers long before now. "We Believe" is the best song on the album - written by Roger I reckon. The only negative is the Up-Down (or High-Low) nature of the track order. Here's hoping they record another few albums BUT (If you're reading this BM, RT) we still would like the Anthology boxset and some "new" Freddie material before we all die please! |
| Treasure Moment 11.09.2008 11:52 |
Mr. Bed Guy wrote: Hi everyone! I got the new album today (ok, some of you might think the f.....g earlier release in Germany...)! A very kind woman at the shop helped me and opened 7 boxes for me to find the album... First of all: I'm a Queen fan for 23 years, since i was 15! I spent my last money to get to the tribute concert at London. I don' hate Paul Rodgers! The Queen + Paul Rodgers thing is ok for me. After I've heard the album three times now I can say: - There's very less "Queen" in it - without Brians guitar nobody in the world would think it's Queen-related - It'a blues/rock - rock/blues - rock - blues -folk album - nearly no catchy hooklines except "Cosmos Rockin'"(which is a very simple rock'n roll song) - C-lebrity is not a masterpiece but one of the best songs on the album. That says it all. - no theater, no pop, no classical moments When I listen to it there is no "Queen" feeling. It's like listening to an average rock album. Not bad at all, but no heartbeat. It's kind of something new. Perhaps exactly what the guys wanted.... "We Believe" should become a nice ballad. It would have been a perfect song for Mike& The Mechanics. I don't want to rate every single song here. But have very mixed feelings 'bout this album. Too many fillers, too less classical moments. Are there any other guys who have heard the album yet? What do you think?you are right, there is no Queen because freddie wasnt there to put his classical music influence and genius songwriting into this. It just shows who was the mind behind Queen but i already knew that long time ago. |
| Mr. Bed Guy 11.09.2008 12:11 |
The album isn't bad at all. It's average. But I've never been a blues fan. Queen never were a bluesy band(exept that crappy Brian b-side of Slightly Mad). So: Do I have to love it? No! I respect it and give it 20 more listenings. Perhaps it will grow to me. BAD HORSIE: Yes, you're right. In "Through The Night" Paul's vocals are really out of range. A few minutes ago my wife came in when I played that song. She said "What's that??? It sounds like Turkish!!!" ........ |
| Markman38 11.09.2008 12:20 |
I always thought that See what a fool I've been also rather bluesy was |
| Treasure Moment 11.09.2008 12:22 |
I knew this album would suck LONG before it was even planned. |
| Markman38 11.09.2008 12:23 |
you are right, there is no Queen because freddie wasnt there to put his classical music influence and genius songwriting into this. It just shows who was the mind behind Queen but i already knew that long time ago. what are you doing on this forum if the only thing you have to say that Queen is not queen because of Freddie's death. The strange thing I agree with you on that point after heraing the new album, but it seems like that is the only thing you have to say rather go deep into the music. If Freddie is God for you listen to your God he was the one the wanted the other one to go on |
| mooghead 11.09.2008 12:29 |
"This IS Queen" No it isn't. The front cover on the album clearly states who it is. |
| Mr. Bed Guy 11.09.2008 12:41 |
Ok, I forgot "See What A Fool I've Been" But the blues songs of Queen always only were attemps. I guess you know what I mean.... |
| Adolfo and the spiders from Mercury 11.09.2008 14:04 |
Treasure Moment wrote: I knew this album would suck LONG before it was even planned.I knew you would suck long before you were an accident |
| david (galashiels) 11.09.2008 14:08 |
thanks for the review. |
| Mack2008 11.09.2008 14:30 |
The only track on the album that gives me a slight cringe is We Believe. I guess its because its so "Bris Soapbox" in its nature. At least its followed directly by the upbeat and boppy Call Me ! |
| PieterMC 11.09.2008 14:45 |
Mr. Bed Guy wrote: Are there any other guys who have heard the album yet? What do you think?/queenzone/1129320.html |
| Holly2003 11.09.2008 14:49 |
Treasure Moment wrote:you are right, there is no Queen because freddie wasnt there to put his classical music influence and genius songwriting into this. It just shows who was the mind behind Queen but i already knew that long time ago.Yawn. |
| Hitman1965 11.09.2008 15:28 |
Treasure Moment wrote:Sorry have to disagree with you here - I think the new songs are Queen - that is Queen 2008 plus an extremely talented lead man. If you and a range of others here are so anti Queen and Paul Rodgers you should go and form your own forum and leave the rest of us to have some fun without this endless whinging (to complain or protest, especially in an ANNOYING or PERSISTENT manner.) I'd also add irritating to the definition. I've got an opinion as well as the next person but I don't keep going on and on and on and on and on about it at every opportunity.Mr. Bed Guy wrote: Hi everyone! I got the new album today (ok, some of you might think the f.....g earlier release in Germany...)! A very kind woman at the shop helped me and opened 7 boxes for me to find the album... First of all: I'm a Queen fan for 23 years, since i was 15! I spent my last money to get to the tribute concert at London. I don' hate Paul Rodgers! The Queen + Paul Rodgers thing is ok for me. After I've heard the album three times now I can say: - There's very less "Queen" in it - without Brians guitar nobody in the world would think it's Queen-related - It'a blues/rock - rock/blues - rock - blues -folk album - nearly no catchy hooklines except "Cosmos Rockin'"(which is a very simple rock'n roll song) - C-lebrity is not a masterpiece but one of the best songs on the album. That says it all. - no theater, no pop, no classical moments When I listen to it there is no "Queen" feeling. It's like listening to an average rock album. Not bad at all, but no heartbeat. It's kind of something new. Perhaps exactly what the guys wanted.... "We Believe" should become a nice ballad. It would have been a perfect song for Mike& The Mechanics. I don't want to rate every single song here. But have very mixed feelings 'bout this album. Too many fillers, too less classical moments. Are there any other guys who have heard the album yet? What do you think?you are right, there is no Queen because freddie wasnt there to put his classical music influence and genius songwriting into this. It just shows who was the mind behind Queen but i already knew that long time ago. Hope that Queen and Paul Rodgers continue to record loads more music together even if it's just to cheese off certain so called 'fans'. |
| Micrówave 11.09.2008 15:40 |
I wish Queen would have made ALL their albums sound like Queen I. I mean, it just wasn't the same after that. Bands that evolve are doomed to failure. The key to success is listening to your one-dimensional fanbase and sticking with THEIR ideas, not yours. After all, the one CD and possible vinyl release that they buy makes all the difference in the world. |
| Micrówave 11.09.2008 15:51 |
@ Bad Horsie @ Treasure Moment How many Queen albums do you have? I have them all... every one. And in most cases, more than one pressing. For Example, I have DATR (that's Day At The Races) on US LP, US & UK Cassette, 1st CD (UK), and the Hollywood '91 release on CD. I also have things like Classic Queen (Capitol) and 15 of the Best (K-Tel) and the Starfleet LP. My point is that I've pretty much gravitated to the Queen section since 1980. But when some clown comes on here who was born AFTER Innuendo was released and tells me that Innuendo was their best album ever, how am I supposed to take you seriously? How are you the judge of their "best album ever"? Even a guitarist, like you Horsie, who can obviously play, makes such shallow points. I've been listening to Vai since Zappa. He's great. Flexable is one of my favorite guitar albums of that genre. But I doubt you have the leftovers CD. And I've never heard you reference his half-ass attempt with Whitesnake. So go on, music critics, perhaps you're just putting a resume together for Rolling Stone. |
| Hitman1965 11.09.2008 16:00 |
Yes you are 100% right after Queen's first album it just was never the same again. Maybe they should only ever have had the one album and re-released it every year but put the songs in a different order. After Freddie died maybe it should have only been right for both Brian and Roger to have publicly topped themselves and insisted that everyone else follow their example. |
| Hitman1965 11.09.2008 16:13 |
Totally agree with all of Microwave's comments 110%. I've been following Queen since 1974 - yes I'm that old, and really really get ticked by some snotty little so and so who thinks they are gods gift to music. No problem with everyone having an opinion, the problem starts when you think that EVERYONE else shouldn't have one and that unless they agree with you they are simply wrong. Some people really really need to grow up. I get a great deal of enjoyment out of listening to everything Queen and Queen related. I don't expect everyone else to but there you go. I don't for example start looking for say a Metallica forum and start ranting to everyone just how much I think everythng they do is rubbish do I so why call yourself a Queen fan and continously dribble on about how much you miss Freddie. Can you answer a few simple questions please - just how many real Queen + Freddie concerts have you been to? How old were you when Freddie died and could you really explain to the rest of Queen Zone just what makes your opinions so important. I don't like every record that Queen ever released but I don't become so anti real world to constantly upset everyone else. It starts to come over like some kind of negative online conditioning that you expect everyone to eventually change their opinions - hate to tell you this but it's just not going to happen. Hope you have a great day Monday once the album get's it official release I know one Queen fan who is really going to be overjoyed with the prospect. |
| Hitman1965 11.09.2008 16:27 |
ow god just found these 'concert' images - link nearly p**ssed myself laughing - I'll leave it up to you to decide what the big T is shorts for. Big group of T***. |
| Markman38 11.09.2008 16:59 |
Mr. Bed Guy wrote: Ok, I forgot "See What A Fool I've Been" But the blues songs of Queen always only were attemps. I guess you know what I mean....Yeah I know what you mean and to be honest, as I stated before in other threads that is just not my Queen anymore, that song just was a pleasent suprise jsut by the fact that is competely different and Brian showed his skills as a blues guitar player. |
| Markman38 11.09.2008 17:02 |
Hitman1965 wrote: ow god just found these 'concert' images - link nearly p**ssed myself laughing - I'll leave it up to you to decide what the big T is shorts for. Big group of T***.The only Queen song that fits TM in my opion is See what a fool I've been :-) |
| AmeriQueen 11.09.2008 17:24 |
Yeah I can tell this is going to be a terrible dissapointment in thinking of it as Queen. It sounds to me like The Cross meets Back to the Light meets The Firm meets Free, and together they try hard to make 1 out of every 3 to 4 songs sound just like some song another band did another time past, The Traveling Wiblury's, Stevie Ray Vaughn, whomever. Time To Shine, Say it's Not True and some of the tracks I have heard a tiny part of sound like a partial redemption, and it is their first work since a record lay off, but overall I see a Queen mislabel here. What pisses me off is that even if it sucked totally I'd accept the Queen in the title and band name but I can't because there is very little Queen style through most of it, the Red Special is eerily absent from it's usual prominence, the level of ambition has gone straight down to The Cross, and the 2 to 1 Queen over Paul ratio is in reverse in terms of who it is that is controlling these tracks for the most part. The tour will easily make it worthwhile, but Cosmos Rocks is starting to look like Blue Rock or Mad Bad and Dangerous to Know, or the weaker half of Back to The Light. I just can't believe I went from hoping Say It's Not True won't be included to loving the version recorded enough to accept it to now wondering if that's the peak of it. |
| Pim Derks 11.09.2008 17:57 |
Right now I'd give it a B/7+. An hour ago a C+/6.5. It's a real grower. Have to say I hoped for more Brian/Roger backing-vocals. Some tracks sound tóó much like a Paul Rodgers solo track IMO. |
| Kilpat1 11.09.2008 18:49 |
Id say, im a tad disappointed in the album. I thought it would be more rockier. My favorite is Time to shine. That is a great song. |
| Mr. Bed Guy 12.09.2008 00:09 |
@ Hitman1965: THIS is a Queen Forum, not a QueenplusPaulRodgers forum!!!! So it's YOUR turn to start a new forum if you want to praise this "new" band & album!!! Pim, you're right. Brians guitar is ok on the album, but I miss the real great background chorusses, too! I don't mislike the whole album, but it's not the kind of stuff I was hoping for. i-tunes Germany: Celebrity no. 77 (yesterday) Celebrity bo. 83 (this morning) Album has NO bonus tracks at i-tunes |
| scallyuk 12.09.2008 00:17 |
Have to agree with Pim it's a definite grower and I defy ANYONE not to start humming along after the second listen to at least 3 of the tracks. Whoever said Voodoo was weak wasn't listening with my ears. ! |
| Erin 12.09.2008 00:20 |
Hitman1965 wrote: ow god just found these 'concert' images - link nearly p**ssed myself laughing - I'll leave it up to you to decide what the big T is shorts for. Big group of T***.Ooh...nice. They even included GOD in that group of pics! |
| Dan C. 12.09.2008 00:49 |
I don't see Spongebob anywhere, Erin... |
| Knute 12.09.2008 01:37 |
Erin wrote:Well of course they would.Hitman1965 wrote: ow god just found these 'concert' images - link nearly p**ssed myself laughing - I'll leave it up to you to decide what the big T is shorts for. Big group of T***.Ooh...nice. They even included GOD in that group of pics! After all, they are GOD's chosen disciples. |
| Matias Merçeauroix 12.09.2008 02:23 |
Microwave wrote: @ Bad Horsie @ Treasure Moment How many Queen albums do you have? I have them all... every one. And in most cases, more than one pressing. For Example, I have DATR (that's Day At The Races) on US LP, US & UK Cassette, 1st CD (UK), and the Hollywood '91 release on CD. I also have things like Classic Queen (Capitol) and 15 of the Best (K-Tel) and the Starfleet LP. My point is that I've pretty much gravitated to the Queen section since 1980. But when some clown comes on here who was born AFTER Innuendo was released and tells me that Innuendo was their best album ever, how am I supposed to take you seriously? How are you the judge of their "best album ever"? Even a guitarist, like you Horsie, who can obviously play, makes such shallow points. I've been listening to Vai since Zappa. He's great. Flexable is one of my favorite guitar albums of that genre. But I doubt you have the leftovers CD. And I've never heard you reference his half-ass attempt with Whitesnake. So go on, music critics, perhaps you're just putting a resume together for Rolling Stone.Do you really think I only own a few Queen records? I even have the 3 The Cross albums, for fuck's sake xD The B-Sides, demos, unreleased shit. Even LP versions that were only edited here. My God, I even play Starfleet with my band from time to time, just for fun. And I have everything by Vai and, of course, the Leftovers CD. Actually, Bledsoe Bluvd is one of my favourites. I also have his recordings with Whitesnake and I do like Slip of the Tongue. I enjoy collecting that stuff. Just like I own lots of rare songs by Valensia. Stuff like the versions from V where they laugh and can't get the phrases right. The B-sides, the 'Heavy People' cover, 'So tell her I love her', the 2 Aquatica versions, the edited Phantom of the Opera version. But how does having this stuff make me a good judge? You don't need that! You could only listen to A Day At The Races and then The Cosmos Rocks, you don't need to hear what's in between to tell that one is a masterpiece and the other is pure crap. And even if you did listen to all the other stuff, it doesn't change that Cosmos Rocks is an awful shit. To make it worse, it has more mistakes than Queen in all its career. Besides, to just listen to music doesn't make you learn at all. You could listen all of your life and not learn a single thing. Cheers, Hor |
| LadySonnet 12.09.2008 03:33 |
Mr. Bed Guy, A BIG thanks for the review! I have heard several songs for the time being. Yet, I still hesitated if to buy the album DEFFINITELY NOT for what I've heard so far but for purely sentimental reasons like "the two of them were once upon-a-time a part of something big". You just eased my decision - I AIN'T GONNA BUY IT! |
| john bodega 12.09.2008 03:41 |
I was this close to buying it off of that Japanese site but I think I'll wait until it's available in a proper audio format. |
| GreatKingSam 12.09.2008 05:16 |
Sounds to me like everyone who has critcised the album had already made their minds up before they'd even heard it. Too single-minded and insular to accept something new? Why can't people be happy that Bri and Rog (with Paul) are trying to create something new, that is organic, and is different. All the things I've heard people say, like "Paul's singing is out of tune", "Bri's playing is sloppy", "it's crap", "it's not as good as [insert previous Queen album]". First off, stop comparing it to something that it is not - QUEEN - this is something new. And, secondly, why don't you give a real opinion, rather than a playground-esque "your mum" comment. For me, the strongest tracks are Still Burnin, Small, Warboys, Call Me, Voodoo, C-Lebrity, Through The Night and Say It's Not True. For me, Call Me and Say It's Not True are the most patently Queen-sounding tracks on the album. The production of Say Its Not True (and incidentally, Warboys) reminds me of something from Innuendo, and a track like Through The Night harks back to Brian's sound on stuff like In The Wilderness and Why Dont We Try Again. Call Me is probably the most Queen-like song on the album (could have been on ANATO of News Of The World or something...). It's probably the classic Brian solo in it. Voodoo is awesome. Paul's vocals are absolutely fine. I think there is a different between "out of tune", and the inability to accept someone new who isn't our beloved Fred, Bri's playing is fine - the stuff he's laid down on Warboys is sick. The way the song builds, with the simple drum-shuffles, Paul's laid-back vocals, little bits of Bri breaking through the clouds, then it builds and builds, and then all kicks off. Rog's backing vocals remind me of Ride The Wild Wind, or something from Electric Fire. Roger's drums steal the show in my opinion. This is the best he's sounded since the 70s. I f*cking love him. He sounds so big and loud, and to hear that hi-hat open up crisply with each snare hit is a dream. I've had the album on non-stop yesterday, and I keep hearing new tom-rolls, new rim-shots, new crashes... quality. Also, to me, it is obvious, when taking into account some of the production and Rog and Bri's style on certain songs, that it is clearly an evolution from their last works (Back To The Light, Innuendo, Happiness, Made In Heaven, Electric Fire and Another World). This is just the next step. P.S. Guaranteed all those who were bashing Queen's bluesy numbers (See What A Fool, Sleeping On The Sidewalk and Lost Opportunity) loved them before someone made a comparison between them and the new album. Does it not bother you to be negative, when it is so much nicer to be positive!? Overall - I F*CKING LOVE THE ALBUM. |
| Matias Merçeauroix 12.09.2008 06:00 |
I envy your deafness. I can't help but hear that this is a rather dissapointing album. Wish I could be deaf as you, so I could be happy like you. Paul is not out of tune, it's my audio-imagination that can't accept Freddie's death. That sounds very logical, man. You should write a book on psicology. Cheers, Hor |
| GreatKingSam 12.09.2008 06:24 |
Bad Horsie wrote: I envy your deafness. I can't help but hear that this is a rather dissapointing album. Wish I could be deaf as you, so I could be happy like you. Paul is not out of tune, it's my audio-imagination that can't accept Freddie's death. That sounds very logical, man. You should write a book on psicology. Cheers, HorThis is exactly the sort of playground stuff I'm talking about - straight on the defensive, too busy with pointless sarcasm and insults, and without anything actually contrsuctive towards the music. As I said, you may as well have just written "Your mum. Cheers, Hor". Is there anyone left who would like to actually discuss the album as a normal person...? |
| oh-ja 12.09.2008 08:00 |
i like it ... just because it's a queen album ... i've been practising this illogical kind of liking this stuff for some thirty years now ... kids: go home, listen to the music all over again, come back some years later! |
| Daveboy35 12.09.2008 08:35 |
GreatKingSam wrote:I will mate as soon as i get the album and listen to it i will discuss it sensibly and as a normal person.Bad Horsie wrote: I envy your deafness. I can't help but hear that this is a rather dissapointing album. Wish I could be deaf as you, so I could be happy like you. Paul is not out of tune, it's my audio-imagination that can't accept Freddie's death. That sounds very logical, man. You should write a book on psicology. Cheers, HorThis is exactly the sort of playground stuff I'm talking about - straight on the defensive, too busy with pointless sarcasm and insults, and without anything actually contrsuctive towards the music. As I said, you may as well have just written "Your mum. Cheers, Hor". Is there anyone left who would like to actually discuss the album as a normal person...? There's too many people reviewing this album with rose-tinted freddie is queen glasses you need to take them off people they are blinding your perception of NOW and not THEN. |
| oh-ja 12.09.2008 08:51 |
Bad Horsie wrote: psicologyyeah ... |
| Vali 12.09.2008 09:05 |
Paul is not out of tune in any song. His vocals are superb. |
| GreatKingSam 12.09.2008 10:04 |
DAVIDBRENDAM wrote: I will mate as soon as i get the album and listen to it i will discuss it sensibly and as a normal person. There's too many people reviewing this album with rose-tinted freddie is queen glasses you need to take them off people they are blinding your perception of NOW and not THEN.Spurs fan... I guess you'll like the album then, you seem to have good taste! Just listen to it with an open mind, rather than with any preconceived thoughts. |
| Daveboy35 12.09.2008 10:47 |
GreatKingSam wrote:Hey fellow tottenham fan i like it don't worry what i've heard sounds great and i will only say what i hear and not compare to queen as we all now and love.DAVIDBRENDAM wrote: I will mate as soon as i get the album and listen to it i will discuss it sensibly and as a normal person. There's too many people reviewing this album with rose-tinted freddie is queen glasses you need to take them off people they are blinding your perception of NOW and not THEN.Spurs fan... I guess you'll like the album then, you seem to have good taste! Just listen to it with an open mind, rather than with any preconceived thoughts. |
| Hitman1965 12.09.2008 16:43 |
Erin wrote:mmm... let's compare:Hitman1965 wrote: ow god just found these 'concert' images - link nearly p**ssed myself laughing - I'll leave it up to you to decide what the big T is shorts for. Big group of T***.Ooh...nice. They even included GOD in that group of pics! Concert A: link 2+ 'fans' Concert B: link 200000+ real FANS! :-) Who's the rock gods now? |
| MercurialFreddie 12.09.2008 17:20 |
Well, I also must admit that some bits there and there are good enough on the new album but the most important thing is that Brian and Roger are touring again trying to create something new, remembering and introducing new and old fans of Queen, although in not a way that some of us, like me, appreciate and like it. I personally do not like the style in which Paul Rodgers is singing famous Queen songs(My personal taste - I agree that to someone he could seem good enough). In my opinion it may result in tarnishing memories of how Freddie sang(converting it to the country tune slowly is leading to this point). It is hurting me and I think that others are being hurt too. Unfortunately in Poland his star is not as bright as it used to be however for the couple of years it have been blinding us, inspiring and thanks to that our life had more colour than it would be without his voice. IF f.e QPR would put on "The Cosmos Rocks" a few unreleased outstanding tracks with Freddie on main vocals, everybody would after seconds realise who created style for Queen and can sing a song in many different ways(just look at the different genres that appeared on Queen discography). No one today and even a 16 years ago at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert could not sing a song the way in Freddie had sang it. He remains unbeatable till this day and I believe that he will remain forever. I do not wish to rouse hate in somebody. I will try as one of the Queenzone members said: treat Q+PR as a brand new group. And it may seem ironical to some of you but I hope that I will like this album as I would not stand at the mere thought that because of this album I will start to hate Q+PR. |
| theCro 13.09.2008 10:29 |
this is amazing, really i really enjoyed the album and i really love it sooo much... i especially loved these tracks: We Believe Small Time To Shine Call Me Some Things That Glitter Cosmos Rockin' and of course almost every other song... soon i'll post a review... but really nice Queen album! |
| The Real Wizard 14.09.2008 01:46 |
After one listen, my favourite tracks are We Believe and Call Me. The former for its passion, and the latter for its departure from whatever is the norm... which was always a Queen trademark. Who Needs You on News Of The World is Call Me on The Cosmos Rocks. Some Things That Glitter and Surf's Up...School's Out are pretty gorgeous as well. And of course, Say It's Not True and C-lebrity stand out as well. The grand, anthemic sound of Queen will always be alive as long as these guys make music, but it doesn't permeate every track on the album. They tread many paths in this hour of new music, and every one of them is welcome. The founding members of Queen and one of the most respected singers in rock history have surely succeeded in their goal to create something fresh and interesting while respectfully incorporating elements of each of their pasts. Truly well done. |
| Ken8 14.09.2008 02:37 |
Zebonka12 wrote: I was this close to buying it off of that Japanese site but I think I'll wait until it's available in a proper audio format.Or in other words, I have to wait until my dole payment comes through. |
| john bodega 14.09.2008 04:56 |
Ken8 wrote: Or in other words, I have to wait until my dole payment comes through.Now hold up... if I were that morally bereft, who's to say I'd pay for the album at all? |
| Bad Seed 14.09.2008 06:39 |
Got the album yesterday and I think it's OK, certainly not as good as hoped though. To me it sounds like Bri and Rog are writing for Paul Rogers. It's as if they've found this new singer and are desperate to keep him happy. I've always been a fan of Paul but just dont think this Queen thing works. This is also the first time I wished they had not used the Queen name. This may sound stupid but to me the album would be better under May, Taylor & Rogers. I know that I've got to accept this new direction, but at the moment Im still in a bit of shock at how un-Queen this sounds. |
| mike hunt 15.09.2008 02:22 |
Sir GH wrote: After one listen, my favourite tracks are We Believe and Call Me. The former for its passion, and the latter for its departure from whatever is the norm... which was always a Queen trademark. Who Needs You on News Of The World is Call Me on The Cosmos Rocks. Some Things That Glitter and Surf's Up...School's Out are pretty gorgeous as well. And of course, Say It's Not True and C-lebrity stand out as well. The grand, anthemic sound of Queen will always be alive as long as these guys make music, but it doesn't permeate every track on the album. They tread many paths in this hour of new music, and every one of them is welcome. The founding members of Queen and one of the most respected singers in rock history have surely succeeded in their goal to create something fresh and interesting while respectfully incorporating elements of each of their pasts. Truly well done.of course you like the new album, it's got brian may on it (steford fan). the brian may cult continues. I can't give a full opinion on this album, cos I havn't heard the whole thing. I do know that celebrity is one of the worst singles of the year, and still burnin with that stupid we will rock you sample sounds desperate, so far the cosmo rocks makes hot space and the works out to be masterpieces. Why did I spend the extra money ordering this CD from the uk?...I should have waited for the us release or pass on it all together. |
| Ken8 15.09.2008 03:49 |
Zebonka12 wrote:LOL!Ken8 wrote: Or in other words, I have to wait until my dole payment comes through.Now hold up... if I were that morally bereft, who's to say I'd pay for the album at all? Yeah, you can get the new album free anyway........ ....but spend your money on musicians who deserve it. I've spent thousands on Queen over the years. Not anymore by the looks of it. Don't forget, these Paul Rodgers blues vocals are what were beyond Fred, according to Brian May?? What's next? The Cosmos Rocks is the album Freddie dreamed of making Puh-leeese! |
| Ken8 15.09.2008 04:24 |
Bad Seed wrote: To me it sounds like Bri and Rog are writing for Paul Rogers. It's as if they've found this new singer and are desperate to keep him happy.I had to come back to revisit this post. I really believe this is probably the case. I can't understand, and this is what's probably pissing me off as much as the actual poor quality of the album, is why a product called "Queen+Paul Rodgers" sounds less like Queen than a Brian May solo album? There's twice the amount of Queen in this! Looking back at the making of "One Vision" in the studio from my "Magic Years" DVD, I get the feeling that Rodgers has assumed the overseeing role Freddie played, probably because Taylor and May let him. I can't think of why else this sounds more like a Paul Rodgers solo album than a Queen/Rodgers collaboration |
| kingogre 15.09.2008 04:42 |
If you read the latest Mojo there are some interesting things about how Queen used to work in the studio. Something for the "Freddie was Queen"-gang to think about. |
| Ken8 15.09.2008 06:06 |
Let me guess. More P.R. along the lines of "Freddie wished he could sing like Paul Rodgers?" or something similar to make his absence more palatable as his influence on the band wasn't really that great afterall? I think upon hearing the new album, perhaps Freddie knew Brian & Roger's strengths more than they did, or as Queen+Paul Rodgers do..... There is evidence of the band working in the studio, like I said earlier. Most of it demonstrates various examples of "How was that Fred??" |
| kingogre 15.09.2008 06:29 |
Ken8 wrote: Let me guess. More P.R. along the lines of "Freddie wished he could sing like Paul Rodgers?" or something similar to make his absence more palatable as his influence on the band wasn't really that great afterall? I think upon hearing the new album, perhaps Freddie knew Brian & Roger's strengths more than they did, or as Queen+Paul Rodgers do..... There is evidence of the band working in the studio, like I said earlier. Most of it demonstrates various examples of "How was that Fred??"No mostly Brian and Roger. Basically Brian was the workaholic, Freddie was brilliant but with an extremely short attentionspan. They both said that Roy Thomas Baker and Mack had a huge influence on what came out and would often be the quality control. Read it yourself if you want, very nice article. |
| The Real Wizard 17.09.2008 12:28 |
mike hunt wrote: of course you like the new album, it's got brian may on it (steford fan). the brian may cult continues. I can't give a full opinion on this album, cos I havn't heard the whole thing.You haven't heard the album, yet you criticize others for liking it? That's grand. |
| Yara 17.09.2008 12:58 |
Well...so. Let's go. First of all, I didn't expect the album to be ANY good by judging from the reviews - I thought it'd be absolutely rubbish. Because my expectations were quite low, I must say it's a pretty decent album. Musicians often "dry out" and run out of ideas - there are some honorable exceptions, of course, but that's been tendency among popular musicians: reaching a point in their carreer when they can't really do anything extraordinary. They simply dry out - the times change, the way music is conceived and perceived changes, and the musician himself changes. Taking that into consideration, and taking into account that Queen has always been a hard band to define in terms of style - Hot Space, for instance, being one of my favorite albums and Freddie's solo work ranking very high in my preferences too - I think the album has some good, catchy tunes much in the spirit of our age: songs that I'll probably forget or get sick of in a matter of months, for sure, but that's what popular music is about today in the mainstream, and I didn't expect anything different from the guys. I'll be glad to listen to the songs live, Paul is a good singer, the guys are good musicians, and I'm sure I'll have a good time. I just don't know what happened to Roger's drumming, but that's for drummers more apt than me to say. That being said, some songs have been cleverly composed, Paul's singing isn't out of tune - sorry, it's just not and I checked it in the studio and made some pitch and tune analysis - but the lyrics are, well, the lyrics could be better. You may hate Paul, his lyrics and his style, but he doesn't go out of tune. He does go out of tune here and there, but it's such minor flaws that it'd be stupid to hammer on them. And no, I don't compare any singer to Freddie - one could count on his fingers how many times Freddie goes out of tune. Nowadays, one can count on his fingers how many times popular, and respected at that, by the way, singer sing IN TUNE. But people know my opinion about Freddie: he was a genius, a guy who'll be remembered years and years from now as a singer and composer. I don't expect Paul to be Freddie. I want Paul to sound like Paul because Paul is a good singer too. Brian May has played some interesting stuff throughout, and yes, I agree with Horsie that he does go out of tune here and there, Bad Horsie is absolutely correct, but I don't think it spoils the fun of the whole song there. Brian May's playing is top-notch, in my humble opinion. Not very creative, and that's kind of sad, but engaging and entertaining, which is pretty much what I expect from albums nowadays. And no, Brian was not aiming at "total dissonance"; first, because it doesn't exist; second, because it can't be resolved, so Knute's previous comments were, no hard feelings, I have my share of it too, nonsensical. It's useless to bring about Colrane's example because in such albums as Ascension there's no strong tonal center anymore so we can't judge it in the same way we judge these tunes. But Brian's and Paul's flaws are so minor in the album that, come on, it'd be unreasonable ot insist on them. Their performance is top-notch, they're quite good, very good in fact. As for not sounding like Queen, well, what I like most about Queen is exactly what sounds not as much as Queen is supposed to sound. My Melancholy Blues is odd...but it's probably one of my Queen's favorite tunes. I love Hot Space and The Game, so...well, I don't miss the kind of Innuendo extravaganza as so many fans, rightly so, miss - I like the eletronic stuff and the more introvert, intimate songs. And I have always found the mock opera part of Bo Rhap boring, so...not a conventional Queen fan, I must say. I think it's a decent album, really enjoyable, and it didn't disappoint me at all. I'm eager to watch the guys play live. There's humor in the recording, yes, the good-old Queen humor, and it's partially due to Paul's input - his lyrics may sound...well, corny, but a lot of it is intented to sound corny and old-fashioned, and his singing hints at the irony of it all. I'm sure I'll listen to it a lot, get sick of it soon, watch the guys play and have a lot of fun, and, above all, EXPECT FOR THE NEXT ALBUM. Way to go. I'm above all glad that the guys are out there playing and doing new music. That's what counts most for me, I think. Q+PR, or simply Queen as I would prefer to called it since one of the guys died and the other decided to quit the band, and Brian and Roger have all the right to carry on Queen's name and legacy, turned out to be, at least to me, who had low expectations, a quite good combination. |
| maxpower 17.09.2008 13:41 |
Well the biggest compliment I can give it, I bought Metallica's new album (which is excellent) on Friday & since I've got this it hasn't had a look in I don't listen to reviews never have its really good & the like the fact it doesn't pretend to be Queen like & I love the fact I can hear Brian's guitar which I've missed terribly since Cozy died & Another World. To say Paul can't sing is bollocks but I like Free & Bad Company so for me I'm excited about this new chapter & cant wait for October. |
| April 17.09.2008 16:04 |
Don't miss October! |
| Donna13 18.09.2008 11:01 |
Well, I think the songs are catchy, because I've had parts of them stuck in my head each day since first listening to the album. I'm glad I have this album and it has been a lot of fun to listen to it. Right now, I've got Through The Night stuck in my head and that is sort of combined with guitar parts from Surf's Up ... School's Out. I think to sum up my feelings, I would have to say that there are many good moments. But to me some of the songs seem unfinished, like they need more editing or more something done to them (too late now I guess): less verses, more changes to the music, maybe the addition of another melody inside some of the more repetitive songs, or changes to some of the parts that just don't seem to fit well in the song. The best moment for me is when Roger and Brian are singing at the same time on Say It's Not True. If I could only listen to one song it would be this one. I do look forward to their next album. |
| john bodega 18.09.2008 13:58 |
I would happily fork out for a 2nd album if they'd let Brian and Roger sing a bit more. My curiosity for how Paul Rodgers would handle this album has been taken care of, and now I just want more of what I like.... I realise liking Brian May's singing voice is akin to liking mouldy cheese to some of the people here, but listening to "No One But You" the other day, I could only think that he'd done just as skilled and convincing a job as Mr. Rodgers did with the new album. More so, actually... It's great though, I sat myself down to listen to the album and was determined to find just one sound byte wherein Paul sounds remotely like Freddie. Blow me, there was a bit in "Some Things That Glitter" that reminded me a lot of Freddie. It's only one or two words, but it's a very well delivered line that made me chuckle when I heard it. For anyone who's curious as to what the fuck I'm on about, it's the end of the lyric "How can it be she has it all". Specifically, the words "she has". About 1:03 into the song. I dunno. Evoked Freddie for me, but maybe I was just desperate to hear something on the album that would do the trick! The drums on that track also took me back a bit to "Play the Game" or "Save Me", in that Roger always had a clever way of bringing heaviness to piano ballads. |
| Donna13 18.09.2008 15:09 |
We want Brian and Roger! I did listen to that section of the song and you are right. (I'm trying to decide if this should make me cry or giggle because I can do both - from your comment, I mean.) I can also hear more Roger's style of singing in Paul's voice for part of Surf's Up ... School's Out, so he did get influenced by them on a few little parts. But it would be great if we could hear Brian sing his own songs when they are the softer ones. And hear more from Roger. It would put more Queen in Queen + Paul Rodgers. (I think of them sort of like ingredients in baking. *Gives it a taste.* Needs more Queen.) |
| We Are The Champions 18.09.2008 15:40 |
Mr. Bed Guy wrote: Hi everyone! I got the new album today (ok, some of you might think the f.....g earlier release in Germany...)! A very kind woman at the shop helped me and opened 7 boxes for me to find the album... First of all: I'm a Queen fan for 23 years, since i was 15! I spent my last money to get to the tribute concert at London. I don' hate Paul Rodgers! The Queen + Paul Rodgers thing is ok for me. After I've heard the album three times now I can say: - There's very less "Queen" in it - without Brians guitar nobody in the world would think it's Queen-related - It'a blues/rock - rock/blues - rock - blues -folk album - nearly no catchy hooklines except "Cosmos Rockin'"(which is a very simple rock'n roll song) - C-lebrity is not a masterpiece but one of the best songs on the album. That says it all. - no theater, no pop, no classical moments When I listen to it there is no "Queen" feeling. It's like listening to an average rock album. Not bad at all, but no heartbeat. It's kind of something new. Perhaps exactly what the guys wanted.... "We Believe" should become a nice ballad. It would have been a perfect song for Mike& The Mechanics. I don't want to rate every single song here. But have very mixed feelings 'bout this album. Too many fillers, too less classical moments. Are there any other guys who have heard the album yet? What do you think?I must say that your comments on this CD are about right. Not instantly recognisable as a Queen CD at all - no classic moments as you say. It's a Bad Company album with inputs from Roger and Brian. You can recognise Brian's guitar all right and there are some very small comparisons to earlier Queen tracks - It's Late springs to mind on Still Burnin and Headlong on Surf's Up Schools' out - very The Cross influenced. Queen's albums of the eighties have always contained fillers and Queen have never really been a blues band - Sleeping On The Sidewalk excepted. Agree with We Believe and C-Lebrity. An average rock album - something new probably as Brian & Roger wanted. I feel sorry for the younger fans all over these boards who never had the pleasure of seeing Queen live prior to 1986. They missed a real treat!!! |