Posted by Evan Marcus on August 01, 2007 at 10:17:09:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Long Versions posted by Allan Sniffen on August 01, 2007 at 09:47:22:
Sorry, Allan, I think "better-known" is subjective. To me (and apparently to several of the other posters here), the longer version of S:JBE is better known.
I believe WABC used to play the short version. I learned the song from WNEW-FM who played the long version. In this case, better-known would seem to be defined by which station you listened to. When CBS-FM 1.0 used to play the short version of S:JBE, I remember feeling cheated by it.
In general, I prefer to hear the long versions of songs. Obviously, *that* is a subjective statement, and it does not apply to all songs. ("Beginnings" for example; I never cared for the drumming at the end. And "Tubular Bells" goes on for about half an hour...) But I understand the argument that it's the better-known version that should be played.
I just think it's dependent on which version is better-known to the listener. And it's unlikely you'll be able to please everyone.
OTOH, Dan played "Life is a Rock" before as part of the Hall of Fame at 9:30, and it was a real kick to hear the extended ending on it. I know that's part of the Hall of Fame feature and not a part of the regular song rotation, but still...
--Evan