Thought I'd post something related to the ON Air material that wasn't just a moan - even though I share similar thoughts about the curiousity that is the deluxe set. I imagine many of these questions will be covered in the 16 page booklet that comes with the On Air set but I'm interested in knowing more about these BBC sessions, how they came about, how they were recorded and why particular songs were chosen to be included.
Obviously it was a bit of exposure for the band and their music. But did their record company approach the BBC and ask if their band could do a session? Or did the BBC approach Queen as a hot new band and say we'd like to record you please?
Then, why were particular songs chosen to be recorded. For example, in the first session they'd naturally want showstoppers or future singles like Liar and Keep Yourself Alive in there. But why go for My Fairy King which was never performed live if they wanted to showcase material likely to connect with a brand new audience? Did the band choose the songs to be recorded or was it the record company or the BBC who put their foot down on this?
But the most interesting thing for me is the final (and my personal favourite) session. I've always viewed the 6th session, coming as it did out of the blue, as intended to stick the band right under the noses of a mainstream radio audience to compete with the dominance of the punk movement in the UK. To demonstrate to people that Queen's music was changing from the well known Opera/Races style into something a bit more stripped down and raucous. Especially important after their last couple of singles hadn't done quite as well as those that went before (TYMD = 31 & GOFLB = 17). So why then didn't they do a similar session for either Hot Space or The Works when they had a point to make either about a different style of music (HS) or a career to keep afloat (TW)? Just my musings out loud, I'd be interested in your thoughts.
As regards BBC session 6.
It was broadcast in quad matrix H on Radio 1 FM in the UK on Jan 2nd 1978.
Program Title - Jonathan King Rules (produced By Dave Tate)
The Kurgan wrote:
As regards BBC session 6.
It was broadcast in quad matrix H on Radio 1 FM in the UK on Jan 2nd 1978.
Program Title - Jonathan King Rules (produced By Dave Tate)
I know. A couple of years ago I spent a lot of time trying to track down a recording (off air or otherwise) of that quad Matrix H broadcast but drew a blank. No-one says which transmission recordings are from, so I had to download them all and pass them to my quadraphonic decoding friend. I also bought a couple of white label LPs. No trace of Matrix H encoding on any of them. The fake audience noise version of these tracks where often thought to be Matrix H encoded but are not.
Then try searching for the one listed here on December 3rd 1978 http://www.eclipse67.com/kbi.htm
It's listed as a discrete 4-channel quad reel broadcast.
I've done several BBC sessions (including ones at Maida Vale) and generally speaking they were always a mix of singles (or popular airplay tracks), something that was currently sounding good live and something that would fit the type of show we were doing the session for.
That said many bands vary it - Bauhaus usually did covers or experimental tracks - this means that the bulk of their BBC session album is a worthy stand alone album.
Bowie got his first BBC session on the promise he did a certain track (Little Bombardier from memory) so of course he did. Clearlake have a similar tale about their Jools Holland appearance.
Queen's situation was interesting as they used pre-existing backing tracks. Perhaps MFK was the 'current' track they were working on so took it out with them. I notice that they also allow Roger a fair chunk of singing (as shown on Doin Allright, Tenement Funster, the S&D adlib etc) so maybe that came into play.
Good question anyway.