Joe Jackson "Steppin Out"

Just to clarify for people searching for the version details (not contradicting anything said previously):

• The common 45 version runs about 3:46, printed as 3:43. It's an edit with a cold open, 3 seconds (8 beats) of rhythm machine in the intro before the sequenced bass synth starts.

• The full-length version, which we are calling the LP version here, runs about 4:20. It is unedited, with a cold open of 6 seconds (16 beats) of rhythm machine. It is called "Album Version" with a printed duration of 4:27 on the US promo 12". On some CD appearances, this version is faded in rather than starting at full volume, and on some CDs it is faded out a second or two early.

• The actual Night and Day album plays the full-length version, but it begins over the fadeout of the previous song ("Target", which has prominent Latin piano), and fades up slowly from a low volume as the other song fades out. Its duration is printed as 4:34, but if you start from the first beat, it actually runs about 4:24, or 4:26 on my vinyl due to slower mastering.

• The UK 12" advertises a "Full Length" version, but it is the Night and Day segued album version, just faded in very quickly right before the bass synth starts. You can hear a bit of the piano from "Target" as it fades in. This ends up running about 4:17, but is printed as 4:34 like on the album. A number of import 45s also have 4:34 printed; for now, I would assume they have this version.



Edited by mjb50