AT THE BEEB

This compilation includes track from the QUEEN's first self-titled album, plus "Ogre Battle", track from the "Queen II". Strange choice, but the record is valuable for collectors because of alternate recordings, and most of them are better than on the original album, although this will add nothing new, except for a few minor changes. "Ogre Battle" lacks fabulous backward-gong intro from "Queen II", and the rest of the songs are almost the same, with more raw guitar power. Progressive rock fans might be interested in the same track that are of interest on "Queen", over here they're only wrapped in more hard-rock ZEPPELIN-like package. However, it's nice to hear these tunes even with minor changes because they are usually not so exploited in QUEEN's catalogue.

Extended version of "Son And Daughter" is new progressive gem, clocking at more than 7 minutes, it includes parts that will be later recognized in excellent "Brighton Rock" on their third album (Brain's trademark playing scales on delay effect). Later the "Brighton Rock/Son And Daughter" will became usual QUEEN's practice on their live gigs, which of you can find fine example on their excellent live CD labelled "We Will Rock You".

Sound quality is better than on "Queen" album, but it lacks just a touch of polishing. I would rather prefer to hear tracks from the QUEEN's first in different, more progressive arrangements. Especially great tracks such are "Doin' Alright" and "Liar" which perhaps lack some development. I always had that impression that between first two QUEEN's albums is some gap. This might be the answer. Too bad that band evolved more exponentially than linear.

Solid 3 stars, perhaps a little bit more.