Neil Diamond: Sweet Caroline

I don't mean to slightly contradict the actual 45 timing currently in the database (for the second time in two days, no less!), but I just timed my listed (2:50) commercial 45 for you, Grant, and I got an actual time of (3:21), not the db-shown (3:23). Based on the number of current database CDs having a time in the (3:19-3:20) range, I would say no, Grant, "Sweet Caroline" wasn't sped up.

It seems there were multiple pressings, some of which were at slightly different speeds. I have two copies in my possession, one with matrix number 279-T21 and one with 279 T3. The T21 copy runs just a hair short of 3:22. The T3 copy runs 3:26! This is not a case of a later fade out; it runs about 2% slower than the other copy. When I first put it on the turntable, I thought I had accidentally bumped the pitch adjust slider. The slower copy is also mastered with quite a bit more high end. It appears to be the same mono mix on both copies, despite the differences in speed and EQ.

Agree on the high hat reverb present on the single only. Also the reverb on the vocal sounds different on the mono mix verses the stereo mix, as if different reverb units were used.