Rocking Around The Christmas Tree/ Brenda Lee -- Which version do you like?

[kenb]

Ever since I was a little kid, I loved hearing ROCKING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE at Christmas. I noticed over the years that there was a loud guitar that plays prominently in the song. I did not remember hearing it on the 45 RPM record that I have. What gives??? Is the version with the loud guitar an original version or did somebody tweak the original and added the loud guitar? ???

 

[Silkie]

Is it possible that a digital remaster of the original clarified the tune? I have 45s that sound different than the digitally remastered versions on cd.

 

[GridLeakBias]

Ever since I was a little kid, I loved hearing ROCKING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE at Christmas. I noticed over the years that there was a loud guitar that plays prominently in the song. I did not remember hearing it on the 45 RPM record that I have. What gives??? Is the version with the loud guitar an original version or did somebody tweak the original and added the loud guitar? ???

I don't have a 45rpm copy, but I'll offer this guess:

Are you comparing the audio from your 45rpm record to off-the-air broadcast radio? AM or FM?

The frequency response difference is very great when comparing a low dollar (analog) record player with broadcast radio or a digital copy on CD. My poor old memory [of the tune in question] tells me the guitar licks (and the sax lead on the bridge) have always been up front on the recording (off-the-air), but maybe not as bright as when heard off the 45 rpm platter.

Silkie offers an additional explanation - digital remastering. Wish I could find an original copy (Decca 9-30776) with which to do a comparison.

Perhaps there is a drive-by audiophile around who can give us a definitive answer to this issue.