Posted by Ralph Hahn on July 19, 2007 at 13:28:07:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Bob: Was that an alternate version of Groovin'? posted by Bob Shannon on July 19, 2007 at 12:14:28:
Looks like CBS-FM is on the right track, playing more and more original 'hit versions' instead of the (sometimes) inferior 'LP versions' slapped together. I know that this has plagued today's oldies PD's: Play the same stereo cuts that people have been used to listening the past 30 years or so, or do what CBS-FM is doing: PLaying the 'true' hit versions. BACK TO MONO!
I hope, Bob, that you can get the original hit 45 mix of B.J. Thomas's "Hooked on a Feeling." Far superior to the LP version played to death on both terrestrial and satellite oldies stations. The key here is MORE RIM SHOTS & LESS B.J. OVERDUBS!!!
Another mono 45-mix favorites is Edwin Starr's "War." The single version was POWERFUL with the big bass drums. The stereo version has added horns that weaken the dramatic effect and subject matter of the song. Of course, we know that ALL of Motown's hit singles were mixed better than the LP versions.
Group members of Three Dog Night 'personally' supervised the mixing of the 45-versions. They pretty much left the mixing of the LP versions to the producers.
Finally, Bob, how about the Spanish and Italian versions of "Groovin'? I have all of the (Young)Rascals hits, singles and LP mixes, on their limited (and numbered) anthology "The Rascals - All I Really Need: The Atlantic Recordings (1965-1971)."
Another superior 45-hit version of this blue-eyed soul group is "How Can I Be Sure?" I think this song inspired a deodorant product!