Gregsynth 17.01.2012 00:33 |
For one of my upcoming projects, I want to make a video centered around the live versions of Somebody To Love! I want to know everybody's opinion on what they think is the best version of this song live. To make it slightly simpler, I'll nix all the Works Tour versions, and keep it to the 1977-1982 versions. I'm torn between Crazy Tour Versions, the two 1980 recordings of the song, some 1981 versions, and a few 1982 versions for my personal opinion on the best version. I also think that Stockholm 1978 is excellent! I want to know everybody's opinion on the best version of the song live. Here's a list that I made going off comments I've seen on Queenzone, Facebook, and Youtube. This list has 10 versions of STL that are almost always brought up when this song gets mentioned. The list is in chronological order: 1. Stockholm 1978 2. Newcastle 1979 (1st) 3. Newcastle 1979 (2nd) 4. Hammersmith 1979 5. Oakland 1980 6. Sao Paulo 1981 (1st night) 7. Monterrey 1981 8. Montreal 1981 9. Munich 1982 10. Milton Keynes 1982 I'm 100% sure that people would disagree, and say that some of the above versions aren't nominees for the best. I'm also 100% sure that people would nominate different versions for their opinion on the best version! I encourage debates, discussions, etc. The work on this site will be featured on Youtube (when the project gets done), so do your best! -Gregsynthbootlegs |
1sharppencil 17.01.2012 02:08 |
just to get things started: my vote goes to mk, amazin' version |
mut92 17.01.2012 07:53 |
you must add rio(The first night) Edinburgh (1982, first night) |
Kacio 17.01.2012 08:38 |
yeah, i love Stockholm 78, Sao Paulo 81, Montreal 81, Milton 82, Hammersmith 79 Leeds 82 and...hmm... Buenos Aires 81 |
The Real Wizard 17.01.2012 09:43 |
Buenos Aires 3-8-81 Puebla 10-17-81 Leiden 4-25-82 Leeds 82 Edinburgh 82 both nights New York 7-28-82 ...are worthy of a mention. Many of the News Of The World versions are good too (like Philadelphia and Houston 77), but they get lost in the mix because Freddie's r&b-influenced creativity in the early 80s brought him into another dimension. 1979-82 was Mercury's peak on stage, and he was growing as a vocalist and performer by the night. Shows like Hammersmith 79, Sao Paulo 81 and Milton Keynes 82 (all at the ends of tours) are peaks of periods of growth. |
plumrach 17.01.2012 10:50 |
Milton Keynes number one for me |
on my way up 17.01.2012 13:54 |
I've got a soft spot for Osaka 24/10/1982 too. Wonderful version of STL. Freddie was very creative on stage in 1982. I agree with the Real Wizard concerning Freddie's peak shows. You could hear him get better - and more confident and consistent - from concert to concert. Imagine having an official Hammy'79 dvd. The best tribute to Freddie ever imo. |
Gregsynth 17.01.2012 16:15 |
on my way up wrote: I've got a soft spot for Osaka 24/10/1982 too. Wonderful version of STL. Freddie was very creative on stage in 1982. I agree with the Real Wizard concerning Freddie's peak shows. You could hear him get better - and more confident and consistent - from concert to concert. Imagine having an official Hammy'79 dvd. The best tribute to Freddie ever imo.If that was officially released--it would probably be the best show out of all of the official releases! I think Osaka 1982 has a very underrated version. Sure he's not in the best voice, but at least he tries--and he's very creative. I find it better than 7/28/1982's version! |
Gregsynth 17.01.2012 16:19 |
mut92 wrote: you must add rio(The first night) Edinburgh (1982, first night)The Edinburgh versions are fantastic! Rio is most likely the best version on the 1984/5 tour--but I'm just focusing on the "full" versions of the song. |
tcc 17.01.2012 17:24 |
This has been discussed before: link |
Gregsynth 17.01.2012 18:11 |
That discussion wasn't going anywhere. This thread is more "people-orientated" and everybody's views will be featured in a video! |
Hangman_96 18.01.2012 08:36 |
Actually it's hard to choose. A few versions are just awesome, and I can't tell which one is better because all of them are fantastic. Hammy '79 is one of these awesome versions IMO. |
soxtalon 18.01.2012 17:19 |
My favorite STLs were when I heard Rog's backing vocals very clearly and Freddie did one of those really high falsetto whoooooos!!! One reason I love MK so much...But I also do have to say that Montreal, Hammy 79, Oakland 80, Puebla Mexico in 81 tickle my fancy as well... |
Gregsynth 19.01.2012 02:43 |
soxtalon wrote: My favorite STLs were when I heard Rog's backing vocals very clearly and Freddie did one of those really high falsetto whoooooos!!! One reason I love MK so much...But I also do have to say that Montreal, Hammy 79, Oakland 80, Puebla Mexico in 81 tickle my fancy as well...Plenty of versions from 1979-1982 tickle my fancy as well--that's why it's so hard to chose the best version! With everybody's help, we can together figure out the best version (or at least narrow it down)! |
Gregsynth 19.01.2012 02:44 |
Lostman wrote: Actually it's hard to choose. A few versions are just awesome, and I can't tell which one is better because all of them are fantastic. Hammy '79 is one of these awesome versions IMO.Most people will agree with Hammy 1979 being awesome! |
Gregsynth 19.01.2012 02:55 |
After looking through the comments on here, here's a list of the versions that got mentioned by everybody (in chronological order): 1. Philadelphia 1977 2. Houston 1977 3. Stockholm 1978 4. Hammy 1979 5. Oakland 1980 6. Buenos Aires (3/8/1981) 7. Sao Paulo (3/20/1981) 8. Puebla (10/17/1981) 9. Montreal 1981 10. Leiden (4/25/1982) 11. Leeds 1982 12. Edinburgh 1982 (both nights) 13. Milton Keynes 1982 14. New York (7/28/1982) 15. Osaka 1982 |
formulaone+queenmad 19.01.2012 15:00 |
Thank god Edinburgh's in there! 6/1 is better than 6/2! And wait til Demitri comments! :P |
fjac1980 20.01.2012 08:50 |
Earls Court 1977 doesn't appear? |
Gregsynth 20.01.2012 13:44 |
fjac1980 wrote: Earls Court 1977 doesn't appear?The Races Tour versions aren't as good as other versions from different tours. |
on my way up 20.01.2012 14:17 |
Gregsynth wrote:I agree but... Bristol '77 is an awesome version...fjac1980 wrote: Earls Court 1977 doesn't appear?The Races Tour versions aren't as good as other versions from different tours. |
Rik&Roll 20.01.2012 16:08 |
I can't believe that nobody but the topicstarter himselve mentions Newcastle 79 second night! Unbelievable rendition! |
drmurph 21.01.2012 09:54 |
I sat for ages a while back trying to work out my favourite live versions of every Queen song. For somebody to love it came down to to the 1981 versions. Vocally I love Sao Paulo 20-3 but Brian comes in with a real shed of a solo, so for overall sound I think I settled for Montreal DVD version. It 's pretty good all round and of course in superb sound quality. Then again there's Hammersmith 79 with a great version and interesting play with song lines at the end. Oh I don't know... I didn't pick any audience bootleg versions as I don't enjoy listening to them as much, but undoubtedly Fred's in great voice in Newcastle. |
on my way up 21.01.2012 09:58 |
Rik&Roll wrote: I can't believe that nobody but the topicstarter himselve mentions Newcastle 79 second night! Unbelievable rendition!It's a great rendition but I prefer both Newcastle firs night and Hammy. |
Gregsynth 21.01.2012 18:56 |
All the Crazy Tour versions are great! |
YAFF 23.01.2012 19:02 |
Being that I've only downloaded a couple bootlegs I have to say the best version is the official "Queen Rock Montreal" version because of the sound quality and Freddie's in great voice. |
Gregsynth 02.02.2012 00:36 |
Puebla and Monterrey are also fantastic! |
MC_Sandman 30.09.2015 19:39 |
Okay, I've found a thread I can go apeshit on. Prepare yourselves. A Day at the Races Tour: Bristol 5/23/1977 (The best Races version, hands down. Freddie shows some interesting note choices along with his voice being in very good shape. Still can't compete with his prime-live era versions, though.) News of the World Tour: Houston 12/11/1977 (Freddie's voice is in okay shape, but what makes this version special is the band's amazing vocal harmonies. They are so in sync in this version that no other version can replicate what they did here. Best StL harmonies of all time, complete with John Deacon giving a solid performance.) Stockholm 4/12/1978 (Do I really need to explain? Freddie hits high notes all over the place and has never sounded so excited singing it. Sure, other versions have more energy, but it's obvious Freddie knew he could sing every damn high note in the song and was having a blast because of it.) Jazz Tour: Tokyo 4/23/1979 (Freddie's voice sucks, but the rest of the band is on fire. This gig is so underrated - they hit an entirely new level of playing during this concert and it sounds awesome. Just ignore the "angry bird taking a massive shit" (Gregsynthbootlegs) behind the microphone.) Crazy Tour: Newcastle 12/4/1979 (There are high notes everywhere. It's almost like it's a studio take, but live. Also, Freddie throws in C5s wherever he likes - even doing one on "FAAAAACE no defeat", which I'm not sure he did in any other version!) The Game Tour: Buenos Aires 3/8/1981 (A very underrated version, and probably my favorite Game Tour version. Freddie sounds more like his Hot Space voice and less like his obnoxious, oversinging Game Tour voice. Only problem is that Brian fucks up the guitar solo.) Sao Paulo 3/20/1981 (Freddie sounds more flat, like his typical Game Tour voice, but makes up for it by putting on an epic outro, with C5s and creative phrasings thrown in all over the place. Only problem is, as with Buenos Aires, that Brian fucks up the guitar solo.) Sao Paulo 3/21/1981 (If you can decipher what's going on through the shit quality, you can see that the band is in top form and deliver a solid, all-around performance. Beats the first night by miles.) Montreal 11/24/1981 (While Freddie sounds flat again, like his Game Tour voice, he shows some epic phrasing in spots and makes great note choices. Even though we don't have it in Rock Montreal quality, this version shits all over the next night's version.) Hot Space Tour: Vienna 5/12/1982 (Freddie's beginning to grow into and become more comfortable with the voice he'd become proficient with by June of that year. While he seems to struggle a bit on high notes, and makes some weird note choices, this is still a solid all-around version that deserves some mention.) Vienna 5/13/1982 (This version, to me, is the version that embodies all Hot Space versions. It's uptempo and carefree-sounding, and the energy in it is indescribable. The band is obviously having a blast onstage and Freddie's nailing those high notes, although not as cleanly as he would later in the tour.) Edinburgh 6/1/1982 (Fast, energetic, and showcases some amazing high notes. The Scottish fans only add to the great atmosphere at this gig. Unquestionably one of the best Hot Space versions.) Edinburgh 6/2/1982 (This version gets less press than the first night, and is a highly underrated version. Although it's slightly slower, Freddie still shows excellent work, nailing those high notes and delivering a better vocal improv section in my opinion.) Milton Keynes 6/5/1982 (What can I say? This version is awesome. For those of you out there who haven't yet heard bootlegs of this concert, I highly recommend going to Greg's channel and searching for StL at this concert. The sound mix is so different and it really highlights how great Freddie sounds at this concert.) Ironically, a large majority of the versions I have in my library are Works Tour versions. :P |
MC_Sandman 30.09.2015 19:39 |
MC_Sandman wrote: Okay, I've found a thread I can go apeshit on. Prepare yourselves. A Day at the Races Tour: Bristol 5/23/1977 (The best Races version, hands down. Freddie shows some interesting note choices along with his voice being in very good shape. Still can't compete with his prime-live era versions, though.) News of the World Tour: Houston 12/11/1977 (Freddie's voice is in okay shape, but what makes this version special is the band's amazing vocal harmonies. They are so in sync in this version that no other version can replicate what they did here. Best StL harmonies of all time, complete with John Deacon giving a solid performance.) Stockholm 4/12/1978 (Do I really need to explain? Freddie hits high notes all over the place and has never sounded so excited singing it. Sure, other versions have more energy, but it's obvious Freddie knew he could sing every damn high note in the song and was having a blast because of it.) Jazz Tour: Tokyo 4/23/1979 (Freddie's voice sucks, but the rest of the band is on fire. This gig is so underrated - they hit an entirely new level of playing during this concert and it sounds awesome. Just ignore the "angry bird taking a massive shit" (Gregsynthbootlegs) behind the microphone.) Crazy Tour: Newcastle 12/4/1979 (There are high notes everywhere. It's almost like it's a studio take, but live. Also, Freddie throws in C5s wherever he likes - even doing one on "FAAAAACE no defeat", which I'm not sure he did in any other version!) The Game Tour: Buenos Aires 3/8/1981 (A very underrated version, and probably my favorite Game Tour version. Freddie sounds more like his Hot Space voice and less like his obnoxious, oversinging Game Tour voice. Only problem is that Brian fucks up the guitar solo.) Sao Paulo 3/20/1981 (Freddie sounds more flat, like his typical Game Tour voice, but makes up for it by putting on an epic outro, with C5s and creative phrasings thrown in all over the place. Only problem is, as with Buenos Aires, that Brian fucks up the guitar solo.) Sao Paulo 3/21/1981 (If you can decipher what's going on through the shit quality, you can see that the band is in top form and deliver a solid, all-around performance. Beats the first night by miles.) Montreal 11/24/1981 (While Freddie sounds flat again, like his Game Tour voice, he shows some epic phrasing in spots and makes great note choices. Even though we don't have it in Rock Montreal quality, this version shits all over the next night's version.) Hot Space Tour: Vienna 5/12/1982 (Freddie's beginning to grow into and become more comfortable with the voice he'd become proficient with by June of that year. While he seems to struggle a bit on high notes, and makes some weird note choices, this is still a solid all-around version that deserves some mention.) Vienna 5/13/1982 (This version, to me, is the version that embodies all Hot Space versions. It's uptempo and carefree-sounding, and the energy in it is indescribable. The band is obviously having a blast onstage and Freddie's nailing those high notes, although not as cleanly as he would later in the tour.) Edinburgh 6/1/1982 (Fast, energetic, and showcases some amazing high notes. The Scottish fans only add to the great atmosphere at this gig. Unquestionably one of the best Hot Space versions.) Edinburgh 6/2/1982 (This version gets less press than the first night, and is a highly underrated version. Although it's slightly slower, Freddie still shows excellent work, nailing those high notes and delivering a better vocal improv section in my opinion.) Milton Keynes 6/5/1982 (What can I say? This version is awesome. For those of you out there who haven't yet heard bootlegs of this concert, I highly recommend going to Greg's channel and searching for StL at this concert. The sound mix is so different and it really highlights how great Freddie sounds at this concert.) Ironically, a large majority of the versions I have in my library are Works Tour versions. :P |
Sunshine 01.10.2015 15:10 |
MC Sandman, thank you for tip of Vienna May 13th 1982. Incredible version. Gives me goosebumps. |
MC_Sandman 01.10.2015 18:35 |
Glad you liked it! |
MC_Sandman 03.10.2015 01:04 |
I made a video on the MK version with the official release video over the bootleg audio. Check it out here: link |
MC_Sandman 16.10.2015 00:21 |
I made a video on the Tokyo 5/11/1985 version with the official release video over the bootleg audio. Check it out here: link |
Biggus Dickus 16.10.2015 00:33 |
MC_Sandman wrote: I made a video on the Tokyo 5/11/1985 version with the official release video over the bootleg audio. Check it out here: linkNice. I never watch this gig with the original audio as the radio broadcast sound is way better. However, I don't think Freddie sounded terrible during this gig, not his best but certainly not one of his worst. |
musicland munich 16.10.2015 00:37 |
@ MC_Sandman Greg is hosting a facebook Group where those things also can be discussed . Just join in if you're interested. |
MC_Sandman 17.10.2015 17:12 |
musicland munich wrote: Greg is hosting a facebook Group where those things also can be discussed . Just join in if you're interested.Can you link me to it? |
musicland munich 17.10.2015 17:37 |
Well, you have to join Facebook. Then use the search machine. If your connection is fast enough, it will autofill, so after writing Gregsynth...it should you offer that group :) If not, full name is Gregsynthbootlegs-The (Un)official Queen Concerts Channel He's also on YT. "Gregsynthbootlegs" |
MC_Sandman 21.10.2015 00:37 |
musicland munich wrote: Well, you have to join Facebook. Then use the search machine. If your connection is fast enough, it will autofill, so after writing Gregsynth...it should you offer that group :) If not, full name is Gregsynthbootlegs-The (Un)official Queen Concerts Channel He's also on YT. "Gregsynthbootlegs"Yeah, I know he's on YT. He and I are subbed to each other and we have each other's Skype info. I can't find the FB group, though. When I search for it, it just gives me no results/people posting about Greg's page. Can you link me to it? |
musicland munich 21.10.2015 01:03 |
MC_Sandman wrote:You have to log in !musicland munich wrote: Well, you have to join Facebook. Then use the search machine. If your connection is fast enough, it will autofill, so after writing Gregsynth...it should you offer that group :) If not, full name is Gregsynthbootlegs-The (Un)official Queen Concerts Channel He's also on YT. "Gregsynthbootlegs"Yeah, I know he's on YT. He and I are subbed to each other and we have each other's Skype info. I can't find the FB group, though. When I search for it, it just gives me no results/people posting about Greg's page. Can you link me to it? link |
MC_Sandman 21.10.2015 19:42 |
I found it, thanks! |
Gregsynth 21.10.2015 21:28 |
HA - looks like Mr. Sandman is gonna be having fun in the FB group! :P |
MC_Sandman 22.10.2015 00:54 |
Gregsynth wrote: HA - looks like Mr. Sandman is gonna be having fun in the FB group! :PHow long did it take you to find out I was there? Not long, I expect :P |
Gregsynth 23.10.2015 09:04 |
Didn't take long! As soon as the writing style appeared... :P :) |
MC_Sandman 29.10.2015 01:54 |
Okay, for those of you as crazy as I am, I'm going to do a write-up of versions from each tour. Races Tour: Freddie wasn't particularly daring, but usually wasn't bad either. As far as I know, he never hit any of the chorus Bb4s. However, he'd sometimes pull out some random wild-card moments (for example, he hits the sustained Ab4-Bb4 slide like in this studio at Bristol 5/23/1977). These versions still can't compete with his prime-live era versions, though. Recommended versions: 5/12/1977, 5/23/1977 NOTW Tour: For the most part, these sounded like the Races versions. However, Freddie was more free with this song and he sounded less constricted. He also would sometimes hit the chorus Bb4s. These versions are, as a whole, better than the Races versions. Recommended versions: 12/11/1977, 4/12/1978, 4/13/1978 Jazz Tour: These versions usually weren't that good. The shit tour schedule pretty much made sure that Freddie's voice never made it to "good" levels at all during this tour. As far as I know, he never hit any of the Bb4s in the song - ever! However, Freddie made some creative choices during the Japan leg that would define the song for the rest of its live tenure - the syncopated chorus phrasings, which saw their first use during the Japan leg of the tour. They continued to be used for the rest of the song's performances. Recommended versions: 5/5/1979 Crazy Tour: The Crazy versions are crazy good! Ha! Recommended versions: All of them! The Game Tour: If you're okay with Freddie sounding flat on higher notes, these versions are excellent. Bb4s everywhere! Also, he phrased the bridge like in the studio twice (Inglewood & 2nd Sao Paulo), making for an interesting interpretation! Recommended versions: 3/8/1981, 3/21/1981, 11/24/1981 Hot Space Tour: The earlier versions (April) aren't that good, because Freddie's still adapting to his Hot Space voice and he cracks everywhere. Listen to mid-May to early June versions for the best out there. These versions are in my opinion the best overall. Freddie puts his new soul/funk tone from the Hot Space album to good use and delivers the song with a lot of emotion. Recommended versions: Anything including and after 5/12/1982. The Works Tour: The Works Tour as a whole was shit. We all know that. Voice cracks everywhere, Freddie hitting G4s instead of Ab4s, and a whole host of problems made these versions overall the worst. However, there are some surprising ones out there. Recommended versions: 8/24/1984, 8/28/1984, 8/31/1984, 9/14/1984, 1/12/1985, 5/8/1985, 5/9/1985, 5/13/1985 |