We Will Rock You: In Memory Of Freddie (Various Artists)

• Track Listing

Few bands embodied the pure excess of the '70s like Freddy Mercury and Queen. Embracing the exaggerated pomp of progressive rock and heavy metal, as well as vaudevillian music hall, the British quartet delved deeply into camp and bombast, creating a huge, mock-operatic sound with layered guitars and overdubbed vocals. Mercury's voice was a bizarre yet highly accessible fusion of the macho and the fey. For years, Queens albums boasted the motto "no synthesizers were used on this record," signaling their allegiance with the legions of post-Led Zeppelin hard rock bands. Tribute to Freddie Mercury is an exclusive album for all collectors.