Whist working as a member of the Snapper Tape Research team I was more than interested in 7.5 inch per second Tape Box in the Four Seasons Partnership [FSP] Tape Archive which shows two tracks which appear on a Motown Tape which appear to be a proposal for a new 45 release. The Tape Box has the date 23rd May 1974 on it and a hand written Note saying ….”FINAL MIX?”......and the tape contains MIX 39 of 'The Night' .....and Take 6 [STEREO MIX 4] of 'You Can't Hold On'.
In my blog article on The History of MIXES of THE NIGHT I highlighted that MIX 39 Master Nr 60770] was designated for the proposed album release [Tape P5084 and 5] but now it's presence here indicates it was also for a proposed single release that of course did not happen. By October 1974 the group had left the label and taken 'My Eyes Adored You' with them and it was released on Private Stock. The rest is fully known history. But the story of the time at Motown continues to unravel with finds like this.
The version of THE NIGHT sounds very like the subsequent 're-issue' in 1975 in the UK but is not the same mix as the current designated 'Official' 2007 re-master appearing on You Tube.[running time 3:24] which has a heavy tambourine in the right channel. The newly discovered LOST 45 version runs 3:17 with a different balance of instrumentation.
But the superb TAKE 6 of 'You Can't Hold On' is the third Master[Nr 62299] of this song that we have heard . There is the 'approved' MIX Bob Gaudio supplied [3:05] for the BOX SET and another MIX/version we found [2:56]. Maybe this is Mix 5 identified on the Artists Card for the album saved to Tapes P5084 and 5. This 'discovered' version varies from the approved version as it has less Vocal Backing overdub and Frankie's Vocal is different on the closing sections. It still works well because the alternate instrumental mix[particularly the sax] fits with a superb 'lead' vocal. TAKE 6 MIX 4 of this this superb song[running time [3:13]has a different Vocal Backing overdub and Frankie's Vocal 'lead' is different on the outro [falsetto chanting with the backing singers]. It works really well because of the alternate instrumental mix with another superb 'lead' and backing vocal. Definitely the 'best mix' of the three.
The Tape Index Card[Artists Card] shows the Stereo Mixes made and we have 3 to look forward to.
This research shows just how much we don't know of or have not heard from the surviving session tapes. I'd like to see these MIXES appear in the BOX SET but that depends on Snapper, Bob Gaudio, Frankie Valli and Universal agreeing with my research and analysis and doing the admin between them to formalise their inclusion. The tracks are salvaged and available. Time will tell if they do issue them.........but they will definitely be heard one day. They are just too good to not be enjoyed by all.
More soon on the rest of the Motown Tapes, mysteriously turning up in the FSP Tape Archives.
Ken Charmer – MBA – Four Seasons UK Appreciation Society Music Historian.
Posted by: |