A Kind Of Magic

Alternate Versions

Single Version
Most easily found on "Greatest Hits II", and obviously the 7". The most notable difference (apart from length - 5:08, album, down to 4:01, 7") is the absence of the "outro" at the end, and a much shortened intro. This is a shame, as the intro and outro actually add quite a bit to the atmosphere of the song. So while this version is undeniably a catchy single, it does pale somewhat in comparison with the album version. Time 4:01

Extended Vision
A long mix with the full intro and outro, and that has a much extended percussion section which Roger must have enjoyed doing. Much better than the single mix, but again the album version is probably still superior, as it combines the best bits from both the single and extended versions. Released on 12", and as a bonus track on the Hollywood Records "A Kind Of Magic" CD album. Time 6:23

Classic Queen Version
The US "Classic Queen" CD has an odd version of this, in that it is the full album version but without the outro. It is definitely not the single mix, but seems to be an edit of some sort (presumably to fit all the songs on the one CD). Time 4:38, although the sleeve states 5:08. Time 4:38

US Promo Edit
There is a US promo 7" that contains two different length edits of this track. The first is the standard 7" edit of 4:01, but the second is a unique 3:46 version with some of the intro trimmed. Time 3:46

Out-Take
Variously described as a "Just For Fun Version", "Censored Version", and even "Demo Version"(!) on bootlegs. This is a short section of the song with some different, funny (rude) lyrics that has been dubbed from film of the band recording the song in the studio. This clip has been included in several official videos and TV documentaries (as have several other snippets of the song in various forms, including a different intro). Quite amusing, the most complete version is on the "Demories Please Majesties" CD, although it isn't actually listed on the back cover. Note its not on the "Demories" tape however, despite listing it on the inlay! Time approx 1:00

"The Eye" Version One
From "The Eye" computer game. Disc 2, track 5. The distorted vocal intro to the song. Hard to say if its been remixed, but it sounds like a straight edit of the album mix to me. Trust me, you can live without it either way. Time 0:32

"The Eye" Version Two
From "The Eye" computer game. Disc 2, track 12. An instrumental edit of the middle part of the song, up to the percussion break. Very good too, with some splendid guitar fills. The soft keyboards on the "I had a dream" part work particularly well. Time 2:27

Extended Version
On 12", and included on CD in "Box Of Tricks". A nice long version that has some great additional instrumental. This is basically split in two halves - the first three and a half minutes are similar to the single, and the last three are re-worked. The second half is very, very similar to the track "A Kind Of 'A Kind Of Magic'", which is a bonus track on the UK CD album. The link between the single mix and "AKO'AKOM'" is seemingly the only new material in this mix, but it is nice to have this full version. Time 6:23

Extended Edit (also known as "Hot Tracks" Mix)
From a US DJ-only "Hot Tracks" promo 12", edited by Aron Siegel and Randy Dethman. This is partly a re-arrangement of the normal "extended mix", but there are quite a few nice surprises. The structure of the song is different, plus some nice effects on the vocal, a different take on the ending and a unique intro. According to Aron Siegel:
"There are some overdubs that we had to do in the beginning to get a dance beat behind the intro. Basically, it was a loop (manual tape loop) of 'It's a Kind of Magic' until the beat kicked in."

Though extremely hard to find, this is certainly one of the better third party remixes - and more interesting than the normal "extended mix". Time 7:33

UK Club Promo Mix
There is a UK promo 12", in a black die-cut sleeve, with a pink label on one side and a white label on the other, stickered "For Club Promotion Only". Many people are convinced it carries exclusive mixes of both "A Kind Of Magic" and its B-side, "A Dozen Red Roses For My Darling". However, I cannot spot any difference at all between those mixes and the normal 12" mixes. I could be wrong (but please tell me how!), and there is reportedly a "Club Mix" out there, but I assumed that was the US 7:33 version mentioned earlier.

Live Version
On numerous bootlegs, and the official "Live Magic" and "Live At Wembley '86" albums. The version from Wembley is actually a very good one, with Brian's guitar getting a chance to show off the rhythms of the song. The bass is also much less prominent, with guitar and drums dominating the mix and giving a real swagger to the song. If you thought the single was too poppy, give this a try as its quite different in tone to the album mix.

Film Version
The version heard over the end credits of the film "Highlander", and included on the bootleg "Demories Please Majesties", amongst others. A very different mix to the one on the album, and with some extra guitar parts for Brian and much less prominent basslines. Quite a different feel to it, and it deserves a proper release really. Brian has described this as "the original version before Freddie locked himself away with it". Highly recommended. Time 3:23

"The Eye" Version One
From "The Eye" computer game. Disc 3, track 5. Has the vocal and finger-clicking intro, and a few backing vocals throughout, but is otherwise a straight instrumental mix. Sounds pretty much identical to the "Karaoke Hits" version. Nicely done, but a bit bland. Time 4:25

"The Eye" Version Two
("Ha ha ha, it's magic!")
From "The Eye" computer game. Disc 3, track 8. A vocal sample of Freddie saying "Ha, ha ha, it’s magic!" lifted straight from "A Kind Of Magic". Good for aspiring DJ’s I suppose, but hardly a song version! Time 0:06

Piano Version
Heard playing in the background of several scenes in "Highlander" the film, most notably when Christopher Lambert visits the girl in her apartment. Obviously the "love theme", it is a very nice version spoilt by the fact that the actors' voices have been dubbed over the top of it. The few snatches you can hear clearly are great, and its a shame it was never released officially. It seems to be just piano, with no other backing, and is suitably moody and slower than usual. Unfortunately, in this form it isn't worth taping from the film.

Single Version
Remixed for issue as a single, initially in the US but later in parts of Europe as well (Germany being the most common pressing). It has a distinctly different beginning and end (not to mention some of the middle bits as well!). Generally regarded as superior to the album mix, it is certainly one of the more different single mixes and is highly recommended if you like the album version. However, the striking sleeve alone is enough to recommend it. On 7" and 12". Time 4:00

Extended Version
On 12" only, and the CD in "Box Of Tricks". An excellent extended version of the single remix, and with a much extended introduction. Very good and worth seeking out. Perhaps not as immediate as the single remix, but seems to be quite highly regarded by many fans (and who am I to disagree!). Time 6:00

Extended Version
On 12" only, and on the bootleg "The Ultimate Collection Vol Two". Has a nice long intro and outro, with lots of repeated instrumental bits (mostly the piano). The last few minutes are particularly good. Very similar to "Friends Will Be Friends Will Be Friends", but still worth tracking down if you like the song. Time 6:19

Video Version
In the video to this song, the crowd sing along and can be clearly heard above the band in the chorus. After the music fades out the crowd are still singing, and a new ending to the song emerges. On the video "Greatest Flix II" and on CD on the bootleg "Demories Please Majesties". Time 4:19

Single Version
The single version of this song is a re-edited version, with a different structure to the album mix. The last two minutes of instrumental from the album version are missing, as is the "Who waits forever anyway?" line. Instead the "Who wants to live forever, Who wants to live forever, Forever is our today" chorus is repeated. Quite noticeably different. This is also the version used for the video, found on "Greatest Flix II". Time 4:00

"Greatest Hits II" Version
On the "Greatest Hits II" CD this song appears in an edited form of the album version. With a time of 4:57 cut from 5:16, the missing bits aren't too noticeable. Its the instrumental from the end of the album mix that has been trimmed.

Film Version
In the film "Highlander" there is a reasonably complete version of this, with Freddie singing the first verse instead of Brian. Bits of the film are dubbed over the top of it in places, which spoils it a bit, but it works very well within the film and is worth a listen. The backing isn't quite the same either. Oh for a proper Highlander soundtrack album!

Demo Version, Vocal By Brian's Daughter
On "The Ultimate Rarities Collection" CD (yes, another compilation) but please don't be tempted to listen to this. Presumably not a demo for the Queen version, this is actually a "bonus" track from the "Ian and Belinda" 12". If you don't know about "Ian and Belinda", believe me you don't want to. If you do, you've probably stopped reading this already. Suffice to say that this is absolutely unlistenable. Not the absolute worst thing I've ever heard, but pretty damn close (and just in case you're wondering, this is the worst thing I've ever heard). If you like the Queen version even a tiny bit, avoid this at all costs. Please.

Demo
The genuine article this time, and believe it or not, this was actually found in a rubbish skip! Basically its just Brian playing piano and a really, really tinny synth. Possibly not "the" demo, it could just be Brian playing around with the song at a later date. Time 5:57. Obviously extremely rare, and presumably only found in private collections of the very lucky or very rich.

Instrumental Remix for "The Eye"
(B-side version)
One of the B-sides to "No-One But You", on CD and UK 7" picture disc only. For some reason, probably it's late release, "The Eye" game itself does not feature this exact remix. This version has no Freddie vocals, but retains Kurgan's lines (and even adds a few). The original guitar solo intro is missing, and it does sound a little weak compared to the original (but then, that vocal is just so powerful!). However, overall this is a great version that shows off Brian to very good effect. The remix is by Josh Macrae, formerly of The Cross. An excellent taster for the other "Eye" remixes.

"The Eye" Version One
From "The Eye" computer game. Disc 3, track 6. No guitar solo intro (like all the "Eye" mixes of this track), but this mix does have all Freddie’s vocals. Kurgan’s lines however are edited out, and the middle section where he usually speaks is slightly extended. No sword-fighting effects either. It also includes some very noticeably new sound effects. If you didn’t like Kurgan’s bits in the original this is the mix for you. Time 4:03

"The Eye" Version Two
From "The Eye" computer game. Disc 5, track 8. An instrumental mix, with no lead vocals or Kurgan this time. The middle section has some new effects (and a very silly drum sound) just before Brian’s main solo. I really don’t think the remix helped here, as the song sounds weaker for it and the new effects sound like a poorly-done afterthought. As a bonus, it also has ten seconds of silence at the end! Not bad, but a straight instrumental of the album version, with Brian’s intro as well, would have been much nicer. Watch out for a horrible glitch at 1:29 too. Time 4:12

"The Eye" Version Three
From "The Eye" computer game. Disc 5, track 11. A hybrid of the other "Eye" mixes, this has both Freddie’s vocals and Kurgan (who even has some extra lines), but no sword-fighting effects. Uses the same strange percussion effect as the previous mix, but this time has only 8 seconds of silence at the end. Time 4:11

TV Version
From the "Highlander" TV series. Used as the backing track for a long swordfight in the episode "Free Fall". What makes this stand out is not actually the audio, but the way that sequence is filmed - almost like a promo video, with various filter effects, slow motion, etc. - definitely not your average swordfight! Still, if it wasn't for the "Highlander" association it wouldn't be worth mentioning. The only audible differences are some sword clashing sound effects dubbed over it, and a quiet part (almost a short break) where a few lines of dialogue can be heard. It finishes with a fade on the line "love conquers all". I know this is scraping the barrel a bit, but "Highlander" fans may like to seek this one out for the video.

"The Eye" Version One
From "The Eye" computer game. Disc 3, track 3. An instrumental remix of the middle bit of the song, roughly up to "Don’t drink and drive your car". Includes the guitar break. The drums have a slightly different sound, and the echoes on the keyboards are more noticeable, though that could just be because you can’t hear the vocals. Good, but not as interesting as "A Dozen Red Roses For My Darling" (see later). Time 1:59

"The Eye" Version Two
From "The Eye" computer game. Disc 5, track 10. Includes the vocals, and is pretty much indistinguishable from the usual version. Some people think the keyboards have been remixed, but personally I can’t hear any difference. And I still prefer "A Dozen Red Roses For My Darling". Time 4:40

Film Version
As heard over the opening credits to the film "Highlander". A different version to the album mix, with an extended instrumental section in the middle, but not really worth dubbing as bits of the film drown it out just as it gets interesting. Shame. Its a real pity there isn't a seperate "Highlander" soundtrack, with all the film versions etc. Still, one day!

TV Version
Used as the theme music to the "Highlander" TV series. The end credits have a thirty-second version of this as the closing music, which appears to be just an edit (i.e. the first thirty seconds of the song). However the beginning has a brief speech followed by the same edit, with various sound samples dubbed over it. These are explosions, swords clashing, windows breaking etc. (similar to the sounds heard over the middle section of "Gimme The Prize"). For the real completist, there are several seperate versions of this, one for each series so far filmed, each with their own combination of samples. Harmless enough. Time 0:30

"The Eye" Version
From "The Eye" computer game. Disc 3, track 4. A brief instrumental edit, with a slightly odd faded-in intro, stopping just before the chorus. Would make a good intro for an extended version, but as a stand-alone the "Highlander" edits are better. Time 1:08

B-sides & Bonus Tracks etc.

CD-only Bonus Track
Found only on the UK CD album, and the original US Capitol CD. Not on the later US Hollywood Records CD. Basically an alternate instrumental version of "A Kind Of Magic" (though it does feature some vocals), and very nice too. Much more interesting than the other "straight" instrumental mixes of "A Kind Of Magic" (e.g. the "Karaoke Hits" version), which are basically just the normal mix without vocals, this at least has some extra instrumental and a particularly good beginning. It showcases Roger and Brian effectively, and I suspect the remix might have been helped by either Roger or John? If you've heard the 12" mix of "A Kind Of Magic", this is basically the second half of that. However its good enough to stand on its own merit, and works very well as a track in its own right. Time 3:23.

CD-only Bonus Track
On the UK and original US Capitol CD albums. Best described as an edit of the extended mix, fading out a touch earlier. The new beginning is still there though. Nice, but why not just include the extended mix? I'm sure the extra 30 seconds wouldn't have hurt… Time 5:46.

CD-only Bonus Track
Also known as "Who Wants To Live Forever - Piano Version". On the UK and Capitol CD albums, and also on the 12" of "Who Wants To Live Forever". A superb instrumental, with the lead melody on piano and a nice haunting ending. The mix and instrumentation is completely different to the normal version - this is no "karaoke" mix - and the result is one of Brian's finest moments. Time 3:20.

"The Eye" Version
From "The Eye" computer game. Disc 3, track 12. Sounds exactly the same as the normal version. Time 3:21.

Original B-side
The B-side to "One Vision", on 7" and 12" (it is not extended for 12"). Remember Roger's percussion section from "One Vision"? Well this is basically 4:45 of that, with a few other bits of "One Vision" thrown in. Predominantly instrumental, and with some interesting sound effects. Quite listenable, though not particularly interesting, and on a growing number of bootlegs. As yet not officially available on CD anywhere. Rumours of an extended version from Brazil have yet to be proved. Time 4:45.

Original B-side
By Roger Taylor, this B-side to "A Kind Of Magic" is also known as "Don't Lose Your Head (instrumental)", which is doing it an injustice as it is much more interesting than that! Purely instrumental, and loosely based around "Don't Lose Your Head", this is quite different to most Queen material and is totally dominated by percussion and keyboards. Used in the film "Highlander" for Kurgan's crash drive, before blending into "New York, New York". On 7" and the later CD3, and highly recommended (although I know a few people who dislike it with a vengeance as well, so maybe you should have a listen before buying). Time 4:45.

Extended Version
B-side to the 12" of "A Kind Of Magic" in Europe (not US). Though not described on the sleeve as extended, this in fact has a brief extra burst of percussion at the very beginning, before going into the "normal" version. A very noticeable difference, although the time added is only about 10-15 seconds. Whether the 7" mix was edited or this version extended is unclear, but the two are certainly different. Why is a mystery, but wouldn't life be boring if the record sleeves actually told you what was on the record?

Film Version
Included as part of the soundtrack to Kurgan's crash drive in "Highlander", and bootlegged on the CD "Demories Please Majesties". Includes the voice of Kurgan as well as Freddie, and only about a minute long. This fragment is apparently all that exists, so any hopes of a complete version are unlikely to be fulfilled.