Nu Shooz "I Can’t Wait"

Just discovered there's a difference in two similar length extended versions of Nu Shooz' 1986 hit "I Can't Wait."

One is the 6:20 length, which does not start with a clap, but rather the bass keyboard line. The second extended version is 6:15 in length. It starts with a clap, & then simply edits the intro by two bars, but is otherwise identical the rest of the way through.

Discogs lists (if you can believe the time listings on the label) 08628 as 6:20, and 08628R as 6:15.

It might be helpful to have a distinction in the database as to which 12" is which... and whether or not both versions really WERE released on vinyl.

It would also be VERY interesting to know how it was decided to edit the intro by just a few seconds but add the clap & part of the bass keyboard line in to the opening!

Edited by NightAire

My 12" copy is the 6:15 one with the picture sleeve, as shown above at the 08628R link. I'm almost 100% certain it has the full intro, though, and does not start with the handclaps. I'll double check when I get a chance.

Gene, I do recall hearing that trimmed intro on a couple CDs. I'm wondering if it might be a mastering error that ended up being duplicated on other CDs. I've heard it before, and it doesn't sound like a logical place for the song to begin. Probably the best description would be (12" version, but missing the first :XX).

Also, there is another thread that talks about the single version. I've long speculated that there aren't any CDs where the song sounds like a tape source. They all sound like vinyl to me. I'd be willing to bet that Atlantic's master tape is that way. In fact, a couple of the noticeable "ticks" can be heard in the exact same places on the vinyl itself.

Jim and Andy posted info in another thread about how this husband and wife duo from Oregon first had a regional hit on Poolside Records. The original Poolside 45 is quite a bit different from the hit Atlantic version. I recall the vocal track sounding the same, but the instrumentation has been remixed. Both versions are equally good.

Edited by aaronk

Aaron, I remember hearing about the "all vinyl sources" on this song, but I haven't heard a reasonable explanation for it... as I understand, the couple went into Atlantic and re-recorded the song... didn't they? So what, I wonder, did Atlanta do with their masters?

I think your description of the shorter versions is dead-on. :)

Speaking of the original: I just stumbled across this last night. Very interesting listening!

(Previous link died; song still available at the link below.)

Nu Shooz Music Store - The rare "American Version" of "I Can't Wait," from Tha's Right, released 01 March 1985 on Poolside Records

(Note that the keyboard theme that's so common in the version we know & love today doesn't even exist in the original version... was it Atlantic's idea, or the Dutch DJ who remixed the song & put them in Atlantic's view?)

EDIT: I just listened to the sample on Amazon from the CD "80s Dance Gold." It even lists it as "remastered," but in the sample it is CLEARLY from vinyl... you can hear the spit and slur on the sibilance that's a dead giveaway a tonearm was involved.

How the HECK has this happened to a recording from '86?!?

Edited by NightAire

Hi folks,

Got to wondering about some of the above questions, so i DL'd the original Poolside single (thanks for posting access to that! Very cool to hear it!!)

It was sounding to me like not only are the vocals the same, but most of the instruments as well, so i synchronized the first verse and chorus (too much editing differences to do any more than that.)
Needed some EQ changes, but i can confirm that the remix done in the Netherlands used ALL of the multitracks, just changed the eq on many tracks, and changed around the echo and reverb. The drum, rhythm guitar, some percussion and some horns are the same tracks, just mixed/EQ'd very differently.

Then of course, the "keyboard theme" was added. Sounds like a vocal sample played on a synth (annoyingly popular at that time, wasnt it?)...nevertheless gave the song an obvious hook and that really sold the record.

But just thought i'd share that the instruments indeed are also original. It's amazing how different a mix can be.
If i knew how to post my sample synch file, i would, but have no clue.

Now, as for why some CD's sound like they had to dub the Atlantic mix from vinyl is quite odd, i have no suggestions to explain that. I just listened carefully to CD's pressed in the 80's and i do admit there are some noises in the source that make it sound like vinyl, such as a background rumble in one copy, and ticks in the other. Even though, it would be illogical and unlikely that Atlantic could not acquire a tape source for a purchased or licensed track, that was newly remixed from the multi's, no less!
These can possibly be tape or transfer defects as well.... but i have to admit, also sounds like a disc dub!   It really does!
So, I have no conclusions to offer on that.

MM