The biopic We Will Rock You does a good job of showing the songwriting process and dynamics between the members of the band. This song makes sense in that context.
I'm getting the sinking feeling that you're going to loathe most of Queen's catalog from "The Game" onward. The '80s were a period of simpler, "catchier" musical arrangements -- not just for Queen, but for all bands, including prog greats like Genesis and Yes. This song is pretty emblematic of the direction they're going.
Agree 10,000% Aerosmith is another example... lost it's edge too when MTV Came out. They were playing to Corporate Intrest Once the Corps figured out how to get the cash, Music Died that day.
Without a doubt. When he loves a song like In the Lap of the Gods (not "revisited") and does not like Spread Your Wings, the writing is on the wall. So that my comment is clear, to me In the Lap of the Gods is one of their more underappreciated songs.
If You Can't Beat Them - by John Deacon John Deacon: Bass Brian May: Backing vocals and electric guitar Freddie Mercury: Lead and backing vocals Roger Taylor: Backing vocals and drums
You're right, his forte is his playing, not his writing. He did bag a few hits tho, particularly in the eighties. He was a reluctant rock star all round. Race car driver, Ricky Stewart once asked him what kind of car he drove. "A Volvo", he replied.
Might as well skip Deacon's other song on this album, "In Only Seven Days". If you thought this one was bland, that one is a snooze-fest despite its short length.
I tune out a bit when I hear this sing, altho I woudn't skip. It's fine. He's still learning his songwriting craft. Great live number, lacks a bit on vinyl, esp given compared to all of Queen's other crazy shit. Justin you are right to ignore all the "what about the 80s when [insert Roger or John] writes that one good song..." One song at a time is the best way to go! We'll get to Radio Gaga when we get to Radio Gaga.
If we believe that the selection process for which songs go on the album was chosen by the band democratically, (with plenty of heated arguements) then this is what they believed was one of the best they had going at the time.
Yes it's been done before, but I think this is done well. I like the melody and the guitars sound good, and there's a place within the context of an album, and a live set, for a simple rock song.
I love "If you can't beat them". But you are totally right. It's not a groundbreaking composition. And yes, you get away with a lot with Freddie on Vocals. Sometimes you actually can get fooled with Freddie on vocals. An average composition can be turned into gold :P
You're amazing . . ."no" . Hmmm... best "JAZZ" ranking UK- 2; US - 6. (The singles being Fat Bottomed Girls and Bicycle Race.) IYCBT is 'great'. Your negativity does support the millions who give Freddie 90% credit for Queen's success & legendary ranking. I think they are simply a magically and musically perfect 4 individuals who gave us Queen. Well! Freddie knew what he could do for a band of intelligent and great musicians. Thank God Brian finally listened and supported Roger's always optimism re Freddie's insight to success. Surely they worked exceedingly well together for the success of their Album and 'singles' - always realising media critics found them only fair game for ridicule. This single is wonderfully entertaining.
Yeah, this song is fine. It reminds me of a typical 70s top 40 radio song. Nothing bad, just nothing special. Queen is best when they are pushing the boundaries.
This is an album track, it is fine for an track album. I don't think this was a massive live staple song for Queen. People always say, " but Roger has written Radio Gaga", that is one of my least favourite Queen songs. They were clearly not equal songwriters Freddie wrote 71 songs, Brian 64, Roger 33 and John wrote 26. Roger and John's writing style were much better suited to the 80's.
I would describe this song as pleasant enough but one of those that while it plays maybe your mind wanders to what to put on the grocery list and before you know it the song is over and there was nothing that demanded your attention 😋but at least you know what to get from the store 😊
I think you're going by what you remember, but you didn't hate Misfire that much upon first listen. It was only "ok" for you, but as many have written in the comments it is such a particular song in their discography that the arrangement makes an impression after several listens. It's a great little song.
It’s never been a favourite of mine but it’s ok. It might be good to have a couple of “lesser” songs on an album so that everything isn’t on the same level. Then you really appreciate the great ones!
I did kind of think you wouldn't be all that impressed by this song. It's a decent enough album track and works well live, but it's not extraordinary like some of the other tracks known from this album. The chorus part is catchy, but it's not quite different enough from the verses to be that noticeable. I'd be interested to hear what you have to say about the next track.
I agree on your assessment here…. This has always been a “pass” to me when hearing this album. Was never a “go-to” choice when keeping or choosing a playlist.
Love it live but not a favorite of mine on studio version. With as much music that Queen had that they didn't put on albums, I am sort of surprised that this one made it onto the album.
Not bad but maybe not the most memorable for a reason. Listen together they wrote hundreds of songs they can’t all be memorable or great. And you know it’s the same with all composers going back to Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, they wrote hundreds of songs but we don’t know all of them for a reason and are there hidden gems absolutely but not everything can be like that.
I absolutely agree with you. Despite all my love for John, this song (and his second song on this album), in my opinion, is one of the “weakest” of all his works. And even John himself, in an interview (circa 1984), said that he liked this album (of all those released to that point) the least.
Made my grocery list while it was playing😌 Only Freddie could help … sort of. I consider this song ‘ filler’ and Queen didn’t need filler so why bother ? You’re right on Justin.
It's a bit forgettable... they had a little bit of a formula going with these songs. I suppose in 1978 this was a sound that was popular... could have been any band if it didn't have Freddie on vocals. i disagree on your view on Misfire though... ;)
@@GeoffTrowbridge yeah that's people for ya :D. I'm normally a jazz fusion/ECM jazz type of guy but I totally relate to all the 70s/80s disco/rock/pop music probably because that was my childhood and it was all part of my musical discovery. I find so much inventiveness in Misfire, from the guitar harmonies, the great bassline the key modulations, that fantastic ending with the echos, Freddie's vocal etc.... to me it's a perfect pop song...
I do indeed feel this is what a bassist would write. Nevertheless he did get some better ones, way better. Gotto remind myself this was 70`s rock, not like now, 2024. also, when they don`t make "simple "songs, what would a special be worth.
agreed, Paul McCartney just to name one. It was more like; to me it sounds like what a bassist, bobbing somewhat in the background playing bass, would write.Knowing Deacon, he never liked to be in the front for as far as i know. To me, he always seemed to be the modest one.... Does that make more sense? @@JustinPanariello It certainly isn`t about his achievements or capabilities.
Probably not one of my favorites, either. I like to listen to it now and again just for fun, but that's it. And some people love it, and there's nothing wrong with that, either. We all have different likes and dislikes, I suppose.
This is amateur hour. When the chorus started, I immediately thought of "Pictures of Lily" by The Who. Now that's a great song. Jazz rating: 1/10. No jazz detected. Good reaction, once again.
Yeah, for me it’s been about 50 years of skipping this song…and the next three songs. They all have the same quality, kind of aimless jamming. Even “Let Me Entertain You…just kind of soulless. I’ll see you on the other side at “Dreamer’s Ball”. I’ll be kind and call them spirited experiments.
yeah I like Entertain You but Dreamers Ball.. well I can barely remember it and I heard it yesterday after nearly 40 years... the track which surprised me most is Leaving Home.... I'd forgotten about that...
The biopic We Will Rock You does a good job of showing the songwriting process and dynamics between the members of the band. This song makes sense in that context.
I'm getting the sinking feeling that you're going to loathe most of Queen's catalog from "The Game" onward. The '80s were a period of simpler, "catchier" musical arrangements -- not just for Queen, but for all bands, including prog greats like Genesis and Yes. This song is pretty emblematic of the direction they're going.
Agree 10,000%
Aerosmith is another example... lost it's edge too when MTV Came out. They were playing to Corporate Intrest
Once the Corps figured out how to get the cash, Music Died that day.
Pop is very lucrative and commercial. "Follow the money", Hal Holbrook in All The President's Men.
I disagree there is a lot of great work ahead, yes some are mediocre. But many jewels are in the mix.
You have to listen yourself to make up your mind. There are loads of great songs to come after The Game.
Without a doubt. When he loves a song like In the Lap of the Gods (not "revisited") and does not like Spread Your Wings, the writing is on the wall. So that my comment is clear, to me In the Lap of the Gods is one of their more underappreciated songs.
If You Can't Beat Them - by John Deacon
John Deacon: Bass
Brian May: Backing vocals and electric guitar
Freddie Mercury: Lead and backing vocals
Roger Taylor: Backing vocals and drums
You're right, his forte is his playing, not his writing. He did bag a few hits tho, particularly in the eighties. He was a reluctant rock star all round. Race car driver, Ricky Stewart once asked him what kind of car he drove. "A Volvo", he replied.
😂 makes sense
Like your post... but it was Jackie Stewart (former 3 times F1 World Champion).
Might as well skip Deacon's other song on this album, "In Only Seven Days". If you thought this one was bland, that one is a snooze-fest despite its short length.
@@wordsleydave my oops
@@coreywilliams923 LOL Take care Buddy.
I tune out a bit when I hear this sing, altho I woudn't skip. It's fine. He's still learning his songwriting craft. Great live number, lacks a bit on vinyl, esp given compared to all of Queen's other crazy shit. Justin you are right to ignore all the "what about the 80s when [insert Roger or John] writes that one good song..." One song at a time is the best way to go! We'll get to Radio Gaga when we get to Radio Gaga.
completely fair review! it's not an A song. It's just that it's John, and we're protective about John. 🙂
An ultra-charismatic Freddie vocal, pounding drums and bass, and scorching guitar playing by Brian.
This song is the opposite of bland.
The instrumental ending reminds me of Rush's 'Closer To The Heart', the live version from 'A Show Of Hands'! 😀 Same chords even! 😄
If we believe that the selection process for which songs go on the album was chosen by the band democratically, (with plenty of heated arguements) then this is what they believed was one of the best they had going at the time.
An album IS the sum of its parts. ALL kind of parts make an engine run.
Yes it's been done before, but I think this is done well. I like the melody and the guitars sound good, and there's a place within the context of an album, and a live set, for a simple rock song.
Great track
I agree! I've always loved it! 🤩
I love "If you can't beat them". But you are totally right. It's not a groundbreaking composition. And yes, you get away with a lot with Freddie on Vocals. Sometimes you actually can get fooled with Freddie on vocals. An average composition can be turned into gold :P
For me Let me Entertain You and Dead on Time both great albums rockers
Judas Priest Living After Midnight= Queen If You Cant Beat Theme.
You're amazing . . ."no" . Hmmm... best "JAZZ" ranking UK- 2; US - 6. (The singles being Fat Bottomed Girls and Bicycle Race.) IYCBT is 'great'. Your negativity does support the millions who give Freddie 90% credit for Queen's success & legendary ranking. I think they are simply a magically and musically perfect 4 individuals who gave us Queen. Well! Freddie knew what he could do for a band of intelligent and great musicians. Thank God Brian finally listened and supported Roger's always optimism re Freddie's insight to success. Surely they worked exceedingly well together for the success of their Album and 'singles' - always realising media critics found them only fair game for ridicule. This single is wonderfully entertaining.
Justin one of my favourite Queen songs and you will be doing soon enough is play the game off there next album. I remember when it first came out.
Actually I love this song…
Every time I hear this, I feel happy
It's ok, it's listenable.😊I agree with you. Wait till you hear One Year Of Love John song, it's great.
Or Cool Cat!
@@ZENOBlAmusic I like that one too.
Yes, those two are really good!
Sounds exactly like todd rundgrens Utopia about the same time mid 70s
This song is catchy and swung with the times..radio friendly…dance friendly…roller skate friendly…❤although not Johns best, but I still like it❤
Yeah, this song is fine. It reminds me of a typical 70s top 40 radio song. Nothing bad, just nothing special. Queen is best when they are pushing the boundaries.
This is an album track, it is fine for an track album. I don't think this was a massive live staple song for Queen. People always say, " but Roger has written Radio Gaga", that is one of my least favourite Queen songs. They were clearly not equal songwriters Freddie wrote 71 songs, Brian 64, Roger 33 and John wrote 26. Roger and John's writing style were much better suited to the 80's.
I would describe this song as pleasant enough but one of those that while it plays maybe your mind wanders to what to put on the grocery list and before you know it the song is over and there was nothing that demanded your attention 😋but at least you know what to get from the store 😊
I think you're going by what you remember, but you didn't hate Misfire that much upon first listen. It was only "ok" for you, but as many have written in the comments it is such a particular song in their discography that the arrangement makes an impression after several listens. It's a great little song.
Since you did Live at the Rainbow, are you going to do Live Killers? That came out next.
I feel just the same and Brian guitar work on this song helps make it with a bit of Roger drums too.
It has a fun, energetic feel. I never skip it but not a classic.
Agree with you….just a song
I get what you mean ...but it was great LIVE !!! Believe me. lol
It’s never been a favourite of mine but it’s ok. It might be good to have a couple of “lesser” songs on an album so that everything isn’t on the same level. Then you really appreciate the great ones!
I did kind of think you wouldn't be all that impressed by this song. It's a decent enough album track and works well live, but it's not extraordinary like some of the other tracks known from this album. The chorus part is catchy, but it's not quite different enough from the verses to be that noticeable. I'd be interested to hear what you have to say about the next track.
I agree on your assessment here…. This has always been a “pass” to me when hearing this album. Was never a “go-to” choice when keeping or choosing a playlist.
Love it live but not a favorite of mine on studio version. With as much music that Queen had that they didn't put on albums, I am sort of surprised that this one made it onto the album.
Not bad but maybe not the most memorable for a reason. Listen together they wrote hundreds of songs they can’t all be memorable or great. And you know it’s the same with all composers going back to Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, they wrote hundreds of songs but we don’t know all of them for a reason and are there hidden gems absolutely but not everything can be like that.
Dog years, lol !!!
I absolutely agree with you. Despite all my love for John, this song (and his second song on this album), in my opinion, is one of the “weakest” of all his works. And even John himself, in an interview (circa 1984), said that he liked this album (of all those released to that point) the least.
👍
Made my grocery list while it was playing😌 Only Freddie could help … sort of. I consider this song ‘ filler’ and Queen didn’t need filler so why bother ? You’re right on Justin.
With you on this one, a B side track at best.
Bread & Butter R&R . van halen etc
It's a bit forgettable... they had a little bit of a formula going with these songs. I suppose in 1978 this was a sound that was popular... could have been any band if it didn't have Freddie on vocals. i disagree on your view on Misfire though... ;)
I also enjoy "Misfire". Frankly, I'm confused as to why "You're My Best Friend" makes the grade but not any of these others. 🤷♂
@@GeoffTrowbridge yeah that's people for ya :D. I'm normally a jazz fusion/ECM jazz type of guy but I totally relate to all the 70s/80s disco/rock/pop music probably because that was my childhood and it was all part of my musical discovery.
I find so much inventiveness in Misfire, from the guitar harmonies, the great bassline the key modulations, that fantastic ending with the echos, Freddie's vocal etc.... to me it's a perfect pop song...
I do indeed feel this is what a bassist would write. Nevertheless he did get some better ones, way better. Gotto remind myself this was 70`s rock, not like now, 2024. also, when they don`t make "simple "songs, what would a special be worth.
Uuuggghh that first sentence! totally not true! or not always true lol. Many fantastic bassist composers and bassist producers.
agreed, Paul McCartney just to name one. It was more like; to me it sounds like what a bassist, bobbing somewhat in the background playing bass, would write.Knowing Deacon, he never liked to be in the front for as far as i know. To me, he always seemed to be the modest one.... Does that make more sense?
@@JustinPanariello It certainly isn`t about his achievements or capabilities.
@@martinaalderink7773 👍
I never was a fan of this song, not bad at all, but I always felt that something is missing here, I don't know why
Probably not one of my favorites, either. I like to listen to it now and again just for fun, but that's it.
And some people love it, and there's nothing wrong with that, either. We all have different likes and dislikes, I suppose.
This lead singer said it's tissue paper music, one wipe and it's done.
This is amateur hour. When the chorus started, I immediately thought of "Pictures of Lily" by The Who. Now that's a great song. Jazz rating: 1/10. No jazz detected. Good reaction, once again.
I pre'listened to it yesterday and predicted to my wife this one wouldn't blow up your skirt. As you say Its just a basic, non interesting song....
Not one of favorite John songs. For me, it really does not feel like a complete song, if that makes sense. Thanks for the reacts!
Yeah, for me it’s been about 50 years of skipping this song…and the next three songs. They all have the same quality, kind of aimless jamming. Even “Let Me Entertain You…just kind of soulless. I’ll see you on the other side at “Dreamer’s Ball”. I’ll be kind and call them spirited experiments.
yeah I like Entertain You but Dreamers Ball.. well I can barely remember it and I heard it yesterday after nearly 40 years... the track which surprised me most is Leaving Home.... I'd forgotten about that...
Queen sounding a lot like Boston. Of all the songs on this album this sounds the most like filler.
I didn't even like this song when I first heard it in 1978. Yuck.