Post by jptheprofessor on Jan 10, 2008 17:12:39 GMT -5
QUEEN – QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL (Hollywood Records) In November of 1981, Queen was at the pinnacle of their popularity, and were enjoying their greatest success and excess. As they neared the end of nearly two years of nonstop touring, Queen recorded their concerts on November 24 and 25, 1981 at Montreal’s Forum with the intent of making a full-length film of their live show. That film was released as We Will Rock You a few years later. A 2-disc set, Queen Rock Montreal is the soundtrack from that concert, and a complete one at that. Clocking in at nearly 100 minutes, Queen Rock Montreal captures the entire concert set, including songs not included in the film version such as “Flash” and “The Hero.” Virtually all of the group’s legendary hits are performed here, with a few choice deep cuts included along the way. And as this is captured as a whole concert set, the songs are heard in the context of that concert, and listeners get to experience the fuller scope of Queen as a concert entity. There are dramatic and theatric peaks contrasted against mellower moments along the way; along with sudden shifts from one song to another, solo instrumental displays from guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor and more. Singer Freddie Mercury is in top form as we hear him sing, strut, and bring all the pageantry he was known for. Since this set had been performed nonstop by the group for close to two years, it is tightly played, confident and nearly seamless. Queen sounds at the top of their game here, and the new mixing and remastering from the original multi-track tapes gives this concert document a full, complete and polished live sound. Queen Rock Montreal captures Queen at their live performance peak, and serves as audio proof of what this band was about when they brought their full might and majesty to the concert stage. As concert documents go, this is an excellent one to remember the late Freddie Mercury and Queen at the top of their game.