'Bohemian Rhapsody' was No. 1 in the UK fifty years ago, November 1975
[media=https://youtu.be/fJ9rUzIMcZQ]
An unwitting reminder of how much rock had changed in scope in the 20 years that had elapsed since the last record I wrote about on here ('Rock Around The Clock'). Even in 1975, this was something extraordinary, a rule-breaker to such an extent that the group argued with the record company about releasing it on a 45 - but the gamble paid off. Look again at how many views this video has had! It's nearly six minutes long, switches from balladry to operatics to heavy rock. It mucks around with time signatures and it goes all over the place. It is, above all, a very eclectic piece of work. And it's very 'Freddie' - all that drama!
I wrote when I covered 'I'm Not In Love' that there would be another remarkable record coming up later in 1975. This, of course was it. Looking through the other records that hit the top in the UK that year you'll find covers of the Crickets and even the Ink Spots, re-releases (never a good sign), novelties, stuff for the kids, stuff off TV, all pretty forgettable. But this was one that proved what rock/pop could do if it really tried. But having said that, it was played to death when it came out, and possible for this reason it's not something that I seek out at all often.
You could only do this once. And so they did!
An unwitting reminder of how much rock had changed in scope in the 20 years that had elapsed since the last record I wrote about on here ('Rock Around The Clock'). Even in 1975, this was something extraordinary, a rule-breaker to such an extent that the group argued with the record company about releasing it on a 45 - but the gamble paid off. Look again at how many views this video has had! It's nearly six minutes long, switches from balladry to operatics to heavy rock. It mucks around with time signatures and it goes all over the place. It is, above all, a very eclectic piece of work. And it's very 'Freddie' - all that drama!
I wrote when I covered 'I'm Not In Love' that there would be another remarkable record coming up later in 1975. This, of course was it. Looking through the other records that hit the top in the UK that year you'll find covers of the Crickets and even the Ink Spots, re-releases (never a good sign), novelties, stuff for the kids, stuff off TV, all pretty forgettable. But this was one that proved what rock/pop could do if it really tried. But having said that, it was played to death when it came out, and possible for this reason it's not something that I seek out at all often.
You could only do this once. And so they did!
61-69, M
