Not sure if I've heard those boot versions, Tristan. I do have a couuple live versions for 95(?) and another I think with just Garson on piano. But I think I still like the Ziggy Motion Picture version best, for the reasons EJ mentions. The first time I ever heard this song was when I went to the screening of the Ziggy motion picture in 83--and I was completely blown away. David sustained such an amazing aura of drama throughout that song--he was just ravishing, strong yet vulnerable, masculine yet feminine, angst-ridden yet resigned . . . I just SO fell in love with him during that song. There are a couple places where his voice kind of cracks--not sure if it's intentional or voice strain by show's end, but it works beautifully to add a weary quality to the performance.

zigbot