Queen signs with Universal Records, Re-Re-Masters imminent.
After 40 years with EMI, Queen (what’s left of them) have signed on with Universal Records and will begin the partnership by re-releasing their first 5 records sometime in March in celebration of their 40th Anniversary..
There is also the chance of new material from surviving members Brian May and Roger-Meddows-Taylor although recent attempts to revive the Queen brand have been dubious at best. Bassist John Deacon has retired from the music business.
However, the news of these first five records possibly getting the proper treatment that they so desperately deserve has to come as welcome news to long time followers of the band. The previous remasters done around 10 years ago were executed entirely too loud and with too much sound compression. There were also hardly any additional tracks or session outtakes, which would also be welcome additions to the collections of rabid fans.
The first 5 Queen albums are most certainly the high watermark of the band’s career. Here’s hoping that Universal gets it right.
The news comes as another severe blow to EMI records, who have lost The Stones, McCartney and Radiohead over the last three years.