QueenZone discussion #522672
Official downloads - your reviews
| hcrvelin 30.04.2005 18:34 |
When these downloads started I was wondering how they are. Obviously, some people share this interest as they do not intend to download all versions of the single song but rather the one which tends to be better by some general opinion. I could not see many reviews so I decided to start one and I hope others will join in. It doesn't matter if we can't find common opinion - opinion are almost always different anyway :) My general opinion about them is - so far so good. The only thing I could rent is how CDs are done. I would prefer if they would ship CDs only and at the end of the tour you could buy box (for 1, 2 or 5 CDs) and booklet which would have pics from all those shows. As it seems we will need some 5-6 CDs for all downloads. I'm not sure what was the idea behind these downloads, but it looks like we will have at least 2 versions of each song (which may indicate that Seagull will be performed at least once more). Some downloads I believe will have to wait for UK leg of the tour. WARTC for example which I'm sure will come as combo with GSQ and as UK ppl like to sing GSQ (or at least they know more lyrics) it makes logical to have those downloads from UK only. I could be 100% wrong of course. And now, here is what I think about the downloads so far (I will have to split this due to message size limit). Fat Bottomed Girls (Paris 30/03/2004 4:20) ========================================== Wow. WOW! Intro which sound like Bri is getting ready to play White Man and then really perfect harmonies by whole band singing intro verse. Very nice! No wonder some people at the start of the show thought that was tape. Paul really did a nice job here. Whole band did. But the highlight of the song are the harmonies which when you are in front of the band must blow you away. If you ever had any second thought should you download this track or not - put them away. I never really liked this song very much as studio recording and it was a bit boring perhaps too, but this live version is huge. Even when Paul sings na-na-na-na which fits the moment perfectly. Once again very nice and very much recommended. Not sure when and if second version will be released, but since this was in Paris it would rather nice to hear the progress band had in the meantime. Note that info on track says that it comes from album called "Queen Live Tour" rather than "Europe Live" (at least in media player). Crazy Little Thing (Paris 30/03/2005 4:20) ========================================== It starts with introduction of Paul being on guitar. Then you hear famous CLTCL acoustic guitar sound, but changed slightly from original so you wonder first is it mistake or what. Well, it is great and it is intended change. There is nothing to say about this song - it done very nice. Audience very loud singing "Ready Freddie" part. It is standard delivery and it is very nice done. Paul did a nice job here. Note that info on track says that it comes from album called "Queen Live Tour" rather than "Europe Live" (at least in media player). Second instance of the song comes from Basel (10/04/2005 4:45). Audience is here much louder during the whole song. Also, you can feel when listening to both versions that this one feels a bit better... you know, it feels like they have it right and they are enjoy it 120%. For example, the way Paul sings it and they playing it. More like teasing than trying to deliver how was it done on studio album. Also, the sound is better with this version (guitar and whole track in general). So, if wondering which of two to download I would recommend Basel one as it is better. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love (Madrid 01/04/2005 5:50) ====================================================== First thing you notice about this track is the sound of Bri's guitar which sounds weird. Also, another things is that Paul doesn't sing "Can't Get Enough Of Yo |
| hcrvelin 30.04.2005 18:35 |
I'm In Love With My Car (Barcelona 02/04/2005 3:31) =================================================== Well, old Rog kicks once again. With sticks in hand and mic in front of him he delivers great version of this song. Harmonies once again are great - as they were on FBG. Nothing more or less - just enjoy it. There is no second version yet. Recommended of course. Note that info on track says that it comes from album called "Queen Live Tour" rather than "Europe Live" (at least in media player). Feel Like Making Love (Barcelona 02/04/2005 6:38) ================================================= This song makes you realize why Paul is thought to be one of the greatest voices out today of the older generation. First, this song is very catchy. Second, it has very nice acoustic guitar in background. And third, it requires rather powerful singing capabilities even it has simple lyrics. There is only one version of this song so far, but this one really kicks some ass. This song is more than recommended to be downloaded - Q+PR did a perfect delivery here - simply perfect! It reminds us all that Paul has rather powerful catalog too. I'm not sure if there is going to be second instance of this song, but this one is enough good to be listened over and over again. Seagull (Barcelona 02/04/2005 3:43) =================================== Great acoustic song. Not sure who plays guitar here (Paul?), but I really love it. Lyrics are also very nice. One thing which went perhaps wrong here is when Rog joins stage (bongos) and crowd goes crazy - it is kind of song which you listen in peace - just like Say It's Not True. I think for a moment Paul was surprised by situation, but it all worked well. This is very nice song and it is pity they don't do it more often. I believe US tour will see more PR songs, but nevertheless I hope some UK dates will see it too. Recommended of course. Last Horizon (Rome 04/04/2005 3:41) =================================== Very nice done. It features Bri solo track from his own album. It has great finale and hearing audience cheering during that is great moment. Very nice done. There is no second version yet - recommended. Guitar Solo (Firenze 07/04/2005 6:46) ===================================== When you have guitar player like Bri which has solo during the gig that means that there would be some standard bits inside, but whole thing will have life on its own during the whole tour. When listening to this version for the first time I was disappointed as it sounded like all known bits of his solo mixed together and it felt like it is missing some kind of start, middle and end. It was not bad, but it was not really something. Not sure how was it at Brixton and Paris at the start. After middle of the track Bri introduced part which features the sound he used for Chinese Torture continuing after with known bits of his solo. After listening to this track I was hoping this solo will improve. Well, less than a week after answer came is second instance of his solo from Vienna (13/04/2005 7:29). Now, this thing had a head and tail. And it was much much better than what I heard from Firenze. As small bonus and recognition of Austria, Bri included few sounds of Danube Waltz. This solo far more better... actually superior to the one from Firenze. If wondering which one is better, there is no doubt that the one from Vienna kicks ass. Reaching Out/ Tie Your Mother Down (Firenze 07/04/2005 5:45) ============================================================ Reaching Out is great song. I remember when I heard the song first time almost 8 years ago from Mayniacs site. Great intro. And then TYMD kicks in blowing a place apart. You can almost feel crown jumping (actually I always see the picture of crown jumping at Tribute). Also, you can hear audience participate during title verse. Great. Paul really delivered this song superb - imagine Paul |
| hcrvelin 30.04.2005 18:36 |
Radio Ga Ga (Vienna 13/04/2005 6:08) ==================================== It starts with demo tape playing rhythm and awful Spike keyboard sound (Spike, we have to talk seriously man!). Rog on vocal is great and I really love it. There is nothing to say here. It included usual clapping which is already trademark of the gigs. I wish that Paul would return during second part of the song, but Rog carries on. Then for second "Radio Ga Ga" Paul joins and Rog goes back to drums. From that point song continues with cool bas line by Danny and Roger drumming which at the end leads to Bri's guitar part. Last chorus is sung together by Rog and Paul. It is not bad at all. There is no second version of this song so this one is recommended. It is very funny at the end hearing Paul saying "Roger Taylor Ladies and Gentlemen... Oh yeah oh yeah" :) All Right Now (Munich 14/04/2005 6:49) ====================================== This is probably the most famous song that can be linked back to Paul. One of those classics that all R'n'R people know about it. Audience is great - you can feel they love it. Paul's voice is great and so it is the sound produced by Q+. Harmonies by the band are very nice. I especially love Paul between verses singing "let-me-let-me-let-me-tell-you-about-it". Middle section is great with Rog drums and Bri guitar which then gets followed by great bas line and piano sound and then guitar rising (and drums getting more aggressive - really nice job). Perfect really. Paul blues vocal inserts are great. 5 days after we have second instance of the same song from Frankfurt gig (19/04/2005 6:57). Audience is again very loud and carries with great Paul's voice the song. I think they are even louder here (singing and clapping hands). In this version in middle section I believe Bri is few seconds late with his guitar than in previous version and I loved more his sound in Munich for that part. Paul vocal inserts make this song much different from previous version. Nevertheless, I prefer Munich version over the Frankuft as I find Munich one to be better. So, if you are wondering which one to chose, I would say go for Munich one. Note that when I downloaded Frankfurt version it had information that it comes from album called "q3" rather than "Europe Live". I Want It All (Munich 14/04/2005 5:20) ====================================== I always though this song would not sound good live. Perhaps I was under impression of Tribute where IWIA did suck for me. However, here we have completely different story. Paul did great interpretation of this song and his vocal inserts while in background we have band harmonies are really great. Very very good! During solo part both Bri and Rog are really great - especially Rog. There is no second version of this song yet - but this one is enough. Great job by Q+PR - it made me love this song again. Especially last few seconds of the song. Recommended of course. Say It's Not True (Leipzig 17/04/2005 3:45) =========================================== To those familiar with Rog's solo stuff this is his typical song (lyrics). In general this song is very nice and you easily remember it. Actually, it gets to your mind rather easily even if you don't know it. Not sure if crowd goes in waves with lighters during that song, but it is that kind of song (even the lyrics represent what our sad reality is). Very nice song. At the end Rog presents band members making jokes. Very recommended. '39 (Leipzig 17/04/2005 4:28) ============================= Very nice one. Absolutely must. At the start Bri explains what this song is about. Nice - I didn't know that. Audience is great! You can hear/feel they are enjoying every moment. Not sure if Bri did a mistake or he did this with intention, but during second verse we have "In the year of '39/The volunteers came home that day/The volunteers came |
| Knute 30.04.2005 18:49 |
Bravo man! Excellent job of reviewing there. |
| inu-liger 30.04.2005 23:53 |
This'll make for great reading! I don't feel like even skimming them all, but so far these are excellent reviews! Makes me even sorry I bought the Madrid version of CGEOYL instead of the Firenze one. Not that the Madrid version is bad - it's great, but as mentioned above, audience is not very strong in sound |
| Serry... 02.05.2005 05:04 |
Great! Thank you, buddy! |
| ziggy811 02.05.2005 10:12 |
Having heard all the downloads, I must say that Brian's playing is excellent on this tour. Sometimes very subtle, at other times full-on rock extravaganza. His guitar sound is also much better (heavier and more forcefull)than during the Magic Tour if you ask me. |
| Serry... 02.05.2005 11:18 |
ziggy811 wrote: Having heard all the downloads, I must say that Brian's playing is excellent on this tour. Sometimes very subtle, at other times full-on rock extravaganza. His guitar sound is also much better (heavier and more forcefull)than during the Magic Tour if you ask me.Don't forget about Jamie, who hasn't been helping him on the Magic Tour... |
| ziggy811 02.05.2005 14:15 |
Indeed, having Jamie around (who's also a great guitarist) makes it easier for Brian to do some freewheeling. Those little fills or subtle chords just in the right place, that's what makes these soundboard recordings so enjoyable. Sometimes you can't really hear those little details due to the bad acoustics at some of the venues. Oh, just to clarify. When I'm talking about Brian's guitar sound, I don't mean his playing but the actual sound of the red special. |
| hcrvelin 08.05.2005 18:31 |
This is an update to my previous review. Find below following songs review and compared where possible to previous releases: - These Are The Days Of Our Lives (Rotterdam 26/04/2005) - 4:33 -'39 (Rotterdam 26/04/2005) - 2:26 - We Are The Champions (Hamburg 28/04/2005) - 5:59 - Fat Bottomed Girls (Hamburg 28/04/2005) - 5:44 - Let There Be Gene / I'm In Love With My Car (Newcastle 03/05/2005) - 7:05 - Wishing Well (Newcastle 03/05/2005) - 4:37 These Are The Days Of Our Lives (Rotterdam 26/04/2005 4:33) =========================================================== Previous instance of TATDOUL came from Pesaro show. This version is almost identical in delivery when compared to previous one. However it features that line "when I look back and I find Brian May". I like slightly a bit more how Bri's guitar sound on Pesaro download (the tune seems to be a bit different, but that could be due to acoustic maybe?) so I personally prefer Pesaro one. In Pesaro you can also hear audience more cheering (probably reacting to what has been shows on wall). Still, "I find Brian May" makes it special for fans so it's up to you to decide which one is for you (if you have too). '39 (Rotterdam 26/04/2005 2:26) =============================== Rotterdam second download was '39 (previous one coming from Leipzig). Leipzig version was really "must have" one. This version is degraded in several aspects when compared to Leipzig one. First, Bri does only one verse of the song. Second, perhaps Bri had some problems with voice, but opinion is that he did much better voice work in Leipzig (it sounds like he is restricting his voice for some reason - at least when comparing these two). In both version response by audience is great. If you have to make decision between one of these two you should go for Leipzig one. We Are The Champions (Hamburg 28/04/2005 5:59) ============================================== While I thought originally WATC will be released for UK only (combo with God Save The Queen and audience singing it) it seems I was wrong. First download from Hamburg was WATC (combo with GSTQ). I like how Paul did fit this song to himself (well, he does not have that hard voice during WATC verse as during the other parts, but that is how his voice is). Harmonies are very nice done - especially during the finish line (harmonies are one of the major improvements when compared to previous Queen tours). It is nice done and for me harmonies are the highlights of the song here - excluding that and the way Paul fits the song to himself everything else is standardly done. I'm looking forward for UK version of it with audience being more louder (not that you can't hear them here, but I would like to hear them pump up the volume a bit). Fat Bottomed Girls (Hamburg 28/04/2005 5:44) ============================================ Fat Bottomed Girls first were the first download available (coming from Paris). Now, they are the last one from Europe (without UK). Not sure if that was done on purpose or not (there are more such girls over here in UK heh). We have slightly different intro here and then again those great harmonies. When listening both versions one after another you can see that they have it blood now. Paul did a slightly different vocal interpretation of it (in terms of rhythm and they way he sings it - changes you will hardly notice if not listening one after another). This version features longer Bri guitar version at the end (which is nothing special, but it is not bad either). When compared to Paris version they could do without it. Maybe this is the reason why I prefer Paris version a bit. Let There Be Gene / I'm In Love With My Car (Newcastle 03/05/2005 7:05) ======================================================================= First version of IILWMC came from Barcelona. This one comes from Newcastle. First change (a big one) is that it comes as combo with song they c |
| boca 13.05.2005 06:27 |
hcrvelin- how much did you pay for it? I also want to download something but I'm not sure how it works |
| boca 13.05.2005 06:31 |
Ustvari ovako cu pitati :Koliko si platio sve skupa :). Hej, mi smo sunarodnjaci! |
| Fenderek 13.05.2005 06:39 |
£0.99 each track. |
| hcrvelin 13.05.2005 06:47 |
Well each one is 0.99 pounds... so we have 42 songs available so far meaning total cost was 41.58 pound. Actually it was 0.99 more because when they released "Dortmund, Manchester and Birmingham download group" I went there and I automatically started to download last 4 tracks. That was a mistake as they are listed there not by the release date but gig date (and Dortmund was not not in last 4 group when sorted that way). I realized that by the time it was too late (payment done). I should be more careful next time heh :) Not sure how many more tracks there will be - apparently admin on QOL said there would be something special soon with these downloads. The only thing I can think of is that they will release one video track which should feature DVD recording. Maybe. Eto, malo se raspisao na engleskom da ne bi ovi sada gnjavili sta sam to rekao :) |
| DragonOnMyBack 13.05.2005 07:07 |
Maybe they are planning on doing something special for a Bohemian Rhapsody download. We have not seen a version of this yet. I was wondering if they would even release a download version as it features very little of Paul and the other guys are mainly playing to the Freddie vocal. All we can do is wait. Also do you think they will stop the downloads after the Irish gigs this weekend or release a few from the July gigs? I don't want to start burning them to CD until I have the complete set. Whatever that may be. By my reckoning we are still due at least : 2x Bohemian Rhapsody 2x Under Pressure 1x I Want It All 1x The Show Must Go On 1x Feel Like Making Love 1x Say Its Not True (based on 2 versions of each track) and we a running out of Gigs to get them. I make it just Wembley, Dubin, Belfast and maybe Sheffield (but they may not release anything from here is it is going to be on the DVD) Who knows, I am sure we will find out soon.... |
| Fenderek 13.05.2005 07:13 |
Would be cool to get at least one version of A Little Bit Of Love... |
| proton 13.05.2005 07:54 |
6 days after Cardiff... and no new downloads yet.... come on! The weekend is almost begun! Where are they?!? |
| stormtrooperinstilettoes 13.05.2005 07:58 |
are there any downloads from Sheffield? (Soz if I have missed something!) Would love to hear any of it (and see if I can her myself going 'woooo' loudly in the quiet bits!!!) |
| Fenderek 13.05.2005 08:11 |
Why would they put a download from Sheffiled if the bloody thing is going to be released on DVD? |
| stormtrooperinstilettoes 13.05.2005 08:17 |
a good question my friend - but one can live in hope! There may be some unofficial naughty ones out there aswell...... Kez |
| hcrvelin 13.05.2005 09:01 |
proton wrote: 6 days after Cardiff... and no new downloads yet.... come on! The weekend is almost begun! Where are they?!?? But Cardiff can be downloaded for few days already. |
| hcrvelin 13.05.2005 09:01 |
Fenderek wrote: Would be cool to get at least one version of A Little Bit Of Love...Agreed. |
| hcrvelin 13.05.2005 09:04 |
DragonOnMyBack wrote: Also do you think they will stop the downloads after the Irish gigs this weekend or release a few from the July gigs?They will. I think it was on QOL that someone asked the same question and got response that download releases would continue for forthcoming gigs too. |
| boca 13.05.2005 09:09 |
Kolko je funta u odnosu na eur? i to nije 0.99 nego 1 funta :). Ja sam mislio isto skinut 2-3 pjesme ali neznam kako se to placa i bojim se da ce me oguliti. For others: I wanted to download 2-3 songs but I am not sure how it works |
| hcrvelin 13.05.2005 09:35 |
You must have credit card (or UK based mobile, but that is more expensive so let's forget about it). That is step one. Then go to link where you will find the list of songs you can download (if above link doesn't work go to Q+PR site and follow the link from there). Select your track and follow the instructions. If you are there for the first time you will be asked to register (this is where you insert your credit card data). Otherwise just enter your login (email) and password. You will need to confirm that credit card usage and that's it - after that you will have song in WAV format available for you to download. I would urge you before that to check few things. You will need WMP 10 to play it. Check some past threads on workarounds if not in position to upgrade or using another OS. Second, make sure that your machine is trojan free and check for latest MS fix/patch (simply check Windows Update page). You don't wish to your credit card data (no matter what browser you use) with potential security flaw laying around (7digital site uses encryption during the purchase). After purchase make sure (in a day or few) to check bank account. Also, use your PC and not one from public places (unlikely to happen, but you never know). Boca also asked about euro/pound relation: I just checked that and 0.99 pounds gets charged as 1.44-1.45 euros by my bank (which is fine as in UK it is officially 1.46). |
| proton 13.05.2005 10:17 |
1 or 2 days later yes, but after Cardiff...nothing, and if nothing comes today, we'll have to wait again till after the weekend... |
| boca 14.05.2005 09:55 |
Huh, nakon svega sam odustao :). Ma sredit cemo mi to nekako preko štele hcrvelin, jel' tako? Stavi ih ovdje na Queenzone i nek ljudi skidaju . Ne bi ti nitko ništa :). A stvarno bi volio nekoliko tih pjesama imat, nabavi mi ih nekako :) |
| Grantcdn 15.05.2005 00:20 |
The Downloads are FANTASTIC....love the idea!! Hope they keep doing this!! |
| Crazy LittleThing 17.05.2005 00:52 |
Thanks for your excellent reviews, hcrvelin. Downloaded several so far, the ones from the gigs I attended and a few others. Need to get Last Horizon to hear those SFJM (sweet fancy Jamie Moses) guitar harmonies again. Good, good stuff. The one that surprised me the most was The Show Must Go On from Basel. Paul handled this one well, with a smooth transition into and out of the "my soul is painted like the wings of butterflies" part. Roger's drumming was very dramatic and his backing vocals were strong as well. Brian's guitar comes on strong at the end, and his "noise," as he calls it, is brilliant. Overall, dramatic, and strong performances all around. Had never heard this one live. Would like to have seen it performed live. I have it live on DVD, but haven't listened/watched it as we all know what/who it's really about. The track that really gives me the chills (good chills) is Love of My Life, performed in Rome. Brian's voice sounds a little tight in places, but that's understandable, mine would have been too, and his high note comes up and rises above the other voices in a manner that makes me think of how his guitar came up and over the orchestra for the intro to the Palace Roof version of GSTQ. He hit and carried the high note like the champ that he is. He kept it together when the audience broke into the spontaneous "Freddie, Freddie, Freddie" chant. I would have lost it there. One or two "do overs" on the acoustic guitar, but he made up for them with some nice improv. It doesn't matter how many shows at which Brian performed this one, it had to be difficult at every one of them, and he was brilliant. So far, happy with the quality of all the downloads I've bought. The labeling and naming could have been done better . . . q3? Europe Live? Europe Live (Various Artists)? What up wi'dat? Cheers all! |
| proton 17.05.2005 05:48 |
still no new downloads....sigh.... |
| DragonOnMyBack 17.05.2005 06:47 |
I was hoping we would have something from the Irish Gigs by now at least. I guess we won't get anything from Sheffield as this will be saved for the DVD etc. Who knows about Wembley..... I read somewhere on the queenonline site thatthey were planning something special for the next downloads, so maybe they are taking a little longer to sort out. I hope they weren't refering to the We Will Rock You Musical downloads released today on iTunes. They are OK but would rather have Tour downloads. |
| DragonOnMyBack 17.05.2005 09:41 |
I see queenonline have put out a news item relating to downloads now. No Downloads from Sheffield as that concert is being used for a forthcoming DVD and CD release. No Downloads from Irish Gigs. They were not recorded. So no Fire and Water download, pity. Wembley downloads to be available soon. Bohemian Rhapsody download to be released around the time of Hyde Park Gig. No mention of which concert this will be from, but as we only have 1 download from Manchester so far that may be a clue. I wonder what the Wembley ones will be Hmm....... |
| hcrvelin 17.05.2005 10:16 |
DragonOnMyBack wrote: No Downloads from Irish Gigs. They were not recorded. So no Fire and Water download, pity.Pity indeed. Irish gigs were next to perfect according to all reviews (especially Dublin). |
| digi190 23.05.2005 15:33 |
thank you for the reviews!! |
| DrumBrother 24.05.2005 13:39 |
Yeah pity Dublin isn't there. I can't seem to burn the tracks onto disc. I've downloaded 2 discs worth but errors keep popping up when I try to burn them. Anyone else find this? |
| hcrvelin 24.05.2005 14:17 |
What errors do you get? And how exactly are you trying to burn them (what software and whoch steps - you should use WMP 10 unless you did some ripping). |