Rebecca’s Picks - Albums You Should Own: Queen’s “A Night At The Opera”
Track List
1. Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To…) (Mercury)
2. Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon (Mercury)
3. I’m In Love with My Car (Taylor)
4. You’re My Best Friend (Deacon)
5. ‘39 (May)
6. Sweet Lady (May)
7. Seaside Rendezvous (Mercury)
8. The Prophet’s Song (May)
9. Love Of My Life (Mercury)
10. Good Company (May)
11. Bohemian Rhapsody (Mercury)
12. God Save The Queen (Arranged by Brian May)
Released December, 1975 on Electra Records
Produced by Roy Thomas Baker and Queen
Band members: Brian May-guitars, harp, ukelele Roger Taylor-percussion, vocals
John Deacon- bass, double bass, electric piano Freddie Mercury-piano, vocals
Recorded at six different studios, “A Night At The Opera” was one of the most expensive albums ever made. The liner notes proudly proclaim “No Synthesizers!”, and it’s true, though hard to tell by just listening to it. Queen were the masters of multi-layered sound, from the guitars to the vocals. All four members wrote songs for the album, and they all had a hand in producing it, creating a wide variety of sounds for one album. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is probably the best known song, and has the distinction of being a number one single two different times. The song was written entirely by Freddie Mercury on piano, and the other band members then recorded their parts on their respective instruments.
One of the most original rock bands ever, Queen has continued to record after a long hiatus following the death of Freddie Mercury in 1991. Their new singer is Paul Rodgers, who formerly sang with Free, Bad Company, and The Firm.
By Rebecca
