Seems like so many people have forgotten that some of the greatest bands in the world have used synths, and in some of them like Pink Floyd and Genesis it was so common that it was a trademark.
Whether it's progressive rock from the 70s, or new wave from the 80s, the use of synths on those were sounds that became milestones of an era. Both have well stood the test of time, and both are respectable in their own terms. It's all a matter of taste.
When Queen decided to use synths they were new to it, and weren't exactly sure on how to do it properly. Most people would agree that the use on synths on "Play The Game" nearly ruined the song (IMO thanks to Mack), but it worked wonderfully on the intro for "The Show Must Go On".
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I agree that when they're used right, they sound great! The synths on One Vision, Who Wants To Live Forever and The Show Must Go On fit perfectly, but Play The Game didn't have as good a sound, even if it was one of their earlier tries.
Synths werent a great fit for Queen in my opinion. I dont know if I should blame Mack, but I do. Prince is a master of synth riffs in my opinion. They work for him, back in the day with Dr. Finkon the keyboards on the odd song here and there (like Head and Dirty Mind) are great. Now that's funky music I dont know what the hell the first side of Hot Space is compared to that real funk/rock.
Hate them for Queen
Love them for Rush
Love them for Rush
can see where the liking synth side is coming from but i do agree that earlier songs like keep yourself alive just sound so fresh in comparison with later ones like invisible man. unfair comparison maybe but it does. for those 'i'm the invisible man (dumph)' i'd much prefer to have heard Freddie's 'super little grand'.
It's not that i'm anti synth rather that they should not be used in replacement to more conventional instruments rather as little tasters to the song.
It's not that i'm anti synth rather that they should not be used in replacement to more conventional instruments rather as little tasters to the song.
I like the old analog synths, like the ARP 2600 and the Minimoog. They have a warmth about them.
Let's also not forget the world's first sampler:
The Melotron.
I'm down with those.
Let's also not forget the world's first sampler:
The Melotron.
I'm down with those.
Yeah- I love melotrone!
I love Play The Game... I could listen to it all day!
I could listen to that for one second! :)
'Play The Game' is a great song... up until you hear the synths.
It makes the song sound like someone accidentally put some cheesy sci-fi flick sounds.
I was quite dissapointed when I read the album liner details on "the Game" just after purchasing it and reading about the introduction of a synthesizer to the mix. I always thought Brians orchestations were far superior to any of the synth sounds. The synth on the cut "Play the Game" was quite irritating and I still don't care for it. One listen to the orchestations of "All Dead, All Dead", "The Milloanares Waltz", "Dreamers Ball" or many others and Brians orchestations wins hands down. Those songs refelect so much more skill and effort than the synth laden ones.
kind of hit or miss with Queen on keyboards -- sometimes it tastes like butt "Rain Must Fall" etc -- or great sounds on "Staying Power" (live MK version)
but Devo f*cking rocks and they should be in the RnR Hall of Fame too, massively expert use of keyboards
but Devo f*cking rocks and they should be in the RnR Hall of Fame too, massively expert use of keyboards
I love Play The Game... I could listen to it all day!
I could listen to that for one second! :)
'Play The Game' is a great song... up until you hear the synths.
It makes the song sound like someone accidentally put some cheesy sci-fi flick sounds.
Up until you hear the synths? Um, the song opens with a synth lol. But yeah I know what you mean in the middle, it sounds like they didnt know what to do with a synth or just wanted to get the whole "no body played synth" era over with.
If only we could have had the Hot Space album WITHOUT synths..........can you imagine?? heck Queen would have been ruling the U.S. until 91.....of course they'd have to ditch some of those songs (i.e. Body Language) and put some heavy guitar grooves on there...