Songs of the Weekend: early Queen

Lately I have been listening to, mainly, "Sheer Heart Attack", Queen's third album.  While it was a departure from their first two albums in that it was a more straightforward pop/rock album, it still contained some ethereal lyrics and some of the flourishes of it's predecessors.  As Brian May and Roger Taylor have said, the roots of "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "A Night At the Opera" lay within their first three albums.

Here are two live clips of Queen circa 1974, as they toured to promote "Sheer Heart Attack".  These clips are from their show at the Rainbow Theatre in London.

"White Queen" from "Queen II"


"In The Lap of the Gods" from "Sheer Heart Attack"



Bonus:
"Now I'm Here" is Brian May's tale of the experiences that filled his head during their first tour of the United States in 1974.

"Now I'm Here" from "Sheer Heart Attack"

Song of the Day: Jackson Browne

Jackson Browne has made some great music over the years, and he has a connection with two other artists that I have highlighted in the past: Dan Fogelberg and the Eagles.  Browne wrote, played and sang with both of them in the early 70's.

Today I want to touch on two songs.  First is "Running on Empty".  I ran across this version on YouTube.  Not fantastic sound quality, but worthwhile.

"Running On Empty"


Next is "For America", a song that would have fit in with the music his friend Kris Kristofferson was writing around the same time.

"For America"



Bonus:

For those of us who grew up in the age of classic MTV, this video will bring back memories of the days when it seemed to be in heavy rotation.

"Lawyers In Love"

Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away...

My god! I looked and I could not believe that it has been a month since I have updated my blog!  What can I say, sheer neglect! 

I have been busy with the local Primary.  The candidate I worked for, Rosemary Mandrici, won and won handily so all the hard work paid off.

Now I am back in the saddle for more music and memories.

Song of the Day: Toto

Here is an overlooked song from the group who brought us "Rosanna" and "Africa".  Released as the lead single from their follow up to "Toto IV", "Stranger In Town" won a few awards for it's cinematography and direction.  It stars Brad Dourif as "The Stranger"

"Stranger In Town"

Let My (white) People Go!

Step aside, African-Americans!  GLBT?  Just shut up!  These are the most persecuted people in the United States:

For some perspective on the T.E.A. Party protests, read this from Tom Tomorrow's blog.

Song of the Day: '39

One of my fave Queen songs, live and acoustic in Houston 1977:

"'39"

This Modern World

The newest cartoon by the brilliant Tom Tomorrow (click for the full size version).