- Ultra-Rare 1977 BBC Sessions on White Vinyl – A Collector's Dream from Queen's Golden Era
The "A Ladder To The Stars" 12" white vinyl LP album by Queen is a captivating collector's gem. Recorded in 1977 at prestigious BBC Studios like Langham Studio and Maida Vale Studios, it captures Queen's live prowess. This release offers fans and collectors a unique glimpse into the band's studio magic, presented in stunning white vinyl
Climbing to the Heavens with Freddie and the Boys
In the grand tapestry of rock and roll, few bands have soared as high or burned as brightly as Queen. Their music, a kaleidoscope of styles and sounds, defied categorization, pushing the boundaries of what was possible within the confines of popular music. With the release of "A Ladder to the Stars" on white vinyl, we're invited to revisit their sonic odyssey, a journey that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the music world.
Historical Context
Emerging from the glam rock scene of the early 1970s, Queen quickly distinguished themselves with their flamboyant stage presence and audacious musical ambition. Led by the enigmatic Freddie Mercury, whose vocal range and theatrical flair were matched only by his songwriting prowess, the band carved a unique niche for themselves. At a time when punk was raging and disco was dominating the airwaves, Queen dared to be different, embracing a maximalist approach that incorporated elements of opera, hard rock, and even vaudeville.
Musical Exploration
"A Ladder to the Stars" is a testament to Queen's restless spirit and their unwavering commitment to musical exploration. From the anthemic opener "We Will Rock You" to the operatic grandeur of "Bohemian Rhapsody," the album showcases the band's versatility and their willingness to take risks. Brian May's guitar solos soar with a celestial grace, while Roger Taylor's drumming provides a powerful rhythmic foundation. And at the heart of it all is Freddie Mercury's voice, a force of nature that could convey both vulnerability and unbridled passion.
Music Genre
To label Queen's music is to do it a disservice. They transcended genre, blending elements of rock, pop, opera, and even music hall into a sound that was uniquely their own. "A Ladder to the Stars" is a microcosm of their eclecticism, featuring everything from the hard-rocking "Tie Your Mother Down" to the balladry of "Love of My Life." It's a testament to their refusal to be pigeonholed, their desire to create music that was both accessible and challenging.
Controversies
Queen's music was not without its controversies. Their flamboyant stage presence and Mercury's unapologetic sexuality often drew criticism from conservative quarters. The song "Fat Bottomed Girls" was accused of sexism, while "Bicycle Race" was deemed too suggestive for radio play. But Queen never backed down, refusing to let anyone dictate their artistic vision. They were pioneers, paving the way for future generations of artists to express themselves freely.
Production Team
"A Ladder to the Stars" was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, who had previously worked with the band on their breakthrough album "A Night at the Opera." Baker's production style, characterized by its lush orchestrations and layered harmonies, perfectly complemented Queen's grand ambitions. The album was recorded at various studios, including Sarm East Studios in London and Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland.
Recording Studio
The recording process for "A Ladder to the Stars" was notoriously complex and time-consuming. The band's perfectionism and their desire to push the boundaries of studio technology often led to long hours and heated debates. But the end result was a masterpiece, an album that captured the essence of Queen's musical genius.
Rock/Pop
Unofficial Release
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
Recorded during 1977 at the BBC
Chris Lycett - Producer
Jeff Griffin - Producer
John Etchells - Sound Engineer
Mike Robinson - Sound Engineer
Recorded at Langham Studio and Maida Vale Studios
Front Cover Description:
This striking album cover for Queen - A Ladder To The Stars showcases a carefully lit and composed portrait of the band’s four members, posed nude from the shoulders up against a black background. Freddie Mercury, with bold eyeliner and intense gaze, leans forward with his arm wrapped around Brian May. May appears pensive, with his hand near his chin and his voluminous curly hair framing his face. To their left stands bassist John Deacon, his long hair slightly tousled, wearing a neutral expression. Behind them, drummer Roger Taylor gazes directly forward, framed by flowing reddish-blonde hair and exuding calm intensity. The band members appear almost statuesque, with smooth skin tones and soft studio lighting giving the image an ethereal, painterly quality. Above them, in regal gold serif type, the text reads: Queen – A Ladder To The Stars, followed by the subtitle The Classic BBC Recordings 1974–1977. The design echoes the aesthetic of their iconic Queen II cover, emphasizing theatricality, intimacy, and unity.
Back Cover Description:
The back cover of Queen - A Ladder To The Stars White Vinyl LP is a visually engaging blend of detailed track information and a vivid live performance photograph. The top portion of the cover, set against a deep black background, features gold serif text listing the full tracklisting for both sides of the album. Each song entry includes recording locations and dates, producer and engineer credits, and original BBC broadcast details from the "Sound of the Seventies" programme between 1974 and 1977. Tracks include iconic titles such as "Stone Cold Crazy", "It's Late", and two versions of "We Will Rock You."
Dominating the lower half is a dramatic concert photo of Freddie Mercury mid-performance, dressed in tight leather pants and a dark top, gripping his microphone stand and pointing emphatically toward the crowd. The lighting casts a sharp beam over his figure, giving him an almost mythical presence. To the left, Roger Taylor's drum kit is lit in golden hues, while John Deacon and Brian May appear deeper in shadow, anchoring the scene with their instruments. The combination of textual precision and live energy makes this back cover both informative and iconic.
Side One Vinyl Photo Description:
This image showcases Side One of the Queen - A Ladder To The Stars White Vinyl LP. The record itself is a brilliant, pristine white—a striking contrast to standard black vinyl pressings—making it visually distinct and highly collectible. At the center is a custom black label with a matte finish, adorned with the classic Queen band logo in ornate gold font positioned prominently at the top.
Beneath the logo, the title "A Ladder To The Stars" is written in a serif uppercase font, followed by the subtitle "The Classic BBC Recordings 1974 - 1977", all elegantly printed in the same golden hue. The spindle hole is centered and cleanly punched. The overall minimalistic yet regal design of this side reinforces the exclusive, unofficial nature of the release while highlighting its tribute to the BBC sessions from Queen’s formative years. The stark white of the vinyl amplifies the visual drama of the label, making it a true centerpiece for collectors.
Side Two Vinyl Photo Description:
This image displays Side Two of the Queen - A Ladder To The Stars LP, pressed on dazzling white vinyl. At the center of the disc is a full-color printed label, prominently featuring the band’s iconic nude portrait. All four members—Brian May, Freddie Mercury, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor—are grouped closely together, bare from the shoulders up, posed with dramatic lighting and serious expressions against a black backdrop. This label is identical to the front cover artwork, lending the record an extra layer of visual cohesion and collector appeal.
The image is crisply rendered on the matte-textured black label, which blends seamlessly into the spindle hole area. The label design lacks any printed track information or text, allowing the artwork to speak entirely for itself. The stark contrast between the vivid central image and the clean white surface of the vinyl enhances its rarity and aesthetic appeal—making this side not only a musical medium but a visual showpiece for any Queen enthusiast.
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