Tater Thoughts

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; the perfect companion album to a cult classic that entertains and makes an impression.

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 moment or song that wins me over...it's all of it.

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. John's bass dances in its lithe performance. Roger makes an impact with bombastic drums. And live, this was a magical number that audiences loved.

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 it helps you navigate your way back to your freedom, and what you love most.

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 exists in 5.1 surround sound.

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 fabulously, with lyrical and delicate precision.

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 a poised less-is-more approach. This was never performed live, and probably for good reason!

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 on the stage.

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?