Posted by Bob Schappert on August 01, 2007 at 10:33:33:
In Reply to: Long Versions posted by Allan Sniffen on August 01, 2007 at 09:05:45:
Traditionally, in the era of The Doors and Light My Fire, it was the Single that was released and rushed to broadcasters and other non-retail outlets to promote album sales. Top 40 AM was still a predominant force in those days as well and " Hit Singles " were the mainstay of Radio play and record sales. Hit Singles were the mainstay of Jukeboxes which were more popular then as well. AOR radio stations were still developing then and although they did have a following for Album Cuts, it was still the 45 RPM SIngle that was out ahead and most familiar to the listening public.
To be consistent with a Greatest HITS format the single version ( short version ) would be the obvious and most popular choice.
In the case with the return of CBS-FM however I believe they desire to attract and retain the widest possible audience so an occasional play of the longer " Album Cut " version of a song that still remains so popular as Light My Fire by The Doors would not be totally innapropriate. The 45 RPM Single version should have the most play however to keep format consistenncy. There may be a very " few : other album cuts that may apply to this formula although it seems Light My Fire is getting the most attention on this board.
Hits = the Singles Version ( short ) in most cases, I dont recall ever seeing a Top 100 chart in any of the trades specifically for " Album Cuts " , only for the album in its entirety. Top 100 SIngles still predominated the market place in the era of " Light My Fire ".
50's 60's 70's and even a good part of the 80's, the HIT when pertaining to an individual song meant Hit Single .