thunderclap newman something in the air

Happy to help, Ed, as it is quite possibly my favorite song of all time. In
late '68. The Who's Pete Townshend put these three guys together and
signed them to his "Track" label: His former personal chauffeur,
songwriter/vocalist/drummer/rhythm guitarist John "Speedy" Keen (whose
last name was mis-spelled as "Keene" on the hit 45), pianist Andy
"Thunderclap" Newman, and the then-15-year-old lead guitar prodigy,
Jimmy McCulloch (later of "Wings"; died at 26, in '79). Townsend played
bass on all recordings (as "Bijou Drains"). Other musicians were brought
in to supplement the three of them during tours/TV appearances. Keen
was a very reluctant vocalist, and only finally agreed to sing lead on
"Something In The Air" after much convincing/prodding by Townshend.
The LP and 45 versions you ask about (both in stereo, and both included
on their "Hollywood Dream" CD) are quite similar. But to my ears, Ed,
100% of the mix differences occur during Newman's lengthy piano
instrumental segment, about two-thirds into the record. I believe the 45
version has less strings present during this segment, which emphasized
the piano play itself much more. FYI, the video is a period piece classic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8zmkzshUvE

The stereo 45 mix is an entirely different mix than the LP mix, at least in terms of left-center-right stereo placement.

There is also a mono promo 45 mix, I don't have my copy handy at the moment, though. I also believe there may have been a mono/stereo promo for a reissue of the song but I don't have that one either.

Edited by TomDiehl1

I don't know what to do here. In some previous instances when I've felt
compelled to respond to a post from Tom Diehl, I've soon received a less-
than-cheerful, follow-up PM from him about it. I really hope it doesn't
happen this time, Tom. I'm neither mad at you, nor meaning to be
critical/disrespectful to you in any way. I always try to be respectful to
everyone here, and you, Tom have made many solid contributions to Pat's
board over the years. Tom, you are right when you say that the left-
center-right stereo placements are WAY different between the stereo LP
and 45 versions - I'd listened to both mixes from my CD before I even
responded to Ed's initial query. But that being said (and without
headphones), to most folks (like Ed, myself, and many other detail-
oriented listeners over the years to my former, 1977-2007 60s/70s
oldies show, none of whom EVER knew there were both stereo 45 & LP
mixes), my overall experience has been that Ed's question here is both
quite legitimate and not isolated. I know one thing I've always personally
tried to do on here is to wait until I have located/listened to my original
vinyl before responding to a post. Hey, we all mis-file vinyl sometimes,
but I know that the detail-aholics on here love specifics, and weren't
crazy about my initial, "it's around here somewhere" answers. How was
that vague answer of mine really helping anybody, I thought? So I learned
my lesson, and I now put the "find the vinyl first" time/effort in,
before I respond to a post. For the record, I stand by my earlier
comments, Ed, regarding the instrumental differences between the two
mixes. FYI, here are the song's full 1969 commercial/promo 45
particulars:

-Thunderclap Newman--"Something In The Air" (stock 45 is stereo) (Track
2656) (listed 3:53; actual 3:55) (deadwax "ST-A-17283   -   1")

-Thunderclap Newman--"Something In The Air" (promo 45 is mono, with
the same flip as the stock 45, "Wilhemina") (Track 2656) (listed & actual
3:53) (deadwax "A-17283 - 1")

Tom, I also have/knew that the 1969 promo 45 was is mono. But Ed's a
99% "commercial release" guy, so I tried to slant my reply to his particular
interest: the stereo stock 45. Finally, I do also own the late 1970 promo
45 (Track 2769; re-released due to its inclusion in the film "The
Strawberry Statement"), but it didn't seem relevant to use in my reply to Ed
because the song only "Bubbled Under" during that release. And,
as Ringo always says, "Peace and love to everyone!"    :)

(P.S. to David Clark: Yes, David, the mono "History Of British Rock - Vol.
9" version does sound like the mono promo 45 to me. But it runs just
(3:50), and to me does sound just a tad faster than my promo 45 does.)

(P.S. to Pat: Pat, "Something In The Air" did also get some renewed, 9 &
10/1973 airplay in Buffalo, during still another Track/MCA 45 release of it
(b/w "Hollywood #1"), so your db is correct to mention it in that regard.
But its 1970 "Bubbling..." airplay was more extensive, and included the St.
Louis and San Diego markets, among others.)

Edited by jimct

I dont think your post was necessary Jim. Any time I try to contribute anything here (however miniscule it might be) I get crapped on, or no one comments on my findings at all. A recent request I had on here for a copy of a song off an LP source that had been discussed on here also went largely ignored.

Jim, I was not wrong in stating that (for me) the biggest difference between the lp and 45 versions is the stereo placement.

I think im going to just have to avoid this site for a while. Bye for now.

Edited by TomDiehl1

As per Pat's rules for this board:

Rule #1 Let's be civil and not criticize other members or their opinions.

Jim, you may not have realized it, but I'm sure that Tom - as did I - interpreted your singling him out upthread as personal criticism, which he felt was not necessary. The line was crossed when the matter was taken public, as opposed to keeping such differences limited to personal messages, which is where they should remain.      

It's important for all members to remember that the differences in the way each of us perceives sound are just as important as the anomalies we discover between certain vinyl pressings or the differences in some CD production runs. Comparing those differences in perception should be part of the fun. Just remember to keep the discussion objective, as per Pat's Rule #2.

Tom, I wouldn't necessarily equate a lack of comments or a non-response for a vinyl LP dub with being ignored. I've contributed timing info or dubs whenever possible, but will do so only when I actually have the item in question.

We all make mistakes here, and I've made my share. As a result, I've vowed to be as thorough as possible in analyzing a particular subject, and even then, I may not always hear things correctly (witness the "Timothy (Revised Lyric)" faux pas.) We can only report what each of us hears and go from there.

Edited by Yah Shure