Marvin Gaye on CD

Andreas · Postby **Andreas** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 1:53 am

It is a bit odd that What's Going On and Mercy Mercy Me were mono singles, and that Inner City Blues would be in stereo on the single...but it is possible. On the other hand, Motown did issue singles in mono until 1972 (as far as I know).

David R. Modny · Postby **David R. Modny** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 10:02 am

Andreas wrote:It is a bit odd that What's Going On and Mercy Mercy Me were mono singles, and that Inner City Blues would be in stereo on the single...but it is possible. On the other hand, Motown did issue singles in mono until 1972 (as far as I know).

You're probably right Andreas that it is just a Motown edit. I had just always assumed it was the single due to the edited length. But your scenario makes more sense. Afterall, I would think that it would be in mono if it were the single mix.

krabapple · Postby **krabapple** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 11:24 am

My favorite version of the title track is Marvin's performance on the 'Motown 25th Anniversary' TV show. I recorded it off the radio back in '83 or so (it was simulcast with the TV show). Marvin does a long, rambling spoken introduction at the piano, then launches into an abbreviated version of the song with a crack house band (I think it was Paul Schaeffer and Will Lee in there) churning behind him. Marvin sings his heart out on it, turning it into a gospel shout-out to Jesus at one point.

Curiously , when I later rented the videotape , the performance was rather different, so it seems there was an alternate take done. This was the TV show, btw, where MIchael Jackson unveiled his 'moonwalk' for the first time.

Anyway, if anyone wants it, I did some digital restoration on the tape of that song -- it had suffered some severe mangling at one point -- and would be happy to share. I've left off the spoken intro in my standard listening version, but can tack that on (unrestored) if need be.