PaulMaul,
I completely respect your feelings & opinion of I Can Remember. As they say...to each their own.
But, I disagree.
For me, a shortened, single version of ICR, without the beautiful piano interludes would be the same as the shortened, single version of All By Myself, with the beautiful piano interlude omitted. The single of ABM was ok, but give me the extended version every time. I even used to listened to ABM on my album (Jeez, I'm old!) in the faster 45rpm, instead of 33 sometimes. The piano interlude is still great, though Eric's voice does sound like he had a touch of helium.
I also love the faster rock oriented ending of ICR. It reminds me of the faster paced ending of Runaway. In fact, I've always viewed ICR as a precursor for Runaway. Eric's slower, lush piano dominating the beginning and middle, culminating in the faster, and fantastically climactic ending of Runaway.
In conclusion, I guess I would be ok with a shortened, single version of ICR, as long as I have the option of listening to the long version instead, like ABM.
But, Runaway is perfect. Please, everybody leave this masterpiece alone!!
Again, respectfully, just my opinion.
Kim