Queen Deeper Dive: "Great King Rat" died today

Possibly one of the first Queen songs conceived, "My Fairy King" is Freddie's first epic song on their debut, and it's the first time we hear his expansive piano skills. As we explore various versions of this song (including the precious Sessions take) we'll break down what makes this such a stunning display of intention, talent and storytelling.

Heard for the first time in 1991, the long-lost "Mad The Swine" finally landed in its rightful place on Queen's debut album when it was remixed and re-released in 2024 as Queen I. We'll go through three different versions of this soothing gem and talk a supposed live performance; plus a sneaky spoken lyric hidden in the second chorus that I still can't figure out.

Throwback. Nostalgia. 2000s. It was an easier time and a breezier time. As I navigate through the challenges of life, I'm recapturing brighter feelings and dreaminess by escaping into some of my favorite chill tunes of yesteryear. Cruise through my curated playlist with me to (re)discover some of the best of the chillout genre (and other genres like it, including trip hop, dark wave, etc.). BONUS: Here's a link to my playlist, with an extra-chill song I impulsively added at the end. I'll probably talk about that one later...

"Great King Rat" is still one of my favorites on Queen's debut, and diving into various versions of the song has made me appreciate it's complexity all the more. We're talking one of the earliest guide takes, the De Lane Lea cut, live performances and of course we'll compare the original Queen and Queen I mixes. You might be surprised which one wowed me the most this go round...

Brian's (and Tim Staffell's) "Doing All Right" gives us a contrast of ballad tones and heavier prog rock, seamlessly blended in this reflective number. We'll compare various recordings; including the original Smile take, the Acoustic Session, and the difference between Queen and Queen I versions. I also included a BBC take for one special reason. Plus, I'm beginning to notice a trend with the Queen I mixes. And I elaborate more on frequency ranges and their importance within a song.

To acknowledge the freshness of Queen's debut, now titled Queen I, I'm finally diving deeper into each of the album's prog-rock songs. And as we get into Queen's first single we'll talk the De Lane Lea demo, the Sessions cut, the comparison of the Queen and Queen I versions, live performances, my favorite iteration and another take that'll really keep you alive. Bonus, I get into promo video fun facts; including the boys' first try and raw reel footage.

Has something ever happened to you that you couldn't explain? Something instantaneous, and obviously outside of your control. Something miraculous and life-changing. It sweeps in and changes you and brings you back. It lifts a weight off of you. Yeah, that happened to me. And before I talk more Queen on my podcast, I have to tell you my little story.

How many times can one say the word 'brilliant' in a podcast episode? Someone count and tell me, because I was totally unaware as I went through my list of artists and bands I love; who happen to have reinvented themselves a fair number of times. Through this episode, I explore the motivation of reinvention, whether it's innate or subconscious or extremely strategic (or all of the above). And yes, we'll talk Queen.

I am going to throw so many facts and names at you in this episode, your head will be spinning; in the best, most royal and regal way, of course. But a Queen album kickoff must be done in style, and as I revisit this remarkable debut from this unforgettable and powerful band, I'm proud and excited to share some of the coolest facts I've discovered about our favorite boys. Come with me, and let's once again visit my favorite Queen era...

I indulged in Queen's newly remixed and remastered debut and I want to share my thoughts with you. In addition, as I obsessively listen to Queen I and fall madly in love with the sessions disc and can't get over the fresh sound, etc., I've realized...I can do something fun with this...