Aerosmith - Dream On

I'm just reviewing the (3:25) 1973 version of "Dream On" by Aerosmith. Not only is it edited, but it is also a different mix from the version that appears on Greatest Hits. Here's the comment listed in the database:

1976 DREAM ON when this commercial 45 was originally released in 1973, the length was edited to (3:25) and remixed but it was rereleased in 1976 with the full length time of (4:26); the 1976 dj copies ran (3:25) and (4:28)

To me, this indicates that the full length version issued in 1976 was also remixed, unless I'm reading into it wrong. If that is the case, are there some (4:26) versions that are remixed and some that are not?

Does the mix contained on Pop Music: The Modern Era 1976-1999 match the mix on the 45 or the mix on Greatest Hits? Here are some of the noticeable differences in the short 45 vs GH versions:

- Beginning of 45 is much softer than GH version

- Guitars are mixed louder on the GH version

- The 45 mix has a "wispy" sort of background "aaaaah" that is very thin sounding and echoey in several places. It's during the chorus and fades out as Steven sings the word "away" before the second verse. This background vocal/effect is not present on the GH version at all.

- At (1:57) on the 45 and (2:59) on the GH version, the guitar riff pans on the 45 but not on the GH. Immediately following is the line "dream on (x3) / dream until your dream comes true" followed by another guitar riff. On this riff, the 45 has a lot of reverb added to the guitar (not to mention it's more centered), while it is dry on the GH version (and only in the right channel).

Does anyone know if this 45 mix exists on CD? I'm skeptical that the Sony CD has it correct, since so many other mistakes have been discovered on these discs (and box set).

My 1976 commercial 45 has a listed time of (4:28), but an actual time of (4:23).

To me, there's just one bad edit -- at the end of Chorus 1. It starts in one word and continues in another, much like the choppy edit on Steve Winwood's "While You See a Chance". That said, when I heard both songs on the radio as a kid (and the edited versions were played), I never noticed the edits! This was partially due to the fact I had never heard the album versions back then. I, too, like the mix on the short version of "Dream On" better. And btw, I lived outside Boston at the time, where this was a #1 hit in 1973 ... so the actual 45 I bought was this edit/remix.

Edited by EdisonLite

I'll also add another important thing, the re-arranging of one of the choruses in such a way that it came between the first two verses or verse one and three... and there is a longer intro, the first two verses, the bridge "where it comes, where it goes, nobody know", then another verse, then the chorus, slightly longer intro break, then chorus, then different repeated bridge where we hear the title, then chorus repeat, on the familiar 4-1/2 min.version, all with solo vocal.

The SINGLE version, played and released both in 1973 and 1976, has THIS structure: much shorter intro, first verse
then chorus with girls's choral backup (nice going, S.Tyler!) then second or third verse, then intro, very short intro, the title-bridge, then the chorus repeat.
Single is 1 minute shorter than LP. (3:35 vs 4:28).

I ALSO in a way prefer that version MYSELF!

It's on YouTube...there are arguments there on one channel's uploading in entry box, whether it is a remix/edit (including the job of re-arranging the verse and chorus) and dubbing of distaff choir or a whole different version (familiar query, huh?). ;)

Edited by Steve Carras

BTW It's Pop Music: The Modern Era 1976-1999, not 1979..it's still available on Amazon! I got my download and it's on my playlist.! :D