| tomchristie22 28.01.2015 08:44 |
For me, White Queen is probably the most difficult song to answer this question for. There are, after all, so many exquisite things about each. The studio version has such a buildup on the instrumental section, with those distant yet hypnotic vocals, and then the enormous and blissful climax at 'My goddess here...', guitar, backing vocals, and Freddie's lead vocal all shining. The live version is quite different - Freddie sings the whole thing somewhat more powerfully, whereas his vocals for most of the studio version are very subdued, not quite whisper-like, but they have that kind of effect. Of course, we also have the extended piano and guitar duet, the best example of which in my opinion is that on the Queen II Rainbow concert - an incredibly moving solo by Brian. It could be argued, too, that the inclusion of piano adds a new layer to the song, filling what could seem like a void when returning to the studio version after listening to a live one (though that's a matter of personal opinion). Piano and Queen's characteristic sound as a whole are pretty inseparable, after all. Live, they also slowed the tempo down a bit, and had Roger's drums more pronounced. I feel this suits the song well - the slightly slower pace can make it feel more poignant and reflective. It could also be argued that the lack of backing vocals on the live version is good in that it points the focus solely on Freddie's performance, which is fitting for what is a fairly personal and vulnerable song (even if not written out of his own sentiments - he could and did still sing it with conviction). I've cast my vote for the studio version, but it was no easy choice (not like Love of my Life, another of their songs where the live arrangement is a significant department from the studio version. Studio is a clear winner for me there). |
| brENsKi 28.01.2015 09:30 |
to be honest it's a not a song i feel a lot of love for...but if i had to choose...i'd say the BBC version is better than both - the vocals have a fragility that comes through in the stripped back arrangement |
| Oscar J 28.01.2015 10:31 |
The March Rainbow version. |
| The King Of Rhye 28.01.2015 10:33 |
Live versions for me.........not by much, the studio version is awesome too, and it's one of my favorite songs..... I remember I first heard White Queen live on that Glasgow 77 bootleg.......I was like :O........lol |
| noorie 28.01.2015 10:38 |
Live. Definitely live. Rainbow live! The piano adds so much to the feel of the song. |
| Chief Mouse 28.01.2015 11:07 |
Gotta say live. I'm in love with the Rainbow March version. |
| Gregsynth 28.01.2015 11:16 |
Gotta go with live overall. Check out Copenhagen 1977 - absolutely brilliant version. |
| Sebastian 28.01.2015 11:27 |
Sometimes less is more, but not in this case: One Freddie singing phenomenally < Many Freddies singing phenomenally. One great electric guitar < Many great electric guitars. Freddie as a pianist < Brian as an acoustic guitarist. No backing vocals < Angelical backing vocals. |
| pittrek 28.01.2015 11:48 |
BBC |
| BETA215 28.01.2015 13:26 |
pittrek wrote: BBC Big black cock? |
| Mercuryman12 28.01.2015 13:29 |
BETA215 wrote:Cockpittrek wrote: BBCBig black cock? Bollocks Satisfaction |
| Vali 28.01.2015 13:51 |
live, all the way the studio version was always like "well, it's alright" to me, while the live version has been always like "wow!!!" |
| winterspelt 28.01.2015 14:26 |
Studio |
| MercurialFreddie 28.01.2015 15:45 |
On the studio version, before Freddie sings "White Queen walks, and the night grows pale...." there is some effect added to Brian's guitar, maybe it's multilayered or sth but it's something really atmospheric which wins every time, they just couldn't replicate it live but of course the performance from the March gig at the Rainbow can compete with studio version as Freddie sings it very emotionally. |
| LucasDiego 28.01.2015 15:56 |
Studio, with the guitar solo live |
| alberbal12 28.01.2015 16:27 |
I prefer live version... Like in Rainbow '74 march concert... Simply stunning. |
| brunogorski 28.01.2015 16:29 |
BETA215 wrote:O_Opittrek wrote: BBCBig black cock? |
| tomchristie22 28.01.2015 21:42 |
The live version's definitely prevailed here, interesting. Thanks for your thoughts, all.
Sebastian wrote: Sometimes less is more, but not in this case: One Freddie singing phenomenally < Many Freddies singing phenomenally. One great electric guitar < Many great electric guitars. Freddie as a pianist < Brian as an acoustic guitarist. No backing vocals < Angelical backing vocals.Well said. Vali wrote: the studio version was always like "well, it's alright" to me, while the live version has been always like "wow!!!"That was my stance at one stage, too - I liked it, but wasn't blown away. When I heard the live version, I was quite taken by it, and that compelled me to go back and give the studio version a better listen. The thing about it is, so many of the great elements are very distant in the mix, but once you notice them, it makes the whole piece that much more sublime. |
| Mercuryman12 28.01.2015 21:43 |
tomchristie22 wrote: The live version's definitely prevailed here, interesting. Thanks for your thoughts, all.The Sheffield 1974 version is the best ever version!Sebastian wrote: Sometimes less is more, but not in this case: One Freddie singing phenomenally < Many Freddies singing phenomenally. One great electric guitar < Many great electric guitars. Freddie as a pianist < Brian as an acoustic guitarist. No backing vocals < Angelical backing vocals.Well said.Vali wrote: the studio version was always like "well, it's alright" to me, while the live version has been always like "wow!!!"That was my stance at one stage, too - I liked it, but wasn't blown away. When I heard the live version, I was quite taken by it, and that compelled me to go back and give the studio version a better listen. The thing about it is, so many of the great elements are very distant in the mix, but once you notice them, it makes the whole piece that much more sublime. link |
| ili 29.01.2015 01:09 |
there are Queen songs that sound better when played live, but not this one. Studio version is much better. live version was as good as it could get with only four pieces of instruments; without multi layered harmonies, vocals and studio effects. |
| gerry 29.01.2015 04:41 |
For me the BBC version of "White Queen" is far more regal than the album version on Queen2. The band seem to flow more easily on the live version and it seems more dramatic. Freddie's piano playing is also very grand and together. Brian's guitar playing is let loose and Roger and john are in fine form. |
| princetom 29.01.2015 13:33 |
BBC indeed... it gathers best of all parts. what a *wonderful* song THAT is! one of my favourites of all time!!! this, for me, is the definition of "queen"... passionate vocals, great guitars, a certain drive and some excellent bass notes.! i would give anything to hear such a masterpiece once again for the first time ! |
| DepeX 29.01.2015 14:57 |
I really don't know why, but I absolutely love the new Rainbow version (March gig), a great mix of "regal" and pure "rock" |
| Gregsynth 29.01.2015 15:54 |
Love the song - prefer live versions! |
| ludwigs 29.01.2015 15:58 |
Although there are some brilliant versions of WQ 'live' I'd have to say that I prefer the studio version. Many more guitars and vocals that aren't 'obvious' without honing in. Was only when I worked it out for my reproduction recording and subsequent tutorial that I realised just how much was going on! And a fantastic 2-part acoustic solo with some excellent phrasing. |
| Mercuryman12 29.01.2015 15:59 |
Live! |
| brENsKi 29.01.2015 16:16 |
Mercuryman12 wrote: Live!no shit...would it be from Sheffield 1974 by any chance you f**king cretin? |
| cmsdrums 30.01.2015 08:42 |
Whilst I love the stusio version, the way the piano and guitar interplay with each other on the live version is just magical, and makes 'Live' the winner for me every time |
| Saint Jiub 31.01.2015 14:16 |
Live - The interplay between Freddie's piano and Brian's guitar is breathtaking. |
| mike hunt 31.01.2015 15:15 |
love the song, the studio verson is excellent but live might be slightly better. |