Customer Reviews

Live Killers

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

4 1/2 stars!!!

Queen Live Killers is perhaps the best Queen live album, for those fans who prefer Queen in their pre-synth years (Jazz and earlier). The band was not at their heaviest during this tour, but still rocked with many interesting selections for their sets, like Death On Two Legs, Brighton Rock, Keep Yourself Alive, and Don't Stop Me Now. This album is a bit of a curiosity, as the band has never admitted where each particular track had been recorded. It's rumoured through the examination of Bootleg recordings that many of the tracks were pieced together from various recordings on the tour. For example, the first half of Get Down Make Love appears to have been recorded at one concert, yet the second half of the song shows all the hallmarks for a version that was recorded in a different country. This seems apparent with many of the songs. Strangely enough, with so much intricate editing taking place, it's strange that the producer wouldn't have segued audience noises between all the tracks. There's some distracting moments, where Freddie's foul comment is bleeped out (I've heard the boot of this, and Freddie says alot more that those bleeps fill--so why not splice this as they had the songs?

There are some killer versions of many Queen songs, but it's also evident that the band cleaned up their act in the studio--I've heard dozens of Queen live recordings and never have they played this tightly, this clean. Of course, this is no distraction to the power of the songs here. Queen is by far one the greatest rock bands ever, and it shows in these recordings. Like Led Zeppelin, Queen didn't film or record many concerts during their illustrious career, so we have to make adieu with what we have, and Killers is no bad offering. It's be nice if these tapes were put back together in their entirety...Queen, for some reason, edited the hell out of their recordings--we've never been treated to a full Queen show until the most recent DVD release of Live at Wembly...but, LAW is not the same Queen from the 70's and 80's. This classic pre-Jazz Queen is the band many love the most. Live Killers is an apropo way to experience the band from this time, although we can all keep our fingers crossed for some more complete recordings of the day.

Throughout the annals of history regarding rock music, no artist, band, or whatever has ever or will ever live up to Queen in terms of combining a great studio work with great live presence. Sure, Kiss is a tremendous live band, and the Beatles were masters of the studio, but Queen combines both elements and does it with their own flair.

Spanning the first seven or so albums of the band's career (which I consider to be their musical, if not always popular, prime), Live Killers is the best representation of Queen's stage power that can be obtained without going through unauthorized and unreleased material. More than just a "Greatest Hits" album with bad sound, Live Killers also digs deep into the albums and pulls out songs that the average music fan may have never heard, e.g. 'Love of My Life,' 'Death On Two Legs,' 'I'm In Love With My Car,' etc.

The entire Queen live experience is highly intimate, as Freddie Mercury plays to the crowd and tries to connect with them throughout the show. The acoustic set is especially this way, as the boys go 'unplugged' and do an almost sing-along type thing. Interestingly enough, all the songs in the acoustic set are drastically different than their studio counterparts.

But, all acoustic intimacy put aside, the true power of Queen's live shows is their energy, unique sound, and ability to serenade you one second and blow you away with something vile or vulgar or just plain heavy the next. Queen delivers the highly sexual 'Get Down, Make Love' and then follows it with the soft sentimental ballad 'You're My Best Friend.'

Throughout the show we learn of just how great Freddie Mercury is as a singer, pianist, and showman. Then, in a rare occurence, the amazing vocals and harmonies for which the band is best known take a back seat and let the guitars and drums take over on 'Brighton Rock,' with Brian May's complex guitar solo, Roger Taylor's energetic tympani work, and the culmination, a mini jam session with Brian, Roger, and bassist John Deacon.

The limits placed on the reviews here keep me from doing my usual and going down the line, individually talking about every single song. There is too much to be said about this piece of work, truly an 'essential recording.' Therefore I will try to put this into a small piece right here: Live Killers is the best live album I have ever heard, and it is the only double album that can even come near reaching the greatness of Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti, which is by far the standard by which all double albums should be measured (perhaps only my opinion, but this is my review). If one were to only buy one piece of Queen's work, I would recommend that it be this, not a "Greatest Hits" album, for with the exception of 'Somebody to Love,' this is the best of the best. Their 80's material was great and all, but not earth-shattering.

Like no other band, Queen took both hard rock and over-the-top excess campy songs, added highly elaborate sound and light systems, put it all together, and made it work. From the in-your-face opening version of 'We Will Rock You' (for those who don't know yet, the first version is an upbeat rocker with full musical complement throughout the song, while the show's antepenultimate track is the version we all know from sporting events and the radio) to 'We Are The Champions' and even while the boys take their bows during 'God Save the Queen,' something special in the air lets us know that there will never be another band with the power, presence, and talent of Queen.

I don't know what the last reviewer was listening to, it couldn't have been LIVE KILLERS! This was Queen when they were in their prime, so Live at Wembley isn't near as good as LIVE KILLERS.

Also, a note to the last reviewer: the reason you can barely hear the voices in the middle of Bohemian Rhapsody is because it is a tape that is being played. Try reading the liner notes!

this is my favorite queen cd, because it contains many non-greatest hits songs, as well as songs like bohemian rhapsody, don't stop me now or bycicle race. it's a good choice if you just feel like "bit listening to some queen songs no matter which album". most of the songs are way faster than the studio versions (don't stop me now, death on two legs, i'm in love with my car,..). another interessting song is we will rock you on the first cd. this version is absolutely different from the studio version, the only thing both have in common are the lyrics. brian's brighton rock solo is waaaay to long, nevertheless it's a great track. i also have live at wembley, but i prefer live killers because freddie's voice sounds better and it does not contain funny but useless tracks like tutti frutti, hello mary lou etc. some people may think different, but in general i like 70's queen more than 80's.

"Live Killers" is Queen's first live album and contains most of their classic songs from the 70's ("Bohemian Rhapsody", "Keep Yourself Alive", "We Will Rock You" and "We are the Champions" just to mention a few) and gives us a feeling of being at one of their many concerts they played. The mood of the album is good and the band's playfulness shows off several times, like in "Now I'm Here" when Freddie starts to do a vocal competition with the audience and the sing-along part when the audience becomes a vital part of the show as they sing along with the Boys. If you like to listen to entertaining live shows, then this is your natural choice.

This is what a rock concert is supposed to be, and anyone in a rock band should use this as a primer.

The poor mixing job actually ended up being a plus: unlike many live recordings where the audience is "mixed-out", you can HEAR the audience...and the excitement. It is exactly like being at a show, and the liner notes are a great guide through it.

The only bad part is that the great pictures inside the original album have been severely shrunk to fit the CD case.

"Live At Wembley" is okay, but "Live Killers" is a classic.

LIVE KILLERS is an fantastic selection of songs played live during the band's exceptional 1979 tour, rivalled in quality only by the impeachable LIVE AT WEMBLEY. Quite where they played is a mystery to me but you can almost physically feel the electricity in the atmosphere when the group enter on to the stage to rapturous applause and rap out a demonically fast-placed WE WILL ROCK YOU (devoid of the usual thumping of knees/hands in the background but excellent all the same), presumably as a tuning-up period, followed by the extraordinary LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU that plunges from hopelessly over-the-top to ingeniously subtle. The Rock N' Roll Medley features DEATH ON TWO LEGS, excellently interpreted on stage (not that you could really go wrong with a song of that calibre); BICYCLE RACE, a pleasure to listen to despite the obvious problem of the original multi-vocal arrangement; I1M IN LOVE WITH MY CAR, sung and concocted by Roger "on drums and tiger-skin trousers" Taylor, complete with thumping beat and catchy tune; and of course, ye olde faithful KILLER QUEEN which needs no introduction and without which no medley of Queen's would be complete. The eerie and discomforting GET DOWN MAKE LOVE seems to be at first sight (or hearing, or whatever) a waste of breath as far as Freddie's concerned, but it gradually grows on you and you come to realize that it's a great song if somewhat offbeat (but then again that's Queen for you). YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND as ever sums up the emotional side to the group, and it's a nice change to what was the bassline in the studio version played on the piano instead. The song that follows is in complete and utter contrast with it though. The classic NOW I'M HERE is one of the best songs on the CD(s). It has everything: pounding guitar echo, thumping drumming, longevity, pace and an increasingly complicated duet between Freddie and the very involved audience. A changing of location follows and the singalong part of the CD(s) ensues, figuring the laid-back DREAMER1S BALL that leads straight into the unforgettable LOVE OF MY LIFE with the audience displaying their vocal talents to great effect. Then Brian and John "on dazzling tie and bass guitar" Deacon combine in a unusual version of '39 that differs greatly from the Night At The Opera rendition, and that brings the singalong part of the concert to a close. Then Queen launch into their trademark KEEP YOURSELF ALIVE, played to great effect at a blistering pace where no holds are barred, especially in Roger's fantastic solo piece. The next part of the compilation kicks off with DON'T STOP ME NOW, at the time Queen's most recent single release, and just finding its feet in the new environment of the stage. Another duet follows, as the audience and Freddie collaborate in the beautiful SPREAD YOUR WINGS, cooked up by John Deacon. As for the next song, well... BRIGHTON ROCK offers one of the finest and mind-blowing guitar solos ever strummed out, cementing Brian May's status as one of the best guitar players in the known Universe, and including the unusual and effective three echo technique which leaves the listener enraptured for the full twelve minutes (also features a Timpani solo by Roger). Another change of venue, debuting with Queen's most famous and successful song, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, which could stroll into any Queen compilation ever made. Emulated only by KEEP YOURSELF ALIVE on the first CD, the hilarious TIE YOUR MOTHER DOWN blows the crowd away in a fast-paced maelstrom of a song, evidently designed for the stage, that ends the concert proper. The band are called back for an encore, and launch into the superlative Taylor-raver SHEER HEART ATTACK, where the afore-mentioned somehow musters enough energy to pound out the devilishly-fast song during a few blistering minutes. The crowd, craving for more, call the band back for the combined classics of WE WILL ROCK YOU, played this time with the tubthumping beat and involving a hyped-up crowd, and WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, without which no concert would be complete. The group leave the stage to the tune of the Night At The Opera version of GOD SAVE THE QUEEN and to thunderous applause, for a well-earned rest. If you are not yet convinced, I would say that this is Queen's best album, with the exception of Live At Wembley, and a necessity to all Queen fans (without meaning to sound too patronising), if only for the songs TIE YOUR MOTHER DOWN and KEEP YOURSELF ALIVE!

This is an amazing album. If you like 70s Queen you'll love it. It reflects their 70s style much better than "Live at Wembley". Its only defect is that it's too short, as there are 4 or 5 songs missing from that tour-Somebody to love or Fat bottomed girls, for example. But the songs performed have an air of sophistication about them. My personal favorites are the medley from "Death on two legs" to "I'm in love with my car", the splendid "Now I'm here" and the acoustic section "Dreamer's ball-Love of my life-'39". Also the Brighton Rock solo is the best I've heard. I only wish they released more live meaterial from the 70s, shows like Rainbow'74 or Earls Court '77 must be jewels. So, if you don't have any Queen live CD and want to buy one I think it's an easy choice: if you prefer 70s Queen to 80s Queen buy this album. Viceversa, you must buy "Live at Wembley".

This record will make you smile when you listen to it, and will make you wonder what on Earth today's bands are doing. This is the music they should be trying to make. This is what a live band should sound like.

Queen was not really part of my generation, so I missed out on a lot of their 70s work. I really started to get to know them in the late 1980s, when they were producing devilishly catchy and glossy pop (of the "I Want It All", "It's A Kind of Magic", and "Radio Gaga" caliber). All very good stuff, but the kind of music I tended to listen to casually (great for the morning commute!).

I recently dug out my copy of "A Night At the Opera", and loved the creativity, fun, and sheer energy of the record. Then I listened to Greatest Hits vol. 1 again and was mesmerised. So, on the strength of reviews, I got Live Killers a few days ago.

This record is simply FANTASTIC. It rocks in a way that I hadn't previously associated with Queen. The opening set of songs on the first disc will make your house move. The musicianship is exceptional, with Brian May lashing out all over the place (but soooo precise), John Deacon's bass punctuating the frenetic rythms of every song, and Roger Taylor driving the locomotive. And Freddie Mercury sounds incredible - I can't think of any contemporary singer that can match the energy, volume, and humanity of his voice. Freddie's interaction with the audience is great - he's wonderfully charismatic and fun. The entire band comes across as if they're having the time of their life. I really struggle to think of any band today which can put on a show like the one recorded here.

The choice of songs on this record is also top-notch. I was delighted to hear Roger Taylor's gravelly whine on "I'm In Love With My Car", plus stunning acoustic renditions of "Love of My Life" and "'39". "Get Down, Make Love" spills you out onto a bizarre sonic landscape, complete with 70s sonic effects, but it haunts you for days. And "Brighton Rock" is a beautiful showcase of Brian May's and Roger Taylor's talents, complete with entrancing echo-based solo and timpani solo. The end of the record gives the final one-two punch of "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions", which brings this energetic and vibrant recording to a perfect close.

The other good thing is that I suspect many record stores which carry this item will have a discount on it. This is an old recording, and not in high demand. I looked at a few stores in London, and picked it up near a train station for GBP 4.99. Given the quality of this CD, this is definitely the best bargain I've ever gotten on a music purchase. Even so, I happily would have paid the price of a new double-CD.

Live Killers will rock you, no question about it, and it will make you wish there were more bands like Queen (or at least just one band like Queen) around today.

Get it now!

BUY THIS ONE! C'MON, THIS IS QUEEN IN THE 70'S WHEN QUEEN WERE THE BEST BAND IN THE WORLD. LIVE AT WEMBLEY IS GOOD, BUT IT IS NO MATCH FOR THIS ONE. FREDDIES VOICE SOUNDS SO MUCH BETTER ON THIS ONE! FROM THE LIGHTNING/THUNDER CRACKLE OPENING TO THE GRAND FINALE, THIS IS THE ESSENTIAL LIVE DOCUMENT OF THE CREATIVE JUGGERNAUT THAT WAS QUEEN! BUY IT AND LOVE IT FOR LIFE! I BOUGHT IT THE DAY IT CAME OUT 21 YEARS AGO AND NOW HAVE IT ON CD, AND I STILL LISTEN TO IT CONSTANTLY. THE SING-ALONG PASSAGES WITH THE AUDIENCE AND FREDDIE ON THE SONG NOW I'M HERE ARE WONDERFUL ESPECIALLY WHEN THE BAND KICKS IN! I JUST WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN THEM LIVE. OH WELL, THIS WILL HAVE TO DO.