Which version of "A Kind Of Magic" is better?

I have to agree, when Freddie and Roger get at it it's always benefited us fans. I never cared for the live versions of AKOM, they seemed to be missing something.

While I love Freddie's version on the album, I must give the edge to Roger. If I were to pick my favorite live tunes from the "Magic" tour it would have to be I Want to Break Free, Crazy Little Thing Called Love and jamming out in the end, also I enjoyed Tutti Frutti at Wembley.

Live Magic, bar the intro (never lived that on the tour). But out of the studio ones, while the Highlander version was a nice curio, the single version is great and quite neglected as a classic Queen tune.

Leiden 1st gig (june 11 '86).

That one I attended!

Recorded: The "Highlander" version.
Live: 1st Leiden.

I really like AKOAKOM, too lol

I too am a fan of that little mix of AKOM, however I can't seem to find any information on why it was mixed that way, or what have you.

^ no idea lol

[QUOTE] [b]freddiefan121683 wrote:[/b]

I've been a member for a long time and read the forum almost daily. So bare with me here since this is my first time posting on here.

So getting on with it, which version of AKOM is really better? Yeah, the album version is more upbeat and don't get me wrong sounds amazing. But in my humble opinion I have to say I liked Roger's version of it better. To me it's more in tune with the 70's style that is Queen. So I'm interested in hearing from you all out there. Thanks for putting up with me here.[/QUOTE]

The one which exists in an alternative reality, you know the one which isn't lame 80's Queen.

[QUOTE] [b]cmsdrums wrote:[/b]

but that was the beauty of Queen, in that they knew exactly when to duplicate something pretty faithfully (say, Let Me Entertain You, Who Wants To Live Forever), or when it needed something different (eg Magic, Staying Power).

[/QUOTE]

Interesting. ... I always thought Staying Power was sped up and rushed through because it was a terrible song and they were ashamed of it as it was embarrassing to play.

Funnily...I hadn't heard the song prior to watching the QUEEN: CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD vhs ... seeing the live cut in the doro documentary made me anticipate the song. .. hearing it was so disappointing.

That said... I enjoy the full length studio version. Yes it's polished, Yes it's kinda cheesy, Yes it's airy, But it's uniquely so
Soooo disappointing

Highlander End Credits version.

is a good question, i think it depends on the person. My favourite version is the Highlander version, but so far, A Kind of Magic was released in this formats:

In Studio:

A Kind of Magic (Album version/single): The poppy version of the album, very catchy and one of the biggest Queen hits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p_1QSUsbsM

A Kind of Magic (Highlander): The original version featured in the movie Highlander at the credits, it slower, heavier and darker, favourite among many fans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzbWXD45GC8

Live:

A Kind of Magic (Live at Wembley First Night): The band was most relaxed than the following night, some may think this is the best of the two nights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIdKrSJ6270 (16m36s)

A Kind of Magic (Live at Wembley Second Night): The iconic performance of Queen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2yymMhjRu8

A Kind of Magic (Live in Budapest): Best live performance of this song officially released, the band was on fire that night, Freddie sounded great, as well as Brian, John and Roger. Live in Budapest is the live gig to look to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGj3cIWYL4k (15m30s)

Then there are some bootlegs to look to, Leiden and Knebworth are favourite among the fans and these were really great gigs.

For me it's Hannover 2008. I was standing right next to the B stage, just like the taper of this video in Hamburg:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ7TCflz23Q

It was a blast to see them both, but especially Roger, so close really enjoying to play together. And the sound was simply amazing.

For me, the perfect version is Budapest 1986 one, is so clear and Freddie´s voice was in perfect condition...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLxN0wpFoP8

[QUOTE] [b]alberbal12 wrote: [/b] For me, the perfect version is Budapest 1986 one, is so clear and Freddie´s voice was in perfect condition... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLxN0wpFoP8[/QUOTE] Nah, if you want Freddie in perfect condition for this song, check this -

Depends on my mood. Highlander version is better when driving my car. It has a braod, epic feel.
However the original/album version is overall better.It has a spark that gets you in the mood.

[QUOTE]

[b]Stelios wrote: [/b] Depends on my mood. Highlander version is better when driving my car. It has a braod, epic feel.
However the original/album version is overall better.It has a spark that gets you in the mood.
[/QUOTE]

I like it but each time I feel it lacks the first "the bell that rings!".