It's funny, I had never even considered that it wasn't Murray until reading your write-up and then I went and googled and sure enough, there's no consensus but it strongly seems like it's Dennis on that first solo. See, even a fan of 28 years can learn new stuff from this thread!
Phantom of the Opera: Absolute classic! Probably my all time favourite Maiden song. There's an absolutely killer live version of this on the Women In Uniform 12". It would be great to have that whole show released, but sadly Maiden seem to act as though they'd rather forget Dianno was ever in the band these days. Transylvania: Love it! It's fast, it rocks and it's great fun! Again, another one I don't like the Bruce era live versions, though that's not his fault here! For an album that gets a lot of criticism from the band, these songs rarely seem to sound right any other way. Strange World: When I got this tape as a kid, I always fast forwarded this one. I didn't like or get it at all! It was years, even decades later that it clicked with me. When it did I began to like it a lot. It will have been too subtle for an 11 year old. I also skipped The Battle of Evermore & Going to California on Led Zep IV! Strange World is fantastic and one of their rare songs that is subtle and low key throughout. Another great Dianno vocal too. That brings me up to date. I'd like to go on more about how magnificent Phantom of the Opera is, but you all know that!
What is this EP? I've never heard of it. That's the version of Phantom from the Women In Uniform 12" I mentioned above.
I've just gone to YouTube to listen to Live +1. Before it started there was an advert for Metallica - Master of Puppets that claimed it to be 'The Greatest Metal Album of All Time'. It's bloody brilliant but, I don't think so! This Live EP is a killer...
I've always liked Strange World, its the most Un-Maiden like song they've ever done. But I find some really good things in there, a serene sound to the guitar parts, and Di'Anno singing really well, its possibly his best singing for the band. I can get why others wouldn't like it though, its not a heavy song. There's no thundering Bass or drums in here. But Maiden can do any kibd of music, and this is the proof. They've just chosen not to lol. And I can't imagine a Bruce version of this, its a pure Di'Anno song this one.
Very true... Burr's style perfectly compliments the first three albums, but I can't for the life of me imagine him on something like Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.
Strange World Beautiful song, that really sets an otherworldly mood. This is the kind of song to listen to on headphones with your eyes closed. Nice singing by Di'Anno. It also surprises you. Like other Maiden songs that start out slow, you expect it to explode. Love that it breaks the mold and stays moody. Anybody have thoughts on the lyrics? It kind of seems to be about vampires ("Girls drinking plasma wine", "Living here, you'll never grow old"), but I'm not great at interpreting lyrics.
I always thought it dream like, not in a drug infused, dream but just a wild imagination running rampant. But thinking about it, vampires.... Maybe? It does follow on from Transylvania...
"Strange World", moody and atmospheric song. Terrific performance from Paul, he shows his great softer side and amazing voice on this one. This is very touching song and you can't be still and not get moved by the melodies, the great sounding guitar with that mellow bluesy tone. It get's to you and your feeling. Both Stratton and Murray give great performances but I have to say that this is Paul's finest moment ever of all the recordings. Incredible performance from Paul. I really, I mean I really love the atmosphere and feeling that this song creates. It feels so otherwordly. It's perfect song in it's own way. Nice that this is little moody piece between all that usual heavier and punkier approach of the album, so this is essential little break to catch breath. Great song and I have always liked this one really much.
First BBC Session: I prefer this version of Running Free to the album one. Same with Sanctuary over the single version. Great sounding session.
Strange World It's a freakin' psychedelic rock tune by Iron Maiden! I love it Sanctuary Simple song, but a real face-melter! Followed "Strange World" in the North American vinyl verisons (US/Canada), and that flows WAY better than the later CD reissues where "Sanctuary" was sandwiched between "Prowler" and "Remember Tomorrow".
“Strange World” is kind of like Maiden’s “Planet Caravan” if you think about it. @BryanA-HTX - bad form jumping ahead of the OP, brah. Just sayin
Yeah, something like that definitely gives you "permission" as a heavy band to do something slow and kind of psychedelic.
My bad, but I wasn't sure which track listing they were going by, or if they were going to mention it at all.
We are going by the 1980 North American release, as that seemed to be the group consensus and that's the order most would be familiar with. And I think it flows much better than the 1998 tracklist.
I've always had the UK version, but Sanctuary is a badass song. So is "Burning Ambition", which I think?? Was the B-side.
Strange World. I see this in the same vein as Remember Tomorrow....and rate it just as highly. Brilliant song.