"Queen II" review from 'Sounds' magazine, 16 March 1974
Sept 23, 2023 14:16:26 GMT
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Post by fabiogminero on Sept 23, 2023 14:16:26 GMT
Hi everybody.
This below is the review of the album "Queen II", published on the English music magazine on March 16th, 1974, eight days after the release of the latter by EMI. The writer had a positive view of the album after all and compares the music of Queen with The Who's music (especially 'Father To Son' to 'Won't Get Fooled Again'). He praised Brian May for his playing, but finds the album too pompous and regal and sloppily produced in places (the choice to call the sides black and white was not appreciated).
Here are the scan of the article and the trascription of it (for a easy read). Have a good reading.
QUEEN: "QUEEN 2" (EMA 767)
QUEEN HAVE come up with quite an inspiring follow up to their first and most excellent debut album. Simply titled "Queen 2" this album captures them in their finest hours. The music is energetic and Freddie Mercury’s vocals soad to grand heights. But also there are a few disappointments that set back the quality of the album. The production seems shaddy in places and sometimes the numbers are a bit excessive building up to no real climax. But no matter the band have plenty of time to polish themselves. The album opens up with the very impressive procession which unbelievably is all guitar, and this goes straight into "Father To Son". The opening reminds me of The Who’s "Won’t Get Fooled Again". It has a satchy melody line and the guitar playing is as tasteful as I had expected it to be. Brian May must be the most promising guitarist tio have arisen in Britain in recent years. The sheer confidence and power of his playing add to the many dimensions of this album. This is demonstrated on "White Queen" and "Ogre Battle". As a unit the band work well and Roger Meddows-Taylor's (drums) contribution "Loser In The End" gives the album a funky feel. The band's music has been compared with Led Zeppelin, something which I do not agree with. I would say they were on the same lines as The Who but that's purely on energy level. On a whole this album is a very productive effort and it makes me look forward to their next venture. One thing I find off putting about this record is the regal treatment. Lyrics like "How did thee fure, what have thee seen?" and calling the sides white and black leaves a sour taste in the mouth. I think the image has been overdone and could lose their identity. - P.M.
This below is the review of the album "Queen II", published on the English music magazine on March 16th, 1974, eight days after the release of the latter by EMI. The writer had a positive view of the album after all and compares the music of Queen with The Who's music (especially 'Father To Son' to 'Won't Get Fooled Again'). He praised Brian May for his playing, but finds the album too pompous and regal and sloppily produced in places (the choice to call the sides black and white was not appreciated).
Here are the scan of the article and the trascription of it (for a easy read). Have a good reading.
QUEEN HAVE come up with quite an inspiring follow up to their first and most excellent debut album. Simply titled "Queen 2" this album captures them in their finest hours. The music is energetic and Freddie Mercury’s vocals soad to grand heights. But also there are a few disappointments that set back the quality of the album. The production seems shaddy in places and sometimes the numbers are a bit excessive building up to no real climax. But no matter the band have plenty of time to polish themselves. The album opens up with the very impressive procession which unbelievably is all guitar, and this goes straight into "Father To Son". The opening reminds me of The Who’s "Won’t Get Fooled Again". It has a satchy melody line and the guitar playing is as tasteful as I had expected it to be. Brian May must be the most promising guitarist tio have arisen in Britain in recent years. The sheer confidence and power of his playing add to the many dimensions of this album. This is demonstrated on "White Queen" and "Ogre Battle". As a unit the band work well and Roger Meddows-Taylor's (drums) contribution "Loser In The End" gives the album a funky feel. The band's music has been compared with Led Zeppelin, something which I do not agree with. I would say they were on the same lines as The Who but that's purely on energy level. On a whole this album is a very productive effort and it makes me look forward to their next venture. One thing I find off putting about this record is the regal treatment. Lyrics like "How did thee fure, what have thee seen?" and calling the sides white and black leaves a sour taste in the mouth. I think the image has been overdone and could lose their identity. - P.M.