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SERIOUS DISCUSSION regarding the forthcoming Madonna compilation release.


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Among her many accomplishments, Madonna enjoyed one of the most successful singles streaks in music history. With the release of a career spanning retrospective coming within the next five months, I wanted to open a thread for serious discussion regarding the release, especially with regard to how it should be assembled to best represent The Icon (you may now bow down.)

As far as I'm concerned, the most important aspect will be with the music itself. Keep in mind that this release should represent Madonna not only for the fans but for a mass audience. For the sake of history. The rarities, remixes, outtakes, etc. will all see eventual release from the Warner Bros. vaults once she's fully left for Live Nation, but this release needs to be the end-all be-all collection to represent the twenty-five years of hits that secured her place in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

The first part of the discussion should be determining which versions are appropriate to include. This should not be based on personal preference, but rather on preserving history. People moan about the edits and remixes used for singles, but the truth is and will remain that <b>these are the hits</b>. These are the versions people heard on the radio and they deserve to be preserved on this kind of retrospective. The original albums are easy to obtain on virtually all conceivable formats. Representing each song by its <b>original master single version</b> will not erase or take away from the LP version masters. (Most of the single versions aren't so far removed from the originals as some would have you to believe, though it is in my opinion that most single versions managed to "tighten" and successfully improve upon the original album versions.)

Below, I've listed the first set/era of Madonna's singles. I'm focusing specifically on her two biggest markets, the U.S. and U.K.

Songs are listed in the more consistent U.S. order of release with U.K.-only singles added in by date in relation to those. The main entry line makes mention of the U.S. single versions (often identical to the versions issued in the U.K.), followed by brief notes and the occasional useless trivia. In the few cases where the U.S. and U.K. saw alternate single versions issued for the same song, I have clearly mentioned the U.K. variation within the text.

I really hope this will spark some intelligent discussion and that, most of all, it actually makes sense. <img src="http://forums.madonnanation.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/shy.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=" :shy: " border="0" alt="shy.gif" />

<u><b>Era one: Sire (pre-Maverick releases)</u></b>

<b>EVERYBODY</b> 3:58 (EDIT)

Simple edit of the original 12" length version. Issued commercially and promotionally in the U.S. (NOTE: An alternate remix was instead issued in the U.K.)

<b>BURNING UP</b> 3:50 (EDIT)

Simple edit of the original 12" version. This version was not issued in the U.S. commercially, but was the 7" version internationally (Japan, etc.). (NOTE: Not issued as a single in the U.K.)

<b>PHYSICAL ATTRACTION</b> 3:53 (EDIT)

Edit of an unreleased earlier mix before the track was remixed by Jellybean. Issued promotionally on a double-sided 7" in the U.S., on international 7" releases of "Burning Up," and later included on promotional "Single Edits Of Album Remixes" releases of You Can Dance. (NOTE: Not issued as a single in the U.K.)

<b>HOLIDAY</b> 3:50 (EDIT)

Simple edit of "Madonna" album version.

<b>BORDERLINE</b> 3:58 (EDIT)

Remixed and edited by Jellybean. Also the video version.

<b>LUCKY STAR</b> 3:44 (EDIT)

Simple edit of "Madonna" album version. Also the video version. (NOTE: all formats of the "Madonna" video EP and The Immaculate Collection DVD feature a longer, 12" version of the video. Original VHS and Laserdisc copies of The Immaculate Collection contain the original 3:44 length video release.)

<b>LIKE A VIRGIN</b> 3:35

The "Like A Virgin" album version.

<b>MATERIAL GIRL</b> 3:56

The "Like A Virgin" album version.

<b>CRAZY FOR YOU</b> 4:08 (EDIT)

An early fade of the "Vision Quest" soundtrack version. (NOTE: This version appears on "Something To Remember" and is often incorrectly referred to as a unique fade specifically for the compilation.)

<b>ANGEL</b> 3:40 (EDIT)

An early fade of the "Like A Virgin" album version.

<b>INTO THE GROOVE</b> 4:40

Commercially not issued as a U.S. a-side. Instead issued on the b-side of the "Angel" 12" maxi single. Later issued on 7", cassingle and CD single as part of the stateside BackTrax/Back-To-Back Hits series.

<b>DRESS YOU UP</b> 3:58

The "Like A Virgin" album version.

<b>GAMBLER</b> 3:54

Though a commercial release in the U.K., "Gambler" was only a video release in the U.S. (featuring an edited version). Later issued on 7" as part of the stateside BackTrax/Back-To-Back Hits series.

<b>LIVE TO TELL</b> 4:37 (EDIT)

Simple edit of the "True Blue" album version. Also the video version.

<b>PAPA DON'T PREACH</b> 4:27

The "True Blue" album version. U.S. promotional copies feature "Edit" version, an early fade of the "True Blue" album version.

<b>TRUE BLUE</b> 4:16

The "True Blue" album version. U.S. promotional copies feature "Fade" version, an early fade of the "True Blue" album version. (NOTE: "Fade" is the video version. In the U.K., "True Blue"'s single version --7" Remix-- was remixed by Shep Pettibone. This version can be found on the U.S. 12" Maxi Single, called "Remix/Edit".)

<b>OPEN YOUR HEART</b> 4:12

The "True Blue" album version. U.S. promotional copies also include an edited remix by Thompson/Barbiero. (NOTE: The U.S. 7" single sleeve incorrectly states that the song has been remixed by Thomspon/Barbiero. This version was however the commercially released version in the U.K. )

<b>LA ISLA BONITA</b> 4:01

The "True Blue" album version. This is also the video version. (NOTE: In the U.K., the single version of "La Isla Bonita" was instead a remix by Chris Lord-Alge.)

<b>WHO'S THAT GIRL</b> 3:58

The "Who's The Girl" soundtrack version. This is also the video version.

<b>CAUSING A COMMOTION</b> 4:00 (SILVER SCREEN SINGLE MIX)

Remixed and edited by Shep Pettibone. Features an alternate vocal on the second verse ("What works for me can work for you..."). Released commercially and promotionally.

<b>THE LOOK OF LOVE</b> 4:03

The "Who's That Girl" soundtrack version. Not issued as a single in the U.S. but used later as the b-side of "Express Yourself".

<b>SPOTLIGHT</b> 4:32 (SINGLE EDIT)

A simple edit of the unblended album/12" version, first issued promotionally on You Can Dance: Single Edits Of Album Remixes, and commercially in Japan. Though not a commercial release in the U.S. or U.K., "Spotlight" received a significant amount of airplay stateside throughout 1988, charting top 40.

<b>WHERE'S THE PARTY</b> 4:13 (SINGLE EDIT)

A re-edited version of the unblended 12" remix by Shep Pettibone, first issued promotionally on You Can Dance: Single Edits Of Album Remixes, a 1988 Warner Bros. 3" sampler and issued commercially in Japan (as the flipside of "Spotlight"). Though not a commercial release in the U.S. or U.K., "Where's The Party" received a healthy amount of airplay throughout 1988 in the U.S.

<b>LIKE A PRAYER</b> 5:19 (7” VERSION)

Remixed by Shep Pettibone. Runs shorter than the "Like A Prayer" album version due to the loss of a reverse effect on the opening guitars and a slightly earlier fade. U.S. promotional copies (and U.K. commercial releases) instead feature the "7" Version With Fade", which, as the title implies, is the "7" Version" faded early. (NOTE: This 7" version, while remixed, remains true to the sound and arrangement of the "Like A Prayer" album version and should not be mistaken for the house arrangement as heard on The Immaculate Collection.)

<b>EXPRESS YOURSELF</b> 4:30 (7” REMIX)

Remixed by Shep Pettibone. One lyric is altered during the fade of the track ("So you can respect yourself" becomes "express himself"). (NOTE: This version, while remixed, remains true to the sound, arrangement and overall length of the "Like A Prayer" album version and should not be mistaken for the house arrangement as heard on The Immaculate Collection.)

<b>CHERISH</b> 4:03 (FADE)

A simple edit of the remixed "Extended Version". (NOTE: The "Extended Version" remains unreleased --commercially or promotionally-- in the U.S.).

<b>OH FATHER</b> 4:26 (EDIT)

A simple edit of the "Like A Prayer" album version. (NOTE: Not released in the U.K. until 1996 where the commercial single featured the "Like A Prayer" album version. Promotional copies featured the "Edit" version.)

<b>DEAR JESSIE</b> 4:24 (SINGLE VERSION)

The "Like A Prayer" album version faded early to mask its transition into "Oh Father". Not issued as a single in the U.S.

<b>KEEP IT TOGETHER</b> 4:31 (SINGLE REMIX)

A dramatically remixed version by Shep Pettibone. Released commercially and promotionally in the U.S. Not issued as a single in the U.K.

<b>VOGUE</b> 4:19 (SINGLE VERSION)

The "original" master of the song. (NOTE: The later release of "Vogue" on "I'm Breathless" is the otherwise unreleased video version on which the first 35 seconds of the "Single Version" are replaced with an edited, 1:05 passage from the beginning of the "Bette Davis Dub" version of the song. Listen for the change in the bassline at the 1:05 point of the "Album Version".)

<b>HANKY PANKY</b> 3:57

The "I'm Breathless" album version.

<b>JUSTIFY MY LOVE</b> 4:58

The "The Immaculate Collection" album version.

<b>RESCUE ME</b> 4:53 (SINGLE MIX)

Remixed, edited and slightly rearranged by Shep Pettibone. Features vocal ad-lib not heard on the "The Immaculate Collection" album version. Released commercially and promotionally.

<b>THIS USED TO BE MY PLAYGROUND</b> 4:53 (SINGLE VERSION)

First album release was on the 1995 compilation "Something To Remember".

-----------------------

Warner Bros. assembled most of the above --strictly using the U.S. single masters-- for their BackTrax/Back-To-Back hits series. It seems it would be simple enough for them to clean up these masters and compile them for this collection, however, things get tricky as we try to determine if one, standard compilation should be assembled for the entire world, or if this should be assembled by territory to represent her releases in the U.S. and U.K.

-----------------------

<b><u>Era two: Maverick and Warner Bros. releases</u></b>

<b>EROTICA</b> 4:24 (RADIO EDIT)

U.S. Commercial: The "Erotica" album version. "Radio Edit" (aka, Album Edit) --issued promotionally and on the CD maxi single-- was the airplay hit.

U.K. Commercial: Radio Edit (aka, Album Edit), a simple edit of the "Erotica" album version. This version appears on GHV2.

<b>DEEPER AND DEEPER</b> 4:51 (ALBUM EDIT)

"Album Edit" is a misnomer as the song --in addition to being edited-- was entirely remixed by Shep Pettibone for single release. This version appears on GHV2.

<b>BAD GIRL</b> 4:37 (EDIT)

An edit of the "Erotica" album version, with a short "rattling" percussive overdub mixed in to mask an edit point just before the fade of the song.

<b>FEVER</b> 4:03 (EDIT ONE)

U.S. Commercial: The "Erotica" album version (double a-side with "Bad Girl"), Edit One (video release)

U.K. Commercial: Album Edit, an edit of the "Erotica" album version

To coincide with the single release in the U.K., a montage video was put into rotation.

A few months later, MTV U.S. premiered a proper music video set to Daniel Abraham's "Edit One" remix.

<b>RAIN</b> 4:36 (RADIO REMIX)

U.S. Commercial: Radio Remix, a shortened version completely remixed by Daniel Abraham. Features only one channel of spoken dialogue after the bridge, and an alternate vocal at the songs conclusion "stand out on the mountain top..." (NOTE: during Girlie Show performances, in addition to using this arrangement, Madonna also sings both the album and single version lyrics at the end)

U.K. Commercial: Remix/Edit. The same arrangement as the Radio Remix, with an even shorter, crossfaded intro and the spoken dialogue is entirely is removed leaving a shortened, instrumental segment.

U.S. promotional CD features both versions, as well as the LP Edit, a simple edit of the "Erotica" album version that matches the structure and length of the Radio Remix, and is the version used for the music video.

<b>I'LL REMEMBER</b> 4:19 THEME FROM WITH HONORS

The "With Honors" soundtrack version. FIrst appearance on a Madonna album was Something To Remember.

<b>SECRET</b> 4:24 (EDIT)

An early fade of the "Bedtime Stories" album version. This version appears on GHV2.

<b>TAKE A BOW</b> 4:31 (EDIT)

Simple edit of the "Bedtime Stories" album version. This version appears on GHV2.

<b>BEDTIME STORY</b> 4:08 (ALBUM EDIT)

Simple edit of the "Bedtime Stories" album version. This version appears on GHV2.

<b>HUMAN NATURE</b> 4:30 (VIDEO VERSION)

Commercial singles in the U.S. feature the "Radio Version" (found on GHV2) which loops the first half of the chorus over the second to censor the line "I'm not your bitch don't hang your shit on me." Due to the excessive and ironic censorship ("wouldn't let me say the words I longed to say" indeed) opting for the alternate, promotionally released "Video Version" complete with door slams over the word "shit" and the cold "Absolutely no regrets" spoken ending makes for a better inclusion. UK singles feature "Radio Edit", an edit of Danny Tenaglia's "Human Club Mix" house arrangement.

<b>I WANT YOU</b> 6:23 WITH MASSIVE ATTACK

A video-only release from the "Inner City Blues" Marvin Gaye tribute. Also appears on "Something To Remember".

<b>YOU'LL SEE</b> 4:18 (EDIT)

A simple edit of the "Something To Remember" album version. U.S. commercial singles feature the "Something To Remember" album version.

<b>ONE MORE CHANCE</b> 4:18 (EDIT)

An early fade of the "Something To Remember" album version released promotionally in the UK. Commercial singles feature the "Something To Remember" album version. Not issued in the U.S..

<b>LOVE DON'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE</b> 4:44 (SOULPOWER RADIO REMIX)

A remix of the 1984 recording, originally from "Like A Virgin," released here to promote the ballads compilation "Something To Remember".

<b>YOU MUST LOVE ME</b> 3:07 (SINGLE VERSION)

A specially mixed version extended by an instrumental intro.

<b>DON'T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA</b> 4:29 (MIAMI MIX EDIT)

In the U.S., the "Miami Mix Edit", a rerecorded dance version of the Evita ballad was unquestionably the hit version, and is the only commercially released version. U.S. promotional CDs featured a "Radio Edit" of the original "Evita" soundtrack ballad version, and it is this version found on GHV2.

In the U.K. the original "Evita" soundtrack ballad version was the commercial single release.

<b>ANOTHER SUITCASE IN ANOTHER HALL</b> 4:18

The "Evita" sountrack version. Not issued in the U.S. (promo CD quickly withdrawn).

<b>BUENOS AIRES</b> 4:09 (TE AMO RADIO VERSION)

Issued promotionally to both radio and clubs in the summer of 1997, this is a heavily remixed version featuring additional backing vocals by Nikki Harris and Donna DeLory. Unlike "DCFMA," Madonna's vocals were not rerecorded.

<b>FROZEN</b> 5:09 (RADIO EDIT)

Simple edit of the "Ray Of Light" album version. This version appears on GHV2. U.S. and U.K. commercial singles feature the "Ray Of Light" album version.

<b>RAY OF LIGHT</b> 4:35 (EDIT)

Simple edit of the "Ray Of Light" album version. This version appears on GHV2. U.S. and U.K. commercial singles feature the "Ray Of Light" album version.

<b>DROWNED WORLD/SUBSTITUTE FOR LOVE</b> 4:18 (RADIO EDIT)

The "Ray Of Light" album version edited at both the intro and ending, and abruptly faded to mask a transition into "Swim". This edit issued promotionally in the UK. Commercial singles feature the "Ray Of Light" album version with the same abrupt fade. (NOTE: While similar in length, the edited video version differs from the "Radio Edit" version.)

<b>THE POWER OF GOOD-BYE</b> 4:10

The "Ray Of Light" album version.

<b>LITTLE STAR</b> 4:18

UK-only double A-side release with "The Power Of Good-Bye". The "Ray Of Light" album version.

<b>NOTHING REALLY MATTERS</b> 3:45 (CLUB 69 RADIO MIX)

While the commercial single featured the "Ray Of Light" album version, most will agree that the few times radio touched this, they reached for the heavily promoted "Club 69 Radio Mix," a remixed version by Peter Rauhofer.

<b>BEAUTIFUL STRANGER</b> 3:58 (WILLIAM ORBIT RADIO EDIT)

"The Spy Who Shagged Me" soundtrack version faded early. This version appears on GHV2. Not issued commercially in the U.S., but a stateside single release all the same. U.K. commercial single feature "The Spy Who Shagged Me" soundtrack album version.

<b>AMERICAN PIE</b> 4:25

"The Next Best Thing" soundtrack version.

<b>MUSIC</b> 3:44

The "Music" album version.

<b>DON'T TELL ME</b> 4:10 (RADIO EDIT)

The "Music" album version edited to end cold on the final beat before the lengthy "strings" coda. U.S. commercial singles and GHV2 feature the "Music" album version.

<b>WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR A GIRL</b> 4:02 (RADIO EDIT)

Specially mixed with an edited, instrumental intro (losing the "Boys can wear jeans..." dialogue sample) and faded early. U.S. commercial singles and GHV2 feature the "Music" album version.

<b>DIE ANOTHER DAY</b> 3:30 (RADIO EDIT)

A specially mixed edit missing some spoken parts in the middle.

<b>AMERICAN LIFE</b> 4:27 (RADIO EDIT)

A simple edit of the "American Life" clean album version. "Radio Edit Without Rap" and "Oakenfold Downtempo Edit w/o Rap" were the more commonly heard airplay versions.

<b>HOLLYWOOD</b> 3:42 (RADIO EDIT)

The "American Life" album version faded early. And fast.

<b>NOTHING FAILS</b> 3:46 (RADIO EDIT)

A restructured edit of "American Life" album version. A chorus from the end of the album version was placed in between the first two verses.

<b>LOVE PROFUSION</b> 3:36

The "American Life" album version.

<b>HUNG UP</b> 3:20 (RADIO VERSION)

There are two different "Radio Version"'s. The two are identical until after the final chorus. As it fades, the U.K. "Radio Version" features additional singing ("Every little thing, every little thing, I'm hung up..."). The U.S. "Radio Version" instead goes instrumental. Both are subtly remixed by Stuart Price.

<b>SORRY</b> 3:59 (SINGLE EDIT)

"Single Edit" appears on all commercial singles. "Single Edit" (known promotionally as "Edit" and internationally as "Radio Version") is remixed by Stuart Price.

Second U.S. promo CD features the alternate (and better!!) "Radio Version" (not to be confused with the "Radio Version" heard on international CDs) that runs 3:37. This is a unique mix that loses the spoken intro, instead beginning <b>a cappella</b> with the Robodonna "I heard it all before". The middle of the song has only a few spoken lines and "forgive me" is placed later in the mix (as on the video version.)

<b>GET TOGETHER</b> 3:57 (RADIO EDIT)

Unblended "Confessions On A Dance Floor" album version AND "Radio Edit" appear on commercial singles. "Radio Edit" is specially mixed.

<b>JUMP</b> 3:32 (RADIO EDIT)

Unblended "Confessions On A Dance Floor" album version AND "Radio Edit" appear on commercial singles. "Radio Edit" is specially mixed missing spoken lines.

<b>4 MINUTES</b> 3:10 (EDIT) FEATURING JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND TIMBALAND

"Hard Candy" album version appears on commercial singles. Promo single releases (and U.S. 7" release) contain "Radio Edit", specially mixed.

<b>GIVE IT 2 ME</b> 4:02 (EDIT)

"Hard Candy" album version appears on commercial singles. Promo single releases (and U.S. 7" release) contain "Radio Edit", specially mixed.

<b>MILES AWAY</b> 4:02 (RADIO EDIT)

"Hard Candy" album version appears on commercial singles. Promo and Maxi single releases contain "Radio Edit", specially mixed.

---------------------

*takes deep breath*

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Guest bluejean

I agree with all of this, although I think the True Blue tracks should be the edit/fade versions.

I'm keeping my expectations low though, and am expecting all the album versions just lumped together. I don't trust Warner or Madonna will put together a good tracklisting or the correct versions of each song. I know that's really negative, but just look at GHV2, The video collection and even The Immaculate Collection as an indication of how they throw a compilation together.

At least though we can be sure we'll get remastered versions of her biggest hits that haven't had that treatment yet.

In any case, I've already posted my proposed tracklist in the polls section.

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Among her many accomplishments, Madonna enjoyed one of the most successful singles streaks in music history. With the release of a career spanning retrospective coming within the next five months, I wanted to open a thread for serious discussion regarding the release, especially with regard to how it should be assembled to best represent The Icon (you may now bow down.)

As far as I'm concerned, the most important aspect will be with the music itself. Keep in mind that this release should represent Madonna not only for the fans but for a mass audience. For the sake of history. The rarities, remixes, outtakes, etc. will all see eventual release from the Warner Bros. vaults once she's fully left for Live Nation, but this release needs to be the end-all be-all collection to represent the twenty-five years of hits that secured her place in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

The first part of the discussion should be determining which versions are appropriate to include. This should not be based on personal preference, but rather on preserving history. People moan about the edits and remixes used for singles, but the truth is and will remain that these are the hits. These are the versions people heard on the radio and they deserve to be preserved on this kind of retrospective. The original albums are easy to obtain on virtually all conceivable formats. Representing each song by its original master single version will not erase or take away from the LP version masters. (Most of the single versions aren't so far removed from the originals as some would have you to believe, though it is in my opinion that most single versions managed to "tighten" and successfully improved upon the original album versions.)

Below, I've listed the first set/era of Madonna's singles. I'm focusing specifically on her two biggest markets, the U.S. and U.K.

Songs are listed in the more consistent U.S. order of release with U.K.-only singles added in by date. The main entry line makes mention of the U.S. single versions (often identical the versions issued in the U.K.), followed by brief notes and the occasional useless trivia. In the few cases where the U.S. and U.K. saw alternate single versions issued for the same song, I have clearly mentioned the U.K. variation within the text.

I really hope this will spark some intelligent discussion and that, most of all, it actually makes sense. :shy:

Era one: Sire (pre-Maverick releases)

EVERYBODY 3:58 (EDIT)

Simple edit of the original 12” length version. Issued commercially and promotionally in the U.S. (NOTE: An alternate remix was instead issued in the U.K.)

BURNING UP 3:50 (EDIT)

Simple edit of the original 12” version. This version was not issued in the U.S. commercially, but was the 7" version internationally (Japan, etc.). (NOTE: Not issued as a single in the U.K.)

PHYSICAL ATTRACTION 3:53 (EDIT)

Edit of an unreleased earlier mix before the track was remixed by Jellybean. Issued promotionally on a double-sided 7" in the U.S., on international 7" releases of "Burning Up," and later included on promotional "Single Edits Of Album Remixes" releases of You Can Dance. (NOTE: Not issued as a single in the U.K.)

HOLIDAY 3:50 (EDIT)

Simple edit of "Madonna" album version.

BORDERLINE 3:58 (EDIT)

Remixed and edited by Jellybean. Also the video version.

LUCKY STAR 3:44 (EDIT)

Simple edit of "Madonna" album version. Also the video version. (NOTE: all formats of the "Madonna" video EP and The Immaculate Collection DVD feature a longer, 12" version of the video. Original VHS and Laserdisc copies of The Immaculate Collection contain the original 3:44 length video release.)

LIKE A VIRGIN 3:35

The "Like A Virgin" album version.

MATERIAL GIRL 3:56

The "Like A Virgin" album version.

CRAZY FOR YOU 4:08 (EDIT)

An early fade of the "Vision Quest" soundtrack version. (NOTE: This version appears on "Something To Remember" and is often incorrectly referred to as a unique fade specifically for the compilation.)

ANGEL 3:40 (EDIT)

An early fade of the "Like A Virgin" album version.

INTO THE GROOVE 4:40

Issued on the b-side of the "Angel" 12" single. Later issued on 7", cassingle and CD single as part of the stateside BackTrax/Back-To-Back Hits series.

DRESS YOU UP 3:58

The "Like A Virgin" album version.

GAMBLER 3:54

Though a commercial release in the U.K., "Gambler" was only a video release in the U.S. (featuring an edited version). Later issued on 7" as part of the stateside BackTrax/Back-To-Back Hits series.

LIVE TO TELL 4:37 (EDIT)

Simple edit of the "True Blue" album version. Also the video version.

PAPA DON'T PREACH 4:27

The "True Blue" album version. U.S. promotional copies feature "Edit" version, an early fade of the "True Blue" album version.

TRUE BLUE 4:16

The "True Blue" album version. U.S. promotional copies feature "Fade" version, an early fade of the "True Blue" album version. (NOTE: "Fade" is the video version. In the U.K., "True Blue"'s single version --7" Remix-- was remixed by Shep Pettibone. This version can be found on the U.S. 12" Maxi Single, called "Remix/Edit".)

OPEN YOUR HEART 4:12

The "True Blue" album version. U.S. promotional copies also include an edited remix by Thompson/Barbiero. (NOTE: The U.S. 7" single sleeve incorrectly states that the song has been remixed by Thomspon/Barbiero. This version was however the commercially released version in the U.K. )

LA ISLA BONITA 4:01

The "True Blue" album version. This is also the video version. (NOTE: In the U.K., the single version of "La Isla Bonita" was instead a remix by Chris Lord-Alge. This version has never been released in the U.S. commercially or promotionally.)

WHO'S THAT GIRL 3:58

The "Who's The Girl" soundtrack version. This is also the video version.

CAUSING A COMMOTION 4:00 (SILVER SCREEN SINGLE MIX)

Remixed and edited by Shep Pettibone. Features an alternate vocal on the second verse ("What works for me can work for you..."). Released commercially and promotionally.

THE LOOK OF LOVE 4:03

The "Who's That Girl" soundtrack version. Not issued as a single in the U.S. but used later as the b-side of "Express Yourself".

SPOTLIGHT 4:32 (SINGLE EDIT)

A simple edit of the unblended album/12" version, first issued promotionally on You Can Dance: Single Edits Of Album Remixes, and commercially in Japan. Though not a commercial release in the U.S. or U.K., "Spotlight" received a significant amount of airplay stateside throughout 1988, charting top 40.

WHERE'S THE PARTY 4:13 (SINGLE EDIT)

A re-edited version of the unblended 12" remix by Shep Pettibone, first issued promotionally on You Can Dance: Single Edits Of Album Remixes, a 1988 Warner Bros. 3" sampler and issued commercially in Japan. Though not a commercial release in the U.S. or U.K., "Where's The Party" received a healthy amount of airplay throughout 1988 in the U.S.

LIKE A PRAYER 5:19 (7” VERSION)

Remixed by Shep Pettibone. Runs shorter than the "Like A Prayer" album version due to the loss of a reverse effect on the opening guitars and a slightly earlier fade. U.S. promotional copies (and U.K. commercial releases) instead feature the "7" Version With Fade", which, as the title implies, is the "7" Version" faded early. (NOTE: This 7" version, while remixed, remains true to the sound and arrangement of the "Like A Prayer" album version and should not be mistaken for the house arrangement as heard on The Immaculate Collection.)

EXPRESS YOURSELF 4:30 (7” REMIX)

Remixed by Shep Pettibone. One lyric is altered during the fade of the track ("So you can respect yourself" becomes "express himself"). (NOTE: This version, while remixed, remains true to the sound, arrangement and overall length of the "Like A Prayer" album version and should not be mistaken for the house arrangement as heard on The Immaculate Collection.)

CHERISH 4:03 (FADE)

A simple edit of the remixed "Extended Version". (NOTE: The "Extended Version" remains unreleased --commercially or promotionally-- in the U.S.).

OH FATHER 4:26 (EDIT)

A simple edit of the "Like A Prayer" album version. (NOTE: Not released in the U.K. until 1996 where the commercial single featured the "Like A Prayer" album version. Promotional copies featured the "Edit" version.)

DEAR JESSIE 4:24 (SINGLE VERSION)

The "Like A Prayer" album version faded early to mask its transition into "Oh Father". Not issued as a single in the U.S.

KEEP IT TOGETHER 4:31 (SINGLE REMIX)

A dramatically remixed version by Shep Pettibone. Released commercially and promotionally in the U.S. Not issued as a single in the U.K.

VOGUE 4:19 (SINGLE VERSION)

The "original" master of the song. (NOTE: The later release of "Vogue" on "I'm Breathless" is the otherwise unreleased video version on which the first 35 seconds of the "Single Version" are replaced with an edited, 1:05 passage from the beginning of the "Bette Davis Dub" version of the song. Listen for the change in the bassline at the 1:05 point of the "Album Version".)

HANKY PANKY 3:57

The "I'm Breathless" album version.

JUSTIFY MY LOVE 4:58

The "The Immaculate Collection" album version.

RESCUE ME 4:53 (SINGLE MIX)

Remixed, edited and slightly rearranged by Shep Pettibone. Features vocal ad-lib not heard on the "The Immaculate Collection" album version. Released commercially and promotionally.

THIS USED TO BE MY PLAYGROUND 4:53 (SINGLE VERSION)

First album release was on the 1995 compilation "Something To Remember".

-----------------------

Warner Bros. assembled most of these --strictly using the U.S. single masters-- for their BackTrax/Back-To-Back hits series. It seems it would be simple enough for them to clean up these masters and compile them for this collection, however, things get tricky as we try to determine if one, standard compilation should be assembled for the entire world, or if this should be assembled by territory to represent her releases in the U.S. and U.K.

(Era Two coming soon...)

I'd take out Where's The Party, The Look of Love, Spotlight and Dear Jessie.

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Guest Drowned Bedtime

To be honest, having the single versions is better for the person who already has al lthe albums, as at least you get something a little different, I guess.

I still wonder how they'll do it. I think it needs to be big. Even just all the singles, maybe, would be enough. (Not couting minor ones like Physical Attraction)

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I think you're all dreaming if you think Warner is going to put as much effort into this as we are :lol:

if they are stupid (which they are), they will release a two disc, 30 song compilation of her 30 biggest hits. It won't include any new single.

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Please make sure you have heard the actual single versions before making a generalized statement dismissing them as poor or unnecessary. I'll also remind everyone that The Immaculate Collection does not contain the original single versions, but shortened, 1990 remixes of every pre-Justify My Love track included. Just because you dislike the way a song was edited/mixed on that release does not mean you dislike the actual single version.

"Like A Prayer," "Express Yourself," and "Causing A Commotion" run close in length and structure to their original LP versions, but were masterfully remixed for their single releases. Playing the single versions side-by-side to their LP counterpart, I would be shocked if anyone prefered the originals to the remixes. In my opinion, these songs were taken to a new level of greatness on the singles *clutches fist to chest*. They sound great, and by comparison the album versions sound extremely weak.

"Borderline" greatly benefitted from Jellybean's remixing and editing. Listening to a bit of the album version followed by the same portion of the single version, anyone should be able to hear what an improvement was made. (You can hear the single mix on the music video.)

From the above list, a lot of album versions WERE the single versions. From a U.S. standpoint, the singles for "Like A Virgin," "Material Girl," "Into The Groove," "Dress You Up," "Papa Don't Preach," "True Blue," "Open Your Heart," "La Isla Bonita," "Who's That Girl," "Hanky Panky," "Justify My Love," "This Used To Be My Playground" all contained the album versions.

"Crazy For You," "Angel" and "Oh Father" are the album versions, only faded an averaged 10 seconds early ("Oh Father" also rightfully loses the intro transition from "Dear Jessie".) Again, these too are basically are the album versions.

"Borderline," "Causing A Commotion," "Like A Prayer," "Express Yourself," "Cherish," "Keep It Together" and "Rescue Me" are remixed, with only "Keep It Together" sounding radically different from its original arrangement. In the eighties, a remix more often meant that the song had been spruced up with the intention of improving/enhancing an album version. It should also be mentioned that none of these (save for "Cherish") are dramatically shortened when compared to their album version counterparts. They were simply enhanced to sound better on the radio.

The rest of the singles from this era are simple edits, and I believe editing songs like "Holiday" and "Lucky Star" was appropriate considering their original lengths. These songs would not have been the hits they were because DJ's would not have touched them. Even "Live To Tell," one of Madonna's masterworks, would have been denied radio play and likely its #1 placement on Billboard were it not for the Edit version (also used in the music video.)

I maintain that it is important to use the single versions on this collection.

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To be honest, having the single versions is better for the person who already has al lthe albums, as at least you get something a little different, I guess.

I still wonder how they'll do it. I think it needs to be big. Even just all the singles, maybe, would be enough. (Not couting minor ones like Physical Attraction)

:thumbsup:

A few have never been issued on compact disc, and many of them are extremely rare.

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Love your choices for Era One Mattress....especially the LOOK OF LOVE choice included in it. We can only hope. :inlove: I hope for remixes and mash ups too that we haven't heard before.

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:thumbsup:Would love this...I think, the enhanced/remixed edit version digitially remastered would be a welcome addition to anyone's collection. I'm so tired of these long, drawn-out album versions, give me some good radio friendly edits and I'm happy as a clam. Makes the playlist glide-by seamlessly.
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To be honest, having the single versions is better for the person who already has al lthe albums, as at least you get something a little different, I guess.

I still wonder how they'll do it. I think it needs to be big. Even just all the singles, maybe, would be enough. (Not couting minor ones like Physical Attraction)

Agreed, lets hope this happens. Someone should write to warner and suggest this idea to them eventhough it's probably a long shot, but it's worth a try.

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If 'Spotlight' is in included due 2 a Japan only release then so should 'Over & Over',

which was a single in Italy.. :fag:

oao_7_italie.jpg

EXPRESS YOURSELF should b the video remix version

The Physical Attraction edit was released on the international 7" realease of Borderline..

Was there a proper Burning Up 7" as well?

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If 'Spotlight' is in included due 2 a Japan only release then so should 'Over & Over',

which was a single in Italy.. :fag:

oao_7_italie.jpg

EXPRESS YOURSELF should b the video remix version

The Physical Attraction edit was released on the international 7" realease of Borderline..

Was there a proper Burning Up 7" as well?

Spotlight single edit, that would be great

and the video version of express yourself is the 7" one

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I would drop anything that wasn't an official single so that means Spotlight, WTP and Physical Attraction (although I love the last one). Also, DJ and TLOL could go. In Britain she has had nearly 70 singles so I can't see any compilation album being that broad.

Like GHV2, it will be the standard edits of the biggest hits. At least it won't be in the awful Q-sound. It will be a while before they open the vaults and do remixes and rarities. It will be the standard recycling of the hits for a good few years.

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"Physical Attraction" is a US single. The commercial 12" was "Burning Up/Physical Attraction", not soley "Burning Up" and of the two, it was "Physical Attraction" that received a promotional 7". It was included as one of her singles in early promotional literature and ads in Rolling Stone, etc.

"Spotlight" was promoted via the "Single Edits Of Album Remixes" release of "You Can Dance" in the U.S. and charted Top 40 Billboard on the airplay chart, which actually meant a lot in 1987/1988. Though not as big, "Spotlight" is another "Into The Groove"-esque situation where the song was denied a single release but was played. Time has diminished that fact and the song has gone largely forgotten.

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Guest Pud Whacker

mattress, it seems as though you would know this. ive always wondered who 'owned the rights' to madonnas early recordings. like if sire swooped in and bought some? anyway, for the compilation, ive always wanted early recordings to start it off. get up, bells ringing, garage burning up, laugh to keep from crying...mixing those in with her early club hits, then early radio hits. along the way juxtapose some demos into mid career hits down to today. im thinking more of a madonna retrospective. it seems a high percentage of her fan base and public is not in tune with her roots, which, imo - is INSTRUMENTAL in her legendary 25 years at the top. i also would like to see an accompanying book with pictures/work from the estate of warhol, basquiat, haring - again scouring through her influence and collaborations with the great people along the way.

maybe im way off here with what you started but that is what i would like to see. :thumbsup:

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mattress, it seems as though you would know this. ive always wondered who 'owned the rights' to madonnas early recordings. like if sire swooped in and bought some? anyway, for the compilation, ive always wanted early recordings to start it off. get up, bells ringing, garage burning up, laugh to keep from crying...mixing those in with her early club hits, then early radio hits. along the way juxtapose some demos into mid career hits down to today. im thinking more of a madonna retrospective. it seems a high percentage of her fan base and public is not in tune with her roots, which, imo - is INSTRUMENTAL in her legendary 25 years at the top. i also would like to see an accompanying book with pictures/work from the estate of warhol, basquiat, haring - again scouring through her influence and collaborations with the great people along the way.

maybe im way off here with what you started but that is what i would like to see. :thumbsup:

:shocked:

omg, im creaming my pants just thinking about it!!!

LOVE the book idea too!!! :thumbsup:

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Guest Pud Whacker
:shocked:

omg, im creaming my pants just thinking about it!!!

LOVE the book idea too!!! :thumbsup:

:thumbsup:

it would also be great to include the mockups from some of the iconic album cover art work. like these jeri heiden designs for true blue:

jeri_351.jpg

jeri_452.jpg

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to make a compilation of so many hits would be a headache for any record company let alone one as incompetant as warners..i think that they will probably release a cd of her biggest 20 or so hits and then make a bit of extra cash from 'more hits' cds with lesser hits on..like the 'more abba gold' cd. i'm more interested in it having really nice packaging cos i'll already have all the songs! oh and a comprehensive dvd of the videos and best tour videos would be nice (wishful thinking i know!) maybe they'll put out a definitive collection of the singles in an overpriced box set

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it would be impossible to please everyone so i expect it will get totally slagged off anyway lol. i hope it includes 'secret' and 'this used to be my playground' but i doubt it will. there are just way too many great hits which is just a double edged sword. i'll definately buy it and i think it will be a success..but i might end up burning my own bespoke collection to accompany it

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