|
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3xwCkhmies
Being a HUGE Queen fan since 1978 I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are about Queen and the impression they left musically on the world?
As you will see Brian always used a very nice Ovation 12 string for at least two songs of every QUEEN show... Love of my life... Is This The World We Created... and then sometimes during the show for the impromptu acoustic "jam" session towards the front of the stage.
But I collect and play the Red Specials regularly.. I have quite a few by Guild and a few other boutique luthiers, if you will.
I LOVE what these guitar can do... which is pretty darn near anything, that I've noticed.
Hope to hear from all of you on what you think of QUEEN... good or bad! Thanks!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I was sheetrocking townhouses in 1973 to pay my way through college when one morning I heard "Keep Yourself Alive". I was hooked and became a huge fan.
They toured Houston in I believe 74 and were supposed to play a show at the old Rice Hotel. The Ballroom held a total of 500 people.
All of their equipment when turned on blew out the hotels power and the entire building went dark.
The show was canceled. I was bummed.
Saw them 2-3 times in the 70s. Great live innovative band. One of my all time favs and although some of their music tends to now sound dated, a lot of it is still (to my ears) very fresh. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2008
Posts: 90
Location: los angeles | Never liked them. For that kind of sound, I was more into 10CC. But now I can't listen to that anymore either. To me, Bohemian Rhapsody epitomizes the death of rock and roll, and We Are the Champions - don't get me started!!!! YMMV!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | enders, you are confused if you think that 10CC and Queen were anywhere near the same genre.
The radio killed "Bohemian Rhapsody" and sports arenas killed "We Are The Champions" for all of us. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Both creative but very different. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 494
Location: Location Location Location | I thought Freddie's songwriting and singing were brilliant. I thought Brian May's guitar playing was inspired, flawless, and always right on the money for the tune, always taking it to a better place. I thought they were masters at using the studio.
Yes, I liked Queen. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1330
Location: ms | I was always a fan but never bought a record. I think Freddie was great but i really like Paul Rogers with Queen. Well i just like the hear Paul Rogers sing. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3411
Location: GA USA | I saw them in 77 and 78. Cosmo, I've always thought it would be cool to have a Red Special. I assume you have the Brian May effects pedal too.
Have you got the Eastwood Red Special? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | I wish I had went to see them down at the ol' air-conditioned Cobo Arena.
L.L.&P. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Fat bottomed girls they make the rocking world go round. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1456
Location: Texas | I thought they were a great band in the day. Brian May is a great guitar player. I thought they tackled some pretty diverse musical styles, often sounding like the a completely different band from one song to the next. (IMHO)
I bought the new Queen CD with Paul Rogers, and to me, it sounds like a mediocre Bad Company album. I have nothing against Paul Rogers, it's just not Queen without Freddie Mercury. (again, IMHO) I'm reminded of Todd Rundgren joining The Cars and Dave Mason joining Fleetwood Mac. I love those guys individually, but trying to shape them into something they are not doesn't work. (yet again, IMHO) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 355
Location: Wichita, KS | I'm a fan of their early material. I think Queen II is hands down their best work. Bohemian Rhapsody spoiled the ride for me and although there was still some good material on A Night at the Operat, I haven't bought any of their subsequent albums. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | I Like them. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | From "Death on 2 Legs" to "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon" to "I'm in Love With My Car".
Brilliant.
...and I can listen to it in a dark room. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4833
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Pssshhhht! NO body uses darkrooms anymore.
Haven't you heard about digital? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKpu-Fm3xro
Wow did THIS just blow me away! Always did though.
Give a listen and comment please!
BBC Langham Studio version of White Queen (As It Began) recorded on April 3rd 1974 at Langham 1 Studios in London and broadcast on Radio 1 on April 15th 1974.
I think for those that only know QUEEN as Bohemian Rhapsody and We Are The Champions this will be quite "eye-opening" given the chance.
Thanks! MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by stephent28:
I was sheetrocking townhouses in 1973 to pay my way through college when one morning I heard "Keep Yourself Alive". I was hooked and became a huge fan. Hahahahahahaa!
I always LOVE the stories! That's classic!
I heard it when I was 11 years old and become the biggest pest to my parents to even call the radio station and find out who that was... by 13, 1980, I was in the official fan club after I bought my 1st Queen LP The Game. I started playing guitar 2-3 years later after my dad, we owned a junkyard, came home with a guitar he found in the trunk of a car being crushed. My uncle was already a collector and came over to see it. He offered to buy it. My dad said do you want the $800 for this, 64' Bigson? Whatever non-reverse guitar or do you want to keep it and have your uncle teach you how to play it?
The rest is history! Hahahahahaha!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by enders UKII:
Never liked them. For that kind of sound, I was more into 10CC. Bob Bob my friend.. you never heard QUEEN. Trust me.
Listen to those 74' BBC sessions I just put up. They are ALL amazing brother!
Great King Rat! YOWZA! hahahahaha!
Thanks for commenting though... much appreciated.
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Brooklyn:
I thought Freddie's songwriting and singing were brilliant. I thought Brian May's guitar playing was inspired, flawless, and always right on the money for the tune, always taking it to a better place. I thought they were masters at using the studio.
Yes, I liked Queen. Thanks brother! That was very well said!
Welcome to the Real Royal Family! hahahahaa!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by gulfcoast:
I was always a fan but never bought a record. I think Freddie was great but i really like Paul Rogers with Queen. Well i just like the hear Paul Rogers sing. I assume anyone who know "singing" like to hear PR sing... I know I do too!
It's been a good excuse to get them all out on the road again... though no one should go with expectations of it ever being "QUEEN".
That's why the band has always been very clear to say that the band/tour NAME is Queen w/ Paul Rogers... that says it all at face value.
Thanks for commenting!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Captain_Lovehandles:
I saw them in 77 and 78. Cosmo, I've always thought it would be cool to have a Red Special. I assume you have the Brian May effects pedal too.
Have you got the Eastwood Red Special? I don't actually.. I haven't gotten that one.
That's one of the few I have passed up.. I haven't passed on very many versions though, that's for sure.
I have Guilds the 84s and 93s... I have a KZ version... I have quite a few unknowns.. some decently done, some that became their own beasts which I've grown to love. I never built one myself.. I was never a luthier type of person.
My favorite one is the custom relic I just had made by RS Custom Guitars out of Nashville. Its as close to Brian's actual guitar that I have ever played. 2nd closest is the KZ Guitars version whom now is supposedly ending a working relationship with Brian's people, from what I understand.
I played Brian's actual red special over a two day rehearsal for a fan club event back in October 2002. I was honored to be the 2nd guitar tech for the concert given the evening of the Hollywood Star Music Walk Of Fame ceremonies and it was one of the pinnacle 3 days of my life!
The day Brian and Roger both said welcome to the real royal family to me and I got to crouch down on stage next to Roger's kit behind 3 AC30s with guest star vocalists and Steve Vai and Nuno Bettencourt.... Carmine Appice'... Jeff Scott Soto... Patti blah blah blah from Meatloaf, Chris Thompson from Manfred Mann... it was unreal.
Thanks for commenting!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1330
Location: ms | I agree its a different thing without Freddie and i was/am a fan. I just think its few and very far between that a band that big can bring in a different singer and pull it off that good. It all gones back to the fact that they are great songs. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Slipkid:
I wish I had went to see them down at the ol' air-conditioned Cobo Arena.
L.L.&P. Ahhh yes! I have seen MANY GREAT bootleg videos come out of Cobo! Kiss! Queen! I guews you could "relive" the possiblity that way? If you can locate a copy of it? I have no clue where mine is! LOL
You definitely should've gone!
Heck! I wish I went! hahahahahaha!
Thanks!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7247
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | It's seems every band has their "Bohemian Rhapsody" but I have to admit, that's what got me to listen to them in the first place.
Simply brilliant musicians, writers and performers. Comparing Queen to ANY other genre is fruitless as it's just Queen. It's not Rock, Metal, Pop or anything else... It's Queen.
As far as the Paul Rogers and Danny Miranda lineup, I know Danny and it's a great gig, but they should not have used the name Queen. They could have called it Paul, Brian and Friends or whatever... but it's not Queen, not close, not even. I'm a huge Paul Rogers fan, but there was more to Queen than hitting the notes and playing the tunes. Freddy's delivery and performance was just as much part of the show, and he's one of the few performers where you could hear his personality even in the studio recordings.
It's a little different with a group like the Who. As Roger D has been quoted, that not matter who is playing drums and bass, He and Pete still hear John and Keith.... and the audience does too.
For some groups, it's all or mostly about the Music. The Who is an example of that. For other groups, like Queen, FZ, even the Stones who I have no use for or the Beatles or Elvis. They are all examples of artists or groups that were much more than the some of their musical catalog and just can't be replaced or re-packaged. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by stonebobbo:
Fat bottomed girls they make the rocking world go round. They sure do, don't they? Heh heh! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by standing:
I thought they were a great band in the day. Brian May is a great guitar player. I thought they tackled some pretty diverse musical styles, often sounding like the a completely different band from one song to the next. (IMHO)
I bought the new Queen CD with Paul Rogers, and to me, it sounds like a mediocre Bad Company album. I have nothing against Paul Rogers, it's just not Queen without Freddie Mercury. (again, IMHO) I'm reminded of Todd Rundgren joining The Cars and Dave Mason joining Fleetwood Mac. I love those guys individually, but trying to shape them into something they are not doesn't work. (yet again, IMHO) Exactly my friend.
And that's why the band took soooo long to decide to not only continue with the "Queen" name but to also try and make sure that everyone doesn't come "expecting" QUEEN but QUEEN playing with PR. They always knew that they couldn't be what they ever were... which is why John Deacon flat out refused to participate.
He stated at the Freddie Mercury tribute that there is no QUEEN without Freddie and said he was officially retired... that was all their stances back then... but Brian and Roger are not like that. They NEED to tour and enjoy themselves. For most, stopping would be very hard to do.
Thanks my friend!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Dale Lutes:
I'm a fan of their early material. I think Queen II is hands down their best work. Bohemian Rhapsody spoiled the ride for me and although there was still some good material on A Night at the Operat, I haven't bought any of their subsequent albums. Amen Dale! I'm with you there 100% my friend!
But I guess I do enjoy them a bit more than you generally speaking because it was always worth it to me to buy the new album! And CDs! And DVDs! hahahaha!
Thanks!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2008
Posts: 747
| I never took much notice of them - always thought they were a bit middle of the road, mainstream etc. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | I was never a fan, but do appreciate their creativity. Because I haven't listened to commercial radio since the mid-seventies, I never got burned out on Bohemian Rhapsody, and I do think it's a great piece. (I use the word piece instead of song, because it is so much more than just a song.) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by PEZ:
I Like them. I knew you did PEZ!
I just had that feeling!
;^)
Thanks brother!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by The Wabbit Formerly Known As Waskel:
From "Death on 2 Legs" to "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon" to "I'm in Love With My Car".
Brilliant.
...and I can listen to it in a dark room. That's a GREAT place to listen to all that too!
Opens the imagination as well as the ears! hahahaha!
Thanks for commenting!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by gulfcoast:
I agree its a different thing without Freddie and i was/am a fan. I just think its few and very far between that a band that big can bring in a different singer and pull it off that good. It all gones back to the fact that they are great songs. Well as Brian and Roger have said....
Paul is an "all around great" singer... moreso bluesy and smokey sounding but with a great range so he can actually sing a lot of the material very well.
I know that they do tune down sometimes though, for certain songs, because there's just no way Paul could ever pull off some stuff. Or they leave it out completely, as they should.. if it's a "Freddie only" song.. Paul shouldn't be singing it. And "live" actually... Freddie comes up on the big screen... kicks off and sings along with the band... like that Elvis tribute band.. the REAL Elvis band.. when they play to Elvis on the screen. They do that with Freddie and end the songs with Paul... very classy!
Thanks!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
It's seems every band has their "Bohemian Rhapsody" but I have to admit, that's what got me to listen to them in the first place.
Simply brilliant musicians, writers and performers. Comparing Queen to ANY other genre is fruitless as it's just Queen. It's not Rock, Metal, Pop or anything else... It's Queen.
As far as the Paul Rogers and Danny Miranda lineup, I know Danny and it's a great gig, but they should not have used the name Queen. They could have called it Paul, Brian and Friends or whatever... but it's not Queen, not close, not even. I'm a huge Paul Rogers fan, but there was more to Queen than hitting the notes and playing the tunes. Freddy's delivery and performance was just as much part of the show, and he's one of the few performers where you could hear his personality even in the studio recordings.
It's a little different with a group like the Who. As Roger D has been quoted, that not matter who is playing drums and bass, He and Pete still hear John and Keith.... and the audience does too.
For some groups, it's all or mostly about the Music. The Who is an example of that. For other groups, like Queen, FZ, even the Stones who I have no use for or the Beatles or Elvis. They are all examples of artists or groups that were much more than the some of their musical catalog and just can't be replaced or re-packaged. Exactly and Amen brother!
I agree wholeheartedly with you.
And Danny is a great guy.. I was doing shoots for Blue Oyster Cult before and then after he joined Queen and he was always great at the East Coast shows I got to go to and hang during the soundchecks and whatnot. They're all truly close.... very much like a family... of course they want to keep that "machine" going because otherwise the SAS band has to hire Danny to play bass! hahahaha! Or he has to beg Buck for his old gig back! hahahaha! I'm just joking... no one should blame him for taking the "Queen" gig... that's for sure! Thanks for commenting Mr. O!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Joe Rotax:
I never took much notice of them - always thought they were a bit middle of the road, mainstream etc. Yea, that's the myth created by too much radio airplay or whatever with any band.. but Queen aren't truly mainstream at all. If anything, they helped CREATE the stream.
They pioneered so many things in their career... the 1st music video I believe? One of the 1st bands to do soundtracks to major motion pictures....
One look at their Wikipedia will show probably just a fraction of their total information.. and it's a HUGE Wikipedia! Check it out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_band
I know QUEEN: The Magic Years Vol 1, 2 and 3 definitely go over each and every one of their pioneering accomplishments up until it was produced.. it's definitely worth checking out.
That's the problem I've noticed.
When something is "legendary" or "magical" all over the world... usually here... in the good ol' USA.... it's BLAH or MAINSTREAM! hahahahaha!
Go figure!
Thanks so much for the comment!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by CanterburyStrings:
I was never a fan, but do appreciate their creativity. Because I haven't listened to commercial radio since the mid-seventies, I never got burned out on Bohemian Rhapsody, and I do think it's a great piece. (I use the word piece instead of song, because it is so much more than just a song.) Someone who isn't burned out on "Bohemian Ehapsody"... now that is definitely an accomplishment! Hahahahaha!
Thanks for your comment!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | Been a fan for a long time. Now my 16 yr old plays a solo acoustic version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" on her Ovation.
One of my most memorable dates in high school involved a Queen song on the car radio in a rainstorm. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by FlySig:
Been a fan for a long time. Now my 16 yr old plays a solo acoustic version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" on her Ovation. That's great! You should YouTube her doing it and put it up! I LOVE seeing kids into Queen! Especially that they can do renditions of BoRhap on an Ovation! That's awesome!
One of my most memorable dates in high school involved a Queen song on the car radio in a rainstorm. [/QB] Wait wait... ahhhh yea... eh hem... okay...
I got the lotion and the kleenex! Please continue with the Queen song on the radio story! Pretty please? Thanks! hahahahhahaha!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | Originally posted by Michael Joseph Kramer:
Please continue with the Queen song on the radio story! Pretty please? Thanks! hahahahhahaha!
Her name was Deirdre, though she went by Didi. It was one of the worst but funniest dates I ever had. We had been friends for years, and finally decided to date. What a disaster! But we laughed through it and then decided just to stay friends.
At one point we were driving around with the windows down, singing "We Are the Champions" at the top of our lungs to the radio.
And that's all I'm going to say about that.. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2008
Posts: 90
Location: los angeles | OK, I'm back but not confused, definitely, I think, maybe, don't know for sure. Listen to Bohemian Rhapsody and listen to "One Night in Paris" off of "Original Soundtrack" by 10CC which came earlier and I think you'll get my drift. But. . . it's all irrelevant for me now because I can't listen to any of it anymore - just burned out on all of that early 70's stuff. But never did like Queen, hated the guitar work (I respect Brian May but I don't like it - how is that?)
It's good to be controversial.
Bob |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2008
Posts: 489
| Now THIS one I will address.
Disc jockeys from time immemorial have done send ups and jokes. When I first heard "Bohemian Rhapsody" that's exactly what I thought it was - some kind of joke. No, this really was a serious release by a group called - Queen. I couldn't believe it. I further couldn't believe all the success they were having with it.
I have never enjoyed one note, one syllable of Queen's music. And I still don't get it. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Have you ever heard "'39" or "Good Company"? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 494
Location: Location Location Location | Ah, see, I didn't get it before, Losov. Shame on me. You're the resident music guru. I'm not as deep as you. When someone asks me what I think, I figure they want to know what I think. I'll have to explore the other possibility that you posed; that when someone asks me my opinion, they really want to tell me what THEY think. Was that what you said?? Very clever of you, I think.. I'll just have to pay more attention to your pearls of wisdom from here on, and see if I can learn something about the devious ways of human nature, and uh..oh yeah...music... :rolleyes: |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | They did the music for Wayne's World, didn't they? Great movie........... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | [/qb]Her name was Deirdre, though she went by Didi. It was one of the worst but funniest dates I ever had. We had been friends for years, and finally decided to date. What a disaster! But we laughed through it and then decided just to stay friends.
At one point we were driving around with the windows down, singing "We Are the Champions" at the top of our lungs to the radio.
And that's all I'm going to say about that.. [/QB]
Well here's to DiDi my friend! Any You!
Cheers for a good memory that seems will last a lifetime! Blessings brother!
Thanks for sharing!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | just burned out on all of that early 70's stuff. But never did like Queen, hated the guitar work (I respect Brian May but I don't like it - how is that?)
It's good to be controversial.
Bob [/QB] Haahaaahaaaahaaahaaa!
Ahhhhh controversy! If you say so, Bob!
Good luck with that brother! I don't feed into drama personally, but I have respect for people who desire to! hehh hehheeee!
Blessings my friend!
Burnt out on 70s music! I love it!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Losov:
Now THIS one I will address.
Disc jockeys from time immemorial have done send ups and jokes. When I first heard "Bohemian Rhapsody" that's exactly what I thought it was - some kind of joke. No, this really was a serious release by a group called - Queen. I couldn't believe it. I further couldn't believe all the success they were having with it.
I have never enjoyed one note, one syllable of Queen's music. And I still don't get it. Haahaa haaaa!
I think Losov's member number is what is really "tell tale" here! He must be the resident prankster... the one who likes to ruffle everyone's feathers? No? Si? LOL Just kidding!
Hey... some people just don't get it. That's totally understandable! What's common sense to one person is a completely different language to another! Good luck with Losov! If you even need luck? Thanks for commenting!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Beal:
They did the music for Wayne's World, didn't they? Great movie........... Yea, but that was just one song!
If you like that, or even don't....
Check out the Highlander soundtrack!
Or even the Flash Gordon soundtrack!
Or even any of their 15 studio albums... 5 live albums... or even their band or individual albums or complilations.... then let me know what ya think about THAT! Heh heh!
Oh... also tell me what you think about THIS performance from Live Aid 1985:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTzZdIfBxrY
The day when Queen ruled the whole world - and the world went crazy. Live Aid held at Wembley on July 13, 1985.
This was so big, They stole the whole show - one of my biggest moment, and still today it makes me smile.
So I make this 10 minutes remix from Live Aid:[/QB] |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | I was never an opera fan. Of course Freddie getting involved in it with Monserrat Caballe helped to peak my interest. They did a rockish Soul filled Opera album called Barcelona.... worth checking out.
Also I was never big into Pavarotti but I certainly respected his talents and how much physical work it must take to perform like he did in his life....
This video actually got to me a bit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1hFslY6oVw
Brian May of Queen wrote it and Freddie recorded a version of it while he was sick and dying. He never stopped making music as long as his health gave him even enough strength, he went on with the show... on stage or in the studio... he always did his best to be there working!
And this was at a time when there were no drugs or even knowledge of what was indeed wrong with him.... so put that in your pipe and smoke it homey! Hee hee! Thanks!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1456
Location: Texas | Ok, I'm going to go out on a limb here and take a wild guess that Michael Joseph Kramer is just a little bit of a fan of Queen…
I'm enjoying your wild enthusiasm Michael. I have long held my own opinion about the meaning behind the lyrics of Bohemian Rhapsody, I'd be curious what a true Queen devotee says it's about? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7247
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Before MJK takes a stab at it... I'm curious if my impression of most of their music all these years has been correct or not.
I think "Queen" was more than a cool name. While some of the songs have a "meaning" deeper than what's on the surface... mostly they just wrote "Queen'd" up music. As in drama queen, as in over the top stories. Rhapsody, Killer Queen, Fat Bottom girls, Bicycle, Flash, We will Rock You, etc etc etc..
Just amp'd up, camp'd up, theatrical rock. Again except for a few... no hidden meaning, no hidden agenda, just pick a topic, no matter how silly or important, and ride that line between cartoon and brilliant.
A Queen song is to any other song, what Arnold Rimmer's salute is to any other salute. It is what it is, and while you and I couldn't do it with any amount of dignity and a straight face... they get away with it.. they pull it off.. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2008
Posts: 747
| Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
...Just amp'd up, camp'd up, theatrical rock. Pretty much how I thought of it back in the 70s.
British music hall tradition updated to a rock band; fun stuff, well done and nothing wrong with it but nothing of particular consequence to my mind at any rate and I heard all of it at one time or another.
The one time they did catch my attention was Brian May being interviewed and plying some George Formby sort of rig on the ukulele that his father carried in his pack throughout WWII - not that I like like George Formby or ukulele music (except Brudda Iz) but the continuity with Queen, George Formby and May playing his deceased father's ukulele briefly struck a chord as it were and caught my interest for a moment. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I would say they invented "glam rock". |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 482
Location: enid, ok | I always thought that was David Bowie, but good point. I'm with Miles; I don't like everything they did, but they were truly special and not prone to catagorization, they were just who and what they were. Very influential and very good. Not my faves, but hats off in a big way. And it took those 4 guys to do that in that space and time; no substitutions are going to be able to re-create that. I don't like every song, but they were truly unique and special, which I believe truly creative musicians always strive for. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 2487
| Another great group that had a style all their own. You liked them or you didn't.
Man Freddy could SING. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | I liked them until Freddie cut his hair. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 387
Location: Whitecourt, Ab | Their "Killer Queen" album was my first favorite of theirs. One of those "I bought in every media" available albums (8 track, vinyl, cassette)and played the livin crap out of it cruising around in my first car with an 8 track tie wired and binder twined to under the dash. I loved the humbucker smooth riffs of Brian May, combined with (IMHO) the greatest ranged voice in RnR. I was always amazed that when he spoke I had no idea that he would be able to belt out that huge register of vocals that he had |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
Before MJK takes a stab at it... I'm curious if my impression of most of their music all these years has been correct or not.
I think "Queen" was more than a cool name. While some of the songs have a "meaning" deeper than what's on the surface... mostly they just wrote "Queen'd" up music. As in drama queen, as in over the top stories. Rhapsody, Killer Queen, Fat Bottom girls, Bicycle, Flash, We will Rock You, etc etc etc..
Just amp'd up, camp'd up, theatrical rock. Again except for a few... no hidden meaning, no hidden agenda, just pick a topic, no matter how silly or important, and ride that line between cartoon and brilliant.
A Queen song is to any other song, what Arnold Rimmer's salute is to any other salute. It is what it is, and while you and I couldn't do it with any amount of dignity and a straight face... they get away with it.. they pull it off.. 4 guys... took a song one of them was working on... started working on it together... saw what came of it... if nothing... on to the next!
That's what I always gathered from it, personally, based on everything I watched and heard related to them in any ways.
Although they always went for "campy" from my understanding.
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Joe Rotax:
Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
...Just amp'd up, camp'd up, theatrical rock. The one time they did catch my attention was Brian May being interviewed and plying some George Formby sort of rig on the ukulele that his father carried in his pack throughout WWII
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQGZ6YxI-kk |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by stephent28:
I would say they invented "glam rock". Glam pre 73' ??? Anyone?
I believe it existed just not on a worldwide scale yet... though I may be mistaken.
Bowie started when? Gary Glitter?
After right?
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by maxdaddy7271:
I always thought that was David Bowie, but good point. I'm with Miles; I don't like everything they did, but they were truly special and not prone to catagorization, they were just who and what they were. Very influential and very good. Not my faves, but hats off in a big way. And it took those 4 guys to do that in that space and time; no substitutions are going to be able to re-create that. I don't like every song, but they were truly unique and special, which I believe truly creative musicians always strive for. I'm in full agreement here!
Even the part about not liking every song, believe it or not! hahahahaa!
I do look at them as true musicians... and they cared very much about writing songs that can appeal to everybody.. of course, whilst growing musically themselves and being true to the musicians that they all were.
They've said many times how badly then would argue and it was always "behind closed doors" and only between the band... about the songs... the integrity and the "vison" that they wanted it to reflect.
Of course there are true musicians who don't give a damn about reaching everybody... they barely try and end up with some sort of faithful fans!
That's some pretty cool talent as well, right?
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Northcountry:
Another great group that had a style all their own. You liked them or you didn't.
Man Freddy could SING. That's always the mark of a legendary band...
Kiss, Queen, Zeppelin, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple, Van Halen (not van hagar or van cheronie), RUSH, etc etc etc.
Its been said that Freddie had a full 5 octave range.. some say a full 8 octaves! hahahaha!
I love it! I've never heard that sort of thing said about anybody else out there... not even the truest of opera singers.
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Gallerinski:
I liked them until Freddie cut his hair. Wow! hahahahaha!
Well it's certainly not about the music at all then for you then, is it? LOL Don't be shallow or anything okay? ;^)
Just joking around... don't take that wrong.. thanks!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by rededdie:
I loved the humbucker smooth riffs of Brian May, combined with (IMHO) the greatest ranged voice in RnR. I was always amazed that when he spoke I had no idea that he would be able to belt out that huge register of vocals that he had Humbucker smooth! COOL! He never used humbuckers.. that's so classic to say that! LOL
Yea... Farouk Bulsara was very soft spoken... then FREDDIE came out for the music! Very cool
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Michael Joseph Kramer:
Originally posted by Gallerinski:
I liked them until Freddie cut his hair. Wow! hahahahaha!
Well it's certainly not about the music at all then for you then, is it? LOL Don't be shallow or anything okay? ;^) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | After Freddie cut his hair and announced his illness, it just became a long funeral party for him.
If I go to see a show, I wanna see a Show.
Here is my gripe, and Freddie wasn't the only one guilty of this...
Once these folks reach a certain level of fame they decide to start holding the mic out for the audience to 'sing along' and become 'part of the show'...
I can sit at home or in a bar with a bunch of stoned people and sing-along.
Or in the car ala Wayne's World.
Why do these people think that I would pay to Not hear the band.
If Pete Seeger wants people to sing along with him that is one thing, cuz he wrote folk songs to be sung by normal people.
But I don't need to be surrounded by idiots with bad voices trying sing Bohemian Rhapsody.
And yeah... That was over amp'd Theatrical Rock. But that was what it was supposed to be. At the time you had David Bowie, Alice Cooper, ELO's spaceship, Parliament Funkadelic's spaceship, laser-light shows and all that stuff.
They hadn't quite ruined everything by having Every show in a stadium.
Some were still in auditoriums and concert halls.
So like I said... It was a Show! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Gallerinski:
Originally posted by Michael Joseph Kramer:
Originally posted by Gallerinski:
I liked them until Freddie cut his hair. Wow! hahahahaha!
Well it's certainly not about the music at all then for you then, is it? LOL Don't be shallow or anything okay? ;^)
Believe me...
I know the 1st 4 were definitely THE BEST of Queen... but most people barely know any of that material. As you would guess....
THanks!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Old Man Arthur:
After Freddie cut his hair and announced his illness, it just became a long funeral party for him.
If I go to see a show, I wanna see a Show.
Here is my gripe, and Freddie wasn't the only one guilty of this...
Once these folks reach a certain level of fame they decide to start holding the mic out for the audience to 'sing along' and become 'part of the show'... 1st off Freddie cut his hair around 78-79... he contracted the disease that killed him somewhere in the mid to late 80s.... I don't understand the "Funeral Party" comment at all. Are you saying that he partied so much it was just a matter of time before he got sick and passed away? Because if so keep in mind that when Freddie got ill no one knew what this disease was. I believe that is very important to keep in mind. Don't you? But I'm getting ahead of myself.....
Please elaborate on "Funeral Party" from how you meant it... that's quite a phrase to me!
And as far as "Audience Participation" goes...
The fans, on the whole, LOVED that about Freddie and definitely didn't see that as Freddie not wanting to put on a show, but to help make the show a better experience for the audience.
I dare you to show me one Queen concert on DVD where Freddie didn't sing and play his ass off for his fans... they always ALL did... that's a fact.
But yes... there are lazy, ego maniacal singers out there that don't do their job. Some less guilty than others.... They do exist, so I know what you mean by that, but Freddie wasn't one of those... he would sing his last breathe for his audience and practically did.
Just the facts.... no venom, just confusion about what you said in conjunction with Queen.
Thanks for your comment!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Don't know when he cut his hair, I was in prison. When I went in they all had long hair, when I got out Freddie had the 'Clone' haircut and mustache.
Freddie never announced his illness (until Just before he died), Freddie himself mentioned in an interview that he put-off getting tested cuz he 'didn't want to know'.
But among the gay community it was well speculated. (I ain't gay, but I have lived in Boston, NYC, and SF, mostly in the gay community. I currently live across the street from a Tranny show-bar. Hippies and gay folks often rent in the same areas.)
Even if Freddie did not admit to the public (press) that he had AIDS, people knew.
It is similar that amongst the 'street community'...
We can LOOK at someone and know if the have Hepatitis or Sclerosis or AIDS.
So HE knew he was dying. And a large number of his fans knew he was dying.
It was like one long funeral party. People would go to his concerts to say Good Bye.
People who did not know that Freddie was dying just weren't paying attention.
He knew what he was doing when he would get his strength together for one more tour, or one more show. Just one Last time.
As to the mic thing, maybe the show that I saw recently on the tube left a bad impression on me.
And I still don't like concerts in stadiums, at least not if I want to hear or see the band.
When I went to mega-concerts I went for the party, not so much to see the band. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Originally posted by Old Man Arthur:
Don't know when he cut his hair, I was in prison. When I went in they all had long hair, when I got out Freddie had the 'Clone' haircut and mustache.
Freddie never announced his illness (until Just before he died), Freddie himself mentioned in an interview that he put-off getting tested cuz he 'didn't want to know'.
But among the gay community it was well speculated. (I ain't gay, but I have lived in Boston, NYC, and SF, mostly in the gay community. I currently live across the street from a Tranny show-bar. Hippies and gay folks often rent in the same areas.)
Even if Freddie did not admit to the public (press) that he had AIDS, people knew.
It is similar that amongst the 'street community'...
We can LOOK at someone and know if the have Hepatitis or Sclerosis or AIDS.
So HE knew he was dying. And a large number of his fans knew he was dying.
It was like one long funeral party. People would go to his concerts to say Good Bye.
People who did not know that Freddie was dying just weren't paying attention.
He knew what he was doing when he would get his strength together for one more tour, or one more show. Just one Last time.
As to the mic thing, maybe the show that I saw recently on the tube left a bad impression on me.
And I still don't like concerts in stadiums, at least not if I want to hear or see the band.
When I went to mega-concerts I went for the party, not so much to see the band. Wow....ummm.... I don't know what to say to that at all except that you definitely weren't following any of that, obviously.
I'll leave it in a nice way...
I'll agree to pretty much completely disagree with you on almost all of your points, how's that? ;^)
If that's your take on it, you're definitely entitled to your beliefs and opinions....
Just be rest assured I am going to completely bite my tongue at what I consider your ignorance to the topic of Freddie, AIDS in general, and how it relates to Queen and the fans which we were discussing. Fair enough my friend?
Thanks for your comment nonetheless...
All the best to you.. many blessings to you and yours.....
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Okey-dokey.... You ain't mad at me now are ya'? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Definitely not brother... I was hoping you weren't going to be! hahahahaha!
It's all good... you've just seen this whole scenario very differently than I have... that's all.
No worries at all. But thanks for asking!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 325
Location: Utica, NY | Best ever. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1456
Location: Texas | Originally posted by Michael Joseph Kramer:
Originally posted by stephent28:
I would say they invented "glam rock". Glam pre 73' ??? Anyone?
I believe it existed just not on a worldwide scale yet... though I may be mistaken.
Bowie started when? Gary Glitter?
After right?
MJK
Pretties For You
and their second in 1970:
Easy Action
In fact, some people referred to their style of dress as "drag queen" even back then… As everyone knows, they soon morphed into a Halloween act…
David Bowie's first album was released in 1967, but I don't think he was doing the "Glam Rock" thing until Ziggy Stardust, (1972.) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1456
Location: Texas | Originally posted by Michael Joseph Kramer:
Its been said that Freddie had a full 5 octave range.. some say a full 8 octaves! hahahaha!
I love it! I've never heard that sort of thing said about anybody else out there... not even the truest of opera singers.
MJK World record for greatest male vocal range: Six octaves, Tim Storms, USA…
Greatest female range and highest vocal note: Eight octaves, G2-G10, Georgia Brown, Brazil, August 18, 2004…
Vocal Range
Sorry, I just had to look it up, I have heard similar claims about Pat Benatar, Minnie Ripperton, and others. I personally can barely manage one octave on a good day… ;) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | I agree!
They didn't coin the term "glam rock" I guess until Bowie and Queen, etc... but I would definitely classify Alice Cooper as what later become glam rock.. no doubt! Cool, thanks!
Nothing wrong with that Standing! I love fun facts! hahahahahaha! Thanks!
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2008
Posts: 90
Location: los angeles | I also thought the later T-Rex was glam-rock (after the first version that was all-acoustic). |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Definitely! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | I alway thought there something a little off about Queen, but I enjoyed their music. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | I think Queen had a lot of talent. But unfortunately (maybe it was the times) I also think some people were turned off by the name and the whole gay cabaret thing. The early years seemed to me like much more straight ahead rock and roll as opposed to the later artsy fartsy glam opera village people stuff. When Fred came on stage in a leotard, leather jacket and policemans hat I'd pretty much had it. But they had plenty of talent, no doubt about that. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2008
Posts: 747
| Could be.
I remember thinking that their early music was OK given that there was a tonne of other good music to listen to at the time and as they got more artsy fartsy glamed up I didn't really take much notice them anymore and nether did the people whom I knew. Wasn't really a conscious decision it just that they became less relevant to the world that I lived in. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | Well I was there as much as I could be as an appreciator of everything artsy fartsy, or not, that they did. Sometimes I was definitely like "WTF" growing up experiencing their over the top, sometimes even shocking ways... but as an end result, obviously, they are completely legendary all over the world. I've never seen a Wikipedia that big for a band EVER... it says so much but I still was able to think of so much that they did that didn't make it in there! hahahaha!
I've experienced so much of their work and world though... thankfully I might add. On a personal level the fans, them, the people who work and manage their career... simply amazing and breathtaking. But that's my world, for sure.
I love other bands as much, even if they aren't so universally loved as they were/are... Cheap Trick, Blue Oyster Cult, Elvis Costello, Zeppelin, Deep, Jimi, Kim Mitchell, KISS, Yngwie Malmsteen, ELO, The Move, Stevie Ray, Skynyrd, Hatchett, Beatles, Dave Clark, it's all about having a wide variety to me though... I mean the list can go on forever... I just love music in general, never a doubt of that...so I'll stop now! Hahahahaa!
But the camp, the glam, the music especially of Queen... then learning all about them as people and eventually becoming human with them face to face, working with them... loving them, hating them, whatever... that's just it! LOL
I'm done... MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7247
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Queen Splits With Paul Rodgers |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 214
Location: Stratford, Connecticut | I'm surprised he stuck around as long as he did. I can recall all those years ago... the 1st meet and greets... PR was never showing up and they would have to say he was tired from the show, blah blah... then the times he did go to meet the fans he's always have snippy remarks about doing Queen the favor and he makes much more money doing his own thing solo or with Bad Co.... not that I totally blame him... but he definitely has a bad case of LSD from what I picked up on.
MJK |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | Adam Lambert with Queen would be an amazing combination. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4833
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Not being one who follows any of those 'reality show' trends I had no idea....had to look up Adam Lambert. I agree, him or Rufus Wainwright , but just 'cos he plays piano....y'know? |
|
| |
QUEEN - Brian, Freddie, John & Roger - Your thoughts?