News Of The World
Produced by: Queen
Assisted by: Mike Stone
Recorded at: Wessex Sound Studios, Basing Street Studios
UK EMI LP: 28 October 1977 EMA 784 / UK Chart #4
USA Elektra LP: 1 November 1977 6E-112 / Billboard #3
Side
One
1. We Will Rock You (May) 2:01
2. We Are The Champions (Mercury) 3:00
3. Sheer Heart Attack (Taylor) 3:24
4. All Dead, All Dead (May) 3:10
5. Spread Your Wings (Deacon) 4:36
6. Fight From The Inside (Taylor) 3:02
| |
Side
Two
1. Get Down, Make Love (Mercury) 3:51
2. Sleeping On The Sidewalk (May) 3:05
3. Who Needs You (Deacon) 3:07
4. It's Late (May) 6:26
5. My Melancholy Blues (Mercury) 3:33
|
Related Songs
Feelings, Feelings (May), Silver Salmon (Staffell)
Singles
UK Singles
- We Are The Champions c/w We Will Rock You 7" / UK Chart #2
US Singles
- We Are The Champions c/w We Will Rock You 7" / Billboard #4
Album Info
Queen's sixth album, News Of The World,
is best known for its iconic cover by American artist Frank Kelly Freas,
which depicts a deranged robot murdering the band. The album distances itself
from Queen's previous two efforts by scaling back the lavish multitrack
arrangements and instead presenting an eclectic rock driven album. Produced
by the band with assistance from Mike Stone, the album was recorded in London
at Wessex Sound Studios and Basing Street Studios.
News Of The World was released on October 28, 1977 from EMI in the UK, going
Platinum and reaching #4 in the chart. Elektra released the album on November
1, 1977 in the US and for the first time ever it outperformed the English
counterpart. Driven by the popularity of two stadium rock anthems, News
Of The World reached #3 on the Billboard chart and went 4x Platinum.
We Are The Champions, coupled with We Will Rock You, went on to become a
worldwide hit, eventually becoming two of the band's most popular songs,
sports anthems and endearing classics. Released in October 1977 in both
the UK and US, the single peaked at #4 stateside, going Platinum and #2
in the UK, reaching Gold sales status. Spread Your Wings followed in February
1978 in the UK, becoming a modest hit, reaching #34. It's Late followed
in the US, but couldn't follow the success of Champions/Rock You, only reaching
#74.
To promote the album, the band recorded five tracks for BBC Radio, including
a fast version of We Will Rock You, which became a fixture in their live
show for the next five years.
Feelings, Feelings, according to the 2011 Deluxe Edition liner notes, originated
sometime around 1970 or 1971. Many takes of the song were recorded in July
1977 at Basing Street Studios but never officially saw the light of day
for years. Feelings, Feelings (Take 9) leaked in the 2000s while Take 11
was officially released on the 2011 Deluxe 2 CD edition of News Of The World.
It is assumed that the leaked version of Silver Salmon has a similar story
to Feelings, Feelings. Written by Tim Staffell, the leaked version sounds
as though it was recorded during this era.
News Of The World received the 40th Anniversary box set treatment in 2017
which included a new documentary DVD, a CD each of Bonus Tracks and Raw
Sessions, and various pieces of replica merchandise.
We Will Rock You
We Will Rock You (Album Version)
2:01
Appears on: News
Of The World, Track 1
We Will Rock You (Acetate Edit) 1:45
Appears on: UK
We Will Rock You 7" acetate vinyl
An edit of the album version, this track starts immediately with Freddie
singing. The track ends with a fade-out during the guitar solo.
We Will Rock You (Movie Mix) 2:09
Appears on: Bohemian
Rhapsody - The Original Soundtrack
The movie mix of We Will Rock You parallels with the creation of the song
as depicted in the motion picture. From 0:00 to 0:51 it's the album version
that we all know and love. Suddenly, at 0:52, the track transitions into
a live performance. It is unknown what concert this is taken from, but the
recording and performance sounds good. At first, this mix is a little jarring,
but it works well in relation to what happens in the movie.
We Will Rock You (Greatest Video Hits 1 Surround
Mix) 2:07
Appears on: Greatest
Video Hits 1 DVD
A new 96/24 DTS 5.1 surround mix of We Will Rock You was made for the 2002
Greatest Video Hits 1 DVD. Most of the new mixes on this DVD (including
this one) were produced and engineered by Justin Shirley-Smith with additional
engineering and Pro Tools HD by Kris Fredriksson. The mixes were done at
Sphere Studios, London. A few seconds of silence are added to the beginning
of the track for the video title card on the DVD.
We Will Rock You (Karaoke Version) a.k.a. We Will
Rock You (Backing Track) 2:03
Appears on: Greatest
Karaoke Hits, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
A full instrumental of the album version. No click track at the beginning.
This same mix was later used on the Bonus Tracks CD of the News Of The World
40th Anniversary Edition.
We Will Rock You (BBC Session 6) 1:35
Appears on: On
Air, On
Air - Deluxe Edition, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
Queen's sixth and final BBC Radio session was recorded on October 28, 1977
at Maida Vale 4 Studio in London. The session was produced by Jeff Griffin
and engineered by Mike Robinson. BBC Radio 1 broadcast the session on John
Peel's Sounds Of the 70s program on November 14, 1977. This recording of
We Will Rock You uses the stomp, stomp, clap backing track that appears
on the album version. Freddie contributes a new vocal that consists of just
the first few verses and Brian performs a new version of the guitar solo.
After the guitar solo and an explosion, there is a reading from Siddartha
by Herman Hesse. Queen Archivist Greg Brooks explains in Record Collector
from June 2001: "Immediately after an explosion, and just prior to the opening
chords, a female voice cuts in briefly with an extract of a reading from
Siddartha, by Herman Hesse. How did this come about? At that time, only
master tapes survived from BBC sessions, while the actual tapes used to
compose them were recorded over later. When Queen assembled in the control
room for a playback, they discovered remnants of a Radio 4 programme on
their tape. The band incorporated a segment of this unusual material into
their own work. The broadcast version began in "News Of The World" fashion,
then breaks for the Siddartha interlude."
We Will Rock You (Fast) (BBC Session 6) 2:46
Appears on: We
Will Rock You Sun promo CD single, On
Air
After the Siddartha interlude from the "slow" version of We Will
Rock You, the BBC Radio transmission cuts immediately into the "fast"
version. This completely reimagined version of We Will Rock You features
full, up tempo instrumentation from the entire band. This is generally considered
the highlight of all the BBC sessions and is the only time this particular
arrangement of We Will Rock You was recorded in the studio. The fast version
would later be performed live on subsequent tours to open the set.
We Will Rock You (Fast) (BBC Session 6 with DJ
Chatter) 2:51
Appears on: On
Air - Deluxe Edition, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
The deluxe 6 CD edition of 2016's "On Air" includes additional
dialogue from the various radio presenters on most BBC session songs. At
the end of the song, John Peel comments that the song is "another teenage
anthem". This version was later included in the News Of The World 40th
Anniversary Edition box set.
We Will Rock You (Backing Track Take) 2:05
Appears on: Unreleased
The stomp, stomp, clap backing track was shared amongst Queen collectors
and on various fan websites. This is just the simple stomping and clapping;
no vocals, no guitars.
We Will Rock You (Alternative Version) 2:29
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition, We
Will Rock You (Raw Sessions Version) digital download
This alternative version starts with some primative stomping and Brian humming
the melody. The engineer announces this is Take 1. Freddie sings the chorus
to himself to warm up. The count in starts before the familiar stomp-stomp-clap
thunderously comes in. Freddie's vocals are different than the performance
used on the album, althrough the lyrics are complete. The backing vocals
and backing track seem to be the ones used on the final album version. Brian's
guitar solo is incomplete and not fleshed out at this point.
We Will Rock You (Ruined by Rick Rubin) 5:00
Appears on: News
of the World Hollywood Remaster (1991), US
We Will Rock You 5 Track CD Single (1991), US
We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991), UK
The Singles Collection Volume 4, BASIC
Queen Bootlegs promo CD
This 1991 Hollywood Records bonus remix is from popular producer Rick Rubin.
It is an interesting remix, but gets tiresome after the first 2 1/2 minutes.
It starts with the sound of a needle being placed on a record, plays a bit
of the album take, and then goes into the remix. The track also features
some scratching and drumming effects. The last half of the song is a loop
of Brian's guitar and the band singing the chorus. The end features some
sampled voices and a fade-out.
We Will Rock You (Ruined by Rick Rubin 12" Version)
5:09
Appears on: US
We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)
A similar but different remix than the CD version of the Ruined Mix. The
most obvious difference is the lack of the vinyl needledrop sound effect
to open the song. This is available exclusively on the 12" promo vinyl.
We Will Rock You (Ruined by Rick Rubin BASIC Beats
Sampler Version) 5:10
Appears on: BASIC
Beats Sampler promo CD
This is another very minor variation of the Rick Rubin mixes. The needledrop
opening has been retained, but there are other minor mix differences throughout.
We Will Rock You (Ruined by Rick Rubin Promo CD
Edit) 2:25
Appears on: France
We Will Rock You promo CD single
A very concise edit of the 5:00 version. The song has all of the additional
production added by Rubin, but follows the structure of the original song
much more closely. This is recommended over the 5:00 version.
We Will Rock You (Ruined Instrumental) 2:03
Appears on: US
We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)
Another remix of Rick Rubin's "ruined" mix. This edit is a bit
of a tease, stopping just as the song gets interesting.
We Will Rock You (Effects Instrumental) 2:08
Appears on: US
We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)
An instrumental edit of Rick Rubin's We Will Rock You remixes. Features
some vocals even though it is an instrumental.
We Will Rock You (Clap A Capella) 1:57
Appears on: US
We Will Rock You 5 Track CD Single (1991), US
We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)
This sounds typical of Rick Rubin's other We Will Rock You remixes. The
Clap A Capella combines effects with vocals, clapping effects/loops, and
a few assorted scratching effects.
We Will Rock You (Big Beat A Capella) 2:19
Appears on: US
We Will Rock You 5 Track CD Single (1991), US
We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)
This Rick Rubin mix features vocals, the bass/beat effects, and a few assorted
scratching effects.
We Will Rock You (Effects A Capella) 1:19
Appears on: US
We Will Rock You 12"; promo vinyl (1991)
Basically an extract of the vocal loops and effects of the other Rick Rubin
mixes of We Will Rock You. It is all vocals and vocal effects with no instruments.
We Will Rock You (Zulu Scratch A Capella) 1:23
Appears on: US
We Will Rock You 5 Track CD Single (1991), US
We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)
Another remix of Rubin's "ruined" mix, featuring vocals and very
little instrumentation.
We Will Rock You (Ruined by Rick Rubin US Greatest
Hits VHS Credits Version) 1:59
Appears on: US
Greatest Hits VHS
This is a nice edit of the Rick Rubin remix that is used over the end credits
of the Hollywood Records Greatest Hits VHS tape. It essentially is the middle
bit of the remix, focusing on the main verses, choruses, and guitar solo.
We Will Rock You (Paul Dakeyne Remix) 4:40
Appears on: The Unauthorized Club Record 10 track promo CD-R
This remix by Paul Dakeyne appeared on a few DJ and mix club compilation
albums. This website had not considered it an official mix until the discovery
of The Unauthorized Club Record promo CD by Hollywood Records. A new dance
beat backing track replaces the sparse stomp-stomp-clap. Freddie's vocals
have been sped up. There are also a few samples from Bohemian Rhapsody mixed
throughout.
We Will Rock You (The eYe Version) 0:58
Appears on: Queen:
The eYe
From the Electronic Arts videogame, Queen: The eYe. This edit consists of
the drumbeat and audience sounds from Live At Wembley '86. The track stops
before the vocal begins, although there is a crowd cheering dubbed over
it. Throughout is the voice of a character from the game, announcing that
the player is about to enter the arena to do battle.
We Will Rock You (Fast Video Version - Live from
The Summit, Houston 1977) 2:26
Appears on: Greatest
Video Hits 1
This live video version comes from Queen's 1977 performance at The Summit,
in Houston Texas. A great live performance.
We Will Rock You (Fast) (Live at the Nippon Budokan,
1979) - Absolute Greatest Streaming Video Version) 3:20
Appears on: UK 2009 Absolute Greatest Streaming Video
A great performance from Queen's 1979 performance at the Nippon Budokan
in Japan. This version is similar to the one that appears on Live Killers.
We Will Rock You (Fast) (Live in Tokyo, November
1982) 2:54
Appears on: UK
2011 New of The World Deluxe CD, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
Queen's 1982 Hot Space Tour was arguably at its best by the time they reached
Japan. This fast version of We Will Rock You comes from their performance
at Seibu Lions Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. It is not that different from the
other live fast versions of this song, but it is still a great performance
We Are The Champions
We Are The Champions (Album Version)
3:00
Appears on: News
Of The World, Track 2
We Are The Champions (Greatest Video Hits 1 Surround
Mix) 3:04
Appears on: Greatest
Video Hits 1 DVD
A new 96/24 DTS 5.1 surround mix of We Are The Champions was made for the
2002 Greatest Video Hits 1 DVD. Most of the new mixes on this DVD (including
this one) were produced and engineered by Justin Shirley-Smith with additional
engineering and Pro Tools HD by Kris Fredriksson. The mixes were done at
Sphere Studios, London. A few seconds of silence are added to the beginning
of the track for the video title card on the DVD.
We Are The Champions (Top Of The Pops Video Version)
2:56
Appears on: Unreleased
This video version from Top Of The Pops also features some alternative audio.
The crowd can be heard clapping and singing along to the chorus of the track.
Brian provides some different guitar bits not found on the album version.
We Are The Champions (1998 Karaoke Version) 3:04
Appears on: 1998
Greatest Karaoke Hits
The 1998 Karaoke Version of We Are The Champions is a full instrumental
version. The track starts with the karaoke click track.
We Are The Champions (2004 Karaoke Version) 3:02
Appears on: 2004
Greatest Karaoke Hits
The 2004 Karaoke Version of We Are The Champions differs from the 1998 version.
The click track is different, featuring keyboard notes to go along with
the click.
We Are The Champions (Backing Track) 2:58
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
The backing track of We Are The Champions appears on the Bonus Tracks disc
of the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition box set. The backing track
mix used here is the same one used for Greatest Karaoke Hits. Of course
the click track from the karaoke versions is not present here.
We Are The Champions (Alternative Version) 4:33
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition, We
Are The Champions (Raw Sessions Version) digital download
Freddie starts this alternative version with a count in and a false start,
while trying to get the melody down. A voice, most likely Mike Stone, sarcastically
announces that this is take 37,000. The performance on this take is really
solid and probably could have been used on the final version. Freddie's
vocals soar just like the album version. Brian adds some unique guitar flourishes
that didn't survive the cut to the album. The ending choruses/verses are
repeated on this take, extending the time quite a bit. An additional guitar
solo is added at the end followed by the chorus yet again. Freddie noodles
around with a piano outro while Roger adds a drumroll. Freddie comments
"that was a lovely feel.... that's exactly how it should be."
We Are The Champions (Ruined by Rick Rubin) 3:28
Appears on: US
We Will Rock You 5 Track CD Single (1991),US
We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991), BASIC
Queen Bootlegs promo CD
Similar to the other Rubin mixes, but not quite as good. Basically the album
track with samples and beats added to it, which doesn't fit the song very
much.
We Are The Champions (Gulf War Version) 3:11
Appears on: US
We Are The Champions military promo CD
Wow, this is weird and kind of creepy. This is the album version of We Are
The Champions with snippets of George Bush's Gulf War victory speech. Seems
to kind of exploit the song.
Sheer Heart Attack
Sheer Heart Attack (Album Version)
3:24
Appears on: News
Of The World, Track 3
Sheer Heart Attack (Rocks Video Version) 3:10
Appears on: Queen
Rocks VHS
This version is very similar to the album version. Some of the shrieking
guitar effects have been edited out, resulting in approximately 14 seconds
cut from the track.
Sheer Heart Attack (Original Rough Mix) 4:17
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
Sheer Heart Attack was originally written for the album of the same name.
It didn't make the cut for that album, or the two that followed. Finally,
Roger and the band decided it fit the stripped down, raw concept of News
Of The World. This original rough mix starts with some banter from Roger
before it goes into its original long-lost intro. The whole track is instrumental,
except for some backing vocals... "Sheeeeeeeer Heart Attack!"
Roger plays all the instruments along with some guitar from Brian. Also
of note, this version has a longer, uncut ending that didn't appear on the
album version.
Sheer Heart Attack (Alternative Version - Wessex
Sound Studios) 3:53
Appears on: Wessex Sound Studios One Track Reel To Reel Tape
An alternative, possibly earlier version of Sheer Heart Attack appears on
a 1977 Wessex Sound Studios Reel To Reel tape. There are some added echo
effects added to Freddie's vocals and some differences in guitar mixing.
Sheer Heart Attack (Live in Paris, February 1979)
3:34
Appears on: UK
2011 News Of The World Deluxe CD, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
This previously unreleased live recording from Queen's second night at the
Pavillion De Paris is a highlight of the live tracks on the 2011 re-releases.
The performance is energetic and full of life. All three nights at this
venue in 1979 were recorded and filmed; hopefully they will see a release
soon.
Sheer Heart Attack (Live at the Hammersmith Odeon,
1979) - iTunes Video Version 3:13
Appears on: UK
2011 News Of The World iTunes Video Download
Freddie famously destroys microphone stands and kicks over his monitor in
this great, lively performance of Sheer Heart Attack.
Sheer Heart Attack (1974 Demo Version)
Appears on: Unreleased
This track was supposed to appear on the Sheer Heart Attack album, but was
not finished until the News Of The World sessions.
All Dead, All Dead
All Dead, All Dead (Album Version)
3:10
Appears on: News
Of The World, Track 4
All Dead, All Dead (Original Rough Mix) 3:08
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
All Dead, All Dead is one of the multitracks that are missing in the Queen
archive. Luckily, Brian kept a cassette with a rough mix of All Dead, All
Dead with Freddie on lead vocals. The backing track is mostly the same as
the one used on the final album version. Of course the highlight here is
Freddie singing lead vocals. At first it sounds very odd, since we are all
used to Brian's take on the song. The more you listen, the more you'll warm
up to Freddie's take. Freddie gives a really nice performance here, even
though it is probably not meant as a final vocal take. Also of note, if
you look at the lyrics in the album's sleeve notes, you'll notice there
are a few opening lines that are not used on the final song. Freddie sings
those opening lyrics in this version, which immediately makes this version
stand out. The backing vocals from Brian and Freddie aren't on this take,
which really takes away from this version.
All Dead, All Dead (Hybrid Version) 3:08
Appears on: Official
Queen YouTube page
On October 26, 2017 the Original Rough Mix of All Dead, All Dead was played
on BBC Radio 2 for the first time. A short time afterwards a brilliant All
Dead, All Dead video was released on the official Queen YouTube page. The
animated video was created by Unanico Studios and directed by Jason Jameson
and Robert Milne. The video follows the story of Brian's cat as he travels
through the body of Frank, the News Of The World robot. If you're not paying
attention, the audio sounds like it is the Original Rough Mix, but in fact
it is a hybrid mix that uses some elements of the final album version. At
1:30 the album version is mixed in with Brian and Freddie singing the chorus
vocals together. From 2:14 through 2:36 Brian's lead vocals are used. Freddie
jumps in with the line "in time it comes to everyone." From that
point to the end it is the album version.
All Dead, All Dead (Instrumental Take) 3:40
Appears on: Unreleased
This instrumental take premired at the 2005 UK Fan Club Convention. This
is an all instrumental version of the song. The backing track seems to be
very similar to the album version; so similar that it may actually be the
album backing track. The end of the track features an used piano bit either
for this song or an unreleased song.
Spread Your Wings
Spread Your Wings (Album Version)
4:36
Appears on: News
Of The World, Track 5
Spread Your Wings (Single Edit) 4:28
Appears on: UK
Spread Your Wings 7" vinyl
The same as the album version, just fading out much sooner. Note that the
7" single label does not show that this track is an edit.
Spread Your Wings (Test Pressing Version) 4:27
Appears on: 3 Track One Sided 12" Test Pressing
Late in 2011, a 3 track test pressing from 1977 was sold that contained
three tracks (We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, and Spread Your Wings).
According to the listing, there were approximately 50 of the promo test
pressings made. This pressing features an early mix of Spread Your Wings.
There are some additional ad-libbed type vocals at the end and either alternatively
mixed guitars or a different guitar performance.
Spread Your Wings (Rough Mix - Basing Street Studios
Reel To Reel Tape) 4:10
Appears on: Basing
Street Studios 10" Reel To Reel Tape
This rough mix comes from a 10" Basing Street Studios Reel To Reel
master tape dated July 27, 1977. The 10" tape itself lists three rough
mixes (Who Needs You, All Dead, All Dead, and Spread Your Wings). This version
contains some extra guitar during the chorus section that did not make the
final version.
Spread Your Wings (Forever Early Fade) 4:30
Appears on: Forever
Deluxe Edition
This version is yet another early fade-out of Spread Your Wings. This version
fades out slightly later than the single edit.
Spread Your Wings (Greatest Flix Video Edit) 3:58
Appears on: Greatest
Flix
This is a major audio edit of the album version. Over half a minute is trimmed
off the end of the track.
Spread Your Wings (Greatest Video Hits 1 Stereo
Video Edit) 4:22
Appears on: Greatest
Video Hits 1 DVD
Again, just like the album version, except that this fades out at a different
point. Note that this version does not fade out at the same time as the
single edit.
Spread Your Wings (Greatest Video Hits 1 Surround
Mix) 4:26
Appears on: Greatest
Video Hits 1 DVD
A new 96/24 DTS 5.1 surround mix of Spread Your Wings was made for the 2002
Greatest Video Hits 1 DVD. This track is unique because a true 5.1 remix
could not be achieved because the original multitrack tape had been lost.
To achieve a surround effect the original album stereo mix was 'upmixed'
by Tim Young and Justin Shirley-Smith. A few seconds of silence are added
to the beginning of the track for the video title card on the DVD. This
version does fade early, at the same point as the Greatest Video Hits 1
Stereo Video Edit.
Spread Your Wings (Karaoke Version) a.k.a Spread
Your Wings (Instrumental) 4:22
Appears on: Greatest
Karaoke Hits, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
To make the instrumental versions heard on Greatest Karaoke Hits, the original
multitracks were used to create an all new instrumental-only mix. The problem
is that some of the multitracks are missing, including Spread Your Wings.
This instrumental version is from an alternative mix song. It is most noticeable
in the guitar solo. There are other moments where studio banter can be heard
in quiet moments in the track as well. This same mix was later used on the
Bonus Tracks CD of the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition.
Spread Your Wings (BBC Session 6) 5:24
Appears on: UK
2011 News Of The World Deluxe CD, On
Air
Queen's sixth and final BBC Radio session was recorded on October 28, 1977
at Maida Vale 4 Studio in London. The session was produced by Jeff Griffin
and engineered by Mike Robinson. BBC Radio 1 broadcast the session on John
Peel's Sounds Of the 70s program on November 14, 1977. This BBC version
of Spread Your Wings is superior to the album version, featuring a faster
tempo that later matched the live performances. This version has a great
backing track with awesome, thundering drumming from Roger. The song builds
to an instrumental climax that carries on to the end. This has been bootlegged
for years, but finally saw a proper, remastered release in 2011 and later
in 2016.
Spread Your Wings (BBC Session 6 with DJ Chatter)
5:32
Appears on: On
Air - Deluxe Edition, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
The deluxe 6 CD edition of 2016's "On Air" includes additional
dialogue from the various radio presenters on most BBC session songs. At
the end of the song, John Peel comments that all of the songs from tonight's
show are from the new LP New Of The World, some of which are radically different.
He then introduces the next song, It's Late. This version later appeared
on the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition.
Spread Your Wings (Alternative Take) 4:56
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
Spread Your Wings has always been a fan favorite; this alternative version
will likely be just as loved as its album counterpart. Freddie starts this
version with a different, longer piano intro that isn't used on the album
version. His piano performance continues to be unique throughout the rest
of this take. The whole band are playing soulfully and with passion, proving
that this version could have been used on the album. Brian's guitar parts
are noticably different in parts of the song as well. Roger's drumming is
similar to the final version, but no less aggressive. The song breaks down
at the end with no real ending. Freddie exclaims "what a jam!"
Spread Your Wings (Trent Reznor Remix)
Appears on: Unreleased
There is a rumored remix of Spread Your Wings by Trent Reznor from 1991
or 1992.
Fight From The Inside
Fight From The Inside (Album Version)
3:02
Appears on: News
Of The World, Track 6
Fight From The Inside (Instrumental) a.k.a. (The
eYe Version) 3:03
Appears on: Queen:
The eYe, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
The bonus disc from the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition box set
features different versions of songs from the album. This instrumental mix
of Fight From The Inside that was made rather quickly, but effectively 19
years earlier for the Queen-based videogame, Queen: The eYe. The mix from
1998 was good enough to be reused on this box set.
Fight From The Inside (Demo Vocal Version) 3:08
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
The demo vocals on this take originated from Roger's home studio in preparation
for the next sessions. The backing track largely doesn't change in its evolution
to the final version. Roger's vocal performance is not as polished as the
final album version; instead it is more utilitarian as he works through
pacing and lyrics. The "ooooooohs" are not present on this version,
instead there are additional lyrics that are not decipherable. Roger plays
all the instruments here except for some additional lead guitar from Brian.
Fight From The Inside (Early Take)
Appears on: Unreleased
This track premiered at the 19th International Fan Club Convention in Prestatyn.
This take is very close to the final version, featuring a different vocal
take from Roger with minimal lyric changes.
Get Down, Make Love
Get Down, Make Love (Album Version)
3:51
Appears on: News
Of The World, Track 7
Get Down, Make Love (Instrumental) a.k.a. (The
eYe Version) 3:48
Appears on: Queen:
The eYe, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
The bonus disc from the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition box set
features different versions of songs from the album. This is an excellent
instrumental mix of Get Down, Make Love that was made rather quickly, but
effectively 19 years earlier for the Queen-based videogame, Queen: The eYe.
The mix from 1998 was good enough to be reused on this box set.
Get Down, Make Love (Early Take) 4:02
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
This early take of Get Down, Make Love is very lively and possibly more
listenable than the final album version. Before the take starts, Brian asks
Freddie if he "likes the sustained note". Freddie and Roger both
agree that it is good, while Freddie offers some more advice on how to play
the guitar parts. The engineer announces that this is "take 5."
Freddie's pulsating piano beat moves this performance along while he exhibits
some excellent playing, taking the song to different places. The band sounds
much more live and less produced, which really helps the song move along.
The guitar/feedback effects on the final version are missing here and are
replaced with an excellent jam by the band. Freddie proclaims at the end
of the take that "the piano fell down!"
Get Down, Make Love (Freddy Bastone Remix) 4:26
Appears on: The Unauthorized Club Record 10 track promo CD-R
This remix by Freddy Bastone is most likely an unused 1991 bonus remix.
The drums from More Of That Jazz have been sampled for this remix. There
are also samples from The Prophet's Song, We Will Rock You, and The Show
Must Go On.
Sleeping On The Sidewalk
Sleeping On The Sidewalk (Album
Version) 3:05
Appears on: News
Of The World, Track 8
Sleeping On The Sidewalk (Live in the USA, 1977)
3:49
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
Sleeping On The Sidewalk, unlike the other "raw sessions" outtakes
on the News Of The World 40th Anniversary boxset, is actually a live performance
as opposed to a studio take. The song was performed live only a few times
within the first week of the 1977 US News Of The World Tour. The only confirmed
venue was the Portland Civic Centre on November 11, 1977. It is unknown
which venue this recording is taken from. What makes this live version so
special is that Freddie sings lead vocals instead of Brian. The performance
for the most part is faithful to the studio version. Freddie's vocal performance
is reminiscent of live versions of See What A Fool I've Been.
Who Needs You
Who Needs You (Album Version) 3:07
Appears on: News
Of The World, Track 9
Who Needs You (Acoustic Take) 2:46
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
The acoustic take of Who Needs You starts with some studio banter between
Freddie and John. Freddie excitedly demands, "let's have a run through,
come on!" John responds, "okay, should we start with that old
intro?" Freddie comes back and suggests that John should "keep
it flowing." The engineer then announces that this is "Take 2".
John's acoustic playing really shines here, sounding fresh and lively. Freddie
handles lead vocals on this take, which largely has incomplete lyrics compared
to the final version. An example is in the second line. Instead of "always
trying to keep me hanging round", the verse on this early take is "what
you trying to tell me, please explain." After the take John asks "how
was that?" Freddie rightfully responds, "that was lovely!"
It's Late
It's Late (Album Version) 6:26

Appears on: News
Of The World, Track 10
It's Late (US Single Edit) a.k.a. It's Late (Short
Version) 3:49
Appears on: US
It's Late 7" promo vinyl, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
A major edit of the album version. Most of the instrumental and guitar solos
are edited out. Not a bad edit, but it sounds very odd next to the album
version. After being rejected on various "singles collection"
box sets through the years, this version finally appeared in digital format
on the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition.
It's Late (Hollywood Records Remaster Error) 6:24
Appears on: News
of the World Hollywood Remaster (1991)
A really bad remastering error on the first pressing of the Hollywood Records
release of News Of The World. The track starts two seconds into the track,
mid-guitar chord. Hollywood Records fixed this error on later pressings
of the album.
It's Late (Rocks Video Version) 3:48
Appears on: Queen
Rocks VHS
The Rocks Video Version is the same as the album cut until the five guitar
chords/drum beats at 2:34. From there it picks up at 5:13 (with the band
singing "it's late") of the album version and continues to the of the track
as normal.
It's Late (BBC Session 6) 6:36
Appears on: On
Air, On
Air - Deluxe Edition
Queen's sixth and final BBC Radio session was recorded on October 28, 1977
at Maida Vale 4 Studio in London. The session was produced by Jeff Griffin
and engineered by Mike Robinson. BBC Radio 1 broadcast the session on John
Peel's Sounds Of the 70s program on November 14, 1977. The beginning of
this version of It's Late is not that big of a departure from the album
version. The middle of the song is another story entirely, featuring an
almost 2 minute interlude that is inspired by Get Down, Make Love. The song
finishes up with a rocking finish. The middle part sounds kind of odd with
this song, but just like the rest of Session 6, this one is worth getting.
It's Late (BBC Session 6 with DJ Chatter) 6:36
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
Interestingly enough the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition of It's
Late (BBC Session 6) includes additional dialogue that was missing on the
On Air deluxe edition. At the end of the song, John Peel comments on its
psychedelic nature.
It's Late (Alternative Version) 6:44
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
The engineer can be heard at the start of this version saying "Take
2". Freddie has a false start at the beginning as he tries to get confortable
with the song. The lyrics are mostly complete with a few minor differences
in the first third of the song (particularly in the first few verses). In
terms of structure and performance, the song stays pretty true to the final
version used on the album. The backing vocals are very similar, if not the
ones used on the final album version. The rest of the performance is unique.
Of note, Freddie's piano playing can be heard during some of the jamming
sections of the song, which is a welcome addition. At the end, the engineer
comments that he "likes that", while Brian comments that he wants
it a bit "angry".
It's Late (The eYe Version) 1:08
Appears on: Queen:
The eYe
From the Electronic Arts videogame, Queen: The eYe. An edited snippet from
the album version. The track starts with a fade-in from the intro to the
song, going right into the second verse to the chorus. The lead vocals seem
to have an echo effect added on as well.
My Melancholy Blues
My Melancholy Blues (Album Version)
3:33
Appears on: News
Of The World, Track 11
My Melancholy Blues (BBC Session 6) 3:15
Appears on: UK
2011 News Of The World Deluxe CD, On
Air, On
Air - Deluxe Edition, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
Queen's sixth and final BBC Radio session was recorded on October 28, 1977
at Maida Vale 4 Studio in London. The session was produced by Jeff Griffin
and engineered by Mike Robinson. BBC Radio 1 broadcast the session on John
Peel's Sounds Of the 70s program on November 14, 1977. This recording of
My Melancholy Blues is a great version! It features a slightly different
vocal performance from Freddie. Unlike the album version, Brian joins in
on guitar. The track ends with Freddie laughing at the end. Again, like
the rest of Session 6, this is essential to have. This version was finally
made officially available in 2011 and later in 2016.
My Melancholy Blues (Original Rough Mix) 3:36
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
This is not a modern mix, instead this is a rough mix completed during the
original production of the album. Of all of the takes on the "rough
mixes" CD, this original rough mix of My Melancholy Blues is the most
similar to the final version. The backing track may very well be the one
used on the final version. Freddie's vocal take is different from the one
used on the album, but the performance is similar.
My Melancholy Blues (Live from The Summit, Houston
1977) 3:48
Appears on: UK
The Miracle 12" vinyl, UK
The Miracle CD Single
This performance was taken from Queen's legendary 1977 Houston concert.
This was used as a B-side on The Miracle CD single to promote the Rare Live
video. A good, live version worth finding.
My Melancholy Blues (Live from The Summit, Houston
1977 - 40th Anniversary Edition) 4:11
Appears on: News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
This mix features a complete monologue from Freddie to the crowd. This version
starts with Freddie fiddling on the piano and saying "ok, um, we'd
like to try something very different right now. This is from uh, the new
album News Of The World. Have you got it yet? The album that is? Ok, you
might just about recognize this one. This is called My Melancholy Blues."
My Melancholy Blues (Live from The Summit, Houston,
1977) - Absolute Greatest Streaming Video Version 3:50
Appears on: UK 2009 Absolute Greatest Streaming Video
The B-side version starts with piano, where as this streaming version starts
with Freddie saying "ok, you might just recognize this one, this is
called My Melancholy Blues." Ends pretty much at the same point after the
snappy drum hits.
My Melancholy Blues (Live from The Summit, Houston,
1977) - iTunes Video Version 3:50
Appears on: UK
2011 News Of The World iTunes Video Download
This version is very slightly different from the Absolute Greatest Streaming
Video Version. There is a bit more crowd noise at the beginning and ending
of the track.
Feelings, Feelings
Feelings, Feelings (Take 9) 1:57
Appears on: Unreleased
This unreleased track starts with studio chatter saying "Number Nine," probably
because this is take nine. A fun, simple rock track with guitar the whole
way through and great vocals by Freddie. Feelings, Feelings was rumored
to have been written early in Queen's career. The song was left off the
album simply because they already had enough songs to fill the album.
Feelings, Feelings (Take 10) 1:54
Appears on: UK
2011 News Of The World Deluxe CD, News
Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
Finally, this unreleased studio gem gets an official release on the 2011
Bonus EP of News Of The World. This version is one take later than the familiar
leaked Take 9 demo that has been widely bootlegged. According to the liner
notes, this song does date back to 1970 or 1971. Take 10 of Feelings Feelings
was recorded at Basing Street Studios in London, sometime in July of 1977.
The song's basic structure is mostly the same as Take 9, but the performance
does differentiate itself in places, particularly Freddie's vocal and an
added guitar bit from Brian. Highly recommended and a great bonus track
to the 2011 re-releases.
Silver Salmon
Silver Salmon (Take 4) 3:10
Appears on: Unreleased
Silver Salmon is a song, like Doing All Right and Polar Bear, that dates
back to the Smile days. The song was written by Tim Staffell and was originally
more of a sci-fi themed folk song. The track was never properly recorded
by Smile, but several Queen studio versions of the song were rumored to
be found in 1990. Silver Salmon (Take 4) was played at several Queen Fan
Club Conventions by official archivist Greg Brooks. This version was traded
amongst collectors and was later leaked in good quality onto the internet.
Take 4 starts with studio banter from Freddie before it breaks out into
heavy guitar and drums. There is also much speculation on when this particular
version was recorded. Even though the song dates back to Smile and early
Queen days, there is some evidence that this take was recorded much later,
perhaps during the News Of The World sessions. Gary Taylor, who is a Queen
expert and assisted writing the 2011 remaster liner notes, revealed this
information on queenzone.com:
"the band would very often play around in the studio to new songs and
even old songs before they would get down to actually recording new tracks
for an album. Tracks like Feelings and Silver Salmon were often played in
a band jam and they would even play other artists songs as part of this
warm up."