 QUEEN
Flash Gordon Soundtrack
Hollywood Records 1980
www.queenonline.com
What’s the 4-1-1?
Queen was given the opportunity to record music for the 1980 theatrical
remake of Flash Gordon, the retro science fiction series. The band jumped
at the chance to do this, and what resulted was something totally unique.
It was a synth-heavy store that suited the film well, and something that
sounded like no other Queen release ever. The songs were rather short and
uncomplex, and almost all of them are instrumental. Despite the weirdness
factor, the tunes are actually quite entertaining.
There are several problems with the release, though. First of all, the
songs, as I stated before, are short and uncomplex. As such, this album
is better viewed as a whole than as a collection of hit singles. The biggest
problem, though, is that dialogue from the film has been combined into
the tracks. This disappointed many fans, myself included, who wanted the
uninterrupted score. As such, listening to the album seems like an abbreviated,
abridged version of the movie. This dialogue on the recording gets annoying.
The record company should have released two soundtracks - one with dialogue,
one without; that way listeners could have a choice.
The Verdict
As much as I like Queen, the dialogue problems and totally different
musical approach on here are flaws that are tough to neglect. I DO
recommend this album, however I recommend it only to die-hard fans
of the band. Alternatively, you may want to wait and see if a music-only
soundtrack is released - I wish I had.
Did You Know?
This was the first time Queen recorded music for a film, but not the last.
A few years later, they recorded music for the film Highlander.
Rating:  out
of 5
Related Reviews:
Queen - Flashback Reviews
Queen + Paul Rogers - Return
of the Champions
Classic Album Series DVD: Queen - A Night
at the Opera
Queen - Stone Cold Classics
--Darth Kommissar
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