| jamster1111 06.06.2011 23:57 |
link Here's a version of the song which Bob (aka SirGH) describes as "the best version on this side of the Atlantic". Personally, I don't believe it's the best version on that side of the Atlantic (meaning the eastern coast of the US) but I think it's actually a pretty great version with a great atmosphere even if Freddie cracks a few notes here and there...it's the effort that counts and the random adlibs. Some people think this is a bad version but I highly disagree with these people and i think it is one of the best on the eastern coast of the US but not the absolute best. But I agree with SirGH in terms of that it is a nice version. It's highly emotional and has a great vibe to it. What are your thoughts? |
| Gregsynth 07.06.2011 00:03 |
Not a great version overall: Freddie shouts and cracks random notes, the song sounds WAY too rushed, very uncreative phrasing from Freddie. The only good part is the intro and that vocal solo before the outro (and I've heard better). Philly 1977, New York 1977, and New York 1978 (2nd night), are better versions overall (more creativity from the band members, and the tempo is more reasonable). |
| Rick 07.06.2011 03:08 |
Personally, I love the Boston 1977 version, because it has some great harmonies. Again, John can be heard and he is singing in tune! So far, I can hear John on every version of that song during the Races tour. Maybe the band decided to lower his mic in volume after hearing the Earls Court gig? Then again, he can be heard at the Houston 1977 gig as well. Thoughts? |
| Gregsynth 07.06.2011 03:15 |
Rick wrote: Personally, I love the Boston 1977 version, because it has some great harmonies. Again, John can be heard and he is singing in tune! So far, I can hear John on every version of that song during the Races tour. Maybe the band decided to lower his mic in volume after hearing the Earls Court gig? Then again, he can be heard at the Houston 1977 gig as well. Thoughts? ====================== Sounds reasonable enough! On some Races versions, I do hear John's voice cutting through. |
| Gregsynth 07.06.2011 03:27 |
This version blows the 1982 one out of the water. There is more creative phrasing Freddie's intro (despite it being shorter), Freddie sings this version better (no joke), and Brian doesn't make up notes throughout the song. Plus the crowd's better. |
| Thistle 07.06.2011 14:10 |
The examples posted by Jamster and Greg both have their moments, but let's not forget that it's not about "technical" ability, it's about what's more pleasurable to the ear, and I reckon that the NY '82 performance is nicer. Andm imho, nothing touches the MK bowl performance....except this: link |
| Gregsynth 07.06.2011 14:30 |
Thistleboy 1980 wrote: The examples posted by Jamster and Greg both have their moments, but let's not forget that it's not about "technical" ability, it's about what's more pleasurable to the ear, and I reckon that the NY '82 performance is nicer. Andm imho, nothing touches the MK bowl performance....except this: link ================= Gary Mullen :) Love that guy. I still think the 1978 one is better on the ears--the song's tempo is slower, and it "flows" better. Plus Brian messes up the guitar parts very badly on the 1982 version. I listen to the Jazz versions more than the later 1982 versions! |
| Thistle 07.06.2011 14:42 |
Gregsynth wrote: I listen to the Jazz versions more than the later 1982 versions! ============================================================================================= I know :) You're a 70s freak lol. I like that '78 version too, but most of my early bootlegs were 80s shows so I guess I just have a soft spot for them! |
| Gregsynth 07.06.2011 14:46 |
Thistleboy 1980 wrote: Gregsynth wrote: I listen to the Jazz versions more than the later 1982 versions! ============================================================================================= I know :) You're a 70s freak lol. I like that '78 version too, but most of my early bootlegs were 80s shows so I guess I just have a soft spot for them! ================================= My first unofficial Queen concert I got was the Oakland 1980 show--I have a soft spot for that! I then got Hammersmith 1979, then Vienna 1982 (second night)! |
| jamster1111 07.06.2011 17:09 |
Thistleboy 1980 wrote: The examples posted by Jamster and Greg both have their moments, but let's not forget that it's not about "technical" ability, it's about what's more pleasurable to the ear, and I reckon that the NY '82 performance is nicer. Andm imho, nothing touches the MK bowl performance....except this: link If you like the Bowl version you should check out the Edinburgh and Leeds and 1982 versions. They sound very similar to MK but are better. And by posting that you're saying that Gary Mullen's performance is better than all Queen performances except for MK? Gary Mullen isn't even that great. He couldn't even play piano on the song. |
| Gregsynth 07.06.2011 17:47 |
For reference, here's all the "east coast/eastern US" versions: |
| The Real Wizard 08.06.2011 13:43 |
I said it was the best version of STL on this side of the Atlantic because that's what I believe, based on listening to dozens upon dozens of versions. Freddie was at the peak of his creativity on stage in 1982, and playing the Garden was the best gig in the country. Combine those two elements and you've got yourself a passionate performance of Freddie's favourite song. I don't care who played what notes or who sang what notes - and I'm a professional musician myself ! I'm really tired of seeing this forum become a place where a performance is judged this way and no other way. |
| on my way up 08.06.2011 14:15 |
That NY 28/07/1982 show is one of my absolute favourites. That STL is simply mindblowing. Listen to the audience during that version and how Freddie makes them singalong... Those moments are totally unique and make me wish I'd been there! |
| Thistle 08.06.2011 16:12 |
jamster1111 wrote: Thistleboy 1980 wrote: The examples posted by Jamster and Greg both have their moments, but let's not forget that it's not about "technical" ability, it's about what's more pleasurable to the ear, and I reckon that the NY '82 performance is nicer. Andm imho, nothing touches the MK bowl performance....except this: link If you like the Bowl version you should check out the Edinburgh and Leeds and 1982 versions. They sound very similar to MK but are better. And by posting that you're saying that Gary Mullen's performance is better than all Queen performances except for MK? Gary Mullen isn't even that great. He couldn't even play piano on the song. ============================================================================================= Hey, I was kidding at first - but now that you bring it up, this Mullen effort IS better than a shitload of Freddie versions. Not all, but a lot. Have heard the Edinburgh and Leeds versions, btw, they're great :) But I still prefer MK!!! |
| Gregsynth 08.06.2011 16:31 |
Sir GH wrote: I said it was the best version of STL on this side of the Atlantic because that's what I believe, based on listening to dozens upon dozens of versions. Freddie was at the peak of his creativity on stage in 1982, and playing the Garden was the best gig in the country. Combine those two elements and you've got yourself a passionate performance of Freddie's favourite song. I don't care who played what notes or who sang what notes - and I'm a professional musician myself ! I'm really tired of seeing this forum become a place where a performance is judged this way and no other way. ================== Then how do you judge a performance? Technical performance and the emotional/passion performance are both important. I honestly do not see that 1982 version good--that 1978 Jazz version (11/17/1978), is better overall (technically, and emotionally). |
| The Real Wizard 08.06.2011 16:38 |
Gregsynth wrote: Then how do you judge a performance? Technical performance and the emotional/passion performance are both important. =================== Not when you're at the show it isn't. Only the latter matters. If you're busy analyzing every note being played at a concert, then you're completely missing the point. |
| Gregsynth 08.06.2011 16:56 |
Sir GH wrote: Gregsynth wrote: Then how do you judge a performance? Technical performance and the emotional/passion performance are both important. =================== Not when you're at the show it isn't. Only the latter matters. If you're busy analyzing every note being played at a concert, then you're completely missing the point. ======================= That's a moot point--both of us were not at the MSG 1982 show. We have audience recordings of the show--not the same thing as actually being there. The only "true" way to rate a performance, is to analyze it. I wasn't caring about the notes or anything at the Rush concert I attended. Only when I got the recording, did I study it. |
| Gregsynth 09.06.2011 01:37 |
This version right here, is a truly passionate and creative version. Tons of very soulful phrasing, and some of the best phrasing on the song. MSG may be a legendary venue--but that version of the song, just isn't that good overall (it's too fucking FAST and RUSHED--not passionate at all). |
| formulaone+queenmad 09.06.2011 01:46 |
The thing is though, even if people analyse every moment of a gig, they have a great point to as then people can come to really strong conclusions about stuff and I have to agree with Greg that MSG 82's version isn't the best but it is emotional but I go with 11/17/1978 because he sounds sweeter (even though it's the Jazz tour!) I mean we're not gonna listen to gigs like Japan 1979 and say "Oh my god! Freddie sounded so emotional on 4/23/1979!" If anyone does, I'll be amazed! |
| tsskiller 09.06.2011 01:56 |
Also take into account that at a concert, you will notice a bad guitar solo or barked/cracked notes. I would rather hear Freddie not going for all the the notes than one where he has to shout and bark them out. On the American leg of the Jazz tour, Freddie was becoming more creative with note choices in STL to make up for the lack of range. I personally don't like the Jazz tour, but there are tons of performances that are more passionate and less likely to give you ear cancer like MSG '82's version will. Hitting notes flat != best version. And yes, I've been to MSG, it's a great venue with a passionate atmosphere. |
| Gregsynth 09.06.2011 02:05 |
tsskiller wrote: Also take into account that at a concert, you will notice a bad guitar solo or barked/cracked notes. I would rather hear Freddie not going for all the the notes than one where he has to shout and bark them out. On the American leg of the Jazz tour, Freddie was becoming more creative with note choices in STL to make up for the lack of range. I personally don't like the Jazz tour, but there are tons of performances that are more passionate and less likely to give you ear cancer like MSG '82's version will. Hitting notes flat != best version. And yes, I've been to MSG, it's a great venue with a passionate atmosphere. ================= Well said. The later Jazz 1978 gigs (Chicago, Vancouver, etc), are brilliant examples of Freddie being passionate and creative (at the expense of range). I'd rather listen to those versions of Somebody To Love over MSG 1982. Sorry, barking out notes, being RUSHED, and Brian completely fucking up the guitar parts is not passionate. It's a sloppy version overall. |
| Gregsynth 09.06.2011 02:07 |
formulaone+queenmad wrote: The thing is though, even if people analyse every moment of a gig, they have a great point to as then people can come to really strong conclusions about stuff and I have to agree with Greg that MSG 82's version isn't the best but it is emotional but I go with 11/17/1978 because he sounds sweeter (even though it's the Jazz tour!) I mean we're not gonna listen to gigs like Japan 1979 and say "Oh my god! Freddie sounded so emotional on 4/23/1979!" If anyone does, I'll be amazed! ============== 4/23's Bo Rhap is very emotional. |
| on my way up 11.06.2011 03:02 |
Gregsynth wrote: tsskiller wrote: Also take into account that at a concert, you will notice a bad guitar solo or barked/cracked notes. I would rather hear Freddie not going for all the the notes than one where he has to shout and bark them out. On the American leg of the Jazz tour, Freddie was becoming more creative with note choices in STL to make up for the lack of range. I personally don't like the Jazz tour, but there are tons of performances that are more passionate and less likely to give you ear cancer like MSG '82's version will. Hitting notes flat != best version. And yes, I've been to MSG, it's a great venue with a passionate atmosphere. ================= Well said. The later Jazz 1978 gigs (Chicago, Vancouver, etc), are brilliant examples of Freddie being passionate and creative (at the expense of range). I'd rather listen to those versions of Somebody To Love over MSG 1982. Sorry, barking out notes, being RUSHED, and Brian completely fucking up the guitar parts is not passionate. It's a sloppy version overall. I completely disagree with you. Brian's playing during STL in New York 1982 is very beautiful, with many beautiful embellishments. Freddie is so passionate in his vocals, he really brings over the emotion of the song. He really sounds like someone desperate for love... Isn't that what the song is about? I love it when he jumps around (vocally) during STL, it suits the song perfectly. During the Jazz era, Freddie had to be too careful with his range most of the time so he lacked power and range to bring over the emotion of the song. |
| Gregsynth 11.06.2011 21:06 |
on my way up wrote: I completely disagree with you. Brian's playing during STL in New York 1982 is very beautiful, with many beautiful embellishments. Freddie is so passionate in his vocals, he really brings over the emotion of the song. He really sounds like someone desperate for love... Isn't that what the song is about? I love it when he jumps around (vocally) during STL, it suits the song perfectly. During the Jazz era, Freddie had to be too careful with his range most of the time so he lacked power and range to bring over the emotion of the song. ================== The song loses its meaning when it's played too fast. |
| Gregsynth 12.06.2011 00:06 |
In any case, I'll still take this version over some of those Works Tour performances (9/7 and 9/29 are just brilliant-haha)! |
| on my way up 12.06.2011 03:57 |
Gregsynth wrote: on my way up wrote: I completely disagree with you. Brian's playing during STL in New York 1982 is very beautiful, with many beautiful embellishments. Freddie is so passionate in his vocals, he really brings over the emotion of the song. He really sounds like someone desperate for love... Isn't that what the song is about? I love it when he jumps around (vocally) during STL, it suits the song perfectly. During the Jazz era, Freddie had to be too careful with his range most of the time so he lacked power and range to bring over the emotion of the song. ================== The song loses its meaning when it's played too fast. No, it's just perfect. "Keep losing my beat" ... haha |
| Gregsynth 12.06.2011 04:27 |
on my way up wrote: Gregsynth wrote: on my way up wrote: I completely disagree with you. Brian's playing during STL in New York 1982 is very beautiful, with many beautiful embellishments. Freddie is so passionate in his vocals, he really brings over the emotion of the song. He really sounds like someone desperate for love... Isn't that what the song is about? I love it when he jumps around (vocally) during STL, it suits the song perfectly. During the Jazz era, Freddie had to be too careful with his range most of the time so he lacked power and range to bring over the emotion of the song. ================== The song loses its meaning when it's played too fast. No, it's just perfect. "Keep losing my beat" ... haha ============================ I don't know. I keep listening to this performance over and over--but it's just not sounding "right." The intro is perfectly fine--no problem--but when the verses start, the tempo just speeds up (and actually fluctuates throughout the song), and Freddie totally loses the emotional part (that he did in the intro). Freddie's hitting wrong notes (or out of tune) throughout, cracks randomly, and sings way too choppy/rushed. When Roger's drum beats kick in (Freddie sings the "find me Somebody To Love" parts), Brian starts adding nuances to the song--but half of them aren't in the right key! The vocal improv and solo towards the end are fine (no problem). I know Freddie was weaker on the Jazz Tour, but at least he didn't destroy the song's emotional/meaning level! |