Panic @ the Disco - I Write Sins Not Truths

[Bannerville]

This song has been playing for a couple weeks in State College, and I've heard it on all three top40/hotAc stations. Two of the stations, 3WZ and G101 have been playing the edited version, while B94.5 has been playing a version straight off the CD.
I'm out here in the midewest this week, listening to different stations and they too are playing the same edited version that 3WZ and G101 have been playing.
So I ask this, when is a song deemed to offensive that it should be edited?? Is this always left up to the labels or is it simply the station will play it whether it got it from the label or from the local CD shop? And if a station starts to play a non-edited version, have they ever resorted back to the edited version due to complaints or is it just yanked off the air?
BTW-Is B94 still playing the unedited version. I have been out of the area for a couple weeks.

 

[ameyer]

There is nothing in the song that by FCC standards is not allowed, this is a song that is basically a station call of wether or not it should be edited, I personally think that the song is very offensive to listners in offices and such unedited.

FYI the song title is I Write Sins Not Tragadies

 

[Bannerville]

Allow myself to correct ...myself. Panic! At The Disco - I Write Sins Not Tragedies.
Also look back at my last post, I didn't say anything about FFC or it not being allowed, I was merely asking the opinion of this decision to allow the non-edited version.
I did a simple search on good 'ole Wikipedia, I love that place, and this is what I found:
Many U.S. radio stations, in response to the language found in the song, wanted an edited version. The lyrics "The poor groom's bride is a whore" and "Haven't you people ever heard of closing the goddamn door?" were changed by replacing "whore" with a "shhh" sound and removing the "god" in "goddamn". Some stations - generally Modern Rock stations - still play the original version.

So...being that B94 is not a rock station, unless results radio canned it already, why would they opt to play the unedited version over the non?

 

[Becker]

So...being that B94 is not a rock station, unless results radio canned it already, why would they opt to play the unedited version over the non?

I'm curious why any station plays it at all. Having read the lyrics, it's a crappy song.

 

[Hermes]

that's why most radios come with the ability to change stations

 

[shilton]

Allow myself to correct ...myself. Panic! At The Disco - I Write Sins Not Tragedies.
Also look back at my last post, I didn't say anything about FFC or it not being allowed, I was merely asking the opinion of this decision to allow the non-edited version.
I did a simple search on good 'ole Wikipedia, I love that place, and this is what I found:
Many U.S. radio stations, in response to the language found in the song, wanted an edited version. The lyrics "The poor groom's bride is a whore" and "Haven't you people ever heard of closing the goddamn door?" were changed by replacing "whore" with a "shhh" sound and removing the "god" in "goddamn". Some stations - generally Modern Rock stations - still play the original version.

So...being that B94 is not a rock station, unless results radio canned it already, why would they opt to play the unedited version over the non?

My best guess....its what they could pull off Limewire. Being so new, I would bet they are not getting service from the labels yet

 

[SC_Radio_101]

My best guess....its what they could pull off Limewire. Being so new, I would bet they are not getting service from the labels yet

Steve,

You're full of it. I can assure you that they're not pulling off of
Limewire. (As opposed to the MONO crap that you play on G101).

 

[iman]

I don't claim to know anything, but I'll go out on a limb and say that B's decision to play the unedited version of Panic! was a conscious one. Maybe B thinks that their target audience would think they're "uncool" if they hear edits of their favorite songs. Just a guess...

I think B sounds good. Jocks sound good, music sounds good, processing sounds good. I'm wishing them well!

 

[shilton]

My best guess....its what they could pull off Limewire. Being so new, I would bet they are not getting service from the labels yet

Steve,

You're full of it. I can assure you that they're not pulling off of
Limewire. (As opposed to the MONO crap that you play on G101).

You need to pull your head out of whatever place you happen to have it in at the moment. We get FULL SERVICE from all labels including promotional giveaway stuff...and the signal happens to be in stereo! Maybe you got something stuck in your ears and just can't hear right?

 

[SC_Radio_101]

My best guess....its what they could pull off Limewire. Being so new, I would bet they are not getting service from the labels yet

Steve,

You're full of it. I can assure you that they're not pulling off of
Limewire. (As opposed to the MONO crap that you play on G101).

You need to pull your head out of whatever place you happen to have it in at the moment. We get FULL SERVICE from all labels including promotional giveaway stuff...and the signal happens to be in stereo! Maybe you got something stuck in your ears and just can't hear right?

If you don't want to be insulted, than don't insult others. If you can't see
how your "Limewire" comment is insulting, then you're beyond hope.

I hate to break it to you, but G101 isn't the only station in town that
gets "full service from the labels". I'd probably be safe betting that
other stations are getting better "full service" than the "full service"
you're getting.

 

[ameyer]

Good lord does anybody know how not to take a slam on anyone. The orginal question was why are they playing the unedited version and not who gets full service from what label. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It is basically a PD choice as to witch version they play. Most rock stations are playing the unedited version. Most CHR are playing the edit, is it a stupid idea for B to be playing the unedited, I think yes, but I am not the PD and I don't claim to know everything.

 

[shilton]

If you don't want to be insulted, than don't insult others. If you can't see
how your "Limewire" comment is insulting, then you're beyond hope.

I hate to break it to you, but G101 isn't the only station in town that
gets "full service from the labels". I'd probably be safe betting that
other stations are getting better "full service" than the "full service"
you're getting.

How is my comment insulting? Ask the former crew of Hot 107.9 how they got a lot of the cuts they played? They got them off Limewire or other "similar avenues". The station is brand spanking new so how impossible is it to believe that perhaps they aren't getting complete service yet from all the labels. Will they...HECK YES...but that does not always happen overnight.

Now, if its simply a decision for them to play the unedited version from a programming standpoint, then I'd stand by AJ's assessment that its not a wise one. I cannot think of too many offices who would want to be hearing about "Closing the god-damned door" and "the bridesmaid being a whore" right smack in the middle of the work environment.

However, it is a matter of choice and perhaps that was the choice they made? I do not know, nor do I claim to. I was only taking an educated guess as to perhaps why they went with one version (easy to obtain) as opposed to another.

Never insulted anyone...and if you read it that way....either I mis-stated my intentions or you just plain mis-read em...but in any case my scenario is not all that unbelievable in this day and age when the labels as a whole are tightening down what they are giving the stations due to the payola scandals of the past few years.

 

[ameyer]

1. You can very easily find the edited version of the song on Limewire, I looked!!!!

2. I have to agree that it is not impossable for them to to have FULL label service as they are part of the Forver Franchise....(we all know they are, so don't argue with me)

3. Explain why they are tightening up the release of singles, due to payola?

Payola:

Bribery of an influential person in exchange for the promotion of a product or service, such that of disc jockeys for the promotion of records.

I'm not following your reasoning

 

[shilton]

1. You can very easily find the edited version of the song on Limewire, I looked!!!!

2. I have to agree that it is not impossable for them to to have FULL label service as they are part of the Forver Franchise....(we all know they are, so don't argue with me)

3. Explain why they are tightening up the release of singles, due to payola?

Payola:

Bribery of an influential person in exchange for the promotion of a product or service, such that of disc jockeys for the promotion of records.

I'm not following your reasoning

I am sure the edited version is more readily accessible these days. But in the earlier days of the song's release, it was harder to come by.

As for the whole "are they are are they not Forever debate"....I am sure we all have our theories, but without glancing into their books, who really knows? Sure sounds worlds different from any other CHR I hear Forever doing though. Does not sound like Hot 103, nor Hot 100/Hot 92 and each of those stations have (had) airstaffs also whereas, B94.5 seems content to run with 2 personalities on-air for 3 hours in a clip each. The stations may be linked as people seem to believe, but they sure are not structered the same way.

As for the last item I mentioned....Don't know the reasoning behind it, but have been told by some of the reps themselves that they play all sorts of hell just trying to get radio stations on the lists to be serviced as none of the labels are too keen on sending anything anymore between all the problems they had internally with Payola scandals and the fact that many labels just do not care about markets this small anymore at all. But if you schmmoze enough, they will still let you in eventually. But once you are added to the lists, it still takes a few months to feel the full effects which i why I said "perhaps they are not receiving stuff YET".

By the way...one interesting tidbit to consider when evaluating the "coolness" or "uncoolness" of playing the edited version of the song. If you see the video on MTV, you will note that most of the time, they air the edit also. However I have heard the unedited version also. Seems to depend on the time of day. It'd be a hard sell for anyone to call MTV "uncool" so I guess they must have their reasons for playing the edit. That seems to scream to me that a mainstream CHR playing the unedited version smack dab in the middle of the day may not be a great call?

However maybe no one cares at all....can anoyone from B94.5 comment if they have gotten any calls of complaint for airing the unedited version?

 

[Hermes]

Including the club mixes, extended mixes and UK versions and the edited version of the song, there are over 12 versions of the song available...I'm sure if they wanted another version they could call the VP/Promotion in NY or call the regional Atlantic person out of Pittsburgh, Mark Fritzges and get whatever they wanted. XM doesn't play an edit and I'm sure when PSU students download the song to their IPOD they don't go for the edit, they expect it to sound like it does on the cd. They may be programming to students instead of the Board of Directors at M&T Bank.

 

[ameyer]

As for the last item I mentioned....Don't know the reasoning behind it, but have been told by some of the reps themselves that they play all sorts of hell just trying to get radio stations on the lists to be serviced as none of the labels are too keen on sending anything anymore between all the problems they had internally with Payola scandals and the fact that many labels just do not care about markets this small anymore at all. But if you schmmoze enough, they will still let you in eventually. But once you are added to the lists, it still takes a few months to feel the full effects which i why I said "perhaps they are not receiving stuff YET".

The Payola has them cracking down on full lengths not singles

 

[shilton]

Including the club mixes, extended mixes and UK versions and the edited version of the song, there are over 12 versions of the song available...I'm sure if they wanted another version they could call the VP/Promotion in NY or call the regional Atlantic person out of Pittsburgh, Mark Fritzges and get whatever they wanted. XM doesn't play an edit and I'm sure when PSU students download the song to their IPOD they don't go for the edit, they expect it to sound like it does on the cd. They may be programming to students instead of the Board of Directors at M&T Bank.

Well, then they should know that the prime time for students listening is early evening while they are studying in their dorms/apartments. Most will not be listening during the day as they are (supposed to be) in class. By the way, you are somewhat incorrect on your statement...SOME of the XM Channels (and Sirius also) DO play the edits. At any rate, do you honestly think a student will refuse to listen to a station because they don't play the unedited version of a song? I'd say its a safer bet that a potential advertiser may avoid the station for fear that people will think their business supports "foul language" on the radio. Or more of a chance that the office that may listen will tune out for fear of offending its clientelle? But thats ok....let em tune out. We have room for them on 101.1 along with our happy advertisers

All I am saying is you cannot run a liner saying you are the station that you and Mom will love then run songs with language in it that would make Mom's head explode. It does not fit the image they are trying to create. I myself, support AJ's stance to err on the side of caution and to play the edit. Same song...same melody...just less potential to "offend"

 

[Hermes]

it's the HOOK of the song...good thing you weren't programming when Elton John had THE BITCH IS BACK or Hall & Oates had RICH GIRL and you'd sure freak out when you had the Archbishop calling you 3 times a day telling you, you were going to hell for playing Billy Joel's ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG - if he was as worried about his priest and what was going on with them, we'd have a lot fewer folks seeing shrinks...I don't think the Billy Joel song scared ANYONE for life. And life goes on...as a parent, I'd be more concerned with my kid not being knocked up at 12 or strung out on crack at 13. These things happen in "Happy Valley" even.

 

[fwdmo]

Including the club mixes, extended mixes and UK versions and the edited version of the song, there are over 12 versions of the song available...I'm sure if they wanted another version they could call the VP/Promotion in NY or call the regional Atlantic person out of Pittsburgh, Mark Fritzges and get whatever they wanted. XM doesn't play an edit and I'm sure when PSU students download the song to their IPOD they don't go for the edit, they expect it to sound like it does on the cd. They may be programming to students instead of the Board of Directors at M&T Bank.

Well, then they should know that the prime time for students listening is early evening while they are studying in their dorms/apartments. Most will not be listening during the day as they are (supposed to be) in class. By the way, you are somewhat incorrect on your statement...SOME of the XM Channels (and Sirius also) DO play the edits. At any rate, do you honestly think a student will refuse to listen to a station because they don't play the unedited version of a song? I'd say its a safer bet that a potential advertiser may avoid the station for fear that people will think their business supports "foul language" on the radio. Or more of a chance that the office that may listen will tune out for fear of offending its clientelle? But thats ok....let em tune out. We have room for them on 101.1 along with our happy advertisers

All I am saying is you cannot run a liner saying you are the station that you and Mom will love then run songs with language in it that would make Mom's head explode. It does not fit the image they are trying to create. I myself, support AJ's stance to err on the side of caution and to play the edit. Same song...same melody...just less potential to "offend"

Be careful Hitman...you did the same thing to Hot when they were on the air...you jabbed at their imaging...the fact they pitched their music...you called the rhythmic when in fact they were pure CHR...and what happend? All those things that you thought were wrong on the air proved to be what the listeners wanted from a CHR vs. G101's product. Don't curse yourself again!!!!!!!!

mmmmuuuuhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaa

 

[Spackler1]

I'd take a safe approach. If I thought it was offensive, I wouldn't air it. To me, a station loses nothing by playing the edit. A lot of people, most people maybe, find G**-***ned more offensive than F***.