1991 Feb - Queen - Innuendo

FEATURE: Queen - Innuendo from FEBRUARY 1991

Freddy Mercury - the iconic lead vocalist for Queen - was nearing the end of his battle with AIDS as the band was putting together their 14th album. This would be the last album of all-new material with Freddy Mercury, as he would die in November of that year.

This is a great album, and a poignant one, as Mercury's health was deteriorating. Join us as we explore this album and other great songs from February of 1991.

The Show Must Go On

Written primarily by Brian May, this song is about Freddy Mercury's effort to perform despite his serious illness which would take his life 10 months after the Innuendo album was released. While putting it together, May didn't know if Mercury would be capable of singing the song because he was so sick. When May talked to Mercury about it just before the recording, Mercury said, "I'll F***'n do it, darling," downed a shot of vodka, and rocked the vocals.

Innuendo

This is more of an epic than a song. It is the longest Queen song ever released as a single - longer than Bohemian Rhapsody by 35 seconds. It hearkens back to Queen's prog rock roots. The flamenco solo is played by Steve Howe of Yes. Howe is the only non-Queen member to have played guitar on a studio recording of a Queen song.

These Are the Days of Our Lives
This song was released as a single in the US on Freddy Mercury's 45th birthday, September 5th. The video was recorded at the end of May 1991, and was the last to feature Mercury. It was shot in black and white to obscure Mercury's poor health to some extent.

Headlong
This song was written by Brian May, and was originally intended for his upcoming solo album "back to the Light." When he heard Mercury sing the track it became a Queen song. The video was shot in 1990, about a year before Freddy Mercury's death, and is the last color video they shot. This is a solid, hard-charging rock song.

STAFF PICKS:

Pennywise - Bro Hymn
Wayne's staff pick is a punk masterpiece. Hailing from Hermosa Beach, California, Pennywise takes its name from the evil clown in Steven King's IT. You'll frequently hear the main theme at sports venues around the country.

High Enough - Damn Yankees
Brain's staff pick is from the supergroup formed by Jack Blades, Michael Cartellone, Ted Nugent, and Tommy Shaw. Polished and soaring with Shaw's high notes and harmonies, this was a rock song in frequent rotation at the time.

Disappear - INXS
Rob's staff pick is of INXS's album "X" which was released in 1990. This hit went to number 8 on the charts in February 1991. INXS was a popular rock group who had their first US big hit in 1983 with "One Thing."

Signs (live) - Tesla
Bruce's staff pick highlights the "unplugged" movement of the late 80's and early 90's. Tesla covers a song from 1971 by the Canadian group Five Man Electrical Band, and puts it on their live album "Five Man Acoustical Jam."

LAUGH TRACK:

White, White Baby - Jim Carrey (In Living Color)
We close out this show with Jim Carrey's spoof on Vanilla Ice's hit. You can see it on youtube.

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