Another World

長年入手不能状態だったブライアン・メイ2枚目のソロ・アルバム『アナザー・ワールド』の復刻企画。今回のリイシューにはブライアン自身の他、オリジナル・アルバムで共同プロデューサーを務めたジャスティン・シャーリー=スミス、クイーンとBM Pro Toolsのエキスパートであるクリス・フレドリクソン、そして長年クイーンのアート・デザイナーを担当してきたリチャード・グレイが監修。マスタリングはボブ・ラドウィックが担当。最高品質を実現するために真正オリジナル・ミックスから細心の注意を払って復元されている。

Though larger-than-life vocalist Freddie Mercury was obviously the heart of Queen, guitarist/songwriter/occasional singer Brian May was unquestionably the heart. It was his multi-tracked guitar arrangements and often his sophisticated, understated compositions that gave the band their signature sound. It's surprising then, that by 1998, he was only on his second solo album (and after a six year gap at that). May demonstrates his versatility by producing, arranging and playing most of the instruments on ANOTHER WORLD, assisted by people like Jeff Beck (who contributes guitar fireworks to "The Guv'nor") and late great drummer Cozy Powell. The tunes on ANOTHER WORLD are a far cry from the ostentatiously eclectic pop-rock that marked the last days of Queen. On most of the cuts, including "China Belle" and "Business," May pulls out the stops and engages in the kind of four-on-the-floor rock & roll that was always one of early Queen's greatest strengths. May's restrained, tasteful vocal style and unmistakeable guitar sound mark these songs as definitively as a set of fingerprints.