Saturday, December 4, 2021

Week 8: Country version

After the launch of the album, someone in the band or at Buie/Geller thought a country version of "Pac-Man Fever" would be a hit. Having already worked with Edgel Groves on "Footprints in the Sand", the duo asked him to record it.

After the country version of "Pac-Man Fever" was recorded, however, CBS Records got wind of it and nixed it. They were worried it would eat into sales of the original. Despite this, some 45 copies were pressed locally on the Starstruck label.

Remember in week 4 we told you we'd see Edgel Groves' name again? Yes, he's the same one that helped create the patterns included on the album's sleeve.

The country version of "Pac-Man Fever" is actually faster than the original, having been played at about 200 bpm as opposed to the original's 150 bpm. This makes the country version almost exactly one minute faster.

Just like the original, the country version 45 comes with an instrumental version on the B side. But nobody has ever put it online! Until now!!! Enjoy!

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