Tater Thoughts

Brian May's brilliant collaboration with composer Howard Blake brings Queen's ninth album Flash Gordon to a close. " The Hero " is a favorite among fans who applaud the song's return to a classic Queen energy, with many insisting this was a missed opportunity. It went over well live , and employs multiple themes heard previously on the soundtrack album. Did you know an alternate version exists? An...

Your worth should never be measured in numbers. Likes, followers, views, listens, runs, miles run, sales, successes; it should all take a backseat to what really matters and the quality of what matters. Your integrity, your humility, the gift you bring simply by being you. Focus on what you have, not what you want. Focus on what matters, right now.

Nearing the end of Queen's album Flash Gordon, we dive into two tracks that are both Brian May compositions, " Crash Dive on Mingo City " and " Flash's Theme Reprise (Victory Celebrations) ". Both incorporate various themes and surprising shifts in tone and arrangement, and both celebrate the bravery and devotion of our hero. Brian and the boys do a wonderful job capturing that energy.

Both of today's dives take us into Brian May territory; with an arrangement of a classic Wagner composition, and a collaboration with Roger Taylor. From warm and familiar orchestral guitar chords in " The Wedding March (based on "Bridal Chorus ") to the tense and surprising " Marriage of Dale and Ming (And Flash Approaching) ", we're covering a lot in these two tracks.

Not one, not two, but three songs are on the agenda today. " Flash to the Rescue " is a spin on the classic theme, and it's a lovely tense crescendo from Brian. " Vultan's Theme (Attack of the Hawk Men) " is a Freddie offering and a delightfully playful and energizing one. Finally, " Battle Theme ", another Brian number, explodes with intensity, classic Queen guitar riffs, and plenty of rock 'n' r...

It's been a while since I recorded an episode! It's literally been weeks. But I'm back to chat with you once again, and this time, it's all about the real life.

These two songs/themes from Flash Gordon, " Arboria (Planet of the Tree Men) " and " Escape from the Swamp ", are both minimal, stark and intriguing. John and Roger provide experimental, vast soundscapes that capture the atmosphere of a new world and a tense moment for our hero. I'm consistently impressed by Queen's ability to capture an emotion, a dream, and a vibe so well.

There's a lot of intensity and tension in these three compositions; and three different members of Queen brought them to life. Roger's " In the Death Cell (Love Theme Reprise) " is a deeper version of his already-dreamy track. John appears for the first time on the soundtrack with " Execution of Flash "; a sparse, pulsing and soulful piece. And finally, Freddie (along with composer Howard Blake) c...

We're talking two of Freddie's compositions from Queen's Flash Gordon album. " The Ring (Hypnotic Seduction of Dale) " features minimal mysteriously tense synths; that burst into " Football Fight ", the first real melodic rock track we've had since the album's opener (and its b-side). It's a welcome treat to have all the boys back in rockin' form. From synths to guitars to bass to drums, the gang'...

I'm diverting from Queen for an episode to talk about some of my slip ups and trip ups and mistakes, how I recovered (or didn't) from them, and how going through those moments teaches you how to rise gracefully.

As I go through Queen's ninth album, Flash Gordon, I've decided to keep with the story of the film, and talk through some of these numbers together. And today, I'm talking about Roger's composition " In The Space Capsule (The Love Theme) ", a surprisingly sweeping and atmospheric piece; and Freddie's first contribution to the album, " Ming's Theme (In the Court of Ming the Merciless) ", the stark...

Brian's composition " Flash's Theme ", the only single taken from the soundtrack album, kicks us off on this next round of dives. Brian contributed much of the instrumental performance in this song, and sang lead vocals with Freddie. They both sound fantastic, and Roger's high harmony? You know it's hair-raising and fabulous. And so is that timpani. And John's pounding bass. Pedal bass. As fun as...

I admit I had no idea how to kick off Queen's 9th anomaly of an album, Flash Gordon. It's entirely unique in their catalog, only two songs have vocals, most are brief themes, and there's an experimental, synthesized, and electronic(a) quality dominating the fun rock vibe. But that's what makes this interesting! Brian took the reins of this project and the boys all pitched in to make it what it is;...

It was a rough, no-good very-bad day, so I'm talking all the awesomeness and randomness of life that is the good stuff.

Thanks to this album's poppier and starker production, one man consistently stands out to me more than the rest. My ears constantly go to his surprisingly melodic performances, his innovation with arrangements, his assertion and confidence to tackle multiple instruments in several songs, and his ability to play in every genre ever with precision and excellence. It isn't his performance in one mome...

One of Queen's and Brian's best, " Save Me " is the climactic rock ballad album closer; the bookend to Freddie's dramatic "Play The Game". Brian plays electric, acoustic 12-string, piano and synthesizer in this brooding and passionate number. Freddie strikes hard into our hearts with dynamic lead vocals as the backing harmonies soar over the powerful arrangement, tinged with classical elements. Jo...

My love, my refresh, my freedom. I finally have it back; I finally started running again. I haven't touched this topic for a while, because I had to take a (long) break. But my journey back to running included awesome physical therapy, routine, new gear, guidance from professionals, and the most important essential for healing, the passage of time. I want to share my journey with you. And I hope i...

Roger's second contribution to The Game is the rock and new wave " Coming Soon ", and it fits comfortably on the album. Freddie dominates lead vocals, with him and Roger providing backing harmonies; along with Brian's powerful guitar licks and John's unrelenting 8th note bass. Thanks to Roger's pounding drums, this song is energetic and snappy. It was never performed live, but an alternate version...

A haunting song that was never performed live, Brian's " Sail Away Sweet Sister " echoes earlier compositions with its classical and acoustic arrangement. The softer verses are contrasted with heavier, pleading choruses; creating a longing and a tenderness. Brian's lead vocal is touching and affecting, and with Freddie on piano, there's an urgency and a power. Roger and John carry the low end fabu...

One of the band's most polarizing numbers, Freddie's " Don't Try Suicide " gives us smooth style and assertive vocals; not to mention a rollicking piano. Fans may be divided over this song's tongue-in-cheek lyrics, but the music is almost universally appreciated and enjoyed; especially John's bass. The guys take us confidently through rock, rockabilly and blues, with wonderful production moves and...

Roger kicks off side two of The Game with his new wave " Rock It (Prime Jive) ". What starts like a lullaby with Freddie's power vocals transitions into a furiously-paced rock dance number that features Rog on lead vocals and flashy drums, plus some insane basslines from John. Brian provides distorted grit on his guitar, and Rog also contributes a little electric. But where this really shined, is...

I wasn't intending on sharing a lot of such personal thoughts and feelings in this episode, nor did I intend to get so riled up. But apparently, this is a hot topic for me! In the aftermath of so many intense happenings these last couple of years, selfishness has begun to dominate our thought processes, and emotional reactions. How can we get back to humility, compassion, and brighter days?

Freddie's flash of genius " Crazy Little Thing Called Love " really did materialize in five or ten minutes, and it further proves Queen's ability to play anything with ease. It was the first song recorded for The Game, and by Roger's account, one of the easiest to knock out. Brian may have (politely) protested the use of a Telecaster in this song, but he knew how important it was to capture that s...

When it comes to John's compositions, " Need Your Loving Tonight " is a rare single release that didn't get as much attention. Me? I love its poppy and rockabilly sound more than "If You Can't Beat Them". John contributes both bass and acoustic guitar, Brian soars on some memorably gritty guitar moments, Roger snaps on his kit and Freddie sounds so natural and effortless on lead vocals. Live , it...

" Another One Bites the Dust " almost didn't make it onto The Game. And it wasn't even considered for single release; initially. But its catchy riff and stark performance of funky disco rock took Queen to new heights, going multi-platinum in several countries. Live , this became a favorite, with Freddie working the audience . The song went on to be nominated for (and win) multiple awards, gave Ele...