O/T - Debby Boone "California"

Debby's follow-up to "You Light Up My Life" was released on
45 months before it was included on her second album,
"Midstream." (By that point, Debby's next single, "God
Knows/Baby, I'm Yours," had run its course and her next
single, "When You're Loved," was set to be released.) The
album version of "California" contains lusher, higher
orchestration on the choruses. Has the original 45 version
ever been released on other than the vinyl single? I was
hoping this would have been included on the re-release of
Debby's first five albums on Warner/Curb a few years ago.
But, only the album version was re-released.

I haven't been able to locate the 45 version online (e.g.
Youtube, Spotify, etc.). I had the 45 back when which I
replaced in my record collection after buying the
"Midstream" album. This was one of the first times I
recall a song being remixed from its 45 to its album
version. (I had only previously recalled differences in
length between single and album versions of a hit song.)
So, if you can track down a copy of the 45, you will hear
what I mean. The added orchestration actually kicks in
during the first verse while she sings "Everyone out here
is pretty...."

I have also wondered why either version never appeared on
the "If Ever I See You Again" soundtrack. Although the
song finished its chart run by the time the movie was
released, you would think that Debby's version was at
least anticipated to be promo for the film. Even
stranger - Debby included five songs from the movie on
"Midstream." But, only one of those songs, "Come Share
My Love," was included on the soundtrack recorded by
Debby. (Then again, Roberta Flack's hit version of the
title track was not on there either!)

Edited by Scanner