Queen At The Beeb 1989

THIS is an event. Not merely the release of more 'product', but a major
milestone in the annals of Rock. What you see here are eight songs
recorded in 1973 by Queen, one of the great names of post-war international
music. Moreover, these are version of well-known numbers that you will
never have heard before!
FACT. February 1973. Queen have been on the live
circuit for barely two years. But they've yet to sign a major recording
deal. However, the enterprising folk at Radio One book vocalist/pianist
Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger
Taylor for a session with producer Bernie Andrews. It is to be broadcast on
'Sounds Of The `70s' and four tracks are laid down on February 5th, viz 'My
Fairy King', 'Keep Yourself Alive', 'Doin' Alright' and 'Liar'. All of
these songs were eventually to turn up on the band's self-titled debut for
EMI (released in July of that year), but these versions have never been
heard before on vinyl before... not even on bootleg form!
COMMENT. It's amazing to hear the stunning renditions the band explore herein.
'Liar's dramatic, thundering Metal extravagance. 'My Fairy King's lushness and
orchestral bravura. 'Keep Yourself Alive's responsive, momentous Metal-Pop
ebullience. 'Doin' Alright's combination attack of blazing riffs and delicate
tinctures of melody.
FACT. On December 3rd 1973, Queen recorded a second session for 'Sounds Of The
'70s', performing the songs 'Ogre Battle', 'Great King Rat', 'Modern Times Rock
'N' Roll' and 'Son And Daughter'. With the exception of 'Ogre...', all the songs
here were featured on the 'Queen' LP. 'Ogre Battle' is to emerge on the 'Queen
11' LP, released in March 1974.
COMMENT. Once again the quality of performance and recording are breathtaking.
'Ogre Battle' is a panorama of virulent grandeur and broadsword clashing mania.
'Great King Rat' has a seismic bite and flaring, cascading incandescence.
'Modern Times Rock 'N' Roll' boasts rousing, glinting rhythms. 'Son And
Daughter' is suffused with individual Blues and dramatic cloisters. Magnificent.
As I said earlier, this isn't a release, but an event. Captured here is the
essence of early Queen. The style that would help shape two generations of Rock
'N' Roll. The sound that would conquer the world. This is vital, valuable,
inexorable. An historical affair that still maintains a contemporary resonance.
Rare indeed.

Malcolm Dome
RAW magazine


The BBC tradition of inviting artists into BBC studios to perform and
record sessions exclusively for broadcast has created a Music Archive
unique in the world.
Band of Joy Music is privileged to have been granted the opportunity to
present this remarkable new series of recordings featuring internationally
acclaimed artists 'in session'. Informed fans and collectors worldwide are
indebted to the BBC programme producers, studio producers, engineers and,
of course, to the artists who kindly gave permission for their work to
appear. 

Design by Richard Gray
Photography by Douglas Puddifoot
All tracks published by B. Feldman & Co. Ltd.