Mahogany Soundtrack on iTunes: Buyer Beware

[sansradio]

Imagine my surprise when, after waiting years for a download of the MAHOGANY soundtrack, I discovered it about three weeks ago on iTunes! On finally listening to it tonight, however, I was crushed to discover that some of my favorite cuts [[like “Cat Fight,” “Erucu,” and “Let’s Go Back to Day One”) are edited and truncated.

If anyone has the CD reissue from about 11 years ago, are the tracks chopped down there as well? As Diana [[and Barbra) would say, “I’m miffed.”

[jack020]

Found a good clean copy at my local fleamarket recently for 2 Euros.
Will listen tonight.

[jack020]

Tracklist

A1
Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You Going To)
Arranged By – Lee Holdridge [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/294059-Lee-Holdridge), Michael Masser [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/41107-Michael-Masser)Lyrics By – Gerry Goffin [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/241547-Gerry-Goffin)Vocals – Diana Ross [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/47742-Diana-Ross)
3:17


A2
Feeling Again
3:16


A3
You Don't Ever Have To Be Alone
2:34


A4
Can You Hear It In My Music
3:32


A5
Christian's Theme
1:40


A6
After You
2:13


A7
Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You Going To) Instrumental
2:46


B1
My Hero Is A Gun
3:16


B2
Cat Fight
Written-By, Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)
1:28


B3
Erucu
Written-By – Don Daniels [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/225486-Don-Daniels)Written-By, Producer – Jermaine Jackson [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/17971-Jermaine-Jackson)
1:23


B4
Let's Go Back To Day One
Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)Written-By – Gloria Jones [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/97835-Gloria-Jones), Patrice Holloway [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/376077-Patrice-Holloway)
1:36


B5
Tracy
Written-By, Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)
2:09


B6
She's The Ideal Girl
Written-By – Don Daniels [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/225486-Don-Daniels), Jermaine Jackson [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/17971-Jermaine-Jackson)
2:43


B7
Sweets [[And Other Things)
1:52


B8
Mahogany Suite
5:29

[reese]

Imagine my surprise when, after waiting years for a download of the MAHOGANY soundtrack, I discovered it about three weeks ago on iTunes! On finally listening to it tonight, however, I was crushed to discover that some of my favorite cuts [[like “Cat Fight,” “Erucu,” and “Let’s Go Back to Day One”) are edited and truncated.

If anyone has the CD reissue from about 11 years ago, are the tracks chopped down there as well? As Diana [[and Barbra) would say, “I’m miffed.”

I don't have the album in front of me, but weren't some of those tracks rather short on the original album?

[johnjeb]

Tracklist

A1
Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You Going To)
Arranged By – Lee Holdridge [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/294059-Lee-Holdridge), Michael Masser [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/41107-Michael-Masser)Lyrics By – Gerry Goffin [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/241547-Gerry-Goffin)Vocals – Diana Ross [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/47742-Diana-Ross)
3:17


A2
Feeling Again
3:16


A3
You Don't Ever Have To Be Alone
2:34


A4
Can You Hear It In My Music
3:32


A5
Christian's Theme
1:40


A6
After You
2:13


A7
Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You Going To) Instrumental
2:46


B1
My Hero Is A Gun
3:16


B2
Cat Fight
Written-By, Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)
1:28


B3
Erucu
Written-By – Don Daniels [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/225486-Don-Daniels)Written-By, Producer – Jermaine Jackson [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/17971-Jermaine-Jackson)
1:23


B4
Let's Go Back To Day One
Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)Written-By – Gloria Jones [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/97835-Gloria-Jones), Patrice Holloway [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/376077-Patrice-Holloway)
1:36


B5
Tracy
Written-By, Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)
2:09


B6
She's The Ideal Girl
Written-By – Don Daniels [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/225486-Don-Daniels), Jermaine Jackson [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/17971-Jermaine-Jackson)
2:43


B7
Sweets [[And Other Things)
1:52


B8
Mahogany Suite
5:29



I have the CD released in 2000. I don't see a catalogue number just the bar code 012 157 677-2 [[which also appears in the liner notes with the credits).

Running times listed on CD insert [[same 15 tracks as above):
1. 3:22
2. 3:20
3. 2:28
4. 3:37
5. 1:44
6. 2:16
7. 3:49
8. 3:16
9. 1:29
10. 3:30
11. 1:39
12. 2:11
13. 2:43
14. 1:58
15. 5:31

[sansradio]

I don't have the album in front of me, but weren't some of those tracks rather short on the original album?

They were, but not as short as they are now. For example, LGBTD1 was about two minutes longer, if memory serves. It sucks.

[sansradio]

I have the CD released in 2000. I don't see a catalogue number just the bar code 012 157 677-2 [[which also appears in the liner notes with the credits).

Running times listed on CD insert [[same 15 tracks as above):
1. 3:22
2. 3:20
3. 2:28
4. 3:37
5. 1:44
6. 2:16
7. 3:49
8. 3:16
9. 1:29
10. 3:30
11. 1:39
12. 2:11
13. 2:43
14. 1:58
15. 5:31

Welp, looks like they've shredded the tracks on CD as well. One of these days, I guess I'll rip a copy from vinyl. I feel like emailing Universal.

Thanks to all for your help!

[temptationsfan500]

Shaky Ground by The Temptations is heard in the movie. That's the best song. It should have been on the soundtrack.

[sansradio]

Shaky Ground by The Temptations is heard in the movie. That's the best song. It should have been on the soundtrack.

Yes, it should have. I've always pondered if BG & company left it off so as not to undercut The Tempts' sales. T.G. Sheppard's "Devil in a Bottle" was also in the film briefly and absent from the soundtrack.

[Cadeho]

What's the point of shortening tracks? I understand in compilations they're trying to cram as many songs as they can on them, but original albums?

[sansradio]

What's the point of shortening tracks? I understand in compilations they're trying to cram as many songs as they can on them, but original albums?

Beats me, cadeho. It's really frustrating for completists like me.

[Boogiedown]

On finally listening to it tonight, however, I was crushed to discover that some of my favorite cuts [[like “Cat Fight,” “Erucu,” and “Let’s Go Back to Day One”) are edited and truncated.
”

these songs have always been short:


B2
Cat Fight
Written-By, Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)

1:28


B3
Erucu
Written-By – Don Daniels [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/225486-Don-Daniels)Written-By, Producer – Jermaine Jackson [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/17971-Jermaine-Jackson)

1:23


B4
Let's Go Back To Day One
Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)Written-By – Gloria Jones [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/97835-Gloria-Jones), Patrice Holloway [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/376077-Patrice-Holloway)

1:36



they are now even shorter????
wow, why bother?

[sansradio]

these songs have always been short:


B2
Cat Fight
Written-By, Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)

1:28


B3
Erucu
Written-By – Don Daniels [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/225486-Don-Daniels)Written-By, Producer – Jermaine Jackson [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/17971-Jermaine-Jackson)

1:23


B4
Let's Go Back To Day One
Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)Written-By – Gloria Jones [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/97835-Gloria-Jones), Patrice Holloway [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/376077-Patrice-Holloway)

1:36



they are now even shorter????
wow, why bother?

Yep. I'm positive "Erucu" was 4 minutes plus on my vinyl copy.

[LoveSupreme]

Yep. I'm positive "Erucu" was 4 minutes plus on my vinyl copy.

Let's Go Back To Day One and Erucu were always that short.

Here's the track listing and running times from my vinyl version released in 1975:



Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You're Going To)
3:17


Feeling Again
3:16


You Don't Ever Have To Be Alone
2:34


Can You Hear It In My Music
3:32


Christian's Theme
1:40


After You
2:13


Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You're Going To) [[Instrumental)
2:46


My Hero Is A Gun
3:16


Cat Fight
1:28


Erucu
1:23


Let's Go Back To Day One
1:36


Tracy
2:09


She's The Ideal Girl
2:43


Sweets [[And Other Things)
1:52


Mahogany Suite
5:29

[LoveSupreme]

A1

Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You're Going To)
Arranged By – Michael Masser [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/41107-Michael-Masser)Lyrics By – Gerry Goffin [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/241547-Gerry-Goffin)Vocals – Diana Ross [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/47742-Diana-Ross)

3:17


A2
Feeling Again
3:16


A3
You Don't Ever Have To Be Alone
2:34


A4
Can You Hear It In My Music
3:32


A5
Christian's Theme
1:40


A6
After You
2:13


A7
Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You're Going To) [[Instrumental)
2:46


B1
My Hero Is A Gun
3:16


B2
Cat Fight
1:28


B3
Erucu
Arranged By – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)Producer – Jermaine Jackson [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/17971-Jermaine-Jackson)Written-By – Don Daniels [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/225486-Don-Daniels), Jermaine Jackson [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/17971-Jermaine-Jackson)

1:23


B4
Let's Go Back To Day One
Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)Written-By – Gloria Jones [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/97835-Gloria-Jones), Patrice Holloway [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/376077-Patrice-Holloway)

1:36


B5
Tracy
Written-By, Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)

2:09


B6
She's The Ideal Girl
Arranged By – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)Producer – Jermaine Jackson [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/17971-Jermaine-Jackson)Written-By – Don Daniels [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/225486-Don-Daniels), Jermaine Jackson [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/17971-Jermaine-Jackson)

2:43


B7
Sweets [[And Other Things)
Written-By, Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)

1:52


B8
Mahogany Suite
5:29

[LoveSupreme]

Yep. I'm positive "Erucu" was 4 minutes plus on my vinyl copy.

If you have a 4 minutes plus version of "Erucu" it must be from another source because it was always was 1:31 on the Mahogany soundtrack.

[LoveSupreme]

What's the point of shortening tracks? I understand in compilations they're trying to cram as many songs as they can on them, but original albums?

The tracks were not shortened. The tracks on the digital release of the "Mahogany" soundtrack are the same length as the original vinyl version released by Motown in 1975.

Some members are mis-remembering or they've heard longer versions from another source and are mistaking those versions from the ones issued on the "Mahogany" soundtrack.

[LoveSupreme]

https://img.discogs.com/ztlv8FTGETCyt5QMC5_GxZO7F3o=/fit-in/600x581/filters:strip_icc[[):format[[jpeg):mode_rgb[[):qualit y[[90)/discogs-images/R-8834606-1469758432-2275.jpeg.jpg

[LoveSupreme]

https://img.discogs.com/kzOXRO8zVPE_4vx2BtUNOFB7DYw=/fit-in/600x605/filters:strip_icc[[):format[[jpeg):mode_rgb[[):qualit y[[90)/discogs-images/R-8834606-1469758429-1085.jpeg.jpg

[jbpintus]

There is a 4 minutes long « Erucu » which is the best version as it is complete - and sounds more like a complete song. The version on MAHOGANY is just an excerpt.

If you want the long version, you’ve got to turn to Natural Ressources’ MOTOWN INSTUMENTALS lp.

:)

JB

[sansradio]

I remain convinced that my vinyl Mahogany copy [[which was a cutout) had slightly longer versions of many of the tracks. The instrumental solos, which I have committed to memory from said record, are missing passages. Also, "LGBTD1" had a longer fade with a killer vocal run.

I should also note that "Christian's Theme" and "Can You Hear It in My Music" were not included on my vinyl cutout. This may account for the varied running times I remember. I'm gonna look into this further.

[sansradio]

I've found confirmation. "Erucu"'s runtime was 3:07, "Let's Go Back..." was 2:53, and "Cat Fight" was 3:07. "Sweets [[And Other Things)" also has a runtime of 3:05 here, a big change from 1:52. "She's the Ideal Girl"'s runtime is 3:24, as opposed to 2:43. This must have been some alternate reissue. I knew I wasn't crazy.

https://www.discogs.com/Michael-Masser-The-Original-Soundtrack-Of-Mahogany/release/2454438

[sansradio]

these songs have always been short:


B2
Cat Fight
Written-By, Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)

1:28


B3
Erucu
Written-By – Don Daniels [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/225486-Don-Daniels)Written-By, Producer – Jermaine Jackson [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/17971-Jermaine-Jackson)

1:23


B4
Let's Go Back To Day One
Arranged By, Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)Written-By – Gloria Jones [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/97835-Gloria-Jones), Patrice Holloway [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/376077-Patrice-Holloway)

1:36



they are now even shorter????
wow, why bother?

To clarify, Boogiedown, they are not shorter than this, but shorter than my alternate reissue.

[kenneth]

@sansradio,

Now I want to hurry home and check and see which version of the album I have! I bought this on CD not long ago, and I think I paid about $20 for it, so I'm disappointed there are longer versions available of some of the songs.

Sounds like it's time for an Expanded Edition!

[JohnnyB]

@sansradio,

Now I want to hurry home and check and see which version of the album I have! I bought this on CD not long ago, and I think I paid about $20 for it, so I'm disappointed there are longer versions available of some of the songs.

Sounds like it's time for an Expanded Edition!

I remember purchasing a second copy of the Mahogany soundtrack on LP in the seventies and discovering the song sequence and lengths were different. I am unsure which version is considered the “definite” release and am unsure which version was released on CD. I still have both copies stored and will research when I am able.

This may answer a few questions, and forgive me if this has already been stated.

[sansradio]

Thank you, kenneth & JohnnyB. And yes, kenneth, free MAHOGANY Expanded! 😄

[Boogiedown]

To clarify, Boogiedown, they are not shorter than this, but shorter than my alternate reissue.

And I was obviously in error to say "the songs have always been short" . Apparently not always!!
Tracklist



Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You're Going To)
3:17


Feeling Again
3:16


You Don't Ever Have To Be Alone
2:34


Can You Hear It In My Music
3:32


Christian's Theme
1:40


After You
2:13


Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You're Going To) [[Instrumental)
2:46


My Hero Is A Gun
3:16


Cat Fight
1:28


Erucu
1:23


Let's Go Back To Day One
1:36


Tracy
2:09


She's The Ideal Girl
2:43


Sweets [[And Other Things)
1:52


Mahogany Suite ----------------------------------------------------------- 5:29



Tracklist



A1
Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You're Going To)
Lyrics By – Gerry Goffin [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/241547-Gerry-Goffin)Vocals – Diana Ross [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/47742-Diana-Ross)

3:21


A2
You Don't Ever Have To Be Alone
2:36


A3
After You
2:14


A4
Feeling Again
3:18


A5
My Hero Is A Gun
3:15


A6
Mahogany Suite
4:40


B1
Erucu
3:31


B2
Cat Fight
3:07


B3
Tracy
2:11


B4
She's The Ideal Girl
3:24


B5
Let's Go Back To Day One
Producer – Gil Askey [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/223957-Gil-Askey)Written-By – Gloria Jones [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/97835-Gloria-Jones), Patrice Holloway [[https://www.discogs.com/artist/376077-Patrice-Holloway)

2:53


B6
Sweets [[And Other Things)
3:05


B7
Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You're Going To) [[Instrumental)
3:46



This is fascinating. Such a different pressing. Removed songs and then the different ordering of songs. I was under the [[mistaken?) impression that most soundtracks presented the sequence of the songs to match their order of appearance in the movie?
I wonder if Jermaine was bothered by his song being so stunted? Probably same royalties.

Good stuff Sans!

shortened version:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PozMee-446Y

[kenneth]

I was under the [[mistaken?) impression that most soundtracks presented the sequence of the songs to match their order of appearance in the movie?



I know that's definitely not the case, at least not how albums were usually sequenced in the past. Soundtrack albums were generally sequenced to highlight their commercial potential. If you remember back to the soundtrack album from "Grease," Side 1 contained the opening song and "Summer Nights" which came early in the film but the side ended with "You're the One That I Want" which came nearly at the end of the movie and "Sandy" which came midway through the film. This was often true with soundtrack albums that consisted of music only as well. Quite often, for the same reason, the music was rerecorded for the album to be more commercially marketable [[whatever that means!) so it was different than the music you heard in the actual film. This was true with even historical film soundtracks such as "Ben-Hur."

I have a feeling that now CD albums are sequenced more in parallel to how the music is heard in the film but I doubt it is that way in all cases.

[RanRan79]

I wish I had my vinyl copy with me so I can see which version I have.

[Boogiedown]

I know that's definitely not the case, at least not how albums were usually sequenced in the past. Soundtrack albums were generally sequenced to highlight their commercial potential. If you remember back to the soundtrack album from "Grease," Side 1 contained the opening song and "Summer Nights" which came early in the film but the side ended with "You're the One That I Want" which came nearly at the end of the movie and "Sandy" which came midway through the film. This was often true with soundtrack albums that consisted of music only as well. Quite often, for the same reason, the music was rerecorded for the album to be more commercially marketable [[whatever that means!) so it was different than the music you heard in the actual film. This was true with even historical film soundtracks such as "Ben-Hur."

I have a feeling that now CD albums are sequenced more in parallel to how the music is heard in the film but I doubt it is that way in all cases.

OK thanks Kenneth . Never put thought to it , just assumed.
Movie scores I am now thinking are a different critter from soundtracks.

[johnjeb]

I have two copies of this album one is domestic which I bought when released, the other is Canadian [[it has the Motown maple leaf logo on the back cover - which is probably why I bought it. I don't know when I bought it or where.). Both say copyright 1975.

My domestic copy is the same track-listing and times as listed in the first Tracklist of Boogiedown's post and shown in the label pics of LoveSupreme's post. In Boogiedown's post the time for the last track is missing - it is 5:29. That can be seen in the label pic from LoveSupreme's post.

My Canadian vinyl has the same Side A as the US vinyl but Side B is different. It is similar to the second Tracklist B1 - B7 of Boogiedown's post. Most of the tracks have longer times except Mahogany Suite is now Mahogany [[Instrumental) and about 2:00 minutes shorter.

So it appears that the albums with Mahogany Suite at 5:29 as the last track on Side B may be the reason most of the other tracks on that same side have shorter times.

Another thing I noticed is that in addition to the Motown catalogue number 858 there is another number [[matrix number?). Side A for both US and Canadian pressings show 2537-S. Side B is a bit different for each. The US copy shows 2538-S and the Canadian vinyl shows 2538-S-RE3.

I hope I got all this correct. My head is spinning. I think I'm getting too old to sort out these details!

[Boogiedown]

I have two copies of this album one is domestic which I bought when released, the other is Canadian [[it has the Motown maple leaf logo on the back cover - which is probably why I bought it. I don't know when I bought it or where.). Both say copyright 1975.

My domestic copy is the same track-listing and times as listed in the first Tracklist of Boogiedown's post and shown in the label pics of LoveSupreme's post. In Boogiedown's post the time for the last track is missing - it is 5:29. That can be seen in the label pic from LoveSupreme's post.

My Canadian vinyl has the same Side A as the US vinyl but Side B is different. It is similar to the second Tracklist B1 - B7 of Boogiedown's post. Most of the tracks have longer times except Mahogany Suite is now Mahogany [[Instrumental) and about 2:00 minutes shorter.

So it appears that the albums with Mahogany Suite at 5:29 as the last track on Side B may be the reason most of the other tracks on that same side have shorter times.

Another thing I noticed is that in addition to the Motown catalogue number 858 there is another number [[matrix number?). Side A for both US and Canadian pressings show 2537-S. Side B is a bit different for each. The US copy shows 2538-S and the Canadian vinyl shows 2538-S-RE3.

I hope I got all this correct. My head is spinning. I think I'm getting too old to sort out these details!

Ha it is kind of head hurting!
Sorry I left off that one song time , I went back and sort of adjusted it.