| queenUSA 04.05.2011 23:09 |
This week I've been re-visiting "Long Away" written/lead vocal by Brian, originally part of A Day at the Races and now its most recent reincarnation is on Deep Cuts as a "hidden gem" hand selected by the band. I've been enjoying the simplicity of the song/arrangement and Brian's voice is applied quite well IMO. I guess everything this month is about appreciating Brian in so many ways. Do you like this song too or have you overlooked it? |
| Wiley 04.05.2011 23:17 |
It's a great track. I believe it could have been a hit if it had been released with Freddie on vocals. Listen to it with an open mind, not thinking "it's a Brian track", listen closely to the music, it's got nice guitar, great bass and a lovely melody. Hopefully, the Deep Cuts compilation will make this track better known among non fans. |
| master marathon runner 05.05.2011 02:07 |
Regardless of it's worth, i hope he plays it tonight, i'm off to the sage gateshead to see him with this Kerry girl. WEHEY ! . Master marathon runner |
| Makka 05.05.2011 03:25 |
I wonder if Freddie ever did a vocal take for this song originally? It'd be interesting to hear his vocal interpretation of it. As for the song, one of my favourites on ADATR. Quality track. |
| Jazz 78 05.05.2011 09:15 |
GREAT song!!! Even when I was getting into Queen in the mid-70's this song was a standout for me. The lyrics are cleverly written as is the norm for Brian, Wonderfully produced with Brian doing all the vocals including the backing vocals. DIdn't he once comment that he would have liked this one released as a single as he wanted '39 also the year before? |
| TyphoonTip 05.05.2011 10:21 |
My most recent thoughts is that this track sounds horrifically loud on the new remasters. The hats in the verses are like knitting needles through the skull. Nice track though. John's playing is particularly pretty on it. |
| little foetus 05.05.2011 14:33 |
Jazz 78 wrote: GREAT song!!! Even when I was getting into Queen in the mid-70's this song was a standout for me. The lyrics are cleverly written as is the norm for Brian, Wonderfully produced with Brian doing all the vocals including the backing vocals. DIdn't he once comment that he would have liked this one released as a single as he wanted '39 also the year before? It was released as a single in USA and New Zealand as far I know. |
| lyricalassasin77 05.05.2011 19:19 |
Its a good song. For some reason this song and "Someday, One Day" from Queen II have always sounded alike to me. They both have that melancholy feel to them and have pretty much the same tone..... |
| Jimmy Dean 05.05.2011 23:51 |
I've always thought You & I would have been a hit. It's probably the most underrated JD song in the catologue. |
| strangefrontier 06.05.2011 03:56 |
I agree with everything said....lovely track and Brian has always regretted it not being a single in a major terittory. Jimmy Dean - agree on You and I...particularly love the bv's on that track!! |
| Arnaldo "Ogre-" Silveira 07.05.2011 21:50 |
Jazz 78 wrote: GREAT song!!! Even when I was getting into Queen in the mid-70's this song was a standout for me. The lyrics are cleverly written as is the norm for Brian, Wonderfully produced with Brian doing all the vocals including the backing vocals. DIdn't he once comment that he would have liked this one released as a single as he wanted '39 also the year before? ------------------------------------------ Yeah, I see what you mean, but we souldn't forget Roger's vocals on the "Look for the day" line. Cheers, Ogre- |
| queenUSA 08.05.2011 09:14 |
In the discussion, a few wondered about how it would have been if Freddie had sung this song instead of Brian. While that might be interesting to think about - in a way we can also appreciate that it did not happen that way. Since we don't have to worry about gains in the charts anymore - we can just enjoy it as the "hidden gem" that it is. To me this song is meant to be Brian through and through. If you think of the rare individual whose soul is expressed through his craft, that's what this is (who better to sing of the stars and heavens that Brian himself). Once the vocalist is chosen and the track recorded, to me, that becomes the "organic" form of the song, and I do like my foods and music mostly un-fooled around with. |
| Squidgy 11.05.2011 06:53 |
I agree You and I is a great track but my vote for most underrated JD song is Need Your Loving Tonight, a truly great song that gets my foot tapping and in full sing a long mode everytime I hear it. My favourite track by a mile on The Game. Long Away is a great song from a great album. DATR is one of the Queen albums that doesn't have a weak track on it in my opinion only Sheer Heart Attack and Queen II are the same |
| jaq 11.05.2011 17:54 |
ooh this is a nice one. it came on the mixtape driving home last night, and i couldn't but marvel at brian writing that beautiful key change then completely throwing it away in the singing. maybe it's his "limited" expression as a singer or whatever, but it accentuates the craft in the songwriting even more - the man can throw together a tune! young man brian may is as equally fascinating as young freddie m, as i'm beginning to find - he the laconic, lanky trophy (to those preferring "proper" musos) housewife to fred's indiscriminate, at times comically over-eager to please harlet - both running from the same stall of a traveling harem (a la carte!) together. maybe it's freddie's power of expression after a few spins, but who can't help opening their heart a bit to the young bri male frustration in some lifestage quagmire, suddenly all bolting thru the door euphorically, those iffy droopy pecs exposed through half-open shirt of (perhaps?....definitely!) a guitar wiz - all after some life changing, chance encounter with (juicy!) peaches in a place far, far away from home? with annoying tendency to lock into some spiritual death (easy when your body keeps acting up, or breaking down in the oat sowing prime years!), he sez exhilaration can still be found on earth, when you're young, could be more carefree all rocked out (thanks peach!), with all that music rushing through your synapses. (so yes, a straight dude yearning to break free via mouthpiece of a gonna-be-gay dude, still works wonders when the heart is sincere, & the "emotional truth" be representing - cos every1's got a bleeding heart any which hole you poke:P) part of long way's charm then - tho many connoisseur & experts here can tell it better - is how much of a bubble young brian occupied in himself on these self-penned/performed things, neither here or there, just pre-badgers, HIM. the kinks with a similar "pastel" toned, reflective tune plopped you down with the precise spot on the lawn, overseeing the bridge and waters, and all the accompanying scenery. you know exactly where you are in history and time - and it's precious as nobody can get that frozen time capsule back anytime soon. just as well, can any1 get that peculiar "sour" world of young brian may back (back when the guitar orchestra gentleman-pummeled you inside its dazzling giant cocoon, without cheesy rawk-god-at-work grimace?) those mouthy britpoppers i was raised on (& brainwashed with), would turn the melodic into a swaggering fashion statement. that bri doesn't do (it IS just one more tricks of the trade every1 before him had picked up, and how inadequate it'd be without his turn of the phrase or guitar showcase:P) maybe that's what he meant by being uncool (until he shamelessly devolved into wanting to be Driven by you.) still, father to son still kicks the ass of 10 long away's any day. & ditto on the deep cut mix- something between too subtle original & that bombastic new version is probably ideal. |
| Jimmy Dean 11.05.2011 18:11 |
jaq, looks like you've learned how to write essays - good for you :-)... but to get your point across, you'll need to learn the power of concise communication. I give you A for affort. |