benefits more in the live versions thanks to May’s backing vocals
and Mercury’s piano work.
Crazy Little Thing Called Love ����
Laid-back, neo-rockabilly obsessed ‘Crazy Little Thing Called
Love’ utilises more Beatles-esque work in its ‘Lady Madonna’ like
hook. Written by Mercury, and recorded with Taylor and Deacon
after a few drinks, May only just managed to add backing vocals
and a guitar part before the single’s release. Mercury’s voice is more
than a little reminiscent to Elvis Presley’s.
Rock It (Prime Jive) �
Lyrically juvenile – ‘You really think they like to rock in space –
well I don’t know’ – ‘Rock It (Prime Jive)’ was composed by Roger
Taylor, and caused much controversy within the band’s ranks
after Brian May suggested Mercury would sound better on vocals.
Taylor, eventually, got his own way, and also provides rhythm
guitar and bass here. Pretty basic.
Don’t Try Suicide ��
‘Don’t try suicide, Nobody’s worth it, Don’t try suicide, Nobody
cares, Don’t try suicide, You’re just gonna hate it, Don’t try suicide,
Nobody gives a damn.’ A Mercury track featuring some slap-bass
from Deacon, and piano parts by the exuberant front man. Most
noteworthy for it’s opening riff, which is more than a little similar
to The Police’s ‘Walking On the Moon’.
Sail Away Sweet Sister ���
May takes on both verses and choruses here, although Mercury
does take over vocals for the middle eight. Soulful and bassy, this
is an admirable composition. ‘Sail Away Sweet Sister, Sail across
the sea, Maybe you’ll find somebody, Who loves you half as much
a s me.’