Reviews  QFN-17
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Man From Manhattan (single)
---------------------------
Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Eddie Howell

Label  : Bud, Austria
Cat No : Bud2CD (21EA)

Although this is an Eddie Howell re-release, it actually
credits Freddie and Brian before Eddie on the packaging, and
this is printed similarly on the CD.

Both the front and back of the CD cover feature momchrome
and b/w photographs of the 3 of them in the studio, with the
front insert opening out to reveal newspaper clippings
reviewing the original release from 1977  (5th March). The
lyrics to each song are also printed on the inside of the
insert.

The track listing is as follows:

Man From Manhattan (original)
Hallowed Ground
Drink Her Away
Man From Manhattan (revistited)

It's good to finally have this song released again,
especially on CD, though the 'revisited' version is hardly
seems any different to the original and I can't understand
why it's been included. I doubt 'Man From Manhattan' will
chart very high as it's not really the type of music that's
popular a the moment - not in the UK at least. As for the
extremely high price for a CD single, it's anyone's guess
why it is being sold at the 9 mark in the shops.

I got my copy by mail order (within the week) by phoning
0191 512 1109, a number given by the fan club, and the price
is 4.50. Have your credit card details ready.

Of the two extra tracks here, 'Hallowed Ground' is in my
opinion the best. It has a very familiar feel to it and
strangely enough reminds me of a recent Queen song in tempo
because of the very slight bongos/tom toms feel in the
background in one section. A good song. The other, 'Drink
Her Away' is instantly forgetable I'm afraid.

I would have been very disapointed if I would have had to
pay 9 for this release as I've had an exellent taped copy
of 'Man From Manhattan' for over 10 years. I'm hope the fan
club were instrumental in the mail-order ruduced price, and
very glad of it too.  

____________________________________________________________

Man From Manhattan - Eddie Howell (album)
-----------------------------------------

Label  : Bud, Austria
Cat No : Bud1CD (14A1)

Some confusion lay at the record store where I enquired
about 'Man From Manhattan' - the album, as they thought
there was only a single release with this name. Upon
checking their computer database they agreed it did exist
and ordered it for me (they had a release date of January
1995 on their database).

Well most importantly, the only Queen involvement here is
the title track, so if you have the single you may not want
the album. Although Eddie's backing band are 'Brand X' (with
Phil Collins - drum) this is a mediocre and very
seventies-sounding album.

There are 2 extra (new) tracks on this re-release which were
not on the original, (You Come To Mind and Touch Of Love')
and were the only two songs I thought were in any way worthy
of a second listen, except for the title track of course
which stands head and shoulders above the rest of the album.
I honestly expected a much better album judging from 'Man
From Manhattan', but is not to be. In fact I'm surprised the
album itself has been re-released considering the single
release contains the only Queen involvement; but that's the
record business for you. Collectors only.

The sleeve notes informs us that this is the first release
on the 'Bud' record label, (the single is the second).

A booklet comes with the CD and contains the lyrics and
credit to all songs and features one b/w photograph of
Eddie, Freddie and Brian, which is also contained in the
single CD version. 



The Amazing Sprider-Man - mastermix
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MC Spy-D + "Friends" (Brian May)

Available as picture disc CD,  picture disc 12" and
cassette. So far I've only seen the CD, so I can't comment
on what the other 2 formats contain. If you have them let me
know.

The CD list 5 titles, though when listening there seems to
be no distinction between any of them. The last is merely a
few seconds of dramatic music saying "Spider-Man etc..."
over the top. 

Tracks on the CD are as follows:
The Amazing Sprider-Man Megamix
The Amazing Sprider-Man Sad Bit
The Amazing Sprider-Man White Trouser Mix
The Amazing Sprider-Man Brown Trouser Mix
The Amazing Sprider-Man DJ Perk

The cover of the CD is the same artwork as the postcard that
was mailed to inform of this release and includes the words
'#1 Special Collector's Edition'. I'm not sure if this
refers to the CD or the postcard, probably the CD, but I
could be wrong. So this is the first of a series. Well I
don't know what to say about this release as it just seems
like the soundtrack to a cartoon. There is not much in the
way of a structured song, and it has lots of ken voices and
sound effects. This will not chart! Probably be a collectors
item in a few years though so but your copy today.

I don't know how far Brian's involvement with this project
goes, but I would suggest it's minimal judging by the small
amount of guitar work that features on the main track. Good
though it is, Brian's unique guitar sound only fills a few
seconds before the typical cartoon soundtrack emerges again.
Only for real collectors I'm afraid.



Roger Taylor 4th Dec 1994 - Wolverhampton Civic Hall
-----------------------------------------------------
Review by Max Fuller

A few comments/thoughts first...

Got there for 17:30 Was
first in building as 'my' door opened first! Bought a
T-Shirt and programme Ran to stage, at front slightly to
side Rather a naff programme Support band:'Colour noise':
Very loud Very samey sounding songs Couldn't make out one
lyric female lead sang No reaction from crowd apart from:
One or their songs had a We Will R You drum beat and so we
all started chanting that Two, bass player played first few
bars from Another one bites T D before one of thier own
songs and the crowd went wild! They thanked the crowd for
singing along (eh ?) and for making them feel welcome in
supporting Roger. A very long wait (well it seemed it)
Totally wierd intro to A kind of Magic Crowd very
enthusiastic and loud and in good voice. Did all songs from
Happiness? album bar: Lonliness, Mr Murdoch and freedom
train Did these Queen songs: Magic, Tenement funster, Wild
wind, Days of lives, Radio ga ga, We will R Y I want to
break free, Show must go on Also : Man on Fire Plus Voodoo
Chile ( Jimmy Hendrix) Bassist and lead guitar did a bluesy
number... don't know name Ended show with a BRILLIANT
rendition of Twist and Shout. I'm sure there were 22 songs
in all but can't remember off hand what the 22nd one was.
I'm In Love With My Car Roger to me seemed a bit
cold/sterile to begin with, not reallt involving the crowd
Did loosen up a graeat deal to the concerts advantage.
Enjoyed Foreign sand, very powerful. and it didn't occur to
me the audience paricipation potentail after the
line'...just say hello'  everybody yelled' HELLO!' back to
Roger to which he appeared genuinely surprised and even at
one stage spoke 'hello' back to us again. There were many
good and humerous moments. Queen songs got the biggest
feedback 'This one's for Fred' was the comment before Old
Freinds.... no slide show.

Well, thats about it. I really can't convey my enjoyment of
the Roger gig enough.

_____________________________________________________________


THE ROGER TAYLOR BAND, SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE - 15.9.94
REVIEWED BY JON JAMES

SET LIST
=======
A KIND OF MAGIC
TOUCH THE SKY
EVERYBODY HURTS SOMETIMES
RIDE THE WILD WIND
TENEMENT FUNSTER
LONELINESS
A HARD RAIN A GONNA FALL
YOU HAD TO BE THERE
I WANT TO BREAK FREE
SOUL
DEAR MR. MURDOCH
FOREIGN SAND
HAPPINESS
THE KEY
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
REVELATION
THESE ARE THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES
WE WILL ROCK YOU
RADIO GA GA
OLD FRIENDS
NAZIS 1994
I'M IN LOVE WITH MY CAR

On a very wet Thursday night, The Roger Taylor Band gave
their second public performance. The set list followed
pretty closely that of the Gosport gig. At 9.00 the intro
tape started and played for 15 minutes before the lights
dimmed and the strains of 'A Kind Of Magic' could be heard.
Roger appearing in his obligatory black outfit and
sunglasses. The sound quality was excellent and the view we
had was excellent. The band were obviously enjoying
themselves again. 'Touch The Sky' and 'Everybody Hurts' were
excellent before the sound of a motor-bike roared from one
side of the stage to the other. 'Ride The Wild Wind' !
Brilliant. Followed by (for us oldies) 'Tenement Funster'.
As the set progressed, more use of the backdrop was used for
the projection of pictures. After introducing Jason Falloon,
Roger left the stage and Jason performed 'Soul' (a really
good song) and was appreciated by the crowd. Roger returned
and continued the rest of the set, even forgetting some of
the words to 'We Will Rock You'! Again, this was done in the
'funky' style. The main set ended with 'Radio Ga Ga' and
hand clapping. 

First encore was 'Old Friends', again pictures of Freddie
and the rest of the band (including Brian this time) being
cheered as they were projected on to the screen. 'Nazis
1994' was really strong and atmospheric, far superior to the
single version. Roger thanked all the audience especially
those like myself and my wife who had made the long journey
down to see him. He returned for a final encore of 'I'm In
Love With My Car' before a mad dash through the  rain to the
car and the long drive home. A brilliant night, well worth
the effort and drive.

This show is available on a private recording of excellent
quality taken from one of the balconies

_____________________________________________________________


GIBSON CENTENARY CONCERT 'NIGHT OF 100 GUITARS'
WEMBLEY ARENA, SUNDAY JUNE 26TH 1994
REVIEWED BY LIZZ BENDELL

The show opened at 7.30p.m. with ageing D.J. Alan 'Fluff'
Freeman leading the audience into a rather half-hearted
rendition of 'Happy Birthday To You' to mark Gibson Guitars'
hundredth birthday.

The first act on stage was the 'Gibson All-Stars', a
four-piece supergroup, including Neil Murray on bass and
Cozy Powell on drums. They performed an old blues song - the
singer and guitarist was excellent, but unfortunately I
didn't catch his name or that of the keyboard player
(sorry!)

Next on was new British rock band Skin, who played two
high-energy rock songs - 'Money' and 'Look But Don't Touch'.
They got the entire audience on their feet and, speaking for
myself, I would have loved them to do a few more songs - and
so would most of the audience, to judge by the deafening
applause!

Next up were Bradford rockers Terrorvision, who also
performed two songs ('Middleman' and 'Discotheque Wreck').
They played well, but appeared very nervous - I also found
it impossible to understand what singer Tony Wright said
between the songs, due to his strong Yorkshire accent!

Thunder came on next to play three songs, which met with a
great reception from the audience - everybody was dancing!
This was despite the fact that the sound quality suddenly
deteriorated during their set - fortunately it was soon
fixed and after this the sound remained perfect for the rest
of the concert.

Next a guitarist called Warren Cuccurrullo was introduced,
with "a tribute to Frank Zappa". This signalled a mass
audience sit-down - in fact, half the audience appeared to
go out to the bar at this point! Warren Cuccurrullo (is he
REALLY in Duran Duran, as I've heard? - it seems very
unlikely) proved himself to be an awesomely talented
guitarist, but the material he played seemed very dull to me
- first a long instrumental by Frank Zappa and then another
instrumental in the same style which he had written
especially for this concert. His performance was enlivened,
however, by a light show of swirling psychedelic colours on
the stage backdrop.

Next to come on was Australian star Jimmy Barnes - a very
good singer, rather similar to Bruce Springsteen. He managed
to bring the audience to their feet again with two rousing
rock songs and a ballad. He then left the stage, to be
replaced by country/blues guitarist Albert Lee, with Hogan's
Heroes. They played two songs and were then joined by
guitarist Dave Edmunds for a rock 'n' roll number. This
ended the first half of the concert.

After a fifteen minute interval, American rock band Pride &
Glory were introduced, led by ex-Ozzy Osbourne guitarist
Zakk Wylde. He played some superb guitar, although I felt
that his solos were over-long and the songs were rather dull
overall. After two songs, Zakk introduced Guns n' Roses
guitarist Slash on to the stage and he proceeded to play
along with Pride & Glory on the Jimi Hendrix classic 'Voodoo
Chile' - beautiful guitar-playing from both Slash and Zakk
and they received a lot of applause.

Surprisingly, the next act on the stage was Poison singer
Bret Michaels. This was surprising because he was very
recently involved in a serious car crash (apparently he
drove his Ferrari at 80 mph into a telegraph pole!) and was
not expected to appear. His right hand and wrist were
bandaged and he joked "If my teeth fly out, just hand them
back to me", but he managed to play two beautiful acoustic
songs on his own - firstly the Poison classic 'Every Rose
Has It's Thorn', which had the entire audience singing along
with the chorus and then the moving 'Something To Believe
In', written about the Vietnam War. Then Bret was joined on
stage by the Gibson All-Stars and they performed a bluesy
song, with Bret singing and playing harmonica. All in all, I
felt that Bret Michaels gave one of the best performances of
the evening.

Then Bret left the stage, but the band remained and were
joined by Robert Palmer for the classic 'Addicted To Love' -
another opportunity for an audience singalong! After this
one song, Robert Palmer and the band left the stage.

Their place was taken by ex-Free/Bad Company singer Paul
Rodgers and his band (although whether the band contained
the promised members of Lynyrd Skynyrd I'm not sure). Here,
I must admit, the show went sharply downhill for me; while
all the other acts had had ten, or at the most fifteen
minutes, Paul Rodgers and Co. played on for over an hour.
Presumably the songs were mainly Free or Bad Company
classics, but the only one I knew was 'All Right Now' and
all the others seemed very similar and somewhat dull.

The performance was enlivened by the introduction of guest
musicians to the stage - firstly Slash and then our very own
Brian May! However, I felt that neither of these two very
talented guitarists had a chance to show off their skill -
they were condemned to jam along while Paul Rodgers stole
all the limelight. I would have liked to see Paul Rodgers
banished from the stage, while Brian and Slash played
together on a selection of Queen songs, with Brian singing.
What was the point of having Brian at the concert at all, if
he was not given a chance to do what he does best? And he's
a much bigger star than Paul Rodgers, anyway! Apologies to
Paul Rodgers' fans - but he DID annoy me!

I am, however, slightly mystified by Brian's appearance at
the concert, since he does NOT play a Gibson guitar! While
ALL the other guitars played at the concert were Gibsons,
Brian was playing his Red Special as usual (or was it a
Guild copy?)

Bon Jovi bassist Alec John Such appeared to play along on
only one song - a bit of a cheat, I felt, as he had had the
top billing for the concert. Finally, Zakk Wylde also
reappeared to jam on one song - then, suddenly, it was the
end of the concert. It was an enormous let-down after such a
promising start and most of the other audience members I
overheard after the concert seemed to think so too! Many of
the promised artists had not turned up (Little Angels,
Stiltskin, Gary Moore - to name but three!) and those who
were there mostly did not have enough chance to show off
their talents - especially Brian, Slash and Alec John Such.
I left Wembley feeling disappointed, as did most people, to
judge by their expressions. I should think the only people
who were really happy were the Paul Rodgers fans!

_____________________________________________________________


Fan Club Cruise To Amsterdam December 1994
------------------------------------------
Review by Jon James

The Friday morning arrived. The Queen Fan Club cruise to
Amsterdam. Being from Birmingham our party was the last to
join the coach, and thankfully it arrived on time. The
journey to Dover was accompanied by Queen music and a bright
sunny day. Only as we approached Dover did the weather
become foggy.

The coach pulled in and we all sat wondering what what to
do. we could see fans who had made their own way to Dover
sitting in an assembly area. We were told to join them and
then had to stand for two hours before boarding the ship -
The Albatross. The ferry had arrived late and was having a
spot check by the Department of Trade and Industry which
explains the wait. No fault of the fan club and everthing
else during the weekend was very organised.

As we boarded stwerards took our bags to our cabins. Our
cabins were excellent; TV, fridge, shower etc, plenty of
space, comfortable beds and warm too. Quickly storing our
bags we shot down for afternoon coffee and cakes. The
restuarant was well laid out with stewards only too pleased
to help.

Time came to explore the shops on board. The map of the deck
layout was essential for the first day. It was nice to be
able to relax in the piano loounge, with very reasonably
priced drinks, chat with fellow fans and listen to the
pianist playing various songs and his rendition of Queen
songs was much appreciatted.

The rest of the evening was taken up with the main 4 course
meal. It was the time to watch the entertainment and take
part in the Bingo, (a game) 150 being the main prize. The
entertainment consisted of a comedian, dancers, singers and
a band. Remember this this is typical cruise entertainment
and not just for the Queen party aboard.

At 23.00 the disc began - or should have. Keith Harris from
Areana Travel worked hard to get the equeptment working and
the Czech band continued to play Queen songs. They did
really well and got a good round of applause.

Eventually the disco started and the crew joined in. The sea
was calm and a brillinat night ended - for us at arounf
02.00. However some lasted until 05.00 in the morning!

Waking up as we approached Amsterdam, showered, had
breakfast and then watched the ship docking with the sun a
golden ball over the city was calming after a hectic day
before and ahead.

At approximately 09.30 we were allowed ashore. Some people
went on the organised trip to a cheese-makers and
clog-makers, though we were free to do your own thing. Our
party headed for Anne Frank's house - very moving - and then
to the notorious 'red light' district area. Amazing!

Back at the ship for a 4 course dinner then a few minutes
rest before the  canal cruise. This enabled fans to see many
of the wonderful buildings in Amsterdam without having to
walk.

We then tied to spend our money, but found this difficult.
CD's were far more expensive and we saw no vinyl of any
value to Queen fans. So we retuned to rest before the Gala
Dinner.

The TV was showing music as well as Queen concerts. You
could always listen to Queen music piped through the radio
if your eyes were too tired.

At 07.00 Kieth Harris delivered the Queen quiz and my party
was doing quite well until the lyric round. In the
restaurant we met our friends and had a superb eveing meal.
We were well-fed, the baked Alaska was astounding.

By the time we reached the Saturday night disco the
Albatross was leaving Amsterdam. There were many
tired-looking eyes in the disco, but people were determinedd
to enjoy themselves again. It was while the disco was
underway that I suddenly realised that we were out at sea
again and it was getting rough! A quick walk in the fresh
air to the cabin and a good nights sleep for me.

The last day/morning was greeted by overcast sky's and a
rough sea. After breakfast people were making ready to
disembark, or watching the white cliffs of Dover approach
and the pilot's small boat being tossed all over the place.
In fact docking was the worst part of the journey for
feeling unwell. The ship was rolling as the tugs pulled it
in, and getting down the narrow gang plank as it went up and
down was not exactly easy. It was final farwell to friends
(until the Christmas Party) and a coach jorney home.

Was it all worth it? Yes! Exellent value for money. This was
totally different to the convention. It was a more relaxed
pace. It gave people a chance to sit and talk with people
they had seen but never been able to talk to because of all
the rush and noise of the convention or concerts. 

Would I go again? Of course. I think everyone who went would
do it again. The atmosphere was superb and really friendly.
However remember if another cruise is organised, it is not a
convention, but a chance to sample life on a cruise ship in
it's entirity. If that is what you want then I will see you
on the next one hopefully.
____________________________________________________________________

END


