OK, this started out in another thread, and is a collaboration between myself and Mr Mercury. It began as a request from John S Stuart to join the intro and outro of Brian's BTTL (the WWRY part). I started off with a basic rough mix, followed by a 'proper' mix, which can be heard here:-
Mr Mercury heard this mix, and approached me with a view to adding some of his own instrumentation. After a really good dialogue, and a few trial versions, we came up with this, which we think is the best of what we produced:-
All the additional guitar work was produced by Mr Mercury, and I have to say, I am delighted with the way this turned out, and to have worked with Mr Mercury. Thanks Dave!
Edit:- For those who haven't heard these, can I suggest downloading and listening before reading the other comments? I think it would be nice to hear this without knowing what's coming. :)
father to my son · Member since
gorgeous track , love the silent night bit and then fred comes in with dear friends , top class as always , thanks
Lord Fickle · Member since
Thanks! Actually, I edited my post above, just after you posted yours! ;)
Mr Mercury · Member since
I have to add that for my part, I had immense fun working on this track originally done by Lord F. And after a few trial versions and 2 different songs by me (the latter of which we used), we eventually settled on this mix.
So thanks should go, in no particular order, to John Stuart for asking this to be done and Lord Fickle for creating the mix which I worked on.
Cheers,
Dave
Adam Baboolal · Member since
That new bit wastes the shiver effect for me. When I first heard the lullaby idea and commented, you could probably see I loved it. This latest version wastes the effect of me having shivers. The quick move from Brian mixed into trk13 and then moving quickly into Dear friends. I felt goosebumps.
Now? The flow is horrible because of that stupid guitar section. I'm not putting down Mercury's playing, because there was nothing wrong with it. And I wouldn't say much about it if it stood on its own. But adding that to this wonderful mix, ruined the atmosphere for me. I really don't understand the adding of it. Did you get bored with the old version.
Peace,
Adam.
Lord Fickle · Member since
Well, as usual, everyone can't be pleased, but in this case, you do have two mixes to choose from, Adam, the first one being without Mr Mercury's guitar. I have made 'steps' instead of the original 'power cut', which you commented on, so, in fact, there are three mixes to choose from, the 'power cut' mix being in John's original thread. Surely you like one of them?!
Oh, and I didn't get bored with the old version, which is why it's still included here. :)
John S Stuart · Member since
Actually - I thought the guitar by Mr. Mercury was excellent. I really like the collaboration. I think your work is maturing and moving away from the cut 'n paste efforts of the average fan mixer. It certainly has an "epic studio feel", as the join between Brian and Mr. Mercury seem seamless. To me, the start and ending are perfect.
However, Can I ask one final favour?
Can I have this mix as an edited track WITHOUT the middle bit of Dear Friends (or track 13) if possible?
The reason for this is that it would be the perfect seasonal Xmas track I can send to all my friends, and I think (without the central bit) it really works as an especially Christmassy song.
I know beggars can't be choosers - and I do appreciate the hard work so far, but remember guys, I will be including this track as a free CD with all my Xmas cards this year!!!
(To Mr. Mercury: Do you also do requests?)
Lord Fickle · Member since
It's going to be difficult to get a clean mix, John, as there is that bit on the 'outro' which is merged with the end of Rollin' Over. I don't think I have the software or expertise to remove that and isolate the vocal to an acceptable level. In fact, I don't think I could do much better than the rough mix I very first posted in your original thread, but I will have another look at it. You might have to tolerate a small section of Track 13. Surely the 'Silent Night' part fits in with your Christmas Card? :)
John S Stuart · Member since
I think it works really well as a Christmas song untill "Dear Friends" kicks in. So no need for a clean mix, as the join between "We Will Rock You" and "Silent Night" is fine.
("WWRY Lullabye Silent Night - Fickle Mercury Mix JSS Ending - Up to c2:35 is PERFECTION. The ending from c4:17 is also PERFECT).
If you can add the ending bit (also fine) to the end of "Silent Night" (albeit with a Track 13 join) I really think this would be an excellent stand alone track.
Don't get me wrong, I think the "Dear Friends" bit is a good idea - and it works well, but I think it does detract something from an especially Xmassy track!
Mr Mercury · Member since
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]John S Stuart wrote: [/QUOTENAME]To Mr. Mercury: Do you also do requests?[/QUOTE]
John it depends on what you have in mind and if I have the time or if I know what song it is (assuming its a song you want). One request I wont do for love nor any amount of money is singing - that would simply scare you. How what were you thinking of?
John S Stuart · Member since
Mr. Mercury - Oh no sir, I would never ask anyone to sing! God - I am even worse than John Deacon!!!
For me the problem with most Brian May "impersonators" is that they want to be Brian May - and that is their big mistake.
You however "sound" like Brian - because you are keeping away from "Bo Rhap" or "Somebody To Love", thus you end up with a "Brianesque" sound.
Some tracks I would love to hear Brian play are things he would avoid.
classics like... "Apache" (Shadows), "And I Love Her" (Beatles), "Wind Cries Mary" (Hendrix), or indeed songs from "non-Rock" genres.
For example Blues, country, soul, ballads, all things that could be breathed with a Brian May "style".
It's OK, I am not going to swamp you with requests, but Apache would be a nice start!
PS: There are millions of Elvis impersonators out there, but the one I liked was a guy called "The King". He did not copy Elvis, but he sang songs which were hits after Elvis died, in an Elvis-esque style (Crazy Little Thing Called Love springs to mind), and it works.
Therefore I never understood why Gary Mallet (or whatever his name was) never recorded some great non-Freddie ballads like "Power To Love" or whatever.
I am sure that other fans could ask you for Brian May type "instrumental" requests - and if you were to record about a dozen or so new "Brian-like tracks" - you could perhaps release your very own Queenzone CD!!!
I don't think I can really do anything else much with it, but anyone else is welcome to have a go.
P.S. I hope me and Mr Mercury are on your Christmas card list! ;) ;)
Mr Mercury · Member since
John Stuart “For me the problem with most Brian May "impersonators" is that they want to be Brian May - and that is their big mistake.”
Actually my style developed from way before hearing Queen or Brian Mays style. I never had a professional lesson in my life, but what I did have was an immense amount of curiosity of how certain things worked. I also had the benefit of an uncle (sadly passed away) who taught me how certain tunings created certain sounds along with different styles of playing. He himself used to play in all sorts of folk groups along with his wife and he would show me things that he had learned of other players. So I gained a lot there. I also used to watch a lot of other guitarists on TV (and in later years on video) like John Williams (he of Cavatina fame – not the musical score writer). But the overriding thing I learned was to incorporate all those styles and develop what I like to think is my style.
John Stuart “Some tracks I would love to hear Brian play are things he would avoid.
classics like... "Apache" (Shadows), "And I Love Her" (Beatles), "Wind Cries Mary" (Hendrix), or indeed songs from "non-Rock" genres.”
If I was to do one of these, and this is NOT a promise, it might be either Apache or And I Love Her, depending on whether I can get good enough backing tracks to cover my lack of drum kit and bass guitar. The Hendrix one I would seriously have to give a lot of consideration for as there is just some guitar gods you don’t copy lightly :P
John Stuart “There are millions of Elvis impersonators out there, but the one I liked was a guy called "The King". He did not copy Elvis, but he sang songs which were hits after Elvis died, in an Elvis-esque style (Crazy Little Thing Called Love springs to mind), and it works.”
I remember him well. He was an ex-postman from Ireland I believe and infact I did have his performance of Crazy (from the Jerry Springer Show – UK version that is) on video until my video recorder decided to chew the tape. Pretty good he was as well.
Oh and btw… it Gary Mullen not Mallet and I also wish he would have done a lot more older songs that Queen never did live and Freddie songs as well.
John Stuart “I am sure that other fans could ask you for Brian May type "instrumental" requests - and if you were to record about a dozen or so new "Brian-like tracks" - you could perhaps release your very own Queenzone CD!!!”
Heh heh the CD thing might be a long way off.
Lord F. “P.S. I hope me and Mr Mercury are on your Christmas card list! ;) ;)”
Well are we???? Lol!!
John S Stuart · Member since
WWRY_Lullaby__Fickle_Mix_-_JSS_Edit_.mp3
Excellent as a stand alone track - this I like.
Thank you.
But what happened to the "Silent Night" bit? As I said above, I thought the "WWRY Lullabye Silent Night - Fickle Mercury Mix JSS Ending - Up to c2:35 was PERFECTION. The ending from c4:17 was also PERFECT.
Any chance of restoring the "Silent Night" centre - then I can shut up?
By the way - the only reason I ask is because I think you have done a good job - so a victim of your own success if you like!!
PS: Ofcourse you and Mr. M would be on my Xmas card list!!!
PPS: Mr M, any chance of posting your stand-alone "Silent Night" please? The thought of a Brian May-like "Cavatina" makes my mouth water - and finally, I think your uncle would be proud of you!
PPS: Appologies to Gary Mullen! (But if he sang "Life On Mars" or "Goodye Norma Jean" in a Freddie-like style, Perhaps I WOULD remember your name!)
Mr Mercury · Member since
John Stuart "Mr M, any chance of posting your stand-alone "Silent Night" please? The thought of a Brian May-like "Cavatina" makes my mouth water - and finally, I think your uncle would be proud of you!"
A stand-alone version of Silent Night? Let me get back to you on that one as I might have to ask Lord F if its ok to do so (I used part of his mix of Track 13 as a bass for my SN you see). A Brian May style Cavatina? Might have seriously consider that one as well. Again no promises, mind, ok?
John Stuart "Appologies to Gary Mullen! (But if he sang "Life On Mars" or "Goodye Norma Jean" in a Freddie-like style, Perhaps I WOULD remember your name!)"
Goodbye Norma Jean? Here was me thinking it was called "Candle In The Wind"!!! Oh well you live and learn!!
