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 · Member since
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 · Member since
The March Rainbow version.
The King Of Rhye · Member since
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 · Member since
Live. Definitely live. Rainbow live! The piano adds so much to the feel of the song.
Chief Mouse · Member since
Gotta say live. I'm in love with the Rainbow March version.
Gregsynth · Member since
Gotta go with live overall.
Check out Copenhagen 1977 - absolutely brilliant version.
Sebastian · Member since
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 · Member since
BBC
BETA215 · Member since
[QUOTE]
[b]pittrek wrote: [/b] BBC[/QUOTE]
Big black cock?
Mercuryman12 · Member since
[QUOTE] [b]BETA215 wrote:[/b]
[QUOTE]
[b]pittrek wrote: [/b] BBC[/QUOTE]
Big black cock?[/QUOTE]
Cock
Bollocks
Satisfaction
Vali · Member since
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 · Member since
Studio
MercurialFreddie · Member since
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.
