Tater Thoughts

Freddie's poppin' rocker, "Don't Stop Me Now" just keeps getting bigger. With it's more simplistic song structure (though it does impress with its syncopation and phrasing), it didn't overly impress at first. But over the years, it's endured, and lives on all the more; topping many best of lists. Freddie's piano is incredible, and his bright lead vocal is perhaps one of his most loved. Brian, Roger and John provide soul, enthusiasm, pounding rhythms and all that jazz. Live, it's a playful number, though less punchy. And the Long Lost Guitars version has some interesting sounds.

In a rare move, Freddie sits one out, and Brian takes the lead on vocals in his own folk-like "Leaving Home Ain't Easy". Brian also provides all backing vocals, with Roger and John holding down the low end on tight and light percussion and melodic bass. This song employs many seventh and diminished chords, creating a complex sound among the simple instrumental structure. And Brian takes his guitar to new sonic realms once again, with his genius manipulations.

Do we remember how absolutely complete, amazing and wonderful everyone around us is? Not just those closest to us, but everyone? And what about you? When was the last time you thought about your worth? Maybe you haven't thought about it much lately, or ever. Maybe it's always been about trying to be something you're not. But you already are everything you need to be.

Take a fantastic rock 'n' roll drummer with an affinity for emerging trends of new wave, give him electric and bass guitar and what do you get? "Fun It". This is Roger's first contribution to the Jazz album, and it's one of my favorites. Total funk and disco with an edgy rock twist, this is unique not just in Queen's catalog, but in similar songs of the time. Something about this stands out. Freddie trades lead vocals with Rog in a rare duet, and John sits this one out. Occasionally, Freddie would sing vocals of this song during performances of "Keep Yourself Alive".

Brian's brilliant "Dreamer's Ball" takes us into a jazzy dream, with Freddie crooning soulful perfection. All acoustic and electrics from Brian, and he creates a brassy warmth. Surprisingly, no Roger on backing vocals here, but his brushed percussion sparkles as we trudge along that shuffle beat. John glides delicately up and down on glissandos. An early acoustic take is slower, heavy on the cymbals but impressive. Still, it's the live version that I adore the most. Dare I say it...it's so cute.

A jazzy and poppy dream, John's "In Only Seven Days" is a one-off in Queen's catalog that sees our bassist contributing on both acoustic and electric guitars. Brian sweeps in with orchestra-like swells. Roger's cymbals are soothing and sweet. And Freddie croons away while providing elegant and glittering piano. It was never performed live, but that makes it all the more special.

When you're facing a challenge, focus only on the challenge. Don't continue to carry everything you've ever faced. Don't dwell. What's done is done. And with the strength you've gained, you can clear the next hurdle(s), no matter how high or numerous. Cheers to a new year, cheers to you! Thank you for listening. I can't thank you all enough for geeking out with me. P.S. Failure does not equal finished...

Featuring a loud thunderclap, "Dead on Time" is Brian's number and kicks off side two of Jazz in perfectly furious form. Everything about this is buttoned up loud rock. It's fast. It's intense. It's dynamic, with moments of quiet teases and massive crescendos. Freddie delivers vocals so quickly, I can't keep up. John's basslines are as unpredictable and awesome as ever. Roger? CYMBALS. And Brian, of course; his guitar playing is impeccable. A favorite of mine.

They'd like to say hello and give us a show! One of Freddie's most aggressive and risque numbers, "Let Me Entertain You" is one of the best examples of a band celebrating their own awesomeness (as well as a nod to those who helped them achieve success). The boys are all in fiery form here: Tons of clever vocals from Freddie, furious riffs from Brian, many a surprising move from John on bass and Roger, well...he's just banging the daylights out of his kit. Live? Oh, you know this was a riot.

The hardest rock number we ever get from bassist John Deacon, "If You Can't Beat Them" is a catchy and encouraging number that includes some of Brian's funnest and longest guitar solo arrangements. As we would expect, John bops along with incredibly melodic bass. Roger adds fun and interest in the drum riffs and Freddie is assertive and aggressive in his lead vocals. But live is where the magic is when it comes to this song.