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ICYMI, Queen unveiled the re-release of their debut, now called Queen I; with entirely remixed songs (that sound like they always wanted), a plethora of alternate takes, early takes, a photo book, and more. To celebrate this announcement, the guys teased with the remixed cut of deep track "The Night Comes Down", one of my favorites. They also shared the official video for the newly mixed song. All of the newness is exciting. But it hasn't gone unnoticed that new technology has been used to modernize this latest material. Dive in with me, and let's remember to celebrate the newness! Plus, I mention Wings of Pegasus, don't forget to check it out.
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It's okay. I must have said that ten or more times in this episode. Because no matter what age we are, we have boxes to check. Things we want to do and see and be. And when we fall short, and we fail, we wonder what's wrong with us; when so many around us live seemingly perfect lives. Nothing is wrong! And their lives aren't perfect, either. We're all just trying to get by. I talked about a lot of things here, got pretty passionate and obstinate, and there are moments where I (nearly) contradict myself. But the point is, no matter what your life is right now, it's okay, and so are you.
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Fehlende Folgen?
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I always name the man who stole my attention the most on the most recent album I've finished diving through. With Queen's 12th album, I struggled. I actually considered naming giving two men the equal honor of stealing my ears away. But while on a recent road trip I had plenty of time to ponder, and given the pop inclinations of this album, it's soulfulness and bouncy vibes, I realized...I kept noticing one Queen much more than the others. P.S. Plenty of tangents in this short and sweet episode.
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The closing number of Queen's 12th album and Freddie's only contribution as sole composer, "Princes of the Universe" captures earlier rockin' Queen and features many fast-paced moments and thrills. Freddie sings aggressively throughout, Brian's solo is epic, Roger plays live drums with bombast and John pounds his bass like no other. The Townhouse early master showcases the brilliant instrumentation. But for all its loudness and impressive chord changes, I'm left wanting more.
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One of the danciest rock things Queen ever did (and really, it sometimes feels nothing like Queen), Roger's "Don't Lose Your Head" is driven by bombastic percussion that never gets a break, Brian's echoing gritty guitars and Freddie's crystal clear vocals (lead and all backing). But I don't know if I believe Freddie as he implores us to chill out. The instrumental version "A Dozen Red Roses For My Darling" amps the dance elements, almost taking us into early techno territory.
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Brian brings the heat, the roar and a guitar bagpipe solo in "Gimme the Prize (Kurgan's Theme", an aggressive and demanding metal-tinged anthem inspired by Highlander's villain. Distorted guitar layers and Freddie's sharply delivered full chest vocals make this one of Queen's heaviest songs. It was never performed live but several "eYe Versions" exist (Queen: The eYe Soundtrack), omitting the impressive intro and all film sounds. Some fans dig the aggression, Brian's bagpipe solo and Freddie's screams and cackles. But me? Well...
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Life has a way of reminding us we're seldom in control. Life comes at us, things happen, and we're pushed to the ground. When we go through turmoil and tragedy, it changes us; forever, and sometimes deeply. But as we decide to fight and we rise, something remarkable happens, and we suddenly realize...this is what I've been missing.
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Brian's grandiose "Who Wants to Live Forever" was ignored when Queen's twelfth album was released. Nevertheless, the song has become a fan favorite. Inspired by Highlander's love story, Brian wrote it quickly in the car, laid down the entire track and its impressive chords in the "Skips Demo" versions, and worked with a full orchestra to create one of Queen's absolute best. Brian and Freddie contribute lead vocals, Roger busts out strategic and impactful percussion, and Brian's guitar is soulful. This is one of my favorites: A powerful live number and an evocative piano piece.
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Another gorgeous Freddie/John co-write and one of Queen's last piano-driven songs, "Friends Will Be Friends" is an impactful power rock ballad that emphasizes the importance of relationships. Freddie performs his lyrics with impressive dynamics, tackling massive intervals effortlessly. Brian's guitar is soulful as ever, complimenting Freddie's brilliance. John provides rhythm guitar alongside his immaculate bass, and Roger's delicate percussion is perfection. Live, this was a moving number tucked between two longstanding setlist closers; and fans loved it.
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There comes a time when we realize...we're doing way too many things in this attempt to do everything. Sometimes, life demands compromise, and we have to set aside our aspirations simply to function. But when we're given the opportunity to love life, and not just live it, we should be absolutely intentional only with what matters most. Don't spread yourself too thin.
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Freddie and John's collab, "Pain Is So Close to Pleasure", is such a well-executed motown pop rock number. Brian embellishes with soulful guitar and Roger may or may not appear on accented percussion. It's a lively contrast of lighthearted vocals and dreamy chords against heavier concepts, and key changes aplenty. The remixed single version (and its extended mix) provides a bit more energy. But I admit, I often forget about this song...
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Nearly a John and Freddie collaboration, the ballad "One Year of Love" is unapologetically romantic. Brian (and perhaps Roger) is absent, and a saxophone fills the solo space, along with sweeping strings. John's hands on nearly all instruments create a lush and relaxed atmosphere, with Freddie crooning in controlled expressions of sensitivity and confession. It's a heartfelt performance and incredibly pretty, but something about it occasionally takes me out of the magic...
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I wanted to talk about something fun and music related, so we're going through my top songs by play count, on my old iPod Nano. We're covering a lot of genres here! From industrial experimentation to funk rock to hard rock to hip hop pop...you might discover something new and fall in love. Bonus: A link to the live version of one of my favorites; and you can see my left hand go up at 3:08.
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One of Queen's best pop singles, "A Kind of Magic" started life as a mashup in "A Kind of Vision" and was elevated to grand energy in Roger's original version (featured in the Highlander film credits); before Freddie injected a commercialized streak, creating the final take that would be released as a single. This lively song features everyone at their best, whether restrained or unleashed. Isolated vocals showcase the brilliance of subtle and effective production. And the boy's live performances have brought my love and affection for this song to a ridiculous level.
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Arguably one of Queen's best album (and concert) openers, "One Vision" kicks off album twelve with heavy rock and brighter pop elements. It's credited to the entire band and perfectly blends Roger's (original) lyrics, Freddie's powerful playfulness, Brian's rock hooks and John's bopping bass. There's even a documentary of their energetic collaboration. This song began as a combined demo with another great Queen number, and does in fact close with a request for food. Live, it was a powerhouse performance, and one of Queen's finest.
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After Queen's The Works in 1984, the band wanted a break. But the success of Live Aid led to fresh developments, and an opportunity to contribute songs for the film Highlander. Those invigorating and energized songs shaped the boys' 12th album, the pop rock celebration A Kind of Magic. The first digitally produced Queen album, its plethora of synthesizers didn't impress some critics. But fans' affection reigns supreme, and it resulted in Queen's final (and in some ways, most memorable) tour with Freddie.
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Voted the greatest live performance in the history of rock. The Note Heard Round the World. Queen at Live Aid was an incredible moment that unified and encouraged and roused us. To this day, it's heralded as one of the best, if not the absolute best, rock moments ever. And we have four fabulously talented men to thank.
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Whether or not we realize, we are resilient beings. Our spirits retain a resilience even our miraculous bodies cannot touch. Despite the fear and doubt we sometimes feel, we have the ability to rise. It's almost supernatural, and otherworldly. But when we're challenged and we're facing the toughest struggles, something compels and encourages us to hope harder, and rise above it.
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When it came time to name the man who stole my ears the most on this dynamic and accessible album, I hesitated. I couldn't decide. And then a recent interview drove me to reassess and revisit the songs. The expression. The emotion. Throughout every genre tackled in these compositions, one thing suddenly pulled it all together more than anything else. And there was only one man who could take the crown.
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Pensive isn't often a word used to describe Queen's music. But Brian and Freddie's co-written "Is This the World We Created...?" is a perfect example of urgent restraint and seriousness, created with a sparse arrangement of 12-string guitar and tugging vocals. Moved by visions of disturbing living conditions in Africa, our co-writers took a unique approach to write this song, resulting in one of the band's most moving and beautiful compositions; notably performed at Live Aid, but perhaps even more stunning at Wembley.
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