Smile

Album Version
This original sounds not too unlike the Queen version, although not quite as heavy. In fact, Tim Staffell's vocal is very similar to Freddie's, except of course for the high notes. This is also the stereo track, and the effects are clearly noticeable. As with all the Smile tracks, the quality of performance and sound is surprisingly good. Written by Brian and Tim Staffell, who in turn credits Brian with writing the music and most of the words.

Album Version
Though Tim Staffell credits this as a Roger Taylor composition, it almost certainly had some input from Brian May. The lyrics are minimal, and apart from giving Brian an excuse to showcase a primitive version of the "Brighton Rock" solo, the song is pretty inconsequential. Some impressive instrumentation though, from both Brian and Roger. Its also worth mentioning the lyric mis-translation on the inner from "Gettin' Smile" - "there must be a dancefloor, somewhere".

Album Version
A cover version that would sit well on the "Queen" album, Roger's backing vocals stand out particularly clearly here (in fact, this is the stand-out track for Roger fans). One of the later recordings, a few hints of the early Queen sound are present, though without the hard rock edge. Very good, and one of the better Smile tracks.

Album Version
Written by Brian, this is another accomplished recording. Again, a few hints of early Queen, and Brian sings lead on the first two lines of each verse. In fact, there is reportedly a demo Queen version of this, with Freddie singing. Arguably the best track here, and easily the most interesting track for Brian fans (well, this and "Blag").

Album Version
Written by Tim Staffell. Also the A-side of the single. Verging on the psychedelic, with some typically sixties Hammond organ. In fact this is very much a product of the late sixties, but very good it is too. The lyrics may well have had some input from Brian, as they have a science-fiction slant. Pretty good, and you ought to give it a listen.

Live Version, The Marquee 1992
In 1992, both Brian May and Tim Staffell joined Roger and The Cross on stage at The Marquee in London to perform two songs together ("If I Were A Carpenter" (see later) was the other). For the next ten minutes or so, the crowd were then treated to a Smile reunion. Luckily the concert has been bootlegged in excellent quality, on The Cross "Live At The Marquee" CD. Tim's voice has held up quite well, and this version would be strongly recomended even if it wasn't so interesting from a historic view. Very good, longer than the original and with a more 90's arrangement.

Album Version
Also on the B-side to "Earth". Brian's first writing effort. Very sixties again, but with some distinctive Brian touches. A few obvious influences (especially The Beatles) are present too. Not bad at all for a debut, with a catchy melody. Actually quite similar to the tracks Brian played on with The Left-Handed Marriage, so perhaps there was some influence from there too.

Live Version, The Marquee 1992
From the same concert as the live version of "Earth" (see above). A cover version, presumably one Smile had played before, many years ago. An excellent song to start with, the performances are superb, and in my opinion this is superior to the live "Earth". And it sounds like they had fun doing it too. A gem.

Unreleased Video Footage
Recently-discovered video footage, extracts of which (with "April Lady" and "Step On Me" dubbed over them) appear on the official Queen "Champions Of The World" video. In true DoRo fashion however, they have been spoilt by cutting them virtually to the point of non-existence, and intercutting what snippets are left with interview soundbites. An intriguing taster, but it would have been so much better if they'd left it alone.