I think I recall hearing that shortened version many moons ago and pretty much dismissed it. In fact, when I first read your post, I wasn't even sure I had the 45 - but it turns out I have three of them. So many of the Carpenters 45s that I do have are the promo versions for radio, with only an a-side in stereo and the same song in mono on the b-side. So, there are a number of b-sides that I've never heard, generally assuming that they are pretty much the same as the album versions.
But the first rule of Carpenters recordings is to 'never assume.' I learned that the hard way with the two different Japanese Anthology sets and the different variations for SINGLES 69-73. And, as I said, it will be interesting to see what the new Singles package from PBS does. Will the shortened "Mr. Guder" appear for authenticity? I hope so.
Harry
But the first rule of Carpenters recordings is to 'never assume.' I learned that the hard way with the two different Japanese Anthology sets and the different variations for SINGLES 69-73. And, as I said, it will be interesting to see what the new Singles package from PBS does. Will the shortened "Mr. Guder" appear for authenticity? I hope so.
Harry