Better Live than on record.

Yes of course. I can't quite put my finger on what I meant but certainly nothing to offend or attack anyone on here.

I am glad we are good.

I was using exaggerated language to underline the futility of discussing something that is largely unsolvable but can see that in the cold light of day it could easily be misconstrued as an attack. I believe in a confrontation free QZ and one in which all posters go about their threads in a well balanced and gracious manner (myself included - although light ribbing is allowed).

I would also agree that LK version of DSMN is superior to the studio version. Same with DOTL and LMEY too - although that might just be down to the fact they are the first versions I heard as a little boy.

After hearing the raw live versions of those the studio cuts seemed too fussy. But both versions can happily co-exist as they are so different and essential.
An alternate spin on that is when we finally got the live Fairy Fellers - being so familiar with the studio cut (and loving it) hearing the raw live version breathed fresh understanding into the studio cut and reinvigorated my love for it. Again, both versions to me are essential for their different spins on the song.

Trying to distinguish between which songs I prefer live and which songs I think are better live. Lots in the former category, one or two in the latter. I think Dreamers Ball is more fun live than the over produced and rather sterile studio version. The fast version of WWRY on Live killers is one of the great live rock songs, albeit no doubt studio enhanced. It's much better than the BBC Sessions version (which is still very good). Live versions of Keep Yourself Alive tend to be more exciting and have a better groove than the original studio version. Aside from those two examples, I can't think of any others. Certainly none of the tracks from Queen 2 through to NotW are better live. As for the Hot Space songs, you can't polish a turd. They're most pretty grim on record and live.

When I first heard the studio Dreamers Ball after been very familiar with the LK version I was like WTF is this? Seemed a bit overcooked. The early version on the 2011 reissue is better - closer to the loose live version.

I love Hot Space (as you probably know) but I'll say that there are some live version of Body Language that are NUTS. I think the absurdity of them playing it live (they know it, the audience knows it) kind of recreates that fun vibe of the live Dreamers Ball. And contrary to history, the crowd absolutely laps it up.

Fun, yes. Better? To give an example, I've been to two shows where they played AOBTD and it was well received by the crowd (of course). The big booming bass sounds great. But when you listen to live recordings it's fat and loose compared to the tighter studio version. Virtually everything sounds great at a concert but when you hear live recordings afterwards, not so good.

I know what you mean.

I tend to prefer studio versions in most cases. Queen in studio were very experimental and this is what makes it so interesting, apart from other things. But overall, I find both studio Queen and live Queen equally fascinating. I'll go through all albums and decide which songs I prefer live. Should be interesting, even if interesting for me only :)

Keep Yourself Alive - but very slightly
Great King Rat - because of the way the drums were recorded in 1972
Liar - Inglewood December 1977 is incredible, and many other versions
Seven Seas of Rhye - only 1970s versions
White Queen - probably in my top 3 Queen live songs, but studio version is underrated
Now I'm Here - this is easy. Late 70s versions are amazing, with Freddie doing some great vocals in the improvised middle part
Get Down Make Love - because of the improvised guitars and vocals with delay effect in the middle part which makes that otherworldly atmosphere
Fat Bottomed Girls - never really liked the studio version
Save Me - always sounded better live to me. Mack-produced songs are my less fauvorite, sonically at least
Calling All Girls - live sound>Mack sound
One Vision - the same
A Kind Of Magic - sounded wonderful on stage

I still think of Live Magic with AKOM live. The audience reaction sounded muted when Freddie sings the first line. Almost a jeer? Of course other recordings have a big cheers when he starts it.

All songs was better live except when Freddie had bad voice.

Somebody to Love is fantastic live. Especially the passion Freddie put into on those Europen Hot Space shows.

White Queen
Spread Your Wings
Get Down Make Love
Staying Power
A Kind of Magic