Tater Thoughts

With the recent shifts in the Twitterverse, I started thinking about the history of the platform, what it was like over a decade ago when I joined it, and what it's become. The bottom line? It's not the same. Social media is nothing like it was years ago, neither is the world. And neither are we. We've changed, along with everything else. We have the power to drive change. So how can we do that in a positive way?

John's first contribution to Hot Space, "Back Chat" is locked in dance as the album's funkiest and poppiest number. Its catchy bass groove and rhythm guitars (as well as programmed drums and synths) were all played by John. Freddie takes the lyrics and attacks them all the attitude and accusation, flying in staccato arrangements and expressive soulful moments. Brian and Roger appear in brief flashes of impressive guitar power chords (a fun solo) and percussion breakdowns. And live? Oh, this was hot.

Never a single, never played live (why!), Brian May's "Dancer" continues kicking off Queen's Hot Space with edge and an experimental metal dance jive. Parallel guitar harmonies surround programmed drums and a synth bass; all contributed by Brian, our composer. Freddie's aggressive vocals, rounded out by fun harmonies from Brian and Roger, take center stage. And surprisingly, John is nowhere to be found.

Let's get straight to the point. I've been seeing some questionable, insensitive content shared in the midst of the devastation from Hurricane Ian. My thoughts have been bouncing around in my brain, and I have to talk about it. This isn't just about a storm. It boils down to this...when you share something, what is your intention?

Leave it to Freddie Mercury to bring the heat with "Staying Power"; the funky Hot Space opener that leaves nothing to the imagination. Our composer contributes not just all vocals (delivered in driving staccato fashion) but also a groovy synth bass. A surprise appearance of energized brass bounces off of Freddie's playful vocals. Guitar contributions from both Brian and John create a balance of bright and gritty riffs, and Roger's programmed drums still have his magic touch. But live, this song was another animal entirely, and its heavier, rockier jive is right up my alley.

Despite hesitation from a band member or two and disagreements about musical direction, following the massive success of "Another One Bites the Dust", our boys take sparse, rhythm-driven and funky arrangements to surprising extremes on their 10th album, Hot Space. Incorporating heavy synthesizers and more drum machines, Queen stunned press and fans alike, alienating hard rock lovers with a complete shift away from the former 'no synths!' policy. This album remains Queen's most controversial as the debate continues: Is this a hot mess, or just hot?

We all have moments of opportunity. Something comes our way and it's a rare chance to take it on and make a difference. So why do we hesitate? Why do we shy away? Why do we chicken out?

The boys' one and only soundtrack album includes impressive contributions from every band member, but one man almost single-handedly saw it through. Not only did he push to include film dialogue in the songs and visit with the orchestra during recording, he was the writer behind the album's only single, as well as its impressive closing number. And when he plays his Red Special? There's passion and energy all over it, creating a welcome nod to Queen's rockier roots that energizes the songs with bluesy grit and memorable themes.

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? And it's probably the superior version, if you ask me.

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.