Open Letter to "The Radio Station"

Dear "The Radio Station,"

I am a pretty big fan of yours. You are one of of the very few radio stations that I can get out here that play old school soul. Plus, you play some modern rhythm and blues. That being said, please stop trying to fit old songs within the time restraints of new songs. According to most Mp3 player companies, the average song is about 4 minutes long. I'm assuming they are referring to modern songs. With some of the older songs, the intro could last a good 2 minutes. Not to mention, there are guitar solos, drum solos, trumpet solos...

For example, you played Minnie Riperton's Memory Lane today. Those of us familiar with the album version know that she does her high note part, twice. But, there is a small instrumental version between both of the high note parts.

You cheat us. You don't even play the single version. You played a 2 minute soundbite. When you cut the instrumental part out, Radio Station, those of us who try to imitate Minnie are not prepared. That instrumental part gives us time to take a few deep breaths, clear are throat and get ready to, unsuccessfully, hit those high notes.

I know you have time restraints, but if you are going to cut a song short, at least fade the song out. At least let me think the song is only 2 minutes and 10 seconds long. Instead, Radio Station, you cut into the song so that a DJ can tell a joke, a bad one at that.

I'm only writing this because I am a music fan. I enjoy music too much to hear miniature versions of a song. It's like watching The Wizard of Oz, but skipping the entire Munchkin Land scene. The whole magic is gone.

Thank you,
Tabitha (Music Fan)