| inu-liger 26.01.2011 06:05 |
QUEEN: FIRST FIVE ALBUMS RE-ISSUED ON ISLAND RECORDS – MARCH 14th 2011 “We aimed for the top slot and we were not going to be satisfied with anything less.” Freddie Mercury March 2011 sees the re-release of Queens first five albums - one of the most exciting and influential back catalogues of all time. Recorded in the maelstrom of the early 1970’s London music scene Queen created a groundbreaking and unique soundtrack that remains globally influential today. Theatrical, imaginative, diverse, melodic and unpredictable they had a sound and a look all of their own. Sitting alongside their contemporaries like Led Zep and David Bowie, Queen set the standard for British rock in the 1970’s and became one of the most thrilling, glamorous and downright rock n roll bands of all time, directly influencing a contemporary roll call of artists from Foo Fighters & Axl Rose to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. “Queen”, “Queen II”, “Sheer Heart Attack”, “A Night At The Opera” and “A Day At The Races” have been specially re-mastered and each will be released as a standard CD as well as a deluxe 2 disc set which will feature new bonus content. Each deluxe album will be released on iTunes featuring bonus tracks plus additional sleeve notes, unseen pictures and videos. The albums also set the scene for their bands forthcoming Stormtroopers In Stilettos Global exhibition that launches in London on 25th February. From the pure raw rock of “Queen” through to the majestic anthems on “A Day At The Races”, the first five albums highlight the diverse talent, musical ambition and already global success of a band made up of some of the best songwriters, musicians and performers of all time. ‘Queen’, recently nominated by Dave Grohl as his favourite album of all time, was recorded in the same studio that David Bowie was recording Ziggy Stardust. Because they didn’t have any money, the album was recorded on Bowies downtime, so Queen were literally recording at 3AM after Bowie had gone to bed. ‘Queen’ is their heaviest album, influenced by The Who, Hendrix and Led Zep and contains some of their hardest rocking songs, and also some of their most imaginative. Like all subsequent Queen albums, no two songs sound the same and there are mixtures of light and shade, the band teasing one minute with a lullaby, then blowing your head off. ‘Queen II’ is the real beginning of Queen as we know it. It’s the first time we hear the multi layered overdubs, the harmonies, the varied musical styles (ballads, folk, blues, thrash metal, pop and rock, it’s all there). It also includes their first hit single ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’, which led to the first of many iconic performances on Top of the Pops. The band recorded ‘Queen II’ in just over a month in 1973 ahead of its release in 1974. The album cover was shot by legendary photographer Mick Rock and inspired by a Marlene Dietrich portrait. The image was later brought to life in the revolutionary Bohemian Rhapsody video. ‘Sheer Heart Attack’, Roger Taylor’s favourite Queen album, was released in 1974 and reached Number 2 in the UK. Prior to this Queen were mostly considered a heavy rock band, but this album experimented with a variety of musical genres, including music hall, heavy metal, ballads and ragtime. At this point Queen started to move away from the progressive tendencies of their first two releases into a more radio-friendly, song-orientated style, illustrated by ‘Killer Queen’, which was their biggest hit at that point reaching No 2 in the UK. It also went to No 12 in the US Billboard Charts, the first of many hits there. A song about a high-class call girl, it contains the guitar solo that Brian May is most proud of and won Freddie his first Ivor Novello Award. ‘A Night at The Opera’, named after the Marx Bros film, is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest albums of all time. Exceptional on every level, musically, lyrically and artistically, Queen took the strongest elements of their previous two albums to make the ultimate winning combination. The most expensive album ever recorded at that time, it delivered rock, opera, heavy metal, romance, ballads, pop, sci-fi folk, music hall, ‘trad jazz’ and even the National Anthem. The album contains perhaps the most famous rock song of all time, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which went on to spend fourteen weeks and number one, be voted Song of the Millennium, become the only song in history to reach Xmas No 1 twice and sell a million copies on two separate occasions. Queen also recorded the first official pop promo for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ as they were on tour and could not appear on Top of The Pops and this video paved the way for MTV and VH1. By 1976, Queen were back in the studio recording ‘A Day At The Races’, which was written and recorded by Queen at their happiest, riding on the crest of a wave and loving every second. The album is an infectiously jubilant piece of music full of love, optimism and good old fashioned rock and roll. Like ‘A Night at the Opera’ it again borrowed the name of a Marx Bros movie, and its cover was similar to that of ‘A Night at the Opera’, a variation on the same Queen Crest. It reached number one on the British charts and features the classics ‘Tie Your Mother Down’, Freddie Mercury’s personal favourite composition ‘Somebody To Love’ and ‘Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy’ FULL TRACKLISTINGS FOR EACH ALBUM: Queen 1. Keep Yourself Alive 2. Doing All Right 3. Great King Rat 4. My Fairy King 5. Liar 6. The Night Comes Down 7. Modern Times Rock 'n' Roll 8. Son And Daughter 9. Jesus 10. Seven Seas Of Rhye Bonus Tracks 1. Keep Yourself Alive (De Lane Lea Demo, December 1971) 2. The Night Comes Down (De Lane Lea Demo, December 1971) 3. Great King Rat (De Lane Lea Demo, December 1971) 4. Jesus (De Lane Lea Demo, December 1971) 5. Liar (De Lane Lea Demo, December 1971) 6. Mad The Swine (June 1972) Queen 2 1. Procession 2. Father To Son 3. White Queen (As It Began) 4. Some Day One Day 5. The Loser In The End 6. Ogre Battle 7. The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke 8. Nevermore 9. The March Of The Black Queen 10. Funny How Love Is 11. Seven Seas Of Rhye Bonus Tracks 1. See What A Fool I’ve Been (BBC Session, July 1973 - 2011 remix) 2. White Queen (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, December 1975) 3. Seven Seas of Rhye (Instrumental Mix 2011) 4. Nevermore (BBC Session, April 1974) 5. See What A Fool I’ve Been (B-side version, February 1974) Sheer Heart Attack 1. Brighton Rock 2. Killer Queen 3. Tenement Funster 4. Flick Of The Wrist 5. Lily Of The Valley 6. Now I'm Here 7. In The Lap Of The Gods 8. Stone Cold Crazy 9. Dear Friends 10. Misfire 11. Bring Back That Leroy Brown 12. She Makes Me (Stormtrooper In Stilettos) 13. In The Lap Of The Gods . . . Revisited Bonus Tracks 1. Now I’m Here (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, December 1975) 2. Flick of the Wrist (BBC Session, October 1974) 3. Tenement Funster (BBC Session, October 1974) 4. Bring Back That Leroy Brown (A cappella Mix 2011) 5. In The Lap of the Gods..Revisited (Live at Wembley Stadium, July 86) (con't) |
| inu-liger 26.01.2011 06:06 |
(cont'd) A Night At The Opera 1. Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To...) 2. Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon 3. I'm In Love With My Car 4. You're My Best Friend 5. '39 6. Sweet Lady 7. Seaside Rendezvous 8. The Prophet's Song 9. Love Of My Life 10. Good Company 11. Bohemian Rhapsody 12. God Save The Queen Bonus Tracks 1. Keep Yourself Alive (Long-Lost Retake, June 1975) 2. Bohemian Rhapsody (Operatic Section A cappella Mix 2011) 3. You’re My Best Friend (Backing Track Mix 2011) 4. I’m In Love With My car (Guitar & Vocal Mix 2011) 5. ’39 (Live at Earl’s Court, June 1977) 6. Love Of My Life (South American Live Single, June 1979) A Day At The Races 1. Tie Your Mother Down 2. You Take My Breath Away 3. Long Away 4. The Millionaire Waltz 5. You And I 6. Somebody To Love 7. White Man 8. Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy 9. Drowse 10. Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) Bonus Tracks 1. Tie Your Mother Down (Backing Track Mix 2011) 2. Somebody To Love (Live at Milton Keynes, June 1982) 3. You Take My Breath Away (Live in Hyde Park, September 1976) 4. Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy (Top of the Pops, July 1977)(Mono) 5. Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) (HD Mix) |
| brians wig 26.01.2011 06:12 |
Let me just say there's some nice surprises and some blatant "tasters" of what is yet to come and I'm SO disappointed they've included the "live" tracks of which I have NO interest. All in all, there's a lot of wasted of space and an even BIGGER wasted opportunity. But, having been a fan for 25 years and experienced QPL many times before, I can't say I'm surprised :( Time to get rid of Jim Beach... |
| pittrek 26.01.2011 06:23 |
Excellent. 1 = ONE interesting track. ONE INTERESTING TRACK What polite can I say ? |
| tcc 26.01.2011 06:30 |
I just don't understand why they cannot see that live tracks of concerts that are already officially available cannot be considered a bonus or incentive. It is a repeat of the bonus videos situation when they promoted the Absolute Greatest Hits - 20 exclusive videos were touted but in the end only 13 were actually exclusive. |
| pittrek 26.01.2011 06:36 |
OK just a question, the tracklist is valid for the 1CD releases or for the 2 CD releases ? I simply can't believe that they would release a CD with 5 songs |
| Bad Seed 26.01.2011 06:40 |
Oh well. Wonder what the 'unseen videos' are going to be? Probably unseen to the non queen fan! Only really interested in YTMBA and 39 just to see if they have the multi-tracks in the vaults. |
| cmi 26.01.2011 06:42 |
I think the most constructive bonus track list is for the first album release. Finally we have complete De Lane Lea recording. It's interesting that 'Queen' and 'ANATO' has 6(!) bonus tracks. I don't understand the logic to place KYA long lost retake as bonus tracks on ANATO, even if it was recorded in 1975. Possibly ITLOTGR from Wembley is the first night recording. Strange, that there's no any info about audio commentary on bonus CDs in press release. |
| pma 26.01.2011 07:16 |
Ah, the long awaited confirmation that the bonus tracks are shit and shit, with a pinch of additional barrel-scrape shit. 2011 mixes? How exciting! Of course I want to hear special made new acapella mixes, or guitar + vocal mixes, which could have been put together by any fan at home using multi-track sources. I suppose that is the next step, to include fan-mixes as special bonuses. Why not cover versions? Oh, I better not give QP any new ideas. Oh, but wouldn't I want to hear the new remastered sound quality? Of course, as anyone with ears can hear from the Greatest Hits remasters, these discs will be nothing but LOUD. LOUD I tell you, LOUD. Hopefully they left some room for compression, so they can re-release the catalogue in an even worse sound quality. These are not remasters, these are re-hashes. There is a difference. |
| brians wig 26.01.2011 07:19 |
pittrek wrote: OK just a question, the tracklist is valid for the 1CD releases or for the 2 CD releases ? I simply can't believe that they would release a CD with 5 songs ----------------------------------------------------- You are forgetting the audio commentaries Peter! Personally, I'd have been more impressed if disc two had been instrumental versions, although I must say that the bonus track disc on "Queen" is the best of the set. I know we have this material, but I can only hope that the songs are presented here in better quality than ever before. The live tracks are just "cheap" fillers and the BBC Sessions must just be tasters for a full BBC Session release later on. Such a wasted opportunity. The BEST laugh on the set if the Hi Def mix of Teo Torriatte or, to put it another way, "Here's what the albums COULD have sounded like folks if we could have been arsed to re-do them properly!" Once again, these are for the casual listener rather than the fans and once again it's Queenzone fans who have provided the most interesting archive material so far this year! The final stab to the heart will undoubtedly the price. If the RRP of GH1 & 2 is £15.99, what will they be asking for these???? |
| Benn Kempster 26.01.2011 07:20 |
OK - so are these tracklistings for the single or 2 CD Deluxe editions? If for the single then we still may be in for a treat, but if this is what the Deluxe Editions are supposed to be - look at the running time of the bonus tracks - nothing more than about 30 minutes each set added to no more than 45 minutes for the original albums. I'm not surprised though - are you? |
| Arquest 26.01.2011 07:25 |
This is tracklist for 2 Disc version. Apart from the 5 or 6 bonus tracks there will be an audio commentary about each song. |
| Soundfreak 26.01.2011 08:03 |
Brians Wig wrote: The BEST laugh on the set if the Hi Def mix of Teo Torriatte or, to put it another way, "Here's what the albums COULD have sounded like folks if we could have been arsed to re-do them properly!" <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Can I sign this? It's obvious what is going on. Universal is just replacing the EMI albums first. And then they still have the options to really remix them at a later point in time.... The Beatles did the same. Although brilliant stereo and even surround remixes can be heard on the DVD Anthology they sold us the same old mixes again on cd. And when they and also Queen will start re-doing their albums properly, my hearing will already be so bad, that I won't hear any differences anymore...... I can only repeat myself to death...Music-business is about making money.....and therefore the strategy is never give the people what they want, always give them less.... |
| Joey2504 26.01.2011 08:19 |
Comments of Roger & Brian? Yes with pleasure on DVD! However, please no repetitions! And on CD for me not interesting. I would want only new good music and not the same old shit. With pleasure also more Audio-DVD!! And where is the collector box with nice extras for a fair price for the loyal Queenfans??? Fans 2011 with old japanese cars of 1992 by the area driving because they have put her whole money in her beloved queen collection! sorry for my bad english :-(( |
| Benn Kempster 26.01.2011 08:27 |
>This is tracklist for 2 Disc version. Apart from the 5 or 6 bonus tracks there will be an audio commentary about each song. Ooh.....can't wait......... Complete commentary for KYA: Brian - When was this released Roger - my memory is terrible. Roger - 1975 I think Brian - Our first single Is anyone EVER interested in hearing Brian and Roger say things that you already know if you've read enough about the band's history? Shambles. I'll never part with another penny for ANY Queen release again. That's it - they can absolutely fuck right off. |
| YourValentine 26.01.2011 08:28 |
At least they should leave poor dead Freddie out of it with this "aiming for the top slot" quote. He really cannot be held accountable for this unique definition of the word "deluxe". I would have liked to have a pressed CD with the De Lane Lea demos but not if I am forced to rebuy a diigital remix of what I have in various versions. I saw the ugly packages of the GH 2011 remixes and the price tags on them - no thanks |
| Goodoldfashionedloverboy 26.01.2011 08:40 |
would be better at a pace 5 concerts produced from those that have never seen before |
| jamster1111 26.01.2011 08:42 |
Why somebody to love from the bowl? Why not Hammersmith's or Montreal's? |
| Goodoldfashionedloverboy 26.01.2011 08:47 |
And where silver salmon, hangman don't understand |
| Rick 26.01.2011 08:48 |
They should have used the "Why kill the goose that lays the golden egg?" quote from Freddie. That would have been to the point. |
| Pim Derks 26.01.2011 09:59 |
I wish they'd put the De Lane Lea demo-tape in a cardboard sleeve, with a picture of the original tapes on the front/back, with the original acetate as the label of the disc itself. But it'll probably be a cheap purple disc with the Queen logo on it. Fuckers. |
| Pim Derks 26.01.2011 10:01 |
BTW, do I read it correctly that iTunes will have different/extra bonustracks? Who wants to bet they'll throw the now removed Wembley/Live Killers tracks onto iTunes? |
| A Word In Your Ear 26.01.2011 10:22 |
well, thought it would have been beter pickings on offer. Got me thinking about the BBC Sessions, can anyone remember a few months back on here when John S Stuart & Greg B got into a bit of a slanging match about the BBc Sessions, John said he had copies from the masters (I Think) & Greg got all defensive, saying you don't know what quality the queen archive versions are. Well it makes me wonder if these are just going to be the versions that are from John's collection that were shared on here. (it came across to me, as a bit of sour grapes on gregs part, & we all know what happened with the Freddie box set 1969 - Liverpool recording) So we'll have to wait & See. |
| Makka 26.01.2011 10:29 |
Very disappointed. It was a chance for them to really try and give their die hard fans what they wanted, and they've failed miserably. There's maybe 2 tracks tops there that have my interest. The rest is just shit. Seriously, Lap Of The Gods from Wembley '86?? Give me a fucken break! Not getting my money again until the real stuff is released! |
| Goodoldfashionedloverboy 26.01.2011 10:33 |
Five studio albums 27 bomus tracks Brian May said that will be 100 song remain 73 songs |
| shamar 26.01.2011 11:06 |
Where da F... are : * Silver Salmon * Hangman * Polar Bear ?? Thanks. I won't never buy any other album from Queen. If they piss on old fans... |
| Adam Baboolal 26.01.2011 12:14 |
What is wrong with people on this forum? Why do you all get so angry? It's not some amazing release, it's the original albums re-released with a few minor extra bits tagged on. So what?! I think the best way to go is not to think about all the things you could have, instead, think of all the amazing stuff you get for free, here, at the Queenzone site. God only knows how many amazing downloads I've had from this site. Don't spend your life being miserable about Queen releases and such. Honestly, you all sound like you want to hurt someone the way these releases go. Reading all these comments is just sad. Such bitterness. |
| David Jones 26.01.2011 12:31 |
Adam Baboolal wrote: What is wrong with people on this forum? Why do you all get so angry? It's not some amazing release, it's the original albums re-released with a few minor extra bits tagged on. So what?! I think the best way to go is not to think about all the things you could have, instead, think of all the amazing stuff you get for free, here, at the Queenzone site. God only knows how many amazing downloads I've had from this site. Don't spend your life being miserable about Queen releases and such. Honestly, you all sound like you want to hurt someone the way these releases go. Reading all these comments is just sad. Such bitterness. Fair point, but isn't time for the record companies and artist management to put as much love into their re-releases as fans do with whatever bootleg stuff we get here? I'm sure a lot more people, myself included, would actually go out and buy these releases and the industry would then have a valid argument that there's a decline in record sales cause of illegal downloading. At the moment, there's just no incentive to part with my hard earned cash to buy again what I already have with a bit tagged on. And the longer this sort of behaviour goes on (and lets face it, with Queen its been happening a good while now) the less respect fans have for QPL/whatever record label. |
| musicboy1960 26.01.2011 12:38 |
Someone needs to start sending out e-mails or comments to Brian at his site and ask what happened to his mentality a few years ago when he made a statement about how surprised he was about how well THE BEATLES Anthology series had sold and that "maybe the fans really DO want to hear all that stuff" (referring to the alternate versions, demos, ect. with mistakes and all. It shows their "human" side. WHAT HAPPENED to QUEEN - THE BOOTLEG SERIES that Greg Brooks has been working on for MORE THAN 10 YEARS????? - 10 Years folks??? COME ON - who is putting the brakes or letting this stuff out???? SOmething tells me it's mainly BRIAN MAY. He needs to wake up and realize that the millions of true, money spending fans are the ones who want and will pay for CDs, boxes, ect. of NEVER BEFORE RELEASED MATERIAL - that is what is going to sell more than anything. They are already making millions of the stuff that has already been out for years. AND all of those VHS tapes that were released years ago and never came out of DVD.....i.e. THE MAGIC YEARS, VOLUMES 1, 2 & 3 + a Blu-Ray version with additional footage that had to be chopped by the DoRo Brothers due to lack of space for the original releases???? + LIVE IN BUDAPEST + LIVE IN RIO (how about adding back in the other hour that was chopped out on the original release). THE HOUSTON SUMMIT show / HAMMERSMITH ODEON X-mas '75 / LIVE AT THE RAINBOW + a Blu-Ray version w/ outakes and/or other footage that we all know was chopped out. WE HAVE BEEN SHORT-CHANGED ENOUGH - DON'T YOU ALL THINK?????? WHAT IS IS GONNA TAKE TO GET THIS STUFF OUT???? - If it came out on VHS, it sure as hell can come out on DVD + Blu-Ray. WAKE UP JIM BEACH, WAKE UP BRIAN & ROGER, WAKE UP Record Company dumb asses!!!!!!!!!!!!! No one, I mean NO ONE wants anymore of these barrage of rehashing of the same old stuff. There is a wonderful and beautiful thing called CREATIVITY and Queen fans are full of it. Most of us here could assist, oversea and create ULTIMATE QUEEN CD / DVD packages better than the actual record companies themselves - what does that tell you??? That they are completely disconnected with the reality of what the QUEEN Consumer REALLY WANTS and WILL PAY FOR! Comments, ideas, dear friends???????? |
| rubens 26.01.2011 12:41 |
Well I'm happy that they decide to finally give a official release to De Lane Lea tape. But why can't they give us the 70's shows as bonus? Could be cd or dvd formats, I would buy all deluxe releases to have them. Personaly I'm far more into the live records and would be so simple to give us this shows as bonus, because you know, a bonus don't need to have the same quality as it would need for a stand alone release. So here I was full of hopes waiting for a complete Rainbow release...well another disappointment : ( |
| musicboy1960 26.01.2011 12:41 |
Superb, brilliant and incredible idea!!!! That is one of the best ideas for a unique release from our QUEEN boys! You are to be commended! |
| silver_salmon 26.01.2011 12:55 |
WHY KEEP YOURSELF ALIVE AS BONUS TRACK OF ANATO?? Ok, it was mixed in 1975.....but....nothing to do. Perhaps Innuendo would include all the Hollywod remix from 20 aniversary. |
| Rick 26.01.2011 13:34 |
Adam Baboolal wrote: What is wrong with people on this forum? Why do you all get so angry? It's not some amazing release, it's the original albums re-released with a few minor extra bits tagged on. So what?! I think the best way to go is not to think about all the things you could have, instead, think of all the amazing stuff you get for free, here, at the Queenzone site. God only knows how many amazing downloads I've had from this site. Don't spend your life being miserable about Queen releases and such. Honestly, you all sound like you want to hurt someone the way these releases go. Reading all these comments is just sad. Such bitterness. Us Queenfans have been let down too many times now. Our complaining won't be heard and won't be taken into account, but it does give a sense of relief. |
| Wilki Amieva 26.01.2011 14:08 |
I couldn't agree more with Adam. These are NOT to be regarded as the 'definitive' issues of all the albums. Island Records could have just announced the same old CD albums. Instead, Queen have gone into the trouble of remastering them all from the best source tapes that exist, using the best technology available, and by none other than mastering star Bob Ludwig. They are improving the cover art with redesigned booklets containing new photos, pictures of sleeves and memorabilia from around the world, and expanded liner notes. As a bonus, and for a small price difference, you get another CD with commentaries on every original song, 5/6 extra tracks and probably some kind of exclusive access to online material - everything packed on a very nice double digipak. Of course, as there were just too many tracks that could have featured as extras, a compromise has been made. The selections offer a bit of everything: demos, studio outtakes, BBC sessions, b-sides, live material and new mixes from the original multitracks - offering an unique insight to some of the most underrated songs in the band's entire catalogue. Besides, almost all of the bonus tracks have never been released officially! There is novelty for casual fans - and, for the die-hard fans, hints of what to be expected on the forthcoming archive releases from Queen on Island Records. Personally, I am not fond of the inclusion of some live tracks (namely those from Europe '79, Milton Keynes '82 and Wembley '86), but I completely understand why they are there - they are significative. I would bet that the new releases will bring a lot of people into Queen. Let's celebrate that, instead of being sad, bitter and/or angry... |
| Groucho Marx 26.01.2011 14:10 |
I've got to admit that all the free downloads and bootlegs have probably ruined my expectations, but that's something the labels have to expect from now on. If they want us to buy, they need to know what we want. Somebody said this looks like a taster of what's to come. I wondered the same, but I think it would make more sense to make the truly rare, collectible stuff available first and then sell this slop to the beginner fans. Maybe we should stop complaining on this forum and complain in writing directly to those responsible! Seriously. Anybody have an address for me? |
| Wilki Amieva 26.01.2011 14:14 |
Someone asked if the BBC Session version of See What A Fool I've Been will be the same to what has been shared here. The answer is NO! Queen has the multitrack master from that track and the bonus version will be a new, previously unheard 2011 mix from that session. About the long-lost re-take of Keep Yourself Alive: It is included on A NIGHT AT THE OPERA because it was RECORDED in 1975. |
| BernieD 26.01.2011 14:35 |
The content of the bonus discs is very disappointing, indeed. :-(( The tracks itself are fine, but I simply expected more and other ones. And there's no technical need for 15 minutes bonus to add a 2nd CD. Some days ago (when the proposed track list was accessible on a Japanese site) I mailed to Brian's soapbox (brians.soapbox@clara.co.uk) and complained ... well, I was surprised to get an answer (rather unfriendly). Here are some of his original answers: "Well, I think you should wait until you hear these things before you make such harsh judgements. There is a lot of thought and very fine work in these re-issues. Our chaps haven't slept for weeks ... " "And, just so we are clear ... you are under no obligation to buy what we put out. " Well, what can we do ? Mail to Brian, QP, the Fan Club, Island Records, ... and tell them what we think about those re-releases. Maybe there is a small chance for the upcoming albums that they will ask the fans what we would like to have as bonus tracks ?? Bernie |
| cmsdrums 26.01.2011 14:56 |
BernieD wrote: Maybe there is a small chance for the upcoming albums that they will ask the fans what we would like to have as bonus tracks ?? Bernie ------------------------------------------------ Whilst Brian is technically correct when saying we don't have to buy it (although where would they be if we never had?!), that's a very good point. One of my main annoyances is that for years QOL has had a section actively asking for fans' suggestions for future releases etc.. , but judging by what we get, it is clear that any responses they get are absolutely ignored and this is just a publicity thing to make it look as if the fans are listened too. Fine if they aren't interested, but don't goad us by pretending they are! Yes - there are some nice things on these reissues, but when compared to comporable releases from their peers (Springsteen, Rolling Stones, virtually every other band), these are sorely lacking in both quantity and quality of content. To call them 'deluxe' editions is going a bit far compared to other CDs labelled with the same name - I've seen other bands release albums with a second CD of 5 excellent bonus or rare tracks, and that has simply been called an EP!! |
| Wilki Amieva 26.01.2011 14:58 |
Perhaps some of you had UNREALISTIC expectations... Now about the WHY of a second CD: Of course a 2xCD is perceived by the public as more value, but there are reasons aside marketing considerations to choose a bonus disc over extra tracks on the same CD: - Audio commentaries: they will comprise every original song, so they will take time. - Integrity: as the bonus tracks seem to be like a "selection" of rare/unreleased material from different sources, then perhaps some purists would think than the album should be left alone. - Format continuity: the later albums would have to be 2xCD anyway, to allow room for bonus tracks. - Aesthetics, etc. |
| Mack2008 26.01.2011 15:02 |
I can't wait for Christmas and we'll get "The absolute greatest hits 5" or " Now thats what I call Royal hits" I love Queen - have done for 30 years but they have NO idea how to put out a package for their fans. |
| Rick 26.01.2011 15:23 |
Wilki Amieva wrote: Perhaps some of you had UNREALISTIC expectations... Now about the WHY of a second CD: Of course a 2xCD is perceived by the public as more value, but there are reasons aside marketing considerations to choose a bonus disc over extra tracks on the same CD: - Audio commentaries: they will comprise every original song, so they will take time. - Integrity: as the bonus tracks seem to be like a "selection" of rare/unreleased material from different sources, then perhaps some purists would think than the album should be left alone. - Format continuity: the later albums would have to be 2xCD anyway, to allow room for bonus tracks. - Aesthetics, etc. Expectations have been mile high since the year dot. You know why? Because they have disappointed us over and over again. Admit it: the last proper release has been the Milton Keynes concert, which is already a astonishing seven years ago. Every time they announce a new release, our hopes increase that it will be something interesting. Queen is still interesting now and thus they should come with something interesting as we speak. I do think Brian has a large influence on what is released and what not. He is known to be a perfectionist, which means we won't have to wait for any demos the coming twenty, maybe thirty years. I don't think he wants us to hear them making mistakes in the studio. Unfortunately. Every big or important band has released one boxset at least. But Queen? No. Instead, our collections include umpteen GH releases. When does this stop? When does QP realise the fans are waiting for unseen/unheard material? Why keep feeding the general public? It has to stop! I find it simply unbelievable that there are still people who defend QP's policy. |
| The Nosuch Disco 26.01.2011 15:42 |
I am disappointed that A Day at the Races doesn't have the version of Somebody to Love featured on the Confused.com advert! |
| aber 26.01.2011 15:50 |
Polar Bear where are you? |
| shamar 26.01.2011 16:00 |
Wilki Amieva wrote: Of course, as there were just too many tracks that could have featured as extras, a compromise has been made. The selections offer a bit of everything: demos, studio outtakes, BBC sessions, b-sides, live material and new mixes from the original multitracks - Yeah. Better than , for example, "Hangman" & "R'R medley" are Bri and Rog commentaries on every track... It's funny. They wasted another chance to give fans great Deluxe ediitions. |
| Pim Derks 26.01.2011 16:14 |
I've said it before - these bonustracks are great as bonustracks on a single CD re-issue. Not tacked onto a 2nd disc of what are supposed to be THE ultimate editions of these albums. These albums DESERVE better. |
| Groucho Marx 26.01.2011 16:15 |
Even if the remasters are great, there's no reason for the live tracks we already have to be listed as bonus content. And concerning the commentary...The press release states that what is listed is the Full Tracklisting. If they really do end up doing a commentary, it will probably be on a pre-order fan version like Absolute Greatest. Haha! Also, they just switched labels. Island is probably just excited about getting their own versions out. It's only been a matter of months since it was announced. My last thread of hope is riding on the possibility that the goodies will come after the reissues. |
| Holly2003 26.01.2011 16:20 |
Brian: "And, just so we are clear ... you are under no obligation to buy what we put out." Holly2003: Just so we're clear Brian, I won't be buying them. There's lots of things I can spend my cash on and until Queen Productions decide to release something worthwhile, you won't see another penny out of me. Just so we're clear ... |
| MrFunster 26.01.2011 16:49 |
The bonus tracks from A day at the races & A night at he opera are not reported correctly. This is the right one. A Night At The Opera 1. Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To...) 2. Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon 3. I'm In Love With My Car 4. You're My Best Friend 5. '39 6. Sweet Lady 7. Seaside Rendezvous 8. The Prophet's Song 9. Love Of My Life 10. Good Company 11. Bohemian Rhapsody 12. God Save The Queen Bonus Tracks 1. Death on two legs (Vocals & Piano Mix 2011) 2. Bohemian Rhapsody (Operatic Section A cappella Mix 2011) 3. You’re My Best Friend (Backing Track Mix 2011) 4. I’m In Love With My car (Guitar & Vocal Mix 2011) 5. ’39 (Live at Earl’s Court, June 1977) 6. Seaside rendez-vous (A Capella Mix 2011) A Day At The Races 1. Tie Your Mother Down 2. You Take My Breath Away 3. Long Away 4. The Millionaire Waltz 5. You And I 6. Somebody To Love 7. White Man 8. Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy 9. Drowse 10. Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) Bonus Tracks 1. Millionaire Waltz (Vocals & Piano Mix 2011) 2. Somebody To Love (Vocals & Piano Mix 2011) 3. You Take My Breath Away (Live in Hyde Park, September 1976) 4. Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy (Top of the Pops, July 1977)(Mono) 5. Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) (Accoustic Version) |
| GinjaNinja 26.01.2011 16:54 |
Err yeah, any reliable source for that info Frisian? |
| Ramffiss 26.01.2011 17:02 |
Hola como siempre Brian May y Roger desepcionando a los fanaticos, sinceramente a ellos no le importa la memoria de Freddie sino el dinero que este les produce, yo pensaba que era EMI la que les hacia sacar malos proyectos pero no era EMI eran ellos Hi as Brian May and Roger always disappointing to the fans, they do not sincerely care about the memory of Freddie, but the money that they produce, I thought it was EMI that made them take bad projects but was not EMI were they sorry for my translate but I'm very angry |
| Daniel Nester 26.01.2011 18:33 |
I had high hopes for a second, even third CD chockful of bonus tracks, outtakes, BBC things, the 91 remixes even. I'm actually really sad about this, because I thought, finally, we're going to get those nerdy and encyclopedic reissues fans of other bands get. Usually, I'm a total Queen Productions apologist, I'll admit. But this is disappointing news. A Lost Opportunity indeed. |
| dowens 26.01.2011 18:51 |
I'm not too upset about it. Sure, I'd love more (similar to the Deluxe Editions I have found on iTunes from Keane, especially "Hopes and Fears"...now THAT was done right!) but I'm happy. I am looking forward to getting some remastered CDs, plus some new stuff. I am SURE Queen will eventually release a bunch of rarities stuff. No doubt. |
| fran1979 26.01.2011 19:28 |
Quoting Freddie: " It's only a bloody record, people gets so excited about these things" |
| Goodoldfashionedloverboy 27.01.2011 00:54 |
how can I write letter to Brian May? Thank you all |
| Benn Kempster 27.01.2011 01:26 |
>>Brian: "And, just so we are clear ... you are under no obligation to buy what we put out." Gee.....thanks for that Brian. So in your esteemed opinion, how do you propose that, with such a shitty release programme to kick-start your new contract with Island and the current state of the music industry with HMV announcing the closure of 75 stores int he UK, people are incentivised to purchase your music? Do you really believe all that bullshit about "the music speaking for itself" if you have to keep remastering and re-issuing time and time again? Thank christ Freddie's not here to see all this. Better that you simply pop off and have a chat to the badgers again Brian - you seem to be able to communicate on a far greater level with them than you do to people that have paid your fucking mortgage all these years. Prick. |
| chromant 27.01.2011 03:06 |
- Did anyone really expected something nicely done from Queen Productions? Me not - Where is for example (the WONDERFUL) "White Queen (BBC version)" ? We all downloaded it, we all know it exists, we all know that if Queen Prod. wants to locate and buy the reel to reel, they can... Wembley '86/Live Killers as bonus tracks? See What A Fool I've Been BBC remixed? Why on earth do we need this instead of listening to the original version? Are u effin' jokin' me? They deserve illegal downloads.... |
| FriedChicken 27.01.2011 04:06 |
As much as I think calling this release 'deluxe' is a disgrace. I wonder what people would've said if these editions would include some rarities that have been long known to the fans. For example Silver Salmon, Polar Bear, I Guess We're Falling Out etc. I have a feeling the reactions would be about the same.. |
| Cruella de Vil 27.01.2011 04:19 |
What a waste of plastic! What shite and empty drivel! Save for the De Lane Lea Demos and at least some of the BBC tracks that's it. Why on earth market a product with endless live tracks (which we all have) or vocal-guitar mixes? Who needs this crap? As said by many, all the possible inclusions (ALL of the BBC tracks, demos (Salmon, Polar Bear, The Roy Thomas Baker mix of a Night Comes Down etc) have gone by the wayside. I reckon that there could be a dozen or more people here that could have come up with a damn fine 'delux' edition. The mis-placed quote from Freddie is truly wasted here. From a man who fancied the best champagne and caviar, we get the musical equivalent of recycled lolly-water and canned cat food. Freddie would truly be turning in his grave over this pile of mouldy tripe! Shame, shame, shame.... |
| cmi 27.01.2011 05:13 |
Possibly we'll receive In The Lap Of The Gods...Revisited (Wembley 1986) in a new 2010 mix as a teaser, which was prepared for Guitar Hero. Also possibly, if UMG will reissue Wembley Stadium in the future, it will be a new mix version. |
| splicksplack 27.01.2011 05:43 |
PLEASE EVERYBODY - EMAIL BRIAN AT brians.soapbox@clara.co.uk AND TELL HIM HOW UTTERLY SHITE THE "BONUS" MATERIAL IS. WE MIGHT GET A RESONSE IF ENOUGH PEOPLE MAKE THE EFFORT |
| Vali 27.01.2011 05:58 |
splicksplack wrote: PLEASE EVERYBODY - EMAIL BRIAN AT brians.soapbox@clara.co.uk AND TELL HIM HOW UTTERLY SHITE THE "BONUS" MATERIAL IS. WE MIGHT GET A RESONSE IF ENOUGH PEOPLE MAKE THE EFFORT / / / / / / Sorry, I won't do that. |
| GT 27.01.2011 06:10 |
There is no point in writing to Brian, the tracklisting is finalised and was chosen by the band themselves. They are happy with it, and is after all, their product. As much as many people on here don't agree with the choices that were made, it won't be changed now. Just enjoy what has been chosen and finally released, even if you have an inferior copy or don't like remixes or acapella's, you will appreciate more when you hear them. |
| cmi 27.01.2011 06:22 |
2 GT: Gary, can you confirm if these leaked after Press-release bonus track lists are true or fake for ANATO and ADATR Deluxe editions: Bonus Tracks 1. Death on two legs (Vocals & Piano Mix 2011) 2. Bohemian Rhapsody (Operatic Section A cappella Mix 2011) 3. You’re My Best Friend (Backing Track Mix 2011) 4. I’m In Love With My car (Guitar & Vocal Mix 2011) 5. ’39 (Live at Earl’s Court, June 1977) 6. Seaside rendez-vous (A Capella Mix 2011) Bonus Tracks 1. Millionaire Waltz (Vocals & Piano Mix 2011) 2. Somebody To Love (Vocals & Piano Mix 2011) 3. You Take My Breath Away (Live in Hyde Park, September 1976) 4. Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy (Top of the Pops, July 1977)(Mono) 5. Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) (Accoustic Version) Thank you. |
| pittrek 27.01.2011 06:23 |
Is there ANY chance that we'll get something interesting in the future ? It's really sad that bootleg companies are releasing more interesting products :-( |
| cmsdrums 27.01.2011 06:30 |
Message for GT: What I (and Ithink a lot of others) would be keen to find out is what the additional bonus material (tracks, videos, pics) will be on iTunes? The press release clearly confirms that the iTunes versions will have material not on the CDs, so it would be good to know what this will be (I don't see why this can't be passed on as the main info is already out there). (I hope it's nothing too great actually, cos we'll only get it in mp3 lower quality). In addition, final confirmation as to whether KYA Lost Lost Retake was truly RECORDED in 1975 (and therefore can be explained as correctly on the ANATO disc and not an error), and not in 1972 as is the common belief (and as previously confirmed by Brian) woudl be good too! Cheers |
| Rick 27.01.2011 06:38 |
Brian: Well Rog, let's find some interesting bonus material. Roger: Yeah, I suppose we could release the demos now. Fans have been waiting for it such a long time. Brian: Hmmm, well, I don't know. I rather keep that to ourselves. Roger: Why Bri? Brian: Well, you know, the mistakes and the like. Roger: It has a sentimental feeling, don't you think? Brian: Well yes, but I just hate making mistakes. Roger: Can't argue with that. Brian: Yeah Roger: Well, we could take the easier route and release the same stuff we did in the past. Brian: Our style. Roger: Yeah Brian: The general public. Roger: Absolutely Brian: You don't need fans to earn money. Roger: Nope Brian: :-) |
| Soundfreak 27.01.2011 06:40 |
Freddie would truly be turning in his grave over this pile of mouldy tripe! Shame, shame, shame.... <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< I think it's wrong to make Freddie a saint while the living are the bad guys. Freddie was known for not leaving any recordings behind in a studio, he did not want anything unfinished to leak out. So I wonder, if he had ever liked his own box-set from years ago...... I am disappointed about the bonus content like most of you. But - it's a business...you have to accept this. For the majority of people those bonus tracks are new. And Queen's strategy is to milk the archive for as long as they can. And so far from a business point they did that very well.... Also I can repeat myself, never forget that they allow fans to run a website like this with all the free exchange of files. You won't find this with many bands of that size.... |
| Vali 27.01.2011 06:47 |
GT wrote: Just enjoy what has been chosen and finally released, even if you have an inferior copy or don't like remixes or acapella's, you will appreciate more when you hear them. / / / / / Exactly. After years and years moaning like many other QZners, I've finally accepted we got what we got and we'll get what we'll get. And that's it. Nobody said these re-releases would bring to us the Holy Grail at last, and as soon as bonus content was announced I expected exactly this: BBC tracks, B-sides, De Lane Lea demos, live songs, etc. Ok, including Wembley'86, MK'82 and Live Killers tracks is an aberration from our point of view, but instead of crying I'll pass that and will stick to the Hammersmith, Earls Court and Hyde Park tracks, to the De Lane Lea demos, to the BBC stuff and even to any fresh a capella, backing track or vocal+guitar mix we are getting, because I also enjoy stuff like that. And I'll stick to those "Buns in the oven" because they'll bring new music at least from Brian and Roger, in whatever form it comes, and God knows how I fucking love that. And the unreleased archive stuff will arive someday. We've waited so long for it and I don't mind waiting for two, three or six years more. Instead I will take a seat and enjoy this remastered re-releases, the buns, the ovens, the new live albums to come and Freddie's movie when it arrives. Fuck, I even played the QPR Super Live In Japan DVD the other day and felt nostalgic for Brian and Roger looking much younger there !!! So, no more moaning from me. It's tiring. |
| smilebrian 27.01.2011 06:48 |
Unfortunately, Brian thinks his team is magnificent, hard working, the best there is, blah, blah, blah. He 100% endorses all this shit. Wow, they haven't slept for weeks hey Brian? Big fucking deal, we all work hard, we all do what it takes in our own respected jobs. I don't have the luxury of sitting on projects for several years, if I did, I wouldn't be "not sleeping for weeks" just before deadline, I would have had it in the bag long before. In addition, if I could read forums with direct feedback from my customers I would tailor something specific! Brian is just so out of touch. Let's face it, he's 63 and loves Badgers, and made Cosmos Rocks. I've sent him emails challenging the quality of remasters but he just shoots you down saying you don't know what your talking about and that his team is the very, very best there is. Laughable. The real travesty in all of this will be that the remasters sound fucked. |
| pietrek 27.01.2011 07:36 |
Queen without Freddie = SHIT |
| Benn Kempster 27.01.2011 07:44 |
>splicksplack wrote: PLEASE EVERYBODY - EMAIL BRIAN AT brians.soapbox@clara.co.uk AND TELL HIM HOW UTTERLY SHITE THE "BONUS" MATERIAL IS. WE MIGHT GET A RESONSE IF ENOUGH PEOPLE MAKE THE EFFORT He doesn't give a fuck - so long as his mortgage gets paid every month. And, to be fair, why should he? If GT is right and the bonus material was chosen by the band themselves, then it's plainly obvious for anyone to see that there was NEVER any consideration that this set of releases would be used to open the archives. The De Lane Lea material and BBC session material shared here will be of far higher quality than that released on the official CDs as I'm sure we'll have to contend with over compression and harshness the way we always have. The archive of rare and unreleased material here on Queenzone is clearly of far higher quality and more exhaustive than what actually still resides in the band's archives. We all owe John S Stuart an apology for doubting his comment from some time ago regarding the lack of material "they" actually have I think. Perhaps this lack of thought by those in the corridoors of power will lead to another tranche of material becoming more widely available through the collecting community / Queenzone in response - what's already here is far superior to anything you can acquire in swelling the coffers of the band and that wanker Jim Beach. |
| splicksplack 27.01.2011 08:29 |
GT - Why are you suggesting that we don't write to Brian? Are worried that we may offend his delicate sensibilities? I am well aware that we can not change the bonus material (at this late stage or at any point previously). The reason for writing is to make him aware, in as direct way as possible, what we, as long standing fans, think of the new releases. Do you suggest we just either buy it or not buy it? What ever happend to the relationship between band and fans? At one stage the band would have listened to ALL feedback in order to become more successful. Now it would seem that anything negative is discouraged because, "hey, we've fuckin' made it and we don't actually need you any more". That is the attitude that irks me and many more on this site. Queen Productions have no legal or business reason to listen to or do what the fans want. But, since the fans paid for the band's very comfortable place in the world in the first place, I think they do have a moral obligation. They know that whatever re-dressed bollocks they release will be lapped up by the completist fans. And that stinks. Brian, as well as badgers and foxes look after your fans, many of whom, unlike you, will have to save the money, to keep their collection up to date with your inferior re-hashed product. And their money just ker-chinks onto your £50 million pile. To hold back tracks, concert footage etc at this point and drip release it as extras ad-infinitum can be called solid business sense. I prefer to call it greed. |
| Voice of Reason 2018 27.01.2011 08:30 |
It looks as if none of these are worth getting. I also don't think these releases will sell to 'casual' fans or bring in new fans. I think someone who has GH 1 and 2 and sees the new releases in their record shop will pick them up, look at them and put them back. That's what I do for artists that I am a casual fan of, e.g. U2 and their universal re-issues. |
| splicksplack 27.01.2011 09:11 |
So.... have Island decided not to put KYA ("long lost re-take") on ANATO? Because....."It appears on the Hollywood Records 1991 re-issue (as "Long Lost Re-Take") and the Crown Jewels1998 Promo CD (as "Lost Lost Original Version")." Exactly how fuckin lost is it? |
| GT 27.01.2011 12:35 |
Gary, can you confirm if these leaked after Press-release bonus track lists are true or fake for ANATO and ADATR Deluxe editions: The original press release is the correct one....ignore any other you might see. |
| GT 27.01.2011 12:36 |
In addition, final confirmation as to whether KYA Lost Lost Retake was truly RECORDED in 1975 (and therefore can be explained as correctly on the ANATO disc and not an error), and not in 1972 as is the common belief (and as previously confirmed by Brian) woudl be good too! Yes it was recorded in 1975 for a possible single release. |
| Wiley 27.01.2011 13:03 |
It's nice to have confirmation on the KYA Long Lost Retake being recorded in 1975. They did re-release Keep Yourself Alive in the U.S. in 1975, though. Instead of Now I'm Here, I believe. Maybe they wanted a new recording for that purpose but were not satisfied by the retake and ended up re-issuing the original version. I just got a duplicate for that single and it's for sale, in case anybody wants it. It has Lily of the Valley and the original version of God Save the Queen (months ahead of the release of ANATO) as b-sides! |
| GinjaNinja 27.01.2011 13:44 |
Thanks for confirming that Gary. |
| Penetration_Guru 27.01.2011 14:02 |
After much headscratching, and a little frustration at some of the random choices made in this case, I've realised something fundamental and, I hope, relevant. We are not representative of Queen fans. We are the nerdy 1% on the far right of a bell curve that, at its centre, rises high into the air. These releases will satisfy an overwhelming majority of the total people. All we are is the militant wing, railing against the continuing non-existence of a box set. We're irrelevant. Yes, cherry picking from relevant BBC sessions makes no sense. Flying in live tracks from offical live albums is cheeky as fuck, and inevitably there will be pointless remixes. But to the AVERAGE Queen fan, for whom Mad The Swine is an obscurity, these are fantastic releases. I just wish I was an average Queen fan.... |
| emrabt 27.01.2011 14:18 |
Why are people so upset by this? Haven’t we always expected more from this site than Queen Productions, everyone knows they are 15 years behind the obsessive fandom. |
| cmi 27.01.2011 14:21 |
Gary, Thanks for reply. |
| pma 27.01.2011 14:41 |
I think some of you guys are dead right by saying that what has already been shared on Queenzone is superior to the "rarities" offered by Queen Productions. Perhaps, the mysterious box sets were never to be, perhaps, we created this fallacy, this imaginary extension of our own fandom to raise hope in our otherwise empty Queen-loving heads. It may have just been a cruel joke to begin with, and we bought into it. Perhaps, we the people of queenzone are the boxsets. We have been for the past... I won't count the years, I've been here too long. Each demo and out-take that leaks, is like a tear from the eye of a hardcore Queen fan... Seriously though, I hope that the remasters prove me wrong and do actually sound like an improvement in some cases. I fear they won't, but I suppose I should not judge them before I actually hear them (and you can't have enough copies of Queen II, can you?) |
| cmsdrums 27.01.2011 14:58 |
GT wrote: In addition, final confirmation as to whether KYA Lost Lost Retake was truly RECORDED in 1975 (and therefore can be explained as correctly on the ANATO disc and not an error), and not in 1972 as is the common belief (and as previously confirmed by Brian) woudl be good too! Yes it was recorded in 1975 for a possible single release. Cheers Gary - thanks for the reply |
| Pim Derks 27.01.2011 17:20 |
Penetration_Guru wrote: Yes, cherry picking from relevant BBC sessions makes no sense. Flying in live tracks from offical live albums is cheeky as fuck, and inevitably there will be pointless remixes. But to the AVERAGE Queen fan, for whom Mad The Swine is an obscurity, these are fantastic releases Partly agree - anybody expecting a full disc with demo's and other stuff was going to be disappointed right from the start. Five random tracks is a whole other side of the spectrum though. I'm sure that 'general' fans wouldn't have minded a bigger selection of live tracks (the excellent BoRHap/KQ/MOTBQ/BoRhap medley) and other stuff. I still think including 5 bonustracks on discs which will undoubtely will be priced at 25+ euros is a rip-off. |
| GratefulFan 27.01.2011 22:40 |
GT wrote: There is no point in writing to Brian, the tracklisting is finalised and was chosen by the band themselves. They are happy with it, and is after all, their product. As much as many people on here don't agree with the choices that were made, it won't be changed now. Just enjoy what has been chosen and finally released, even if you have an inferior copy or don't like remixes or acapella's, you will appreciate more when you hear them. ======================= Try making the product widgets and then try to imagine anybody saying that unnecessarily missing an eager, loyal client segment almost entirely was in any way mitigated by the producers' happiness. It wouldn't happen. They'd be thought poor businessmen and lousy visionaries all around. |
| Groucho Marx 27.01.2011 22:52 |
Penetration Guru makes a very good point. QZ fans make up a very small portion of all Queen fans. Then again, those that buy the reissues will also make up a small portion of all Queen fans. |
| YourValentine 28.01.2011 01:16 |
Penetration_Guru wrote: After much headscratching, and a little frustration at some of the random choices made in this case, I've realised something fundamental and, I hope, relevant. We are not representative of Queen fans. We are the nerdy 1% on the far right of a bell curve that, at its centre, rises high into the air. These releases will satisfy an overwhelming majority of the total people. All we are is the militant wing, railing against the continuing non-existence of a box set. We're irrelevant. Yes, cherry picking from relevant BBC sessions makes no sense. Flying in live tracks from offical live albums is cheeky as fuck, and inevitably there will be pointless remixes. But to the AVERAGE Queen fan, for whom Mad The Swine is an obscurity, these are fantastic releases. I just wish I was an average Queen fan.... You are completely right about us being just a minority . I never expected an anthology but between loads of rare, unreleased material and the actual offers there is lots of room. Concerning the happiness of the casual buyer we have to wait and see. Greatest Hits 2010 remixes did not chart in Germany - unlike all previous GH releases. GH1 and 2, the golden box and the platinum box always topped the charts but now they did not enter the top 50. The thing is that you have to offer something when you want people to rebuy your product these days. Otherwise they just download some tracks from ITunes. The sad thing is that Queen were always so quality concious in the past and now they are so cheap compared to other artists - we named some examples in the other thread.. Certainly they make enough money with the musical and selling Japanese soup with Freddie's lookalike, so they won't mind. |
| Nordico 28.01.2011 04:50 |
The fact that Hollywood records did release Keep Yourself Alive (Long Lost Retake) wasn't a big suprise for me, since Brian already talked about it in a interview I read long way back in 1978. So I digged in my archive an this is what I found...since it is in Dutch I give a small translation: The interview was taken by Kees Baars (Dutch DJ and pop journalist) for Muziekkrant Oor in between the 2 concert at the Ahoy 19/20 april 1978 and was published 14 june 1978. Translation: First Brian talks about Queen II, that it is the most important Queen album for him and he would like to re-recorded it....but there many reasons to do it not. Than he says "Last Year" we have re- recorded Keep Yourself Alive for the American market, but due to the fact that "We are the champions" was a big sucess, we have left it on the shelf. Maybe we will release it sometime or put it on an album because it is a pretty good take which strenght me the idea that the production of the first album wasn't good. I don't know how serious we need to take the words "Last Year" which means that KYA was re-recorded in 1977... but I think Brian was wrong or was misunderstood. In the RAR you can't find the complete interview (In Dutch :-( ) and the snippet were here talks about KYA. |
| Holly2003 28.01.2011 05:09 |
What's sad about this is that it would've been so easy to do it well. Queen I isn't a bad release, for example, as it has all the De Lane Lea stuff. From Queen II onwards, though, it's a dog's dinner. They are obviously holding back so that they have the option of releasing material later, and they can then say, "for the first time the full BBC sessions are released", or "for the first time the full Hyde Park show is released" etc. Of course, they'll probably never get around to releasing those, as Freddie didn't have a moustache back then, Brian doesn't like a guitar solo on a particular night, or more likely it's simply too much trouble to put any effort into complete releases when all you need to do is have a flunky remix an A cappella version which can then be sold to the gullible as something new. Being a Queen fan these days is like being in love with someone who won't return the affection. What Queen Productions doesn't realise though is that love is fleeting ... |
| tcc 28.01.2011 06:48 |
I wonder if the live tracks from Wembley and Milton Keynes are remastered live tracks or just the same old tracks from the EMI production ? |
| Wiley 28.01.2011 08:49 |
Holly2003 wrote: ...Of course, they'll probably never get around to releasing those, as Freddie didn't have a moustache back then... --------------------------------------- They could always superimpose a CGI moustache on 74-79 Freddie and release both Hammy shows, Hyde Park and Houston... :) |
| Wilki Amieva 28.01.2011 10:51 |
Nordico wrote: The fact that Hollywood records did release Keep Yourself Alive (Long Lost Retake) wasn't a big suprise for me, since Brian already talked about it in a interview I read long way back in 1978. So I digged in my archive an this is what I found...since it is in Dutch I give a small translation: The interview was taken by Kees Baars (Dutch DJ and pop journalist) for Muziekkrant Oor in between the 2 concert at the Ahoy 19/20 april 1978 and was published 14 june 1978. Translation: First Brian talks about Queen II, that it is the most important Queen album for him and he would like to re-recorded it....but there many reasons to do it not. Than he says "Last Year" we have re- recorded Keep Yourself Alive for the American market, but due to the fact that "We are the champions" was a big sucess, we have left it on the shelf. Maybe we will release it sometime or put it on an album because it is a pretty good take which strenght me the idea that the production of the first album wasn't good. I don't know how serious we need to take the words "Last Year" which means that KYA was re-recorded in 1977... but I think Brian was wrong or was misunderstood. An acetate bearing the long-lost retake and an edit from it is known to exist. This acetate was cut at Master Room Studios in London. The label in the acetate was used by the studio between late 1972 and early 1976 - hence implying that the acetate was cut in early 1976 at the latest. |
| Goodoldfashionedloverboy 28.01.2011 11:05 |
how many naysayers and whiners have gathered on the forums. ah ah ah |
| Holly2003 28.01.2011 12:57 |
Goodoldfashionedloverboy wrote: how many naysayers and whiners have gathered on the forums. ah ah ah choo? |
| GratefulFan 28.01.2011 13:24 |
^ Ah haha. That reminded me of nautily exclaiming 'Choo!' at the end of Robert Plant's 'Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah..." at a party years ago, therein totally ruining 'Whole Lotta Love' for everybody else. |
| Holly2003 28.01.2011 13:54 |
Ha! :) |
| isolar2tour 28.01.2011 15:59 |
Could have been better, could have been worse. Maybe a strange thought from my side: does the inclusion of Hammersmith 75, Hyde Park 76 and Eals Court 77 bonus tracks mean that we will see these (complete) concerts as official releases in the next 2-3 years? Would not surpise me they added these as "teasers" for forthcoming releases. Or perhaps this is only wishful thinking? |
| *goodco* 28.01.2011 16:03 |
Each of these albums could have had 30-40 minutes of good bonus material, but.....'nooooooooooo' Live versions from the era of each release makes sense, along with demos and b-sides, but.........why the karaoke crap, and '7 Seas' from 86 on QII? I understand putting YOUR product on the shelves, to replace the old company's stuff. I really do. But these???? Lame again. We were actually thinking of purchasing ANATO for the 5th (or is it 6th or 7th time or 8th time), depending on a rarity or two that made sense. We've stayed away from Queen releases over the past ten years, other than Milton Keynes CD and DVD, TCR and ROTC (sigh). Why bother with the other tripe? Another lost opportunity. |
| Isle0fRed 28.01.2011 21:08 |
I'll agree with a post mentioned eailer, the main stars of the release here are the 2011 remasters. The GH1/2 sounded amazing to me, loudness war or not, it sounded amazing so I'd be the 2011 for the Albums not the special features. Queen are often listed among the top bootleg bands of all time and Bri+Rog know that, and one thing a Queen fan would love would be the release of rare stuff, however from a casual fan point and money point of view those hidden gems wouldnt sell particully well hense the lack of content of the remasters. Think back to the The Beatles remasters, theres no speical features even thou there is so much stuff a fan want. |
| isolar2tour 29.01.2011 03:22 |
Isle0fRed wrote: Think back to the The Beatles remasters, theres no speical features even thou there is so much stuff a fan want. The Beatles NEVER had any "re-masters" released (at least not their complete catalogue), the only CDs available were the (rather poor) transfers from the 80s. So to Beatles fans it WAS exiting to hear "re-masters" after some 25 years. |
| YourValentine 29.01.2011 03:38 |
Isle0fRed wrote: I'll agree with a post mentioned eailer, the main stars of the release here are the 2011 remasters. The GH1/2 sounded amazing to me, loudness war or not, it sounded amazing so I'd be the 2011 for the Albums not the special features. Queen are often listed among the top bootleg bands of all time and Bri+Rog know that, and one thing a Queen fan would love would be the release of rare stuff, however from a casual fan point and money point of view those hidden gems wouldnt sell particully well hense the lack of content of the remasters. Think back to the The Beatles remasters, theres no speical features even thou there is so much stuff a fan want. ================================================================= Yes, let us think back to the Beatles remasters! - first of all the Beatles already released an anthology before the remasters - the Anthology had 3 double CDs and a 600 min documentary on DVD, laserdisc or VHS plus a book. No doublettes, no pre-released material at all. You can buy the CDs and/or the DVD and/or the book just as you please. Queen, however, have not released any anthology at all. - secondly the Beatles remasters were actual remasters from the *original master tapes*. It took 4 years to remaster the tapes in the Abbey Road studios. You can argue the result but they took a lot of trouble to give the public a great product. Queen, however, release digital remixes from the stereo mixes, not the master tapes. No idea how long it took them to make the remixes. - thirdly, the Beatles remaster stereo box contains the 12 original albums, the Magical Mystery Tour album plus the 2 Past Masters albums containing the *non-album singles* plus a DVD containing the mini documentaries to each album. Each album has a booklet with information about the recording process.The price for the complete box is approx. 180 euro. Each album can be bought alone if you do not want to buy the box. Queen, however, released their (mostly album) singles on 4 boxes missing actual non-album singles, no booklet , no nothing. Price for the 4 boxes approx 180 euro. You do the math yourself and tell me who is the rip-off here |
| Soundfreak 29.01.2011 04:10 |
Your Valentine wrote: - secondly the Beatles remasters were actual remasters from the *original master tapes*. It took 4 years to remaster the tapes in the Abbey Road studios. You can argue the result but they took a lot of trouble to give the public a great product. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Actually it did not take four years as this press interview from the time of release shows: 1. According to a press release it has taken four years and five engineers to remix the entire body of work. Why such a work intense process? Alan Rouse: It didn’t take 4 years to do it, it was spread over 4 years. But in… ah it probably took, well in fact it took about a whole year to do it, and there were 6 people involved, and the reason that we had more than 1 or 2 people doing it, was so that ah, no one person was responsible for making the mistakes. Uhm, we spread the mistakes now amongst all 6 of us, whereas if in fact everybody thinks it's great then it was me. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Remastering is a process that can be done by an experienced expert with well trained ears within minutes. I know a guy who does it for a record company that has specialised on re-releases. A good remastering can add a lot of life to a recording. But there is also a point, from where things can only get worse. Losing the original dynamics - as can be heard in some songs from the new GH remasters - is such a point. BTW, the fact that the new remasters didn't chart in Germany may simply have to do with the fact, that there was no advertising or promo-campaign at all. It's simply just like replacing the EMI versions with the Universal ones. So no big deal. |
| Wilki Amieva 29.01.2011 19:01 |
In 1987, when The Beatles released their albums in CD for the first time they used production masters, except for a couple of CDs that were remixed from the multitrack masters (HELP!, RUBBER SOUL) and another couple that were digitally remastered from the original master tapes (SGT. PEPPERS, LET IT BE, ABBEY ROAD). In 1998 they remastered from the original master tapes and reissued on CD the double album THE BEATLES. The 2009 CD releases are again remasters, but ALL taken from the original master tapes (including the stereo digital master U-MATICs from the 1987 remixes). There are also a couple of newer remix albums like the YELLOW SUBMARINE OST and LOVE, but that's of course another story, The same applies to Queen, except they never "remixed" any album. The 1986 CD issues by EMI (as well as Elektras's 1983/4 and Toshiba-EMI's 1988 CDs) were remastered from the production masters. ALL the other CD releases were digitally remastered from the original master tapes (if available). There is NO REMIXING whatsoever! |
| YourValentine 30.01.2011 03:00 |
I did not say anything about previous Beatles and Queen remasters. That was not my point at all. I was only referring to the suggestion that the Beatles 2009 remaster box was not any better than the Queen 40 year re-issues. I was told that these re-issues are done from the original stereo mixes and not the master tapes. If this is technically called remaster and not remix I gladly take that point, I am not a studio technician. I did not say anything about the sound quality, either - I really should listen to the tracks before having an opinion. My point was that nothing in the 2009 Beatles remasters is designed to rip off the fan and /or the casual buyer. It is only about a decent re-issue of the original product with beautiful mini-replicas of the original album covers and interesting booklets plus mini documentary to each album. For the first four albums a true stereo mix was done for the first time. The non-album singles are included on the past masters volume 1 and 2. Each album can be bought by itself by the casual fan who only likes one or two albums. The anthology was released as an EXTRA product in 1995 and again you can always choose if you buy the CDs, DVD, book. You can argue the sound quality, package, anything but it was not a rip-off. For the more committed fan there was the mono box which is very different from the stereo box and very expensive. It is a release for the hardcore fans and nobody needs it to have a very nice and complete re-issue. Queen, on the other side, put 5-6 tracks on bonus albums to each album - so if you want the bonus tracks you must buy the complete catalogue. For me that is a rip-off, mainly because the bonus tracks are inconsistent - you have released live tracks, unreleased studio demos, BBC tracks, Karaoke mixes etc. The fan cannot pick and choose - they have to buy the whole thing to get maybe 20 bonus tracks worth their money. I would not say a word if the BBC tracks, De Lane Lea demos and other previously unreleased tracks were released on extra CDs and not "bonus" CDs. In this case I would go to my local CD shop and would listen into the remasters to decide if I want them. Sound quality would be my criterion having so many previous releases already. But Queen want me to buy them anyway by putting these few bonus tracks on each "deluxe" album. It's a rip-off and that is my personal opinion. |
| Wilki Amieva 30.01.2011 09:16 |
Of course that is only your opinion. But someone could have argued quite the opposite. Some Beatles fans did raise the following points: 1) Inconsistency: The stereo box had a mixture of original and 1987 stereo mixes. Further original stereo mixes are included as bonus in the mono box. This makes NO SENSE at all. 2) Exclusivity: The mono albums could ONLY be bought in a limited (and quite expensive) box. The first four albums are barely listenable in stereo as the original stereo mixes aren't proper mixes at all, at the time they just released the 2-track multitrack masters (and that is what is just included in the stereo box - they didn't make new stereo mixes of these, as you imply above). 3) Lack of extra content: No bonus tracks, just Quicktime video documentaries with re-edited material from ALREADY AVAILABLE clips in the ANTHOLOGY video series. There was of course a bonus DVD compiling all such documentaries in proper format, but it was released exclusively as part of the stereo box. There were also minor complaints about some "replaced" or "tweaked" versions, mistakes in the liner notes and even the quality of the remasters (excessive noise reduction and/or peak limiting in the stereo box versions). |
| *goodco* 30.01.2011 13:10 |
As to The Beatles, the big benefit was, of course, the first four LPs in stereo. Granted, it was 2 or 4 track, but it was FINALLY stereo. For me, to make 'best of ' disks for my listening pleasure and others, it also meant being able to put together the nonLP tracks with album tracks, and having the loudness and quality equal. I also know that within three months of the box set release, individual LPs could be purchased for under $15. A great deal. I received the complete set for xmas two years ago. This summer, I will finally listen to the post-'Revolver' releases. I know they won't match the changes of the first seven LPs, or the 'Yellow Sub' soundtrack from the '90s, but...........it was a great 'buy'. The 'Anthology' series was superb. Yes, they could have done a 12-24 CD collection, and there are shortfalls, but it was done well, 'fiscally' responsible, and much better than what the QP people are doing. They just always do things badly. Envision Led Zeppelin coming out with an expanded 'Zoso', and including as their 'bone us' tracks, a karaoke 'Stairway To Heaven', an edited live version of 'Dazed and Confused' or 'Moby Dick' from four years later, and a 2011 remix of 'Rock 'n Roll' or 'Black Dog'. What did we expect from a 'band'/organization who claimed such great things were going to be released and would sound like on the Hwood crap? As stated by others before, we will choose not to buy. We wanted to. We really did. But, you did not give us one....ONE....solitairy reason to. Not listening to any of your customers is called 'bad business'. |
| YourValentine 30.01.2011 16:43 |
Wilki Amieva wrote: Of course that is only your opinion. But someone could have argued quite the opposite. Some Beatles fans did raise the following points: 1) Inconsistency: The stereo box had a mixture of original and 1987 stereo mixes. Further original stereo mixes are included as bonus in the mono box. This makes NO SENSE at all. 2) Exclusivity: The mono albums could ONLY be bought in a limited (and quite expensive) box. The first four albums are barely listenable in stereo as the original stereo mixes aren't proper mixes at all, at the time they just released the 2-track multitrack masters (and that is what is just included in the stereo box - they didn't make new stereo mixes of these, as you imply above). 3) Lack of extra content: No bonus tracks, just Quicktime video documentaries with re-edited material from ALREADY AVAILABLE clips in the ANTHOLOGY video series. There was of course a bonus DVD compiling all such documentaries in proper format, but it was released exclusively as part of the stereo box. There were also minor complaints about some "replaced" or "tweaked" versions, mistakes in the liner notes and even the quality of the remasters (excessive noise reduction and/or peak limiting in the stereo box versions). ============================================================== This is becoming very off-topic but I want to answer, anyway :-) as to 1) The only 1987 digital stereo mixes on the stereo box are the George Martin mixes of Help and Rubber Soul. As you may know George Martin was not present for the original stereo mixes of the two albums in 1965/66 and he was not happy with them. Therefore he made his own digital stereo mixes from the original analogue tapes for the 1987 CD releases. It is true that there is an inconsisteny, perhaps the project management thought that they already had an optimum digital master for the two albums. The two original stereo mixes ( the ones George Martin did not supervise) were put on the mono box - as you say this is an inconsistency but it is also a little extra for the hardcore fan. For me it was the first digital version of the very first album I ever bought in my life :-) These two mixes should be on the stereo box but history-wise they truly belong into the mono period. Btw, the stereo mixes are extras on the respective mono CDs, not some bonus CDs to make the product more expensive. as to 2) yes, I mentioned that the mono box is an exclusive edition. You must buy the complete box for approx 190 € (for example here link ) - per CD still cheaper than the recent Queen GH1+2 re-issue as to 3) I do not see lack of additional content as a big minus: After, all it's an album re-issue and not an anthology. It would be more annoying if they had put a CD with 12 unreleased tracks into the box and made all fans who want the unreleased tracks buy the box. However, I am not saying the product is beyond reproach, certainly we can find a lot of faults and omissions but it was not designed to rip off the fans. In the same way we can discuss the Freddie Mercury box which is still one of my most cherished boxes. There are little mistakes and omissions, the text in the book is just terrible and let us not get into the "Untold Story" but the intention is good. It is not cheap in any way, it aimed at completeness and is overall a truly pleasurable item for the fans - not the casual listeners who do not need all the instrumentals and demos. The casual listener was quite happy with the 3 CD box. That was my whole point. A product should have the customer in mind and not only the highest possible profit. |
| Wilki Amieva 31.01.2011 06:33 |
As you see, what for some people is a blatant inconsistency that ruins the entire product, for others is the best feature in it. The bottom line is that you CANNOT make everybody happy - and that's my whole point. Anyway, "designed to rip-off fans" is quite harsh an statement to make upon a product that hasn't even seen the light of day. |
| Wilki Amieva 31.01.2011 07:04 |
And, for the record... "As you may know George Martin was not present for the original stereo mixes of the two albums in 1965/66 and he was not happy with them. Therefore he made his own digital stereo mixes from the original analogue tapes for the 1987 CD releases." This just isn't the case - you can check the facts in 'The Beatles Recording Sessions', the remarkable book by Mark Lewinsohn published in 1988. Martin WAS indeed present and produced most of the stereo mixes of both albums as well as the stereo mixes of the first four albums. He was not happy with any of them - as a matter of fact, he didn't even care about them, as stereo was not the mainstream format yet. In 1987, when EMI decided to reissue the entire catalogue in CD, he analogically produced new stereo mixes for HELP and RUBBER SOUL as these were originally recorded in 4-track and he thought he could do a better job. As for the first four albums, those were recorded in 2-track and Martin suggested that EMI should disregard the original stereo mixes altogether and release just the mono mixes - and they did just that. The new compilations do not follow Martin's considerations as to what is "definitive" nor the Beatles' (everything mono up to and including SGT. PEPPERS, then stereo), nor they follow the original discography. That's inconsistency in my book. |
| YourValentine 31.01.2011 07:28 |
If there should be more on the bonus CDs than was announced, I will gladly take my "rip-off" comment back. |
| Wilki Amieva 31.01.2011 08:37 |
So you having to buy the Beatles stereo box to get the DVD ...and not even getting all the original stereo mixes, or the mono box to get any of its content, or the fact that none of the boxes comprised the albums in the most considerate way (so you have to buy them both to get the albums with any logic), or the lack of previously unreleased material is OK for The Beatles. I quote you: "After, all it's an album re-issue and not an anthology". As far as I know, Queen is just rereleasing their albums. This is not an anthology either. This will be the first time the ENTIRE catalogue is remastered from the original master tapes or the BEST available sources by the SAME team and issued WORLDWIDE (well, almost - albeit I'm pretty sure that HR will get these as well, eventually). It's pretty much the same situation as with The Beatles. The good thing is that there are no fancy boxes with 'exclusive' material. You can buy any album separately - and they even come in two versions: with or without extras, to suit any taste. |
| brENsKi 31.01.2011 10:56 |
i'd like to add something to this debate.... the sprigsteen and bowie deluxes were beautifully presented...as were ac/dc and the who stuff....and latterly thin lizzy have also shown that giving the fans what they want is a good thing.... so why are queen treating us like poor relatives? there can only be two reasons 1. brian doesn't want us having any of his "private stuff" 2. there's f-all to add to make up deluxes - hence the inclusion of widely available crap if 1. then he needs a dose of reality.....hang on to it...by all means Brian, but eventually it will all leak - then it'll no longer be private, and your opportunity to bolster your retirement fund will have long-gone if 2. then that really is sad. and serves em right for not looking after all those outtakes, sessions and demos a lot better i personally think we should all have awhip-round and try and raise some considerable sums for the private collectors to release mp3(only) versions of songs like hangman- then they can make somehting and stuff QPL on a final note...the latest deluxe - rainbow's down to earth is stunning - got it today off play.com downloads...very nice all round...can't wait for "rising" next month, and hopefull (soon) Ritchie B will consider LLRnR for the deluxe works |
| emrabt 31.01.2011 11:03 |
to be honest, for a very long time i have suspected that there's alot more stuff outside the archive than there is unheard inside it. |
| Pim Derks 31.01.2011 11:12 |
If there's stuff from 7 years before Queen's first album (The Reaction, Left Handed Marriage, I even think there was a Hectics-tape from 1958?) - I'm sure there must be stuff in the archives that we haven't heard. No way that the best thing they could find in the archives was an a capella version of Leroy Brown. |
| brENsKi 31.01.2011 11:59 |
Pim Derks wrote: If there's stuff from 7 years before Queen's first album (The Reaction, Left Handed Marriage, I even think there was a Hectics-tape from 1958?) - I'm sure there must be stuff in the archives that we haven't heard. No way that the best thing they could find in the archives was an a capella version of Leroy Brown. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ exactly my point. i really feel Brian May doesn't want this stuff getting out...EVER!!!! i think he feels like he is the worlds biggest queen collector....and this stuff is now "for his ears only" the older i get, the more i dislike queen (well 25% of em), shit product, shit packaging, shit new (and old releases), shit attitude and then people talking about guitarists like Blackmore being a a**hole...well that's as maybe, but he knows how to treat fans....blackmore could show BHM a thing or two. - the pruple remasters/repackages were amazing, but the rainbow DTE - which i'm still lsitening to - is better still. for fuck's sake Brian...bring something NEW to the table....don't keep selling us the same battered old table. QPL can fuck right off if they think i am forking out for a fifth copy of my favourite album - queen II - with no worthwhile extra product on it...selfish, egotistical, money-grubbing c*nts |
| YourValentine 31.01.2011 12:37 |
No, they are not just re-releasing their albums. They also release a so-called "deluxe" edition. Nobody would have a problem if there were only a re-release - it's obvious that the catalogue is re-issued when artists switch record companies. My only issue are the so-called bonus discs. I already said that in a previous post. The DVD in the Beatles stereo box is an extra but the mini documentaries are on each album, so you do not lose material when you buy the single albums. However, you can always criticise a product, I said that in a previous post, as well. Surely, the 1965/66 stereo mixes of Help and Rubber Soul could be in both boxes in case a fan feels compelled to buy the mono box in order to get two old stereo mixes, we can agree on that , as well. If Queen put the bonus tracks on the albums instead of an extra CD, I won't say a word about inconsisteny or doublettes. I have not yet heard anyone complain about the two extra tracks on the Japanese GH1 and 2. For obvious reasons we do not know anything about the sound quality, yet. |
| brENsKi 31.01.2011 16:12 |
Barb i agree with your comments 100% - which is why i have said what i have - previously in this thread...QPL really are rob-dog-snidey-money-grubbing-thieves for those unsure here are the universally used definitions of album releases: Standard Edition: as it came out on day of release Special Edition: usually released about 6mths to a yr after initial release when a new single is added to it to boost sales, or where one or two extra tracks are added - which then get released as singles. can also include a promotional dvd release to accompany the album Re-issue: usually a later re-release (to mark an anniversary) in it's initial format. Remix: where tracks have been edited or remixed to change the feel, tempo, or length of the tracks Remaster: where the original masters are used to re-cut the discs to enhance or improve the quality of previous pressing Expanded Edition: usually a released of an album with some previously available extra tracks - very often live tracks or b-side deluxe edition: a release of an original album with a set of previously unavailable tracks to enhance the quality of the product. ....at best queen's 2011 releases are somewhere between re-issues and expandeds...THEY ARE NOT DELUXES...and they've got a fucking cheek calling em that |
| AlexRocks 31.01.2011 17:37 |
I've already explained what the deal is but you all do not want to hear it. Cry babies. |
| YourValentine 01.02.2011 00:22 |
I really do not believe that Brian decides to hold back stuff from sheer ill-will or something to that effect. I think it's a business decision. Also, I did not expect rare studio demos like Silver Salmon or Hangman etc. These should be released in the long overdue anthology. Imo it's exactly like brensKi said: It's the mislabelling and all the fuzz with the 40 year extra website and the fanfares for some insignificant extra tracks that is so annoying. Personally I would have been overjoyed with CD/DVD-Audio couples or other 5.1 surround copies or some video extras like concert stuff from the 70s but of course you can never make everybody happy as wilki correcty pointed out. But trying would have been worth the effort. |
| Wilki Amieva 01.02.2011 06:01 |
I've been a record collector for more of 20 years now and let me say that I have seen "special", "definitive", "expanded", "collector's", "deluxe", etc. used fairly inconsistently worldwide since the dawn of CD. These are NOT standard definitions at all - but marketing tags used to improve the perceived value of a product vs. a standard/original release. Each label has a preferred term, which can be tweaked by the project manager to suit almost any product - sometimes it just makes reference to a different sleeve. On the other hand, "de luxe" has a definite meaning: it means luxurious. So let's wait and see how much luxury they pack in. Now if the problem is that some of you are not willing to purchase (again) 15 albums for "just" about 80 bonus tracks (most of them officially unreleased), that's OK. Just don't buy them. I am pretty sure that those tracks will be compiled again sooner or later. |
| tero! 48531 01.02.2011 08:07 |
Wilki Amieva wrote: I've been a record collector for more of 20 years now and let me say that I have seen "special", "definitive", "expanded", "collector's", "deluxe", etc. used fairly inconsistently worldwide since the dawn of CD. These are NOT standard definitions at all - but marketing tags used to improve the perceived value of a product vs. a standard/original release. Each label has a preferred term, which can be tweaked by the project manager to suit almost any product - sometimes it just makes reference to a different sleeve. On the other hand, "de luxe" has a definite meaning: it means luxurious. So let's wait and see how much luxury they pack in. Now if the problem is that some of you are not willing to purchase (again) 15 albums for "just" about 80 bonus tracks (most of them officially unreleased), that's OK. Just don't buy them. I am pretty sure that those tracks will be compiled again sooner or later. ________________________________________________________________________________________ The definition of "deluxe edition" as written on Universal's website is an album including a bonus disc, and by that definition these releases fill the criteria... It's just that five tracks could have been tacked on the end of each disc, and the discs could have been labeled as "special editions". With this they (QP or Island?) have managed to a) give a better sounding marketing term for the product b) increase the sale price by more than 20%, and c) give as little bonus material as they can get away with As for the content itself... I'm taking Island's deluxe editions of Bob Marley & The Wailers albums as a benchmark. They have singles and original remixes on the first disc, and about an hour of concert material, original remix versions, or a complete original version of the debut album on the bonus disc. That's what normal people think when they see an advertisement for a Deluxe Edition. |
| TheVisibleMan 01.02.2011 09:11 |
so you are already complaining about the bad choice of Bonus material? So it will get more funny if they really release a Hyde Park, Hammersmith and BBC DVD/CD. Then will all the special Bonus Stuff on the albums be really worthless. The Deluxe Versions are getting really deluxe then |
| brENsKi 01.02.2011 11:33 |
there may be slight variations form record co to record company...but any fool knows that there's a differnce between standard / rerelease / re-issue / special / expanded and deluxe and by definition deluxe would be "something that is not available elsewhere...ie in other editions.... definition: deluxe: Particularly elegant and luxurious; sumptuous.. just think for a minute about how yo'd feel if you bough a special edition car and found that half the Special edition features were on the car you just traded in for it? there is nothing that fits ANY of those adjectives about the planned sh*t being packaged on the deluxe discs....but hey-ho if you want to buy a dc you already own - just for the benefit of an extra four/five tracks that you already probably have in better quality on your computer's external hard drive...then who am i to argue? the saying "a fool and his money soon go separate ways" was never more apt when talking about queen's Special Editions. I know i said it before: but if you want to really see what Special Editions should look like - have a look at the S/Es from AC/DC, Deep Purple, Springteen, Bowie, Rainbow, and even the who Oh, and for those who wonder about the proper definition of Expanded Edition: have a look at the UFO issues of 70s albums with extras stuff on...that's expanded |
| Wilki Amieva 01.02.2011 16:31 |
I found most of the arguments either unreasonably biased or plainly delusional. |
| brENsKi 01.02.2011 16:42 |
do you even know what delusional means? and while talking about arguments.....try and present a better one than that |
| Wilki Amieva 01.02.2011 17:16 |
That's not an argument - it's an (apparently) unbased complaint. That some of you cannot tell the difference - that I knew already. But thanks anyway. |
| Holly2003 01.02.2011 18:14 |
Wilki Amieva wrote: I found most of the arguments either unreasonably biased or plainly delusional. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Biased for or against what? |
| Wilki Amieva 01.02.2011 18:53 |
You ARE kidding, right? |
| NOTWMEDDLE 02.02.2011 01:55 |
I won't be buying these. The new remaster jobs are going to be compressed to Hell. As much as what Bob Ludwig did on mastering many albums superbly, I think he's being forced to make everything bleed to death and sound LOUDER AND MUDDIER. The bonus tracks I've already heard before. The commentary, I'll just pull out In The Studio with Redbeard for it. Being an American, I can say that the 1994 EMI/Parlophone CD remaster issues were a step up from the 1991 remasters Hollywood put out. I'm grabbing the EMI issues whilst I can (be it imported here to the US) before being phased for the compressed to Hell versions ordered by Island Records (a label which I can't stand anyway). Island/Universal can kiss my *ss and their posterchild for skank of the century Amy Winehouse (with her Mickey Mouse tattoos), Bob Marley (who they continue to mooch off his dead *ss), U2 (a/k/a Usuck). The only great jobs in remastering I heard in last ten or so years was what James Guthrie and Doug Sax did with Pink Floyd's Echoes compilation and The Dark Side of the Moon Hybrid SACD, The Final Cut re-release in 2004 plus the remasterings of David Gilmour's two solo album (done by Doug Sax and James Guthrie), the Piper at the Gates of Dawn 40th Anniversary Edition. |
| Holly2003 02.02.2011 02:20 |
Wilki Amieva wrote: You ARE kidding, right? Nope. |
| Wilki Amieva 02.02.2011 04:17 |
Holly2003: Against Queen products. NOTWMEDDLE: The 1993/94 Digital Master Series was mostly remastered prior to the 1991 "20 Queen Years" series. In MANY cases, both series used the same remasters. |
| Holly2003 02.02.2011 04:39 |
Wilki Amieva wrote: Holly2003: Against Queen products. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ah, I thought you meant against a person. Bias against a product? A strange way to say it. People are simpy weighing up if it's value for money, as they do everything else that's offered for sale. And economic times are tough right now, so I would've thought companies like Queen Prod. or Island Records would really want to offer something very attractive. I'm not a collector any more but I am willing to spend cash on Queen if the product is right. Sadly, it hasn't been right for some time now. It is frustrating, and it gets more frustrating as opportunities are missed again and again. This is their 40th anniversary after all. Do we have to wait for the 50th to get something interesting or complete? |
| *goodco* 02.02.2011 20:42 |
I'll add yet another comment to this thread.... Some/most/all converse with friends via email/Facebook/twitter, etc...... Many are Queen fans (along with being fans of various sports/other bands/similar politics....) Are any of your fellow Queen fans going to purchase the new releases? Think about how most would feel if these were worthy of purchasing: "Hey, pal, I'll make a copy for you." "Are you kidding? I want the original !!!" Is there ANYONE out there feeling like that? (I mean more than one percent?) |
| ziggybsas 03.02.2011 07:17 |
i really don't gonna buy this s##t too much money for the same old things.... how i miss now the hollywood records versions!!!!!! LOL when these versions comes out i will download it all from megaupload!!! is what they deserves.... with s##t like this RIP the music indistry! |
| brENsKi 03.02.2011 16:08 |
ziggybsas wrote: i really don't gonna buy this s##t too much money for the same old things.... how i miss now the hollywood records versions!!!!!! LOL when these versions comes out i will download it all from megaupload!!! is what they deserves.... with s##t like this RIP the music indistry! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ wrong! wrong! wrong! this is by no means RIP the music industry....htink you'll find - as i said earlier - other bands treat their fans much better....bowie, springsteen....deep purple.....thin lizzy..the who...rainbow queen on the other hand.....RIP QPL |
| NOTWMEDDLE 03.02.2011 18:06 |
brENsKi wrote: there may be slight variations form record co to record company...but any fool knows that there's a differnce between standard / rerelease / re-issue / special / expanded and deluxe and by definition deluxe would be "something that is not available elsewhere...ie in other editions.... definition: deluxe: Particularly elegant and luxurious; sumptuous.. just think for a minute about how yo'd feel if you bough a special edition car and found that half the Special edition features were on the car you just traded in for it? there is nothing that fits ANY of those adjectives about the planned sh*t being packaged on the deluxe discs....but hey-ho if you want to buy a dc you already own - just for the benefit of an extra four/five tracks that you already probably have in better quality on your computer's external hard drive...then who am i to argue? the saying "a fool and his money soon go separate ways" was never more apt when talking about queen's Special Editions. I know i said it before: but if you want to really see what Special Editions should look like - have a look at the S/Es from AC/DC, Deep Purple, Springteen, Bowie, Rainbow, and even the who Oh, and for those who wonder about the proper definition of Expanded Edition: have a look at the UFO issues of 70s albums with extras stuff on...that's expanded Ironically, the Jethro Tull and UFO remasters were issued by EMI (the label Queen left) and both Tull and UFO went to great lengths to make sure their back catalog upgrades were bang for the buck. Even David Bowie's catalog up to 1993 is distributed by EMI and they did a great job also. These new Queen reissues are not worth the money they are charging and the bonus choices are stupid. Just release more shows not milk us with bonuses already available in the US and Canada (Mad the Swine and Keep Yourself Alive (re-take) on Queen I, See What a Fool I've Been on Queen II, I Go Crazy on The Works and Hollywood Records fit those at the end of the CDs with ease. I admit a ball drop on A Human Body for The Game and Soul Brother from Hot Space plus Stealin and Hijack My Heart and My Life Has Been Saved for The Miracle but other than that, kudos) |
| qrock 05.02.2011 09:18 |
There is now a new Queen Online Site. On the discography section you can hear snippets of Queen songs. They sound diffrerent I think they are the remastered tracks. Here is Sheer Heart Attack link |
| zephead2112 07.02.2011 06:21 |
I agree; I just listened to 'Misfire' and it sounds stunning. Hope my ears aren't deceiving me! |
| Luke 1982 08.02.2011 16:53 |
about "deluxe edition" ... new release of Bowie's Station To Station for me looks f**g "deluxe and imagine all Queen albums released in this form ;) link (forget about price :P ) |
| Isle0fRed 08.02.2011 19:04 |
to luke1982, thats what i call a delucks edition i've heard the previews for the 2011 remasters and GH1 and GH2 personally, they sound much better than the 1993/4 versions i own. to thoses who say it will be compressed, you cannot really heard compression unless your hearing it on a big fuck off equipment to extra features, i dont care much for them. I myself am a film student and whilst extras are nice, I tend to avoid them. I rather have a film itself the ability to represent itself, with no extras whatsoever. My opinion with films is simular to music, I rather have the album represent itself. |
| Kamenliter 08.02.2011 19:52 |
The Bowie Station To Station box is nice, but still sorely lacking. Aside from the live show, it's lot of relatively boring extra stuff...replica badges and what not....I'm sure there's lots of unreleased tunes/alt takes/demos from that album...that's the kind of stuff we want to hear..so if they did in fact do a Queen album like this, I'd be happy about getting an unreleased live show on CD (likely something we'd already have), but I'd be bummed again about the ommission of the stuff we really want to hear. |
| thomasquinn 32989 09.02.2011 05:45 |
Wilki Amieva wrote: Holly2003: Against Queen products. ===== That's all fine and dandy, but your complaint suffers from the sin of reversability: it is equally truthful to say that you are unreasonably defensive of QPL. |
| philip storey 10.02.2011 03:43 |
I wonder if John gave these 2011 Remasters his blessing?How much influence quality control does he get these days? |
| Wiley 10.02.2011 12:30 |
philip storey wrote: I wonder if John gave these 2011 Remasters his blessing?How much influence quality control does he get these days? -------------------------------- I once read he has full control over the quality of the print on his monthly royalty check... other than that, I don't know. |
| NOTWMEDDLE 10.02.2011 13:22 |
philip storey wrote: I wonder if John gave these 2011 Remasters his blessing?How much influence quality control does he get these days? --------------------------------- I highly doubt it. Once John walked away, he walked away! This is Brian and Roger's idea. My apologies but Island can take their new "compressed to Hell" Deluxe Editions, shine them up nicely, turn the sons of bitches sideways and STICK THEM STRAIGHT UP THEIR CANDYASSES! I won't be buying them, the 1993/94 sounds fine (even the US 1998 box The Crown Jewels box sound great) I know EMI did do a great job on certain group/artist re-releases. The ones that come to mind are Jethro Tull (all albums had bonus tracks which were originally on box sets but once boxes were phased out of print, Ian Anderson had great foresight to stick tracks on albums that they were intended and on A Passion Play you got the video for The Hare Who Lost His Spectacles and on Under Wraps the video for Lap of Luxury). I hope a deluxe Aqualung comes out this year. Other excellent reissues released by EMI were the Steve Hackett remasters, the UFO remasters and lest not forget Genesis (for the world except the US and Canada where they are on Atlantic/WMG) and The Beatles. Problem is EMI was bought by a jackass named Guy Hands and now he's gone and Citibank took over, it may merge with either Sony OR WMG. Universal swallowed every other label. |
| saj ditta 14.02.2011 11:59 |
well here we go again its 2011 from all the commotion online@thru thee fanclub its supposed to be a jam packed occastion for us farty ripped off queen fans,yes i did buy ghits 1@2 in jan 11,but iv still got a bit of hope even though its warying abit i believ its gunna be 5 albums every 3 months i trully hope the next 5 plus 5 will have some rare tracks later albums the works@beyond,such a shame that we fans have been screwed anally@pocket wise with thee same ol bullshit iv lost how much of 1 album versions i got wether remasterd lp cd cass,im gunna give thee queen base this year after im gunna give up on them trully,yes i will buy 211 editions so,called deluxe bullock editions but if queen@island rec are reading this u better pull ur act together u guys hav fucked us over@over again,brian@roger better pull thier acts too start putting thier bdack into this multi million deal its ok for them getting married at 102@buying private planes its our fucking dough they trully make me sick nowadays shitty books@silly cd singles bout traffic lights@war,bout time u gave us sumfing decent,if it wasnt for yotube dave fuller we would never heard of those miracle innuendo demoes,stupid idiots release sumfing rare a cd collection sumfing super,thiers so much threy can do but they trully have scrood thier fans,trully freddie was queen thees guys are shit such a scandal now piss off and pull ur acts together |
| joesilvey 14.02.2011 12:12 |
wow. i believe "scrood" is spelled with three o's, isn't it? sorry - i just had to say sumfing... |
| eggy 15.02.2011 06:54 |
Whilst Brian and Roger are involved, I shall be giving queen not one more penny of my money. |
| Wilki Amieva 15.02.2011 11:44 |
ThomasQuinn wrote: That's all fine and dandy, but your complaint suffers from the sin of reversability: it is equally truthful to say that you are unreasonably defensive of QPL. Not at all. The thing is... The new remasters of the original studio albums hasn't been issued yet. So, forgive me, but I cannot take seriously any criticism against them. That's not being "unreasonably defensive of QPL" - that's being "plainly clever" in my book. I will wait until the first batch is released and then, and only then, I shall express my views upon them, and only them. It seems to me that some of you are just bashing the forthcoming Queen products for the sake of it. Anyway, my main point is that you cannot make everybody happy. I think I made it quite clear with the example concerning the 2009 issues by The Beatles - and the reaction of some of their "real fans". Thanks! |
| 1TuffRed 25.02.2011 15:42 |
I say let DaveRFuller who does the best work on YouTube with his create work, be the mastermind of creating the next Queen releases. The fans would finally get what they have been waiting for for over 20 years. Freddie would be upset that Queen Fans are not getting what we deserve. It is the FANS that have made Queen be able to celebrate a 40 year anniversary... So for that guys, please give us fans what we want to buy. Yes, I would LOVE to have the lost tracks in all their raw unedited versions!! |
| PieterMC 25.02.2011 15:49 |
1TuffRed wrote: I say let DaveRFuller who does the best work on YouTube with his create work, be the mastermind of creating the next Queen releases. The fans would finally get what they have been waiting for for over 20 years. Freddie would be upset that Queen Fans are not getting what we deserve. It is the FANS that have made Queen be able to celebrate a 40 year anniversary... So for that guys, please give us fans what we want to buy. Yes, I would LOVE to have the lost tracks in all their raw unedited versions!! Mastermind? |
| Holly2003 02.03.2011 16:14 |
Apologies if this has been mentioned before -- one of the bonus tracks on Queen I is The Night Comes Down (De Lane Lea Demo, December 1971). However, I read somewhere that the version on Queen I is the De Lane Lea Demo. They tried to re-record it at Trident but Brian wasn't happy with the new version. So is the bonus not really a bonus, or have I got it wrong? |
| The Real Wizard 02.03.2011 16:47 |
Yes, they're the same recording, but they're two different mixes. |
| cmsdrums 04.03.2011 07:14 |
There has been quite a bit of debate on this site as to what bonus extras will be added to the live albums when they are issued as remasters. From the newly issued US press release, there is now a carefully added distinction that only the 15 studio albums (up to Made in Heaven) are coming as deluxe editions. However, I still can't deduce whether his means that the live albums are being remastered but only with the original trackslistings, or that they are missing out on a 2011 master altogether. Apologies if I have not read something that clearly confirms this, but could anyone, including GB and GT, please confirm which of the following applies; 1) All albums, including live ones, are being issued as single disc with 2011 remastered audio, but the 15 studio albums only are also coming as deluxe editions with approx 5 bonus tracks OR 2) The live albums are being repackaged for a 2011 reissue, but the audio is not remastered and so is the same master as last time around OR 3) Only the 15 studio albums are getting remaster releases, and the live albums are not being re-released at all, so the only stock in the shops for the live albums will be the old EMI ones? Cheers |
| splicksplack 04.03.2011 09:31 |
Good question. From what I've seen, there has been no mention of the live albums. Maybe there will be a big announcment regarding the release of all the live albums AND LIVE DVDs OF EARLS COURT etc. Some hope.... |
| Rick 11.03.2011 13:45 |
link link link link link This is what we can expect. Notice the "beautiful" Comic Sans font on ANATO... |
| Pim Derks 11.03.2011 15:17 |
Not Comic Sans, it's the same as the 1994 remaster: link |
| The Real Wizard 11.03.2011 16:15 |
And the same as the liner notes on the original 1975 vinyl. |
| spaceboy1972 11.03.2011 18:37 |
You should see what Universal have done with Thin Lizzy's Live and Dangerous - right mess by all accounts! link |
| Rick 12.03.2011 07:05 |
My eyes must be deceiving me. Sorry! But still these releases look so damn cheap. The sound quality better be good. |
| Dave2843 12.03.2011 12:45 |
Hi All Just had a message from a mate who has received the first two re-issues today, he is very disappointed with them. He added this link link saying this is what you call a good re-master. Its a shame that Queen give us so little compared to what other bands are doing. Just thought i would mention it. Cheers dears Dave |
| brians wig 12.03.2011 16:58 |
Dave2843 wrote: Hi All Just had a message from a mate who has received the first two re-issues today, he is very disappointed with them. He added this link link saying this is what you call a good re-master. Its a shame that Queen give us so little compared to what other bands are doing. Just thought i would mention it. Cheers dears Dave ---------------------------------------------------------- No. That's what you call a good set. You can't call it a good "re-master" if no one's heard it yet! |
| tero! 48531 13.03.2011 03:54 |
Thanks for the tip about Suede. 12.49 euros for every two hours of music and a full dvd... I think this is my time to buy all the albums. |
| cmsdrums 13.03.2011 15:05 |
I recall there being some debate about the term 'deluxe' being used for the two CD version of the remasters. Having seen the package,it is only referred to there merely as a 'bonus EP' on the labelling, so it seems that at least there is some honesty there. I know it's been said before, but to call it 'deluxe' is really almost into breaching trade descriptions act territory, when over a number of years the term deluxe when used with reference to CD releases has come to be universally accepted as to contain a minimum standard amount of extra content and special packaging, none of which these versions have. In reality, they are a remaster release with a bonus EP thrown in (for an extra £3 too, when a lot of acts I know do a bonus EP for no extra cost). |
| The Fairy King 13.03.2011 15:33 |
Look on the bright side! At least we have standalone versions of Ogre Battle and MOTBQ now! :P link Queen – Ogre Battle - 2011 Remaster link Queen – The March Of The Black Queen - 2011 Remaster |
| pma 14.03.2011 03:36 |
The Fairy King wrote: Look on the bright side! At least we have standalone versions of Ogre Battle and MOTBQ now! :P link Queen – Ogre Battle - 2011 Remaster link Queen – The March Of The Black Queen - 2011 Remaster Ouch, they got me. Now I have to buy that stupid Deep Cuts album just for the stand-alone version of MOTBQ. Loved the ending. |
| pma 14.03.2011 03:37 |
"The Fairy King wrote: Look on the bright side! At least we have standalone versions of Ogre Battle and MOTBQ now! :P link Queen – Ogre Battle - 2011 Remaster link Queen – The March Of The Black Queen - 2011 Remaster " Ouch, they got me. Now I have to buy that stupid Deep Cuts album just for the stand-alone version of MOTBQ. Loved the ending. |
| cmi 14.03.2011 04:09 |
Happy owners of new reissues, can you provide any reviews of these sets/bonus tracks? Also it will be great to see real packshots of 1CD editions, finally to clarify their package type. Because it's very strange that 1CD edition is more expensive than 2CD. |
| ploughman 14.03.2011 06:17 |
Only a couple of quick remarks about the bonus tracks: For those who moaned about them being well-known and that everybody already had them: eat my shorts! Well you could argue wheter instrumental or a capella mixes are neede, but at least for Bring Back that Lery Brown and Bohemian Rhapsody it is nice to hear what the vocals are actually doing. Also the new HD mix of Teo Torriate truly brings up certain elements which were drowned in the mix. But for two single bonus tracks I'm especially fond of: 39' Live at Earls Court 1977 and You Take My Breath Away Live at Hyde Park 1976. Oh my oh my! These two sound brilliant! When i heard the acoustic guitar on 39 I nearly went bonkers. They DO have really good multitrack of that show and thus could truly make something great out of it. Maybe a DVD? The same goes with Hyde Park show. We are used to listen to it drom a lousy VHS copy (even if it would be remastered at home by some bloke) and couldn't possibly guess how it would be sounding, when properly mixed. Well...NOW WE CAN!! Btw. Is this 39 from a different night than than the whole bootleg we all have? Brians banter and doodling are different and Roger hits the middle part much better... |
| Rick 14.03.2011 07:00 |
'39 is from the second night at Earls Court. The common bootleg video is from the first. So it's new in every aspect. Can't wait till my copies arrive. |
| Libor2 14.03.2011 07:39 |
I would be very grateful, if anybody would tell how well are the new Bob Ludwig's remasters comparing to the old ones (UK 1994). Especially Queen I, II and SHA. This would be the main reason to buy for me (to be honest, I'm not too much interesting in bonuses, IMHO they aren't interesting enough). Thanks in advance. |
| Rick 14.03.2011 09:23 |
You can listen to the albums on Spotify. For free. You will need an account though, plus software. But that shouldn't be too difficult. |
| Mr Prime Jive 14.03.2011 10:19 |
Heard SHA through spotify... and sound quality isn't that great on my high end system... Hope it's only bad audio compression from the online service :-/ |
| Libor2 14.03.2011 18:46 |
That's why I would hear some opinion comparing two different CD remasters on better audio system... For what it's good to try to listen to Spotify I don't know, I won't listen to CDs on comp. I should expect such 'helping' commentary as the Spotify one... Never mind, I'll buy one or two new remasters and compare it by myself, it'll be safer and probably quicker. |
| cmi 15.03.2011 03:08 |
Some thoughts about Bonus EPs content of '73-'74 albums: I don't have booklets to clarify the technical info, but it seems to me that Bob Ludwig worked only on CD1 (album) content of each reissue. Thank God albums remastered with no compressed to death dynamic range. CD2 tracks includes more compressed range, so it seems to me that bonus content was mastered by QP employees (JSS/JM/KF). Queen 1973: 1) De Lane Lea session tracks have been transfered from acetate. But it seems to me, the restoration could be done with much more effort. A lot of noise/distortion presence. 2) Made The Swine sounds great, but it's a pity that it's 1991 version with no original "I've" in the beginning. Queen II 1974: 1) See What A Fool I've Been (BBC 2011 remix) - stunning quality mix, great addition. It seems BBC Session 2 multitracks still exist. Possibly we'll receive complete session remix in the future. 2) White Queen (Hammersmith 1975) - great performance and fantastic mix. Hope we'll finally receive CD+DVD package of this concert in the nearest 1-2 years. 3) Nevermore (BBC) - great version, great sound 4) Seven Seas Of Rhye (Instrumental mix 2011) - great mix with no fade out drum outro. Useful track. 5) See What A Fool I've Been (1974 b-side) - Slightly better in comparison with Peter Mew remaster from 2008. Sheer Heart Attack 1974: 1) Now I'me Here - same as White Queen above. 2) Flick Of The Wrist (1974 BBC) - great version, great quality. 3) Tenement Funster (1974 BBC) - same as above 4) Bring Back That Leroy Brown (a capella mix 2011) - pure fun, but the rhythm track is needed here. 5) In The Lap Of The Gods...Revisited (Wembley 12th July 1986) - absolute filler, out of place here. Weak choice. Old 1992 mix with fadeout during the intro of SSOR brings even more weaker reaction. From my point of view, QP doesn't have any effort to make the bonus content enjoyable in every aspect for the listener/fan. The main reason here I think is the teasing of possible future Live/BBC/Anthology projects, no more no less. Haven't heard ANATO and ADATR Bonus EPs yet, so there's no review for them. |
| Voice of Reason 2018 15.03.2011 08:41 |
I've had a thought. The fact that these releases are actually being described as having a 'bonus ep' leaves the way open to release 'Universal Deluxe' style packages later. Cheers! |
| The Fairy King 15.03.2011 09:17 |
It's possible they had to release these editions in a hurry for Island and they're still researching for a more complete release in the future. Or we'll have to wait till RT en BM are six feet under for the rare stuff to be released. Either way, we'll have to wait. And wait. And wait some more. |
| deleted user 15.03.2011 09:21 |
CMI wrote: Some thoughts about Bonus EPs content of '73-'74 albums: I don't have booklets to clarify the technical info, but it seems to me that Bob Ludwig worked only on CD1 (album) content of each reissue. Thank God albums remastered with no compressed to death dynamic range. CD2 tracks includes more compressed range, so it seems to me that bonus content was mastered by QP employees (JSS/JM/KF). Queen 1973: 1) De Lane Lea session tracks have been transfered from acetate. But it seems to me, the restoration could be done with much more effort. A lot of noise/distortion presence. 2) Made The Swine sounds great, but it's a pity that it's 1991 version with no original "I've" in the beginning. Queen II 1974: 1) See What A Fool I've Been (BBC 2011 remix) - stunning quality mix, great addition. It seems BBC Session 2 multitracks still exist. Possibly we'll receive complete session remix in the future. 2) White Queen (Hammersmith 1975) - great performance and fantastic mix. Hope we'll finally receive CD+DVD package of this concert in the nearest 1-2 years. 3) Nevermore (BBC) - great version, great sound 4) Seven Seas Of Rhye (Instrumental mix 2011) - great mix with no fade out drum outro. Useful track. 5) See What A Fool I've Been (1974 b-side) - great quality, no more words to say. I'll compare it to the remaster from SC1 box in the evening. I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same Peter Mew remaster. Sheer Heart Attack 1974: 1) Now I'me Here - same as White Queen above. 2) Flick Of The Wrist (1974 BBC) - great version, great quality. 3) Tenement Funster (1974 BBC) - same as above 4) Bring Back That Leroy Brown (a capella mix 2011) - pure fun, but the rhythm track is needed here. 5) In The Lap Of The Gods...Revisited (Wembley 12th July 1986) - absolute filler, out of place here. Weak choice. Old 1992 mix with fadeout during the intro of SSOR brings even more weaker reaction. From my point of view, QP doesn't have any effort to make the bonus content enjoyable in every aspect for the listener/fan. The main reason here I think is the teasing of possible future Live/BBC/Anthology projects, no more no less. Haven't heard ANATO and ADATR Bonus EPs yet, so there's no review for them. ============================================================================================== CMI, thanks for your thoughts about the bonus content. I don't understand why QP didn't choose Mannheim, Budapest or Knebworth version of ITLOTG , instead of giving us the same old sh*t again! |
| Rick 15.03.2011 09:29 |
They should have added ITLOTG from an early concert, like the Rainbow. The same goes for Somebody To Love. Earls Court or Houston would have been nice. |
| Voice of Reason 2018 16.03.2011 05:58 |
Just a quick question for you please: On A Night at the Opera they describe the bonus ep version of Love of my Life as a South American single release. Is this the same as the Live Killers version? If it is, then why didn't they call it that or, indeed, UK single release? Thanks, The Voice. |
| cmi 16.03.2011 07:18 |
Yes, it's a common version from Live Killers. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Thoughts about A Night At The Opera Bonus EP: 1) Keep Yourself Alive (1975 long lost re-take) - great remaster, great version 2) You're My Best Friend (2011 Backing Track) - very good mix, but it's been better without backing vocals at all. We already have them it in Karaoke Hits. Bells-like sounding instrument is very prominent in the mix, like never before. 3) I'm In Love With My Car (Guitar & Vocal 2011) - Not bad at all, reminds me a version from Shove It Tour by The Cross. 4) Bohemian Rhapsody (2011 A Cappella) - very good, but not so exciting now, as we already have 5.1 and multitracks for this track. 5) '39 (Earls Court 7th July 1977) - stunning quality mix, and great performance. Let's hope QPL finaly to release CD+DVD package compiled from both nights in the future. One more to go... |
| Voice of Reason 2018 16.03.2011 09:07 |
Thanks for confirming that CMI. I'll hold my tongue on what I was going to say to those involved in this compilation. |
| Rick 16.03.2011 10:57 |
I would almost swear that Roger redid the drum part of See What A Fool I've Been, the 2011 remix. It sounds like his current drumkit. |
| cmi 17.03.2011 02:17 |
Rick wrote: I would almost swear that Roger redid the drum part of See What A Fool I've Been, the 2011 remix. It sounds like his current drumkit. It the same old drum track. There's no reason to remake it. Simply modern VST-plugins can make miracles with old recordings. |
| brians wig 17.03.2011 05:46 |
Considering how many times ANATO has been released in one format or another, it's a pity they didn't make an even bigger effort to include some worthy bonus material instead of shitty live crap. I simply cannot get excited about individual live tracks, especially when they are from concert videos we already have. Really, if I'm going to listen to ANATO, I'm not going to listen in stereo when I've got the 2002 DTS Entertainment surround release, which is far superior to the crap 30th Anniversary verison where it sounds like they just did a vocal cut and surround swap option on the rear speakers for the most part. Cheapness. That's what it is these days with Queen. The most gain for the least effort. |
| The Real Wizard 17.03.2011 14:03 |
CMI wrote: Rick wrote: I would almost swear that Roger redid the drum part of See What A Fool I've Been, the 2011 remix. It sounds like his current drumkit. It the same old drum track. There's no reason to remake it. Simply modern VST-plugins can make miracles with old recordings. =========== Bingo. Anyone notice that some of the lead vocal is different from the actual session recorded on 7-25-73? For instance, the "I caught a train" at 0:33 is different.. so here we have a composite of at least 2 vocal takes. Any ideas of where it may be from? Maybe just a different take from that day? |
| GinjaNinja 17.03.2011 14:13 |
Do you have the rumoured "Original Quad Mix" of ANATO rather than the standard DTS release? The 30th anniversary dvd contains the same mixes! |
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