The song was originally featured on the band’s 1973 self-titled debut album, which is being remastered and expanded for reissue on October 25.
The 6CD + 1 LP I box set contains 63 tracks with 43 brand new mixes, comprising the original album with its intended running order restored, intimate fly-on-the-wall audio of Queen in the studio, demos, rare live tracks, and previously unheard recordings from Queen's first ever live performance in London, August 1970. Absent from the 1973 release, the song "Mad the Swine" has been reinstated to its original place in the running order. A 108-page book containing handwritten lyrics and memorabilia accompanies the release.
Queen recorded the album with producer Roy Thomas Baker at Trident Studios, where the band was forced to follows the company’s standard procedures despite their attempts to request the freedom to use the tools they felt they needed to capture their musical vision on tape.
The set also features a series of 1971-1972 demos recorded at London’s De Lane Lea Studios; backing tracks and out-takes recorded in both UK studios; BBC radio broadcasts from the era; and, a live recording presenting the best performances of the first album's songs from Queen's triumphant March 1974 headline date at London's Rainbow Theatre, with several previously-unreleased tracks added.
The 2024 edition has been remixed and restored by Justin Shirley-Smith, Joshua J Macrae and Kris Fredriksson to sound the way the band always wanted it to; this is the very first time that a Queen album has ever received a new stereo mix.
"Essentially with the Queen I box set we've made the actual album sound the way we wanted it to sound using the techniques that we have now,” explains Roger Taylor. “We've made the drums sound like they should sound and, the overall sound of it is better, the mixes are better. So it's been a delight to improve it, to bring it up to where we wanted it to be."
Originally launched with the lead single “Keep Yourself Alive”, the project went on to reach the top 25 in the band’s native UK as the group introduced themselves to music fans around the world.
“Queen 1” will be available in a 6CD+1LP box set Queen I Collector's Edition, as well as Vinyl LP Queen I - 2024 Mix plus 1 CD, 2CD Deluxe Edition, 1LP Picture Disc and Cassette formats.
Pick up some Queen for your collection here.
See also:
Queen release video for 2024 remix of The Night Comes Down
Queen announce expanded remixed version of 1973 debut album
Queen guitarist Brian May recovering from stroke
Queen announce expanded Queen Rock Montreal release
Search Queen at hennemusic
