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Strange Frontier
This album included a couple of covers, Dylan's "Masters Of War" and Springsteen's "Racing In The Street". Lots of good moments, including "Killing Time", "Strange Frontier" and "Man On Fire".
Several songs from this album have been performed live by Roger with The Cross, most commonly "Man On Fire" (an official recording of this was actually released, twice) although recordings of both "Strange Frontier" and "It's An Illusion" also exist.
Alternate Versions
Strange Frontier
Extended Mix
On 12" only, and hard to find. Over eight minutes, and a good re-working of the original. Lots of extra percussion, especially at the start. Very different. Do play it loud though.
Video Version
In the video to this track there are some extra sound effects at the start and end. These do not interfere with the actual sound, and are best described as "underwater noises". They accompany film of two divers, and add a few seconds to the running time.
Man On Fire
Extended Mix
On 12" only. A good mix of what must be one of Roger's favourite tracks (he plays it live often enough). Heavy percussion and a powerful sound. Nothing particularly new though, as most of the extra bits seem to be at the start, making up a really great extended intro.
I Cry For You
Remix
Not radically different from the LP mix, this version can be found as the B-side to "Strange Frontier", on the 7" only (not the 12"). Nice all the same, and the remix is by John Deacon. Not on the US 7" though - that has the album mix instead.
Extended Remix
One of the B-sides on the "Strange Frontier" 12". Remixed by John Deacon. Very good, with some nice stereo effects, and quite long too. A powerful sound, and a rewarding listen which improves on the album mix.
B-sides & Bonus Tracks etc.
Two Sharp Pencils (Get Bad)
Original B-side
On the "Strange Frontier" 12" again. The only non-LP song released. Although definitely not a Queen sound, this is quite funny and well worth anyone's time. The lyrics are hard to make out though (and it doesn't sound like Roger, as his voice has been distortd electronically to lower the pitch of it). A bit funky too. It's a great pity the CD album re-issue didn't include this as a bonus track.
Keep On Running
Unreleased
An unreleased cover of the Spencer Davis Group song. I don't know too much about this one, but it was originally planned for the album. I imagine it wasn't used either because Roger had already recorded two other covers, or possibly due to royalty "complications". Its a complete and finished recording though.
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