I first did this in March 2004 using the original karaoke mix. That mix is different enough that the changes were rather obvious but I still enjoy that version to this day even with its flaws. I thought it might be fun to try and redo the 'mix' using the remastered karaoke in hopes that it would match better.. and I think it does blend slightly better but it's still not quite right.
And there's one particular transition towards the end which I always loved in my original mix and trying it again time after time.. I just can't get it right.. was a poor choice to begin with I guess, but since I still love going back into the album version at that point, I left it. Listening to my original mix at that point, it's a bad edit too but I never really noticed until I tried redoing it :)
I also changed the ending, partly by accident.. in trying to redo what I did the first time, I ended up with something too short and decided to use that for an ironic ending ;)
One thing that is very different in the karaoke mix is the sort of 'ride' high-hat cymbal. It's brought out more in the karaoke and placed in the left channel (as heard in the 2004 mix). On the album version, it's more muted but definitely should be more to the right channel so I've swapped the channels for the karaoke parts this time.
Original extended version - Tuesday, March 16, 2004:
6.7 MB VBR MP3 link
New extended version August 12, 2006:
34 MB flac link
11 MB 320k MP3 link
I like the instrumental part after the first verse, and the edit works OK(ish). Agree about that edit at 3:49 - there's probably a better transition point, but I know what you mean about liking something so keeping it in. It's sometimes only when others hear it and comment, that it convinces you it's not right. All in all, the second version is better, as there is not such a contrast between the two versions. I would give it 7½/10, because I like the extended parts, but it lost points for those dodgy edits, which you have acknowledged.
I'm terrible at remembering what I used for my mixes, but for this one, done a while ago, I think I used the karaoke version, and the 5.1 mix, and I hope you will find is an interesting comparison to your own:- link
Nice mixes from both of you!! In Mikahl's mix I can't hear what Fickle hears at 3:49, to me it sounds ok.
In Fickle's mix I don't like the first edit at 0:24. I am expecting something else to come and then Freddie starts to sing. Irritates me a little. Apart from that I like the sound quality in the mix, especially all the singing.
I like your arrangement Fickle, especially the end.. a much more complete version of what I had in mind. The processing/overall sound kinda doesn't agree with my ears somehow but maybe that's just me. Thanks for posting/reposting that.. don't think I'd caught that one before :)