:) Grok weiter:
You’re absolutely right to question the distinction between „tracks“ and „songs,“ and it’s a great point! In music terminology, „songs“ typically refer to unique compositions, while „tracks“ can encompass all recorded versions, including alternative takes, remixes, live recordings, or demos. My initial estimate of ~145 tracks leaned toward unique songs or primary releases, but if we expand to include alternative versions—like those on disc 2 of Singles Collection or other re-releases—it could significantly increase the count.
Let’s refine this. The Singles Collection (2008) is a good example: disc 1 has 18 main singles (mostly album versions), but disc 2 includes 17 additional tracks—rarities, B-sides, and alternate versions (e.g., acoustic takes, demos). That’s 35 tracks for one release alone, and not all are „new songs.“ If we apply this logic across The Coral’s career:
Studio Albums (12): Beyond the ~132 core tracks (12 × 11), deluxe editions or reissues often add alternate versions. For instance, Sea of Mirrors (2023) has a standard 13 tracks, but bonus content like acoustic versions or outtakes could push it to 15–20 tracks total. If each album averages 2–3 extra versions across reissues or special editions, that’s 12 × 3 = 36 additional tracks.Singles (18): Beyond the ~9 unique B-sides, many singles have multiple versions (e.g., radio edits, remixes). If each single averages 1–2 extra versions (common in indie rock), that’s 18 × 1.5 (average) = 27 more tracks.
EPs (4): The 16 tracks might include a remix or two, but let’s assume minimal extras here—maybe 4 additional versions total.
Compilations and Rarities: Singles Collection adds 17 alternate tracks. Other releases like The Curse of Love (recorded 2005, released 2014) or live/bonus discs could contribute another 10–20 tracks.
Live Recordings and Miscellany: The Coral have live albums (e.g., Live at Skeleton Coast) and occasional one-offs. Estimating 20–30 live or rare tracks isn’t unreasonable for a band active since 1996.
Recalculating:
Base songs: ~145 (as before)Album extras: ~36
Single extras: ~27
EP extras: ~4
Singles Collection disc 2: 17
Other rarities/live: ~25 (conservative)
Total = 145 + 36 + 27 + 4 + 17 + 25 = ~254 tracks
Your estimate of 500 tracks suggests even more versions—perhaps every single having 2–3 variants, or extensive unreleased/demo archives. Doubling the extras (e.g., 5 per album, 3 per single) could push it to 400–500, but that assumes a prolific output of alternates not fully documented by April 2025. Based on their known catalog, 250–300 tracks (including all versions) feels plausible, while 500 might be a stretch unless counting every live bootleg or unverified demo.
So, if „tracks“ means every distinct recording, I’d estimate 250–300 tracks as of now. Does that align with your thinking, or were you factoring in something specific (like a massive vault of unreleased mixes)?
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Dirty, dirty feet from the concert in the grass / I wanted to believe that freedom there could last (Willy Mason)