- Every work can have up to 3 different types of originals:
- These originals can refer to the same or different performances.
Example: The first recording of Champagne and Reefer by Muddy Waters is also the first release of this work. Example: Seasons in the Sun was first recorded by Rod McKuen, but first released by The Kingston Trio.
- Try as much as possible to identify at least 1 original, as it's the idea the database is built upon.
- When does an editor have enough confirmation a particular version is the original version?
- The question is almost impossible to answer. Often it's impossible to know with 100% certitude.
- If you're not entirely sure, but you have done everything you could in terms of research, and you have no reason to believe there are earlier versions around:
- Set the version in question as original
- And leave an editor note on the work page in question, letting other editors know there is small possibility earlier versions exist, but you're not aware of them.
- Examples of reasons to believe the version in question is not the original version:
- The version is on a compilation of mostly other cover versions.
- The version was released by an obscure artist, unrelated to the composer/author
- The version was released by an obscure artist, who primarly releases cover versions
