why are the best tracks always the last on a side?

[admin_exported]

Just a quick Q. I've noticed that on allot of albums the single tracks/ best tracks seem to be the last track on the side. Is this a dirty trick the record companies did to try and sell more copies? My thinking being that the inner track will start to distort and sound poor due to wear etc soonest, as well as the owner playing that track most because it's their favourite or it's the track they bought the album for.

Either that or I'm loosing it and it's pure coincidence, either way it would be nice to know.

Ta

 

[mitch65]

I remember reading about this not that long ago, something to do with getting people to listen to the whole album by placing the 'known' songs towards the end of the side as the record companies figured it was too much aggrevation to change tracks. With the advent of CD I suppose this just stopped as people would just skip to the next song. Of course I am always up for a conspiracy theory and what I read may be wrong.

 

[oldleodensian]

mitch65:something to do with getting people to listen to the whole album by placing the 'known' songs towards the end of the side

That doesn't explain why many albums have the hit single as the first track on the album. Sometimes the first 2 or 3 tracks on one side and the first on side 2 may also be released as singles...gets the attention of the listener straight away.

I personally think that a great album finishing with an utterly brilliant track leaves you feeling...wow, what an album!

 

[mitch65]

Maybe not, please bear in mind this is just what I read, but you're right you would have to start with a good song to keep the attention, little bit of filler then finish with a blinder to give the incentive to turn over and then finish with the album with the hit...... I think I might put this one to the test.

 

[smuggs]

i was thinking the other way is that way on a cd is track 1 and 2 often good and they seem to put a couple of gems in the middle. now that i have vinyl in my life i can see it is that you a good opening track on both sides.

 

[Anonymous]

I agree with your point oldleodensian, i was gonna mention that other albums put the the good stuff up front on the first track but forgot to. Either way i'm starting to figure it was just two varying schools of thought on how best to track list an album, one side saying hit em straight outta the blocks and the other saying always finnish on a high. Either that or it could have something to do with listing the songs so that they have similar play times per side to help with sound quality or mastering i guess. Or if u think of it another wayit could be a evil plot to make people buy the 12" single version as the album track wouldn't sound much better than the album version so you'd have to get the 12" too! Conspiracy!

Smuggs, i always remember some of my friends always saying track 6 was always a great track on a cd, don't know if anyone else has oticed this but it seems to hold up when ive checked.

 

[smuggs]

9 out of the first 20 cds i looked at in my collection track 6 is the best or very good so nearly half ill keep an eye on track 6 then lol

 

[Anonymous]

Back in the dark distant days, an LP's track running order was decided and the masters cut - along with Sleeve artwork, long before the decision as to which tracks would be released as singles.