First though, they fell clearly into hard rock, big difference between the hard rockers and "rock". Many hard rock bands were "progressive" at that time, dabbling here and there, going on side trips. Beside Rush and Tull (that I can think of) Queen would have been at the extreme of this in the 73-74 period anyhow with what appears to me to be opera, operetta and broadway influence, even old musical movies which came straight from Broadway. Cooper and Bowie more than dabbled in theatrics but less the vocal application that Queen used... point-counterpoint vocals. Ironically being a Beatles thread while Im not sure I make much connection between the Beatles and Queen in thier music they were both equally off the hook and drew from Broadway or what ever the English equivelent was. Wish I could think of the name of that well known operetta writer, he has to have a large hand in this and I'm almost thinking he was British. But yeah Queen really stood out, thats why I like that first recording so much, plus it was raw, a bit rough around the collar, less defined and produced. Then in 75 Crack the Sky entered into this realm of things with clear Beatles and Broadway influence even a couple of songs which reminded of both Queen and Rush as well.
When I sat down on the couch last night, low and behold a more recent Queen w/Rogers concert. To my surprise I found both May and the drummer had lead vocalist qualities and capabilities... quite impressive... as drummer and guitarist too. Brian May is awesome on the axe, always was but seeig it is usually better or at least reviels the truth.
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I fail to see Under Pressure as anything more than a great commercial pop song