Couple of observations.

True stereo sounds remarkably different in many cases from the mono original. Not in every case. Because the industry employed different stereo 'effects' or technological tweaking at various times through the years.

When a song was originally recorded in stereo...you heard instruments not prominent in the versions first played on transistors and hi-fi's. Thus when heard for the first time in stereo...they can sound different.

Usually...it's just that they sound 'fuller'.

Some of the best stereo is actually from '59 - '62. EMI and Decca released the first stereo 45's in 1958. Listen to the Frankie Avalon song in the countdown from '60. Great stereo recording.

Now...sometimes an 'alternate take' will slip through the cracks and get programmed in later years, in which case you're not hearing the original radio version.

Some of the national oldies satellite channels and syndicated shows have had it happen. Believe me...if you don't know the song...it is easy to happen.

Also...some companies had a stereo version of a song but wouldn't release it for one reason or another. Motown was at times notorious for this. Evidence 'Jimmy Mack' by the Vandellas. The radio version until the last year or so was ONLY available in mono. Then Motown finally released a stereo version of Jimmy Mack after all these years.

Mono/Stereo. Makes for quite a discussion.

Bob

• RE: Top 40 1960 Countdown Pt. 1- Comment - John 10/12/2007 09:11:35 EDT (1)
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