Jackson 5 - I Want You Back question

Assume there are other differences, Aaron. Motown founder Berry Gordy spent 99% of company time and money preparing the mono 45 mixes. Once done, for stereo, he tossed the tapes to a junior engineer, and then told them "you got 15 minutes to make a stereo master!" They've gone back, in some cases, more recently, and tried to build new stereo masters, with more TLC, but I would trust Pat's ears here.

Thanks, Pat. I'm just starting to explore the differences in versions for the pre-80s hits (as I've pretty much exhausted that decade and everything after). I figured it was your policy to label "version" differences only if it's more than just a mono/stereo difference.

In general, if I see (S) next to some and (M) next to some, both with NO comments, is is safe to assume that a stereo fold-down would give you the mono version? Or is this not necessarily true?

Jeff H. wrote: No that's definitely not true. All of the early Jackson 5 singles up to "Sugar Daddy" are dedicated mono mixes. Folding down the stereo versions will not give you the same mix.

This is good info, Jeff. So, how do I know from the database whether I have the 45 version or the LP version if there are no comments, other than an (M) and (S) indication before the listing?

Here's an example, since I just picked up Hitsville USA at my local used CD store...

Stevie Wonder's "Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours" is in mono on the box set. Without question, this mono mix is different than the stereo version I'm used to hearing...aside from the fact that it's mono. I actually folded down the stereo mix to compare the two, and here's what I found:

1) The percussion is much louder on the mono mix.
2) The horns are buried on the mono mix.
3) It runs several seconds longer.

Now, if we were comparing stereo to stereo, and those differences were present, that would be enough to warrent a "version" comment. However, the database doesn't indicate any difference between "45 version" and "LP version."

Does this mean that both a stereo and mono 45 were issued, so essentially both mixes are the 45 version?

Forgive my ignorance, but I was born after they had stopped using mono, and I don't own any of these 45s to check.

Edited by aaronk

aaronk wrote: Jeff H. wrote: No that's definitely not true. All of the early Jackson 5 singles up to "Sugar Daddy" are dedicated mono mixes. Folding down the stereo versions will not give you the same mix. This is good info, Jeff. So, how do I know from the database whether I have the 45 version or the LP version if there are no comments, other than an (M) and (S) indication before the listing? Here's an example, since I just picked up Hitsville USA at my local used CD store... Stevie Wonder's "Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours" is in mono on the box set. Without question, this mono mix is different than the stereo version I'm used to hearing...aside from the fact that it's mono. I actually folded down the stereo mix to compare the two, and here's what I found: 1) The percussion is much louder on the mono mix. 2) The horns are buried on the mono mix. 3) It runs several seconds longer. Now, if we were comparing stereo to stereo, and those differences were present, that would be enough to warrent a "version" comment. However, the database doesn't indicate any difference between "45 version" and "LP version." Does this mean that both a stereo and mono 45 were issued, so essentially both mixes are the 45 version? Forgive my ignorance, but I was born after they had stopped using mono, and I don't own any of these 45s to check.

All of those things you noticed about the Stevie Wonder 45 are correct. Motown mixed all of their singles specifically for mono until the end of 1971. The one exception I'm aware of was The Temptations "Papa Was A Rolling Stone", which I believe was a fold down of the stereo mix.

Really the only way you can tell which mix is which is to listen to them Aaron. The Hitsville box is main place you'll find the mono mixes. Other than a couple other compilations like some of the Ultimate Collection CD's, Motown has used primarily stereo mixes of their hits.

aaronk wrote: In other words, by folding the stereo "LP version" to mono, that would not give me the mono "45 version." Correct?

No. It is a dedicated mix, with the bass part coming in at a different time. On the mono single mix, the drumsa are louder, and has other subtle differences.

If you want the single version, you have to actually get it.