Queen's A Night At The Opera is 35

Queen

A Night At The Opera

1975

Rating: ****

By 1975, Queen were still a new rock band trying to make it big. Formed in 1971, the band consisted of singer Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, bassist John Deacon, and drummer Roger Taylor. The band had already released three albums: Queen, Queen II, and Sheer Heart Attack. The band did have a few hit singles with "Keep Yourself Alive" and "Killer Queen" but still, the band hadn't really hit it big. That would change in 1975 when the band released A Night At The Opera. Released in 1975, the album was named after the Marx Brothers movie of the same name. The album boosted Queen to rock n roll stardom. Today, critics consider A Night At The Opera to be the band's best album.

The album opens with the bizarrely titled "Death on Two Legs". According to sources, the song was written by Mercury around 1972 out of his hate for Queen's former manager. With a lyric like "But now you can kiss my ass goodbye" sounds like Freddie is mad! "Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon" and "Seaside Rendezvous" are both wonderfully weird while Roger Taylor's "I'm In Love With My Car" may have an amusing title but the song is really rocking. "You're My Best Friend" is one of Queen's best love songs, which was written by John Deacon. "'39" is a very catchy song while "Sweet Lady" has some great guitar work from Brian May. "The Prophet Song" might go on a bit too long but it's still enjoyable. "Love of My Life" is a wonderful ballad written by Mercury, who wrote it for his girlfriend (Mercury was bisexual) at the time. "Good Company" isn't very memorable but "Bohemian Rhapsody" is the best song off the album. The song, written by Mercury, is a six minute epic that showcases what Queen did best. The song itself isn't really about anything, nor could Mercury say what it was about before he passed away. "Bohemian Rhapsody" isn't only one of Queen's best songs but it's also one of the greatest songs ever made in rock history. From it's ballad-esque beginning to it's rocking finish, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a winner. The album, however, closes with the short and sweet "God Save The Queen".

A Night At The Opera currently sits at #52 of my top 200 favorite albums. I really do like this album and it's also my favorite from Queen. The success of this album and "Bohemian Rhapsody" would help the band go on for over a decade until 1991 when Mercury died from AIDS on November 24, 1991. For the 19th anniversery of Mercury's passing, this is my tribute to probably the greatest singer/front man in rock history.

It's Official: The Beatles are on iTunes!

Yesterday on Apple.com, the site's main page read "Tomorrow is another day...that you'll never forget". People were speculating what the announcement could be. Rolling Stone were hoping for a $10 monthly subscription for iTunes accounts. I myself thought "What if the Beatles came to iTunes?" I had no idea that I was right.

This is no joke: After many years of waiting, the Beatles are finally on iTunes. All 13 of the band's albums are available for $12.99, except The Beatles and Past Masters Vol. 1 and 2 which are $19.99. The price for one songs is $1.29. All the albums are from the critically praised remasters released last year. Each album also comes with the mini-documentaries just like the CDs had embedded on them (and if you bought the box set, you got a DVD with all of the docs on there). The price for the box set is $149.00. The albums also include the booklets, which are in a digital form iTunes calls iTunes LP. Also available are the Red and Blue albums which both sell for $19.99.

This is a huge day in Beatles history and iTunes history. I still can't believe the Beatles are on iTunes. A decade after I became a fan of this amazing band, their music is now on the internet to legally download. Also, you got most of the Beatles' solo careers up there as well. Still, this day doesn't do much for me. I already have the box set from last year, which I'm VERY happy with. My only fear with iTunes is that the new generation of fans won't get to know what it's like to own the albums on CD, even vinyl. I know that every true Beatles fan already own that box set. The packaging is gorgeous and worth every penny. It may not be the same but I hope putting the band on iTunes will introduce a new generation of fans to the greatest band of all time.

Below are statements made by Paul and Ringo, as well as John and George's widows Yoko and Olivia.

“We’re really excited to bring the Beatles’ music to iTunes. It’s fantastic to see the songs we originally released on vinyl receive as much love in the digital world as they did the first time around.”- Sir Paul McCartney (well said, Paul!)

“I am particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes” At last, if you want it—you can get it now—The Beatles from Liverpool to now! Peace and Love, Ringo.” - Ringo Starr (as for autographs...PISS OFF! Just kidding! We love you, Ringo!)

“In the joyful spirit of Give Peace A Chance, I think it is so appropriate that we are doing this on John’s 70th birthday year,”- Yoko Ono (I 100% agree with Yoko. It does feel so right with John's 70th and the 30th anniversary of his passing that we honor the band he started)

“The Beatles on iTunes—Bravo!”- Olivia Harrison (That's it, Olivia? How do you think George would react? Still, good to hear from you. Don't get me wrong: Olivia kicks ass. Both metaphorically and physically)

Paul McCartney & Wings Band On The Run reissue review

Paul McCartney & Wings

Band On The Run

1973

Album rating: **** 1/2

Bonus CD rating: ****

Bonus DVD rating: **** 1/2

In 2009, the Beatles catalogue was reissued and remastered for the first time since the albums were first issued on CD in 1987. This year, John Lennon’s solo albums and most of Apple Records’ acts albums have gotten the remaster/reissue treatment. Now, it’s Paul McCartney’s turn. However compared to the other Beatle-related reissues, McCartney’s reissues are being released by Macca’s MPL label and his new record label since 2007, Hear Music (which are associated with Starbucks. Yes, the coffee place). MPL and Hear Music have started “The Paul McCartney Archive Collection” with 1973’s Band On The Run. The albums have been released in four different versions. I bought the deluxe edition, which includes two CDs and a DVD. If you already own Band On The Run and are wondering if you should repurchase this new version, read this please.

First, I’ll start with the original album on the first disc. From what I’ve read, Band On The Run has been reissued a few times before on CD. The first time was 1987, then 1993, and then in 1999 for a special 25^th anniversary edition. Before this, I’ve owned the 1987 master. Before I overwrote the old tracks with the new tracks on iTunes, I did a bit of a sound comparison. The 1987 masters aren’t bad at all. In fact, they are quite loud. When I heard the 2010 tracks, those are a bit louder. Still, I transferred the album. Overall, the album sounds great. I haven’t discovered anything new like I did with the Beatles reissues last year (which are required to get no matter who you are. Those old versions from 1987 were butchered compared to the new ones, although they aren’t particularly bad). I can say though that when you listen to the album, it feels like you’re in the studio with Paul, Linda, and Denny. There’s also a lot more emphasis on the bass playing. One thing that threw me off was that the song “Helen Wheels” was missing from the first disc. Instead, it’s on the second disc. Just as I figured, the US and international version of the album include the song as the eighth of ten tracks. This new reissue is following the UK release, which doesn’t have the song. If you use iTunes, this can be simply fixed after changing some info around without getting rid of your song count for the original album (read below for more info on how to do this, that is if it really bothers you). Aside from this, the new remaster album is still great. I just wish that they kept the fans from the US in mind.

The second disc has ten songs on it. One of them is “Helen Wheels”, as mentioned before. Another song on the disc is “Country Dreamer”, which is just alright. Also, there’s the song “Zoo Gang”, which Wings recorded for the short lived TV series of the same name. “Zoo Gang” previously appeared as a bonus track on Venus And Mars. I did another sound comparison, since I own Venus And Mars (as well as everything else Paul made with Wings except Wings Over America, which I do have on vinyl). The two tracks sound exactly the same. They are both just as loud. I mean, that was just from one brief listen. The other songs are a few songs from the 1974 documentary One Hand Clapping. The DVD actually has some great material on it. The DVD runs for some 90 minutes. First, you got the original promo videos for “Band On the Run”, “Mamunia”, and “Helen Wheels”. The first two aren’t anything amazing, although the first video does have is an artsy video with Beatles pictures in it. “Helen Wheels” is nothing much either but the picture looks really good. They did a fine job remastering that one!

However, the real treat on the DVD is the full-length 50 minute 1974 documentary, One Hand Clapping. Excluding bootlegs, the documentary has never been released. The quality of the video for the documentary is just alright. Still, it’s a golden nugget for die-hards. The documentary is of Wings rehearsing with their new line-up in 1974. At that time, Paul hired guitarist Jimmy McCulloch and drummer Geoff Britton. You get to see the band play Wings songs old and new, even unreleased. You also get to hear a bit from each member. As most of you probably know, I’m an avid fan of Jimmy McCulloch and just seeing how young he was in this is amazing. This also the first time I’ve heard anything from Geoff Britton, since he was only in the band for about six months. The DVD also includes a promotional video for the album and a 15 minute feature of the day the album’s iconic album cover.

Should you get the new Band On The Run reissue, although you own it already? It depends what kind of fan you are of Paul. You can get the single disc version but this deluxe edition is a real treat and it’s not expensive. If you are a die-hard Beatles fan or Paul fan, go and get this now. Also, there’s more to come from the Paul McCartney Archives Collection. With the album came a small paper showing pictures of future releases. These are the six albums that are pictured: McCartney, Ram, Venus And Mars, Wings At the Speed of Sound, Wings Over America, and McCartney II. No release date is given. I don’t think I’ll repurchase Venus And Mars and At the Speed of Sound unless they offer something that grabs me. Ram is my all time favorite album by Macca. I already own McCartney but my copy is scratched up just a bit. I do have Wings Over America on vinyl but it’s a bit scratchy. I’d love to buy it. Stay tuned for more McCartney!

Queen sign to Universal, reissues coming out next year

Recently, the three surviving members of Queen ended their 40 year stay with EMI and have now switched to Universal. Now that Queen is on Universal, the label plans to reissue 15 Queen albums. Starting in March 2011, Universal will reissue the band's first five albums which include:

Queen

Queen II

Sheer Heart Attack

A Night at the Opera

A Day at the Races

This is all being done in honor of the band's 40th anniversary since forming. There is no word on when the other albums will be released.

I'm a bit confused here. EMI have loss another one of their acts. First Paul McCartney, then the Rolling Stones, and now Queen. It must suck to be EMI. As for the reissues, I'm not sure if I'm going to get them. I own all of those five albums in different ways. I've got Queen II, Opera, and Races all on CD. I transfered the cassette of Queen to digital and got Sheer Heart Attack on iTunes (which is now on a CD-R, of course). The last time the Queen albums were touched was in 1991. That's nearly a 20 year difference. I think I'm happy with what I've got for now. Universal did the same thing with the Stones a year ago and not too many people liked the new reissue. For the Stones, I didn't get them. I'm already happy with what I got by them. The sound on them is great. I did, however, get Exile On Main Street just for that second disc.

Dio's "Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987" review

Dio

Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987

Rating: **** or quite possibly **** 1/2

Almost six months after his tragic passing, a new Dio album has been released. This is Dio's first posthumous release (and could be the first of many upcoming releases) and it's a great one. From the original archival tapes by the BBC, Dio At Donington UK: 1983 & 1987 is a great collection of music from the greatest singer in metal music. This two disc album was released today and I got it in the mail today. I have to say that I'm really impressed with this release.

The two shows on these two discs are from the times the Dio band performed at the Monsters of Rock tours. Both shows are very impressive and for me, it feels like you're at the actual show(s). Luckily, I saw Dio live in concert back in 2003 when they were on tour with Motorhead and Iron Maiden. It was an amazing show and Ronnie just gave 100%. What I find amazing about Ronnie is that no matter how old he got, his voice was still the same which is very rare for rock singers these days.

The 1983 (exact date: August 20, 1983) show is my favorite of the two shows. I don't know why, really. It might have to do with the fact that the Dio band were still fresh and had just released their debut album Holy Diver in May. Ronnie was already known for his stint in Rainbow from 1975 to 1978 and for his stint in Black Sabbath from 1980 to 1982. His new band included a very young Vivian Campbell on guitar, Dio's former Rainbow band mate bassist Jimmy Bain, and Dio's former Sabbath band mate Vinny Appice. The booklet describes this line-up best: Dio's vocals, his former band mate's experience, and the youth of Campbell shine in this show. The band plays a mix of Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio songs. "Stand Up and Shout" opens the show (of course!) and is followed by a strong performance of "Straight Through the Heart". There are plenty of goodies such as a good minute of the Rainbow epic "Stargazer" (which goes on for some seven to eight minute on their Rising album) and an eleven minute version of "Heaven and Hell". I'm also digging the sped up version of "Man On the Silver Mountain"! Overall, an impressive show!

The 1987 show took place on August 22. At this time, there were some changes in the band's line-up. Dio, Bain, and Appice are still in but Campbell has been replaced by guitarist Craig Goldy and added in 1984, keyboardist Claude Schnell. At this time, Dio had released Dream Evil about a month ago. A few songs from that album are played. Sabbath songs such as "Neon Knights" are played (in both shows, "Children of the Sea" and "Heaven and Hell" are played). "Rock and Roll Children" is also in the setlist, which had been released back in 1985 on the Sacred Heart album (which I recently bought as well. Very solid album). The band intertwines that song with the Rainbow song "Long Live Rock N Roll". Overall, the 1987 performance is great.

Along with the two disc, you get two backstage pass replicas from those two shows. The passes aren't laminated but they are made of plastic (think of them as sturdier credit cards). If you are a Dio fan, there are no excuses: you need this album. It makes a fine addition to your other Dio-related releases. Also, I've noticed that Ronnie gets credit as executive producer. Obviously, Ronnie was working on the offical release of these concerts before he died. What a way to go out!

New Michael Jackson studio album to be released December 14

After many months of speculation and rumors, Epic Records have announced that they will release the first posthumous studio album by Michael Jackson. The album, simply titled Michael, will be released on December 14. The album is said to feature some dozen complete unreleased songs. The album's first single, "Breaking News", will be released on November 8 on the King of Pop's official website. Reports claim that "Breaking News" was recorded in New Jersey in 2007. While this is all very exciting, there is still some speculation in this release. According to TMZ (I know. They suck but just read), Michael's children have stated that the recording is not of their father singing. Michael's oldest child, Prince, has said it sounds nothing like the original. People involved in the project are saying that Jackson's children are being "manipulated" by their grandmother (Michael's mother) and other people who don't want the album released.

Okay I'm confused. This is great that more of Michael's music will be released. Ever since he passed, this is the thing I've been most curious about: a posthumous studio album. As for the recordings being phony, this does concern me especially if it's coming from Michael's own family. However, this is freakin TMZ who are reporting this. TMZ is one of the worst news sources ever. They are more gossip than fact. I also don't like people in the project saying that his children are being manipulated. That just doesn't sound right. See how f***ed up the music business is? Still, I'll get the new album. I'm looking forward to it very much.

PS: I know that barely anyone reads this blog at all but I'm just going to answer this to people who are curious about why I write posts on Michael. Technically, he isn't rock or heavy metal. Am I just doing this because he died a year ago?

When I first got into classic rock and heavy metal, one of the the things I tried to avoid was newer music or whatever. Being a Beatles fan, I learned about Michael's connection with Paul McCartney. Whenever I would read about music history, Thriller would always creep up on me. In 2003 or 2004, everyone was against him and making fun of him due to his then recent counts of child molestation. I may've been one of them for a while but whenever anyone is against someone else (example: Yoko Ono), I try to find ever reason to like that person. At the time of Michael's trial in 2005, there were countless documentaries on TV about him. I watched them and felt so sorry for him. This guy had a rough life. He's innocent. So I did liked Michael Jackson as a person. As for his music, I just heard a few songs here and there. I thought they were catchy and cool. However, I was afraid of buying the music because I thought I would laughed at (which is weird. I already was listening to The Mamas and the Papas and Metallica. Two COMPLETELY different groups!).

When Michael passed, it was really depressing. I found the coverage depressing and when that happens, I just listen to the music of someone when they pass. I didn't have any of his music though. Weeks later I picked up Thriller and I really liked it. There'll be those people who say they've loved Michael always and listen to him all the time. These people were saying this after he died. I'll be one of the few honest ones: I didn't really get into his music after he passed away. I'm sure if he didn't pass away, I would've gotten Thriller at some point that summer.

Long story short for those who wish not to read all my rambling: I'm sure Michale's legacy will live on forever, even without me. I want to be one of those people who will help keep his music alive for more generations to come, just like my other favorite artists.

You Never Give Me Your Money: How much you’re spending on Beatles-related Reissues

On September 9, 2009 Apple, EMI, and Capitol Records reissued the entire Beatles catalogue. All the albums had been remastered and restored for the first time since 1987, when the Beatles albums were first released on CD. Both critics and fans loved the new reissues and though the sound on the CDs was brilliant. It was worth every penny, for many fans. However this year sees the release of more Beatles related products, all of which are pricy. This leaves the fan to ask themselves: should I buy what I already own? With the Beatles issues, it was a no brainer: of course you were going to shell out some two hundred bucks for a box set of albums by the greatest rock band of all time. However with these other reissues, what does a fan do? This will cover all the prices for the Apple/EMI/Capitol reissues released this year and will determine whether to buy it or not.

Note: All prices are based on Amazon.com

The Beatles Red and Blue albums

These two double compilations were the original greatest hits albums of the Beatles. There’s a great selection of songs and it’s good for anyone who’s new to the band.

Red Album price: $19.88

Blue Album price: $13.99

Last time released: 1993

Should I get it?: If you’re a collector or completist, then yes. If you already have the remasters box set, then no. There’s nothing new on here…at least I don’t think so.

John Lennon reissues

Early in October, Yoko Ono reissued the entire Lennon catalogue to commemorate what would’ve been Lennon’s 70^th birthday on October 9. The albums feature John’s original mixes and new liner notes. Among the reissues is Double Fantasy Stripped Down. The album includes the original 1980 album along with a stripped down version of the album (remember Let It Be…Naked? This is like that).

Box set price: $149.99 (this set doesn’t come with the stripped Double Fantasy)

Single disc price: $12.99 or less

Double disc price: $19.99 for Sometime in New York City (which finally re-adds the bonus live disc not included in the 2004-2005 reissue)

Last time released: 2000 to 2005

Should I get it?: If you don’t own any of John’s music, go ahead. If you already own the ones from last decade, stick with those. I just bought what I didn’t have already and I also got the new Double Fantasy as my copy was pretty old. Plus, I wanted to hear the stripped version!

Apple reissues

At the end of October, Apple Records reissued some 14 selected titles from their catalogue. Artists include Badfinger, James Taylor, Mary Hopkin, Jackie Lomax, Billy Preston, and others. Of those artists, I like Badfinger the most. I own all their albums, even the one album they did as the Iveys (which wasn’t picked to be reissued).

Box set price: $303.49…screw that! I think the reason why it’s so expensive is because it’s a limited edition.

Single album price: $12.99 more or less

Last time released: For Badfinger- 1992 or earlier. The others…no clue

Should I get it?: Only if you’re a fan of any of those artists which I doubt (who reads this blog anyway?). I’m torn between getting and not getting the Badfinger titles, which there are four of. I’ve said before that I’d gladly repurchase Ass, since my version has poor sound quality. But I’m afraid if I get that, then I’ll have to get the three others. According to one Badfinger web site creator, they aren’t a must have unless you’re a diehard fan of Badfinger and want those bonus tracks (which have changed from the earlier versions, which I find weird). There is one title that’s a “best of” Apple records. You may want to check that out.

Paul McCartney reissues

McCartney’s albums by himself and with Wings will be reissued. This month, they started with Band on the Run. More titles and release dates will be announced soon. Below are the prices for the different versions of Band on the Run.

Single disc: $10.46

Double disc and one DVD: $14.99

Triple disc and one DVD: $74.99 (this also comes with a 120 page hardcover book with rare pictures taken by Linda McCartney and Clive Arrowsmith. The third disc is the same as the second disc from the 25^th Anniversary edition from 1999. That disc is a audio documentary on the making of the album)

Vinyl record (2 records): $33.23 (with an MP3 download of 18 tracks)

Last time released: 1993 and 1999

Should I get it?: I recently pre-order the two disc version. I’m excited to see the long lost documentary One Hand Clapping from 1974, which is on the DVD. If you don’t have the album, then get the single disc. I already own Band on the Run on CD and vinyl. The play count for the album on my iTunes is ridiculously big. However, it’s not my favorite by Paul. When it comes to his albums with Wings, this is my favorite. When it comes to Paul’s solo work, I’ll stick with Ram. If any other titles comes out, I really have to think about getting them. If they got any extra goodies, I just might get them. Of all the Beatles solo material, I own more of Paul’s stuff.

Also if you don’t have the Beatles reissues themselves, what are you waiting for? Get them now! The stereo box set is priced at $188. There’s no problem with getting them one at a time either. Though if you are a diehard fan, you should already have them. It’s kind of like a crime to not have those reissues by now.