Candle In The Wind (Elton John's Song)

[Mitchell]

I listened to both versions of the Elton John song "Candle In The Wind" on Youtube tonight. The older version is a tribute to Marilyn Monroe.. and the 1997 version, as most know, was reworked by Mr John, played only once by him, at Princess Diana's funeral, released on CD, and became a mega hit. Mr John has never played the song again, and has said he will not do so, unless Princes William, and Harry, Princess Diana's sons, approve of him doing so. Mr John plays the older version of the song at his concerts.

Personally, I think that the 1997 tribute to Princess Diana is a better version of the song. This is just my opinion of course.

My question is: For the forum members who have heard both versions, which do they think is the better one, the original, or the 1997 tribute version to Princess Diana?

 

[TicklesForFun]

I like the original, though I think the new one was played with more emotion when done at Diana's funeral.

 

[Bugman]

If forced to make a choice I'd go with the original. But it's like many song's (Stairway to Heaven comes to mind) that were run into the ground decades ago, to the point I can hardly stand them anymore.

 

[rdhd]

I like the live version of the original, but also like the remake. But, you never hear that one played, and if you didn't get the release of it (I didn't), then too bad. Gotta admit, the man is versatile, whatever you may think of him otherwise.

 

[chicago]

I like the original better as well

 

[C.A.B.]

I always thought the Diana version was a pretty hokey move. Tasteless.

 

[Dussicar]

I've only heard the original version.

 

[Shin Su-eun]

I like the newer live version, probably because I heard it on the radio when it was a hit. The original came out long before i was born.

 

[teamtickleguy]

I think both versions serve a purpose. I think I prefer the original as a song to listen to on a day-to-day basis and I like the musical arrangement, but I prefer the second as a musical performance. One man and a piano. I find it hard to think of them as the same song really.

Kate Bush recorded a version as a second track on her release of 'Rocket Man', which she covered for an Elton/Bernie tribute album. Worth a listen. Tori Amos did a version too.

Elton John performed in my hometown the other week... I was away and gutted.

 

[WorkInProgress]

Here's the Princess Diana version, as sung at the funeral: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8gO0Z818j4. I like it, myself.

 

[Bizkit]

Very good song and never knew there were two versions until this thread. Personally I prefer the newer version.