aaamusic | On 13, Mar 2011

Alongside the release of the first five Queen albums there’s the first volume of “deep cuts”. Deep Cuts Vol. 1 1973 – 1976 is not the average greatest hit. In fact, is not a greatest hit at all, but more of a guide, compiled by the band with the help of life –long fan Taylor Hawinks (Foo Fighters), to get fans (back and new) to go back and rediscover those gems which, for one reason or another, are not immediately associated with the Queen hits repertoire. The idea of splitting it into years is a sensible one, considering the large catalogue; and it is also handy once stressing the legacy of their early albums.

The tracks chosen are, as I mentioned, not the obvious ones. There is no Bohemian Rhapsody, but the beautifully mad Ogre Battle, not Somebody To Love but Stone Cold Crazy, Long Away and Tenement Funster, together with Lily Of The Valley, The March Of The Black Queen and Good Company.

And good company they will be for the listener who wants to rediscover one of the most iconic bands of all times, and what is behind the legend. Forget the ‘80s, Live At Wembley and Live Aid: you‘ve seen those a million times. Enjoy the musical extravaganza behind Freddie Mercury and co.

Highly recommended.

1             Ogre Battle

2             Stone Cold Crazy

3             My Fairy King

4             I’m in Love with my Car

5             Keep Yourself Alive

6             Long Away

7             The Millionaire Waltz

8             ‘39

9             Tenement Funster

10           Flick of the Wrist

11           Lily of the Valley

12           Good Company

13           The March of the Black Queen

14           In the Lap of the Gods…Revisited

Author: Alessia Matteoli