Information Socitey "Running"

chendagam wrote: According to the promo 45, the “vocal edit” runs 3:59 but if you look at the discog link (https://www.discogs.com/Information- Society-Running/release/3249267) you will notice in the images that someone crossed out the names of the versions.

Yes, there are two sets of images, and technically, those belong to two different pressings and should be on two separate release pages. If you look carefully, you'll notice that the A side label that is not crossed out has matrix TB 877-7 A, a printed time of 3:59, and is called Vocal Edit. Then, if you look at the image that has the crossed out version, you'll see that the same label matrix and printed time (TB 877-7 A, 3:59) has the words "Instrumental Edit" crossed out and "Vocal" written in sharpie. The same holds true for the B side labels. Apparently the first pressing had the version names swapped on the labels by mistake, which was corrected for a second pressing. In all likelihood, it's the exact same audio on both pressings--just a correction for the record labels.

chendagam wrote: My theory is there must have been a limited run of promo CD singles issued by Tommy Boy back in 1988 when the album was released

It's possible, but I'd say it's very unlikely. Surely we would've seen evidence of a promo CD single by now if one existed. Also, it appears there are no 1988-89 reissues of the single anywhere on any format (7", cassette, 12"). If Tommy Boy had planned to promote the song as another single off the self-titled album, surely there would've been other promo and retail formats pressed up that year. The promo CD single was a new format in 1988, and most stations were still playing everything from cart and/or vinyl back then. I can't see Tommy Boy releasing only a promo CD single and no other format whatsoever.

Ain't no way that's legit. On the intro and fade, it sounds like someone is dropping the needle onto the record while the music is still playing. Listen carefully, and you'll hear that the vinyl noise is completely gone for about a second (music only) and then (THUMP) a needle hitting a blank groove.

Qobuz is of no help as they only have the 7:45 album
version and a slew of remixes.

The YT video sounds like it's from vinyl. Whether or not it's the "real deal," I don't know. Was it the same YT user that posted the last version and claimed it was the original edit when it really wasn't? If so, his credibiity is still in question.

For what it's worth, I remember hearing this track on WKTU when I was driving through NYC about 10 years ago. I don't remember how they edited it.