Released (Japan): September 1982
Smile was the band which Brian May formed with Roger Taylor and Tim Staffell before Queen. In 1969 and 1970 they recorded some demos in London. Brian says that he doesn't remember them recording enough tracks to release as an album, but nevertheless the recordings eventually found their way to Mercury records and were released as the Gettin' Smile album in Japan in 1982. This was only sold on mono vinyl and was available at the time as an import item in major record stores outside Japan. Today it is quite a collectible item. Fortunately, the Smile tracks are now more widely available as they have recently been released on CD (see below).
Track list:
Released (Holland): November 1997
Ghost of a Smile is a CD of the Smile tracks, which Brian and Roger recorded with Tim Staffell before Queen was formed. This is an official release, in that the record company selling the CD have bought the rights to the tracks. EMI/Parlophone/Hollywood (Queen's record companies) have no involvement in the album. The CD has been remastered and the quality is very good (particularly compared to the bootlegs of these tracks which exist). The CD liner features an introduction by Tim Staffell.
Tracks:
Brian May Solo Recordings | Main Menu
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