Madonna Greatest Hits: Hopefully Out By Fall

[markm]

A good old fashioned new pop song on the GH would be fantastic. Thats whats needed and thats her strength. A career spanning booklet and dvd would be good as well - on say a platinum edition. This GH package could be huge if the content is good and its marketed correctly.

[aeroco]

Yes, maybe they could have a regular version with 2 discs and a deluxe with a third disc plus all the videos on DVD. Hope they don't fuck up.

[DIRTY PIG]

if this is true it will be a total mess that you can be sure of, this is Warners we are talking about they couldnt find there arseholes with both hands.

[Raider of the lost Ark]

Yes, maybe they could have a regular version with 2 discs and a deluxe with a third disc plus all the videos on DVD. Hope they don't fuck up.

Oh yes please. A deluxe version is certainly not going sell millions since the price will be most likely around 50 bucks, so we better do not expect platinum certifications. But she and Warners couldn´t care less since this version is making nice profits. I want the Video compilation so badly, remastered on blue ray. But hey, all the videos.

[mtzlplk]

Maybey one of the new tracks will also be one of the songs for the twlight sequel. The movie single will pull the greatest hits!

i hope they would be smart enough to do that... with the Twilight phenomenon, a soundtrack cut for the sequel will do wonders sp if you add the MADONNA factor... she will be mainstream again just like what happened with Beautiful Stranger and Die Another Day...

[mtzlplk]

Madonna's will be lucky to reach 500,000, right?

if it's a shit collection... but if it is a great one, she'll easily pass that...

[xtaticboy82]

i want it to be like george michael's 25, a BOXSET

[ryan]

god, NO!

god, YES!

[cosmic_system]

Guy on Twitter

thank you to everyone that gave me there pick of song ideas for madonnas greatest hits.. i will pass along all your thoughts.

[Guest nuttin_fails]

Nice, I hope people gave him some great ideas!

[Carta]

There were no new songs on GHV2 because Warner wanted an M hits CD out at that time and she had no new songs for it. It's been said she wanted to hold off on it til it could be done properly. Later, in her one or two interviews to promote it, she spun her own PR and said it's a hits CD so it just has hits.

I bet downloads will be big for the new songs on this upcoming CD since a good % of her fanbase will probably just want those.

She could easily have put "Liquid Love" and "Like An Angel Passing Through My Room" on GHV2, as both were recorded before "Music" was released.

[GimmeSomeMo]

I REALLY wish he hadn't misspelled THEIR.

[Queen Bitch]

Hey You is a MUST

[Guest Joey's Hung Up On Madonna]

I agree about Hey You. However, that tracklisting posted on page 2 I believe is ATTEMPTED MURDER.

[HolidayGuy]

^ Agree about what? I sense some sarcasm in QB's post. hehe

And, how hard is it to compile a tracklisting for Madge, especially if it does end up being two discs? Surely Guy isn't that daft that he needs to survey fans on Twitter?

[Queen Bitch]

I definitely like the idea of a deluxe version for the loons and a regular edition for casual fans - I'd definitely pay a premium price for a box set with DVD extras etc.

[zephyralexxx]

80's: Holiday / Like A Virgin / Who's That Girl / La Isla Bonita / Like A Prayer

90's: Vogue / Deeper and Deeper / Human Nature/ Frozen / Ray Of Light

00's: Music / Die Another Day / Hung Up / 4 Minutes / Give It 2 Me

...+ 2 new songs.

17 tracks = 1 CD = PERFECTION

[TRVC]

Maybe they can do something cool and have all the songs RE-mixed together (ala Confessions)

Or would that be a mess?

[Mattress]

A continuous mix would be a mess.

I firmly believe this compilation needs to use the original single version. While the conversation is alive, I'd like to post the information from this thread in here as well.

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 improve upon the original album versions.)

Below, I've listed the two sets/eras 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 instances 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.

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

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.

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.)

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 (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.

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 the above --strictly using the U.S. single masters-- for their BackTrax/Back-To-Back hits series starting in 1992. All of these were released on 7", many on cassette single, and a handful of titles made it to CD. It seems it would be simple enough for them to go back to the vaults for these masters to 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.

And now...

Era two: Maverick and Warner Bros. releases

EROTICA 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.

DEEPER AND DEEPER 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.

BAD GIRL 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.

FEVER 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.

RAIN 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.

I'LL REMEMBER 4:19 THEME FROM WITH HONORS

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

SECRET 4:24 (EDIT)

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

TAKE A BOW 4:31 (EDIT)

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

BEDTIME STORY 4:08 (ALBUM EDIT)

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

HUMAN NATURE 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.

I WANT YOU 6:23 WITH MASSIVE ATTACK

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

YOU'LL SEE 4:18 (EDIT)

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

ONE MORE CHANCE 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..

LOVE DON'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE 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".

YOU MUST LOVE ME 3:07 (SINGLE VERSION)

A specially mixed version extended by an instrumental intro.

DON'T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA 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.

ANOTHER SUITCASE IN ANOTHER HALL 4:18

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

BUENOS AIRES 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.

FROZEN 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.

RAY OF LIGHT 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.

DROWNED WORLD/SUBSTITUTE FOR LOVE 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.)

THE POWER OF GOOD-BYE 4:10

The "Ray Of Light" album version.

LITTLE STAR 4:18

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

NOTHING REALLY MATTERS 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.

BEAUTIFUL STRANGER 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.

AMERICAN PIE 4:25

"The Next Best Thing" soundtrack version.

MUSIC 3:44

The "Music" album version.

DON'T TELL ME 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.

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR A GIRL 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.

DIE ANOTHER DAY 3:30 (RADIO EDIT)

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

AMERICAN LIFE 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.

HOLLYWOOD 3:42 (RADIO EDIT)

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

NOTHING FAILS 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.

LOVE PROFUSION 3:36

The "American Life" album version.

HUNG UP 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.

SORRY 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 a cappella 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.)

GET TOGETHER 3:57 (RADIO EDIT)

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

JUMP 3:32 (RADIO EDIT)

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

4 MINUTES 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.

GIVE IT 2 ME 4:02 (EDIT)

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

MILES AWAY 4:02 (RADIO EDIT)

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

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

Can't wait to hear some new songs! Viva Madonna!

[ryan]

Anyone not liking the idea of Guy O asking fans for advice for the new compilation??

I like Guy, and im very happy that he's in charge of this release, but the fact that he's asking us fans for help is loosing hope from me

I mean, Careese Henry had full control over the 20th anniversary boxset, that was all her idea, she didnt ask any fans for advice. And i must say, hiring Stuart Price to remaster all her albums to DVD audio surround sound, was a fantastic idea, too bad nothing was released

But asking fans what songs should be included in the release, its kinda implying (to me) that its going to be a 1 disc collection :/

[Guest ursaminorjim]

Mattress - you've obviously given a lot of deep consideration to your tracklist, but some of those edits sound absolutely horrible.

[thebigham]

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/madonn...003952554.story

Madonna Plans New Tracks For Hits Collection.

Madonna plans to record new material for Warner.

March 18, 2009

by Keith Caulfield, L.A.

Madonna is planning to head back into the studio to record new music for an upcoming greatest hits album, tentatively due in September.

Details on the project -- which will be her last album for Warner Bros. Records -- have yet to be finalized, says Madonna's longtime publicist Liz Rosenberg. However, she says that "all different options are being explored regarding packaging and content."

One of those options perhaps includes input from Madonna's fans on what tunes should be included on the album. Guy Oseary, the diva's manager, has posted missives to his Twitter account, soliciting suggestions from Madonna's devotees about what tracks "must be on" the album.

Madonna has released two previous best-ofs: 1990's "The Immaculate Collection" and 2001's "GHV2: Greatest Hits Volume 2." She also issued the ballads collection, "Something To Remember," in 1995. "Immaculate" is tied with Patsy Cline's "Greatest Hits" as the top-selling hits albums ever by a solo female in the U.S. -- both are certified at 10 million sold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

In 2007, Madonna signed a long term, all-encompassing deal with Live Nation, which will include her future recorded music. Her last album owed to Warner Bros. is the forthcoming hits package.

Madonna signed to the Warner Bros. Records label Sire in 1982 and she released her first single, "Everybody," that year. Her eponymous debut album bowed in 1983.

Her most recent set, 2008's "Hard Candy," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 280,000. It has sold 714,000 in the U.S. according to Nielsen SoundScan.

[HolidayGuy]

I don't think Mattress' post is supposed to be a tracklisting- just the single releases. No way all those tracks would appear on a regular release- would have to be singles box or something.

I gather the options being explored for packaging include whether it will be a single or double disc.

[Mattress]

Mattress - you've obviously given a lot of deep consideration to your tracklist, but some of those edits sound absolutely horrible.

It's not a tracklisting, it's a comprehensive listing of her U.S. and U.K. single releases in chronological order (many of which could flesh out an ideal tracklisting but wasn't the point of my post.)

The point I am continually having to make is that --however you feel about them-- the versions listed above are the single/hit versions and should be preserved as such on an official release, especially for the sake of those '80s hits. They helped define a decade and should be on CD in original form. Besides, for every "bad" edit (and these really are few) there are many more excellent mix upgrades.

[Guest ursaminorjim]

Ah, gotcha. I was skimming, my bad.

Which ones do you consider "upgrades?"

[ryan]

4 minutes needs to be album version

radio DJ's even complained about the edit that was sent to them

[Flip The Switch]

4 minutes needs to be album version

radio DJ's even complained about the edit that was sent to them

One of her worst edits ever along with Hung Up and Human Nature.

[acko]

One of her worst edits ever along with Hung Up and Human Nature.

I remember hearing that one on the radio..it was so bad the song didn't make any sense...

[Flip The Switch]

I remember hearing that one on the radio..it was so bad the song didn't make any sense...

Absolutely. It was felt like a 1:50 length song.

[Mattress]

Ah, gotcha. I was skimming, my bad.

Which ones do you consider "upgrades?"

Small handful of the best single versions whose mixes differ from their LP counterpart:

LIKE A PRAYER 5:19 (7” VERSION)

EXPRESS YOURSELF 4:30 (7” REMIX)

I have gone on the record 1,483,038,272 times about how essential these single remixes by Shep Pettibone truly are. This is the way "Like A Prayer" should be heard, and I'm pleased to say that I still hear this version on the radio. "Express Yourself" is just as much an improvement, based around the original funk/soul arrangement of the album version, but punched up with additional horns, strings, bass, percussion... these single mixes make the album versions sound like unfinished demos.

BORDERLINE 3:58 (EDIT)

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

Both remixed and edited, the former by Jellybean, the latter by Shep Pettibone.

FEVER 4:03 (EDIT ONE)

The video version with entirely different arrangement.

SORRY 3:59 (SINGLE EDIT)

Thicker harmonies on the choruses and an overall better mix in terms of clarity and balance. In all honesty I prefer the slightly shorter U.S.-only "Radio Version" only found on a scarce second issue promo CD single. It begins acappella with the robotic "I heard it all before" chant. This one seems to have slipped under most fans' radar.

VOGUE 4:19 (SINGLE VERSION)

As stated above, this is technically the "first" version of the track (the single preceded the album by months, and instead the version eventually used on I'm Breathless was the "video version" created by splicing an edited portion of the intro from the Bette Davis Dub mix onto the main body of the Single Version. In doing so, everything before the first verse on the single mix was removed.)

DON'T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA 4:29 (MIAMI MIX EDIT)

I personally like both versions, but this rerecording was the (stateside) hit!

KEEP IT TOGETHER 4:31 (SINGLE REMIX)

The album version is great, but I prefer this slightly "Back To Life"-inspired arrangement as heard on Blond Ambition.

RESCUE ME 4:53 (SINGLE MIX)

While this is more subtle that some of the others I still consider it an improvement. An overall clearer mix with restructuring of the choruses (a single pass following verse two is given a repeat on the single, while near the middle two choruses are scaled back to one.). It's the additional "I BELIEVE!" adlib near the end that really "makes" the single mix.

Many others were remixed ("Deeper And Deeper," "Get Together," "True Blue," "Cherish," "Open Your Heart," "You Must Love Me," "La Isla Bonita"... etc.)