Most Queen albums have epics like this, it's where they shine. It was around this time Freddie quipped "I would love to use an orchestra, but how can I when Brian has one in his bloody guitar!?" There's a live version of this, Earl's Court 77 I think?
Freddie would love you saying his singing was ‘ over the top’ ✌🏼😊 Freddie never seemed to put limitations on his talent… thank goodness . Now that they’ve been gone for years I’m so glad Queen just moved forward doing their ‘ thing’ and critics be damned ! Now we have all this fabulousness to enjoy and it’s not like any other band Great reaction as always 👍
The first time I heard this I thought it was crazy for a rock band to play something in waltz time. Waltzes belonged to the Lawrence Welk crew. But there were others in 3/4 by Queen: I'm in Love With My Car and We Are The Champions, for example. I love that they risked using such a wide variety of musical forms. Queen: never boring.
Simply no other band could do this! You are so right, each member had their own style of writing Brian being the one that was more eclectic in his writing skills. Thank you for the going through and doing the albums!
Queen had the chops to do whatever it wanted to do, whatever it could dream up. Bands or critics that made fun or criticized them, most simply could not and did not. When others complained they were too over the top, they were in a way complaining Queen was competing outside the parameters of rock where they could not go. They could also do simpler arrangements,, songs the crowds wanted...but also songs that gave them joy to power through. Gotta give them credit for pushing the envelope. Who else sounded like them?
Fred hand picked Roger, & Brian, for himself. Followed Smile. Convinced they needed each other. Fred is indeed a genius. But. So are they all. Not just any group of guys. Would be able to follow, let alone help Fred. Fully realize his vision / style, musically. Which is complex, intricate, & grand.
I have to admit Freddie was a genius. I lived though this era and knew the hits but really didn't appreciate Freddie's genius and the gems I never heard before like this one. Wow...
I'm so happy when John Deacon gets some love in a reaction. He's really cool and plays to compliment the song and not steal the thunder. Wait until you hear "My Melancholy Blues" - so good. Anyway, thanks for your reaction to this.
Love This Song - Yes, I Do. DAY AT THE RACES is in some ways quite a different, and even more finished album than NIGHT AT THE OPERA which is absolutely genius. Perhaps THE PRODUCTION on this album is maybe more finessed? I don't know. But a great album that maybe doesn't get the great estimation that OPERA gets. MERCURY - MAY - DEACON and TAYLOR are amazing.
G’morning Justin, perhaps you were thinking of the Yes tune, “And You and I”, regarding the next tune. This a great Queen tune, great reaction. Deaky’s bass on this is probably my favorite performance by John more than any other Queen track. any other. Next album “News of the World” was the tour I first saw Queen live, at Cobo Arena in Detroit . Looking forward to your reaction to “It’s Late”, a song I have never seen any other reactors listen to, and it was a minor hit on Detroit FM radio.
One of the few songs i know of where May goes above and beyond with his voice, is ressurection, from a solo album.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iux9mTnf7xg.html . This is also one of the more metal-ish songs of his. Ft Cozy Powell.
The Millionaire Waltz - by Freddie Mercury John Deacon: Bass Brian May: Backing vocals and electric guitar Freddie Mercury: Piano, lead and backing vocals Roger Taylor: Backing vocals and drums
This album, to me, usually gets shadowed by ANATO but there’s are such gems loaded here and this song in particular comes to great sonic landscapes when using headphones or hearing in stereo. Brilliant writing and playing through out!! Cheers!!
A Day At The Races is in my top 3 Queen albums including Queen II & Sheer Heart Attack. The song is about ups & downs of love, as a waltz beat goes up & down repeatedly! Pretty much mimicking Freddie’s love relationships! It’s rumored that the song is about John Reid, Queen’s manager at the time. Brian said he was an “ebullient character”. Reid also managed Elton John & had a long-term relationship with him.
There is no better meter for head banging than 12/8. 😁 The part at 4:30 where Freddie's vocal gets more theatrical makes me think even more that he was a frustrated musical theater actor, longing to perform in something like 'Cabaret'.
It's not one of their best. Like a filler track of sorts, mediocre song-writing. Kinda reminds me of Van Dyke Parks or maybe David Ackles, who both did this type of "show tune" stuff better.
