*bump*
In case it's still unclear, here's how to tell the versions from one another:
The easiest way to identify the earlier version is by the Eminent which is much more prominent in this version and plays along with the melody all over the piece. Also, the hi hat doesn't start before the main melody and is switched off at the beginning of the B part (and on again at different points in the middle). Furthermore, one of the EMS FX in the second B part is different. Last but not least, the glissando at the end is missing. I myself prefer this version.
Now to where one might find which version.
The LPs with the La Défense back cover really seem to be the later ones. I'm playing my French FDM/CBS Equinoxe right now, and Equinoxe 5 is the later version.
The blue vinyl 12" single (at least the FDM 16.100 in my possession—it was amazing enough to find it in my Jarre shrine, must've followed me home from some Jaarbeurs in the past) contains that version on both sides, too. Then again, it's from 1979.
I've got two early German editions of the album with the face close-up on the back cover. Both contain the earlier version.
All versions of Musik aus Zeit und Raum known to me (Polydor, PolyStar, Amiga) feature the earlier version. IIRC (too lazy to dig up the 7"s), it's because it's the version pressed on the 7" singles.
Now for the Essentials. 1983 black edition: Late single edit with some of the thunderstorm missing and the hi hat kicking in at the very beginning (unlike the later album version). My 1985 white edition is sealed so I can't test it. Can someone else verify which version is on this one? expect the later one, but better safe than sorry.
Let's not talk about the Images version which had half a minute cut out of it. Yes, it's based on the later one.
From the Gate To The World, this is
(8Σ
Martman.
)
