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Elly Roberts reviews
EMI
- Released: September 2006
- Rating: 10/10
- Format: 2-CD set
CD: 
DVD:
Queens Brian Mays inscription for the Freddie Mercury statute in Montreux was “Lover of life, Singer of Songs.” So true.
In July 1986 I was fortunate to see Queens penultimate concert at MaineRoad, Manchester. It was a show Ill never forget. Predictably Freddie wason top form. The same show is now available on DVD, Queen: Live At Wembley,which recently topped the Music DVD charts.
Now, nearly 15 years after his untimely death, comes this magnificent accountof his solo career, which, some people dont realise, began under thepseudonym Larry Lurex, covering a Beach Boys classic I Can Hear Music in1973: a very rare copy is in my collection (see image below-right).It included Brian May and Roger Taylor, released just before Queens debutsingle.
In all, Freddie scored 11 chart entries, one of which was a re-issue ofBarcelona, then a remix of Living On My Own, making it his onlynumber one, and final release in 1993.
To celebrate what would have been his 60th birthday on September 5, this album, subtitledLover of Life, Singer of Songs shows the once flamboyant and gregariousFaroukh Bulsara is as popular as ever, particularly when, nowadays, leadingshowmen are virtually non-existent.
CD 1 has the hits singles, plus a thinly sung I Can Hear Music, itsB-side Goffin/Kings Goin Back, with CD 2 bringing alternativeversions remixes, extended versions, a demo, and one a cappella.
Opening with two splendid power-ballads In My Defence, The Great Pretender,Freddie shows what a passionate interpreter of songs he was. There again,passion overflowed on just about everything he tackled, like Made In Heaven.
Despite his rock credentials, he was fond of disco beats, highlighted onLove Kills and disco favourite Living On My Own.
Some of Disc 2 doesnt work form me, though Mr.Bad Guy (Bad CirculationVersion) and the reggaefied Love Is Dangerous (Extended Version)are brilliant.
Mercury was a sophisticated guy possessing a fine arts degree, had afantastic art collection and Im sure a harking to hit the stage doingoperatic classics, with Barcelona and Guide Me Home, (whenhe memorably complimented Montserrat Caballe), giving us a clue for a futuredirection. Another hint may be hidden in his spectacular hit BohemianRhapsody. Sadly, well never find out.
For a full track listing, check out the Amazon link above.
Weblink:Lover Of Life Singer Of Songs.com
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.