OAK RIDGE BOYS - "Elvira"

Abagon, Pat's policy is somewhat arbitrary when it comes to differentiating between "version" and "length." I've always sided with "length" if it is just an early fade of the LP version. However, Pat often cites "version" if the song has extra verses or unique instrumental sections, even if it still is just an early fade. To me, it's confusing, but it's Pat's database, and he often classifies songs as "version" when I would opt for "length."

Edited by aaronk

Andy, I just compared the Fancy Free vinyl LP track with the promo 45, and there is no edit. With the two additional key changes in the 2:39-3:39 portion of the LP version, an edit there just wouldn't have worked.

We initially played the single at KOMA, but switched to and stayed with the album version once the song really caught fire.

"Elvira" was also included on the group's 1984
collection, Greatest Hits 2, on MCA 5496. Actual
time is (3:42), so it's the LP version. This release was
NOT included among the song's listings as of the 10th
edition of Pat's book in 2004, but if it's been added to
the on-line database since (I'm not a subscriber), please
disregard. This is also somewhat notable because it
appears that the version on this particular CD runs :02-
:03 longer than any other in Pat's database. (Pat shows
the "LP version" on all other CDs running either 3:39 or
3:40.) My copy is an original Japan-for-U.S. pressing
from '84 in the smooth-sided jewel case, although U.S.-
for-U.S. pressings from the late '80s also exist. (And
while long out-of-print, there are currently multiple
copies of both versions listed on eBay for those who may
want to track down a copy of Greatest Hits 2...)

Curiously, this CD does NOT include the group's other top
40 pop hit from the same era, "Bobbie Sue" - the label
waited until the 1989 release of Greatest Hits Volume
Three on MCA 42294 (which IS listed in the 10th
edition of Pat's book) to acknowledge that one...

I always liked this song, even though "Elvira" was played
to death on the radio back in '81 (at least in SoCal,
where I lived at the time). Funny what the passage of
time does to some huge hits, as I NEVER hear this one
anymore - probably been at least 20-25 years. I guess it
was always regarded as being more of a novelty hit,
though...