Production Advice

Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends, We’re so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside…

I know, it’s been ages.

And, the way things are looking at the moment, it’s going to stay slow for a while longer yet…

So, stay tuned to the RSS feed for future updates, including a brief summary of all the goings-on of Dynamic Range Day – but in the meantime – enjoy this video about the recording and mixing of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

I was going to say “please enjoy this video”, but honestly, if there isn’t something to delight or amuse you in here, you’re reading the wrong blog.

My own favourite moments are in parts 2 & 3, where Roy Thomas Baker (“Hang on, I’ve lost a Galileo !”) messes around with the original multitracks, making copious use of the Solo button and revealing double-tracking, bum notes, bass and drum spill and some fantastically roomy vocal recordings in the process - plus, some astoundingly tight rhythm section playing.

If that isn’t enough to tempt you, then you need to watch just to find out exactly how Freddie Mercury’s double-jointed wrists contributed to the famous piano melody. Or ponder the similarities between Noddy Holder and Justin Hawkins. Or wonder at a detailed literary analysis of the lyrics(*). Or simply to marvel one more time at Brian May’s hair.

(*) This is not one of the video’s highlights…

Seriously though, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the all-time great studio production numbers, and if the video leaves you craving more detail I can also strongly recommend this classic Sound On Sound Article:

An Invitation To The Opera

Plus lots more geeky insight here:

Queen: A Night At The Opera – In Surround

And, even more interesting stuff from Mr Baker in this article about a slightly – well, less successful production of his…

Producing The Darkness’  ”One Way Ticket To Hell – And Back”

So, those guitar sounds – was it worth the effort ? Tell me what you think in the comments !

(Thanks to zark for posting the videos I’ve embedded here, plus more links than you could ever ever need)

Related posts:

1. Pink Floyd – ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ in the recording studio
2. What are the best headphones for mixing ?
3. Jargon-busting: Tracking, Mixing and Mastering