MOJO Magazine – April 2004 – Issue 125 – Queen, Freddie Mercury, Norah Jones, Al Green, Sparks & Brian Wilson

Original UK Music Magazine | April 2004 | Issue 125 | Queen Cover | Vintage Rock & Music Collectable

An original April 2004 edition of MOJO Magazine, Issue 125, featuring an impressive full-cover photograph of Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen.

This issue celebrates the extraordinary career of Queen, with a major retrospective examining the band's rise to international fame, their musical achievements and their return to the spotlight.

The magazine also features substantial articles on Norah Jones, Al Green, Sparks, Steve Winwood, Brian Wilson and the revival of soul music, alongside a special selection of the 100 Greatest Epic Rock Tracks Ever.

Additional coverage includes Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, Pixies, The Shins, Lou Reed, David Byrne, George Michael and Brian Wilson's Smile project.

Published by EMAP, this original 2004 issue provides a fascinating snapshot of music journalism from the early 21st century, combining classic-rock retrospectives with contemporary artists, album reviews, archival photographs and historical features.

A desirable addition to collections of Queen memorabilia, Freddie Mercury publications, classic rock, soul, blues, alternative music and original MOJO back issues.

Front Cover – Freddie Mercury and Queen

The front cover features a striking photographic portrait of Freddie Mercury, one of rock music's most recognisable performers.

Freddie is pictured with:

• Long, dark, shoulder-length hair.

• A dramatic upward-looking facial expression.

• His distinctive stage presence.

• Both arms extended across his chest.

• Open hands and spread fingers.

• A dark, flowing stage outfit.

• A large decorative ring visible on one hand.

The photograph captures the theatrical and expressive performance style for which Freddie Mercury became internationally celebrated.

The image is presented against a predominantly black background, creating a dramatic contrast with the bright orange cover typography.

Main Cover Headline

QUEEN – Their Rise. Their Return.

The headline appears in large, distressed orange lettering across the centre of the cover.

The cover design uses a combination of:

• Black photographic backgrounds.

• Cream-coloured MOJO masthead lettering.

• Bright orange handwritten-style headlines.

• White supporting text.

• A small inset photograph of Norah Jones.

The result is a particularly striking cover design, well suited to display within a Queen or Freddie Mercury collection.

Main Feature – Queen – Page 72

The principal article begins on page 72 and examines the career of Queen.

The feature is written by Roy Wilkinson.

The photographed contents page describes the article as an anniversary retrospective examining the band's remarkable rise to prominence.

Queen – A Legendary British Rock Band

Queen formed in London in 1970 and became one of the most influential rock groups of the twentieth century.

The classic line-up consisted of:

• Freddie Mercury – lead vocals and piano.

• Brian May – guitar and vocals.

• Roger Taylor – drums and vocals.

• John Deacon – bass guitar.

The band became celebrated for their elaborate arrangements, distinctive harmonies, theatrical live performances and ability to combine numerous musical styles.

Their recordings include:

• Bohemian Rhapsody

• We Will Rock You

• We Are the Champions

• Somebody to Love

• Killer Queen

• Don't Stop Me Now

• Another One Bites the Dust

• Radio Ga Ga

• I Want to Break Free

• The Show Must Go On

Queen's musical influence extended across rock, pop, progressive rock, hard rock and theatrical performance.

Queen's Anniversary

The magazine was published during the thirtieth-anniversary period of Queen's second studio album, Queen II, originally released in 1974.

The album became an important early milestone in the band's development.

The article offers a retrospective perspective on Queen's career and their continuing popularity in 2004.

Interior Photograph – Queen

The photographed contents page features a large colour publicity photograph of Queen.

All four members are pictured together.

Freddie Mercury appears seated at the front, wearing a dark outfit decorated with metallic studs and sunglasses.

Behind him stand:

• Brian May.

• Roger Taylor.

• John Deacon.

The group are dressed in distinctive 1970s and early-1980s rock fashions, including sunglasses, patterned jackets and dark clothing.

The photograph is labelled Queen – Page 72.

It is a particularly attractive image for collectors interested in the band's classic line-up and original music photography.

Norah Jones – Page 48

The magazine includes an extensive feature on Norah Jones, beginning on page 48.

The article is written by Phil Sutcliffe.

The cover features a small colour portrait of Norah Jones in the upper-right corner, accompanied by the headline:

Norah Jones – "I nearly lost my mind!"

Norah Jones – International Success

Norah Jones became one of the most successful new recording artists of the early 2000s.

Her debut album, Come Away with Me, was released in 2002 and achieved enormous international commercial success.

Notable recordings include:

• Don't Know Why

• Come Away with Me

• Turn Me On

• Feelin' the Same Way

• Sunrise

• What Am I to You?

The photographed contents page refers to Jones's considerable album sales and examines her experiences following her rapid rise to fame.

Published in April 2004, the magazine appeared shortly after the release of her second studio album, Feels Like Home.

The feature provides a contemporary perspective on this important period of her career.

Interior Photograph – Norah Jones

The photographed contents page includes a black-and-white portrait of Norah Jones.

She is shown with long, dark hair and a relaxed expression, wearing a dark top.

The photograph is labelled Norah Jones – Page 48.

The image has an informal, documentary quality, contrasting with the more dramatic Queen photography elsewhere on the page.

Al Green – Page 56

A substantial feature examines legendary American soul singer Al Green, beginning on page 56.

The article is written by Andria Lisle.

The cover advertises:

AL GREEN – OUTKAST and the rebirth of soul

Al Green – Soul Music Legend

Al Green became one of the most influential figures in American soul music during the 1970s.

His distinctive vocal style combined gospel, rhythm and blues and romantic soul music.

Among his most celebrated recordings are:

• Let's Stay Together

• Tired of Being Alone

• Love and Happiness

• I'm Still in Love with You

• Take Me to the River

• Call Me

The photographed contents page describes the feature as examining Al Green's first secular soul album in approximately twenty-five years.

The article was published during the period surrounding his album I Can't Stop, released in 2003.

Interior Photograph – Al Green

The contents page features a colour photograph of Al Green.

He is pictured smiling broadly, wearing a striped shirt and raising his arms.

The photograph is labelled Al Green – Page 56.

The image complements the article's celebration of his return to secular soul music.

The Rebirth of Soul – Page 62

A major feature examines the revival of soul music during the early 2000s.

The article begins on page 62 and is written by Lois Wilson.

The photographed contents page identifies the subject as:

Rebirth of Soul

The article discusses a new generation of artists drawing inspiration from classic soul, funk and rhythm and blues.

Featured artists include:

• Joss Stone.

• OutKast.

• KFC, as named in the photographed contents text.

The article examines how contemporary musicians were reinterpreting established soul traditions for a modern audience.

Joss Stone

British singer Joss Stone emerged during the early 2000s with a vocal style influenced by classic American soul.

Her debut album, The Soul Sessions, was released in 2003.

OutKast

American hip-hop duo OutKast, consisting of André 3000 and Big Boi, became internationally recognised for combining hip-hop with funk, soul, rock and experimental production.

Their 2003 album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was particularly influential during this period.

Interior Photography

The contents page includes a photograph showing a couple sitting together on a park bench with a bulldog.

The image accompanies the Rebirth of Soul feature and is labelled Soul Reborn – Page 62.

Sparks – Page 66

The magazine includes a major feature on Sparks, beginning on page 66.

The article is written by Jay Babcock.

The photographed contents page describes Sparks as a group that changed the rules of 1970s pop music.

Sparks – Experimental Pop Pioneers

Sparks were formed by brothers:

• Ron Mael – keyboards and songwriting.

• Russell Mael – lead vocals.

The duo became recognised for their theatrical performances, unconventional songwriting and distinctive combination of art rock, glam rock and electronic pop.

Notable recordings include:

• This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us

• Amateur Hour

• Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth

• The Number One Song in Heaven

• Beat the Clock

• When Do I Get to Sing "My Way"

The article offers a retrospective on the group's unusual career and their continuing musical influence.

Interior Photograph – Sparks

The contents page includes a colour photograph of Sparks seated together outdoors beneath a striped parasol.

The photograph is labelled Sparks – Page 66.

The image captures the duo in a relaxed setting, providing an interesting contrast to their highly theatrical stage image.

100 Greatest Epic Rock Tracks – Page 83

One of the magazine's principal attractions is a special feature celebrating the 100 Greatest Epic Rock Tracks Ever.

The feature begins on page 83.

The front cover prominently advertises:

100 Greatest Epic Rock Tracks Ever!

The photographed contents page describes the feature as a selection of particularly ambitious and expansive rock recordings.

The article examines the tradition of epic rock compositions, including music associated with extended arrangements, elaborate production and ambitious songwriting.

The feature is relevant to collectors interested in:

• Progressive rock.

• Classic rock.

• Hard rock.

• Psychedelic rock.

• Extended album tracks.

• Concept albums.

• Experimental rock.

• Historic rock recordings.

The contents-page introduction references Bob Dylan and Spock's Beard, demonstrating the broad musical range of the selection.

Interior Photograph – Rock Guitarist

The photographed contents page includes a colour concert photograph showing a long-haired guitarist performing onstage.

The musician wears a red-and-white striped shirt and plays an electric guitar under stage lighting.

The photograph is labelled 100 Epic Tracks – Page 83.

Steve Winwood – Page 44

The magazine includes a feature on Steve Winwood, beginning on page 44.

The article is written by Kieron Tyler.

The contents page describes Winwood discussing:

• Jimi Hendrix.

• Motown.

• Blind Faith.

• Viv Stanshall.

Steve Winwood's Musical Career

Steve Winwood became recognised for his distinctive voice, keyboard playing and contributions to several influential British groups.

His career includes work with:

• The Spencer Davis Group.

• Traffic.

• Blind Faith.

• His solo recording career.

Notable recordings associated with Winwood include:

• Gimme Some Lovin'

• Keep On Running

• Dear Mr. Fantasy

• Can't Find My Way Home

• Higher Love

• Back in the High Life Again

The feature provides an interesting retrospective on Winwood's musical influences and collaborations.

Brian Wilson – Smile – Page 134

A particularly interesting feature examines Brian Wilson and his long-awaited Smile project.

The article appears in the magazine's live-performance coverage on page 134.

Brian Wilson and Smile

Brian Wilson became internationally famous as a founding member and principal songwriter of The Beach Boys.

He was responsible for many of the group's most influential recordings.

These include:

• Good Vibrations

• God Only Knows

• Wouldn't It Be Nice

• California Girls

• Surf's Up

• Heroes and Villains

The ambitious Smile project began during the 1960s but remained unfinished in its original form for decades.

In 2004, Brian Wilson returned to the project, presenting the music in concert and releasing a newly completed version.

The magazine's coverage is particularly interesting because it appeared during the year of the project's celebrated revival.

Interior Photograph – Brian Wilson

The photographed contents page features a colour photograph of Brian Wilson performing onstage.

He is pictured seated behind a keyboard or piano, singing into a microphone.

A second musician is visible behind him.

The photograph is labelled Brian Wilson – Page 134.

Patti Smith – Page 96

The magazine includes coverage of influential American singer-songwriter and poet Patti Smith.

The photographed contents page features a large colour image of Smith.

She is pictured wearing a colourful patterned outfit with decorative jewellery.

Her long hair falls around her shoulders, and one arm is raised.

The image has a striking artistic quality and is labelled:

Patti Smith – Page 96

The associated coverage appears within the magazine's album-review section.

Patti Smith is recognised for combining poetry, rock music and punk influences.

Her notable recordings include:

• Gloria

• Because the Night

• Dancing Barefoot

• People Have the Power

• Free Money

Additional Music Coverage

The photographed contents pages reveal a wide selection of regular features, album reviews, historical retrospectives and music journalism.

Page 9 – All Back to My Place

A regular feature referencing:

• Missy Elliott.

• Van Dyke Parks.

• Simon Pegg.

• Mike Batt.

Page 11 – Theories, Rants, Etc

Reader commentary and music discussion referencing:

• Raw Soul.

• Ringo Starr.

• Bobby Gillespie.

Page 15 – Hot News

Music-industry news and commentary including:

• Nick Drake.

• Todd Rundgren.

• The Beatles.

• Icarus Line.

• Nick Armstrong.

• Frank Black.

• Iggy Pop.

Page 30 – Gimme Ten Fights

The photographed contents page includes an archival colour photograph showing three musicians together.

The central figure is shirtless, with two other men standing beside him.

The image is labelled Gimme Ten Fights – Page 30.

Page 36 – The MOJO Crossword

The magazine's regular music-themed crossword.

Page 40 – Real Gone

A retrospective section mentioning:

• Billy May.

• Greg Ridley.

• Doris Troy.

• Randy VanWarmer.

Page 95 – Albums

The album-review section includes coverage of:

• Patti Smith.

• The Shins.

• Lou Reed.

• David Byrne.

• George Michael.

Page 98 – Albums

The photographed contents page includes artwork associated with The Shins.

Page 116 – Reissues

The reissue section includes coverage of:

• Bob Dylan Live 1964.

• Bob Marley.

• George Harrison.

• Miles Davis.

The contents page includes an image of the Bob Dylan Live 1964 release.

Page 128 – Books

Music-related book reviews covering blues history and punk culture.

Page 130 – DVDs

Music DVD coverage including:

• Martin Scorsese's blues documentary series.

• Lightning Bolt.

• Johnny Thunders.

Page 142 – How To Buy

A music-collecting feature on John Martyn.

Page 144 – Memorabilia

Collectable music memorabilia including:

• Vintage jukeboxes.

• Flexi-discs.

• Charlie Parker.

• Rare records.

Page 146 – Enlightenment

A music-history question-and-answer section referencing:

• Peter Sellers.

• Neil Young's Lost Tapes.

Page 150 – Buried Treasure

A retrospective feature on The Penguin Cafe Orchestra.

Page 154 – Hello/Goodbye

A feature referencing Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys.

Interior Photography and Magazine Design

The supplied photographs show two original contents pages.

These provide a detailed overview of the magazine's layout, photography and editorial features.

Page 3 – Major Features

The first contents page includes:

• A large colour group photograph of Queen.

• A black-and-white portrait of Norah Jones.

• A colour photograph of Sparks.

• A colour photograph of Al Green.

• A photograph accompanying the Rebirth of Soul feature.

• A live-performance photograph of a rock guitarist.

The page uses a predominantly white background with gold page numbers and black editorial headings.

Page 4 – Regular Features and Reviews

The second contents page includes:

• An archival photograph accompanying Gimme Ten Fights.

• A live photograph of Brian Wilson.

• Bob Dylan album artwork.

• A large colour image of Patti Smith.

• A Shins album-cover illustration.

The photographs demonstrate the magazine's broad editorial coverage, combining historical music photography with contemporary recordings and artists.

Publication Details

Magazine: MOJO

Issue Number: 125

Publication Date: April 2004

Original UK Cover Price: £3.80

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Printed Music Magazine

Publisher: EMAP

Main Cover Artist: Freddie Mercury / Queen

Main Cover Feature: Queen – Their Rise. Their Return.

Main Queen Feature Writer: Roy Wilkinson

Other Featured Artists: Norah Jones, Al Green, Sparks, Steve Winwood, Brian Wilson, Patti Smith and others

SKU: 1590

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned original magazine showing visible signs of previous handling and age-related wear.

The supplied photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The striking Freddie Mercury cover remains clearly visible, with the main image and cover headlines retaining good colour and definition.

The predominantly black background makes surface rubbing and handling marks more noticeable.

Visible Wear and Imperfections

• Surface rubbing and fine scuff marks across the front cover.

• Noticeable fine vertical handling scratches across the darker printed areas.

• Light wear along the spine and left-hand edge.

• Minor rubbing around the upper-left corner.

• Slight wear along the top edge.

• Minor corner wear, particularly around the lower-left corner.

• Light rubbing along the lower edge.

• Small surface marks visible on the black cover background.

• Minor handling wear around the right-hand edge.

• Some natural curvature to the photographed interior pages.

The cover shows general signs of handling consistent with a magazine published in 2004.

The Freddie Mercury photograph remains clearly defined, with no obvious major damage obscuring the principal image.

Spine and Binding

The spine is visible and appears intact in the supplied photographs.

Some light rubbing is present along the left-hand edge.

The magazine opens to display the photographed interior pages.

The complete binding has not been examined page by page.

Interior Pages

The photographed contents pages appear generally clean and readable.

The photographs, headings and printed text remain clearly visible.

Some natural curvature is present where the magazine has been opened.

No obvious major tears or substantial missing sections are visible in the photographed pages.

Full internal completeness has not been independently verified.

Overall Condition

Good pre-owned vintage appearance based on the supplied photographs.

The magazine shows surface rubbing, light scuffing, minor edge and corner wear and general handling marks.

It is not being described as mint or immaculate.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Important – Original Free Gifts and Additional Items

MAGAZINE ONLY.

The original issue advertises a free blues-themed CD.

The original free CD is no longer included.

Any other original free gifts, promotional CDs, loose supplements, additional inserts or accompanying items are also not included.

Only the printed magazine shown in the photographs is being sold.

Packaging and Delivery

The magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during overseas shipping.

Collector Appeal

This original April 2004 MOJO issue may appeal to collectors of:

• MOJO Magazine back issues.

• Freddie Mercury memorabilia.

• Queen.

• Brian May.

• Roger Taylor.

• John Deacon.

• Queen II anniversary publications.

• Classic rock.

• Progressive rock.

• Vintage rock photography.

• Norah Jones.

• Early-2000s jazz and soul.

• Al Green.

• Memphis soul.

• OutKast.

• Joss Stone.

• Sparks.

• Ron Mael.

• Russell Mael.

• Steve Winwood.

• Traffic.

• Blind Faith.

• Brian Wilson.

• The Beach Boys.

• Smile album history.

• Patti Smith.

• Bob Dylan.

• The Shins.

• Lou Reed.

• David Byrne.

• Vintage music journalism.

• Original music-magazine cover artwork.

• Rock and soul music history.

Summary

An original MOJO Magazine, April 2004, Issue 125, featuring a dramatic Freddie Mercury and Queen front cover.

The magazine includes an extensive Queen retrospective, alongside major features on Norah Jones, Al Green, Sparks, Steve Winwood, Brian Wilson and the revival of soul music.

A special 100 Greatest Epic Rock Tracks feature provides additional appeal for classic-rock and progressive-rock collectors.

Further coverage includes Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, Pixies, The Shins, Lou Reed, David Byrne, George Michael and numerous other musicians.

Condition: Good pre-owned vintage appearance with visible surface rubbing, fine handling scratches, minor edge and corner wear and general signs of age. Full internal completeness has not been verified.

Important: Original free CD and any other accompanying promotional items are not included.

UK Packaging: Protective hardback envelope.

International Packaging: Sturdy cardboard mail-size box.

SKU: 1590