I have been listening to the studio and album versions of this song quite a bit lately because i am learning its bass. It's a great song. However I can't help wishing that Freddie had sung the album version. I love the album version but I think it would have been far better with Freddie singing. I have always thought that two songs sung by Brian on ANATO was one too many...
What do you guys think?
you can enjoy Freddie on "39" if you listen to bootlegs...I also prefer Fred on lead vocals on the song - but in the end Brian chose to sing lead on some of his songs and paid the price:he always complains that "Long Away" could have been a hit - I concur - with Freddie on vocals!
Brian's voice suits the song better. He gives it the serious and reflective feeling it deserves.
Furthermore, having the first 5 songs on ANATO sung by three members of the band (and written by all four) contributed greatly to the album's sense of diversity.
Freddie's treatment of the song live was fun, and that was better for the stage. But the record was their Sgt Pepper. Change any one little thing and that may not have been the case.
KUDOS Bob! Brian did fit the song and gave it more of a feel. Nothing against Freddie's vocal live but this was a great song for Brian to perform! Nicely done, well produced and his voice is somewhat ethereal which compliments the music.
1sharppencil wrote:
you can enjoy Freddie on "39" if you listen to bootlegs...I also prefer Fred on lead vocals on the song - but in the end Brian chose to sing lead on some of his songs and paid the price:he always complains that "Long Away" could have been a hit - I concur - with Freddie on vocals!
Brian's vocals on Long Away, while solid, were IMO too soft for the particular song. I think that Freddie should have sung it, although I'm not particularly fussed as I quite like the song.
With '39, I'm happy that Brian sung it. I think he has a beautiful voice, and I think his voice fit the song perfectly. :D