Search Results for:
MARVIN GAYE
As Motown migrated from Detroit to LA, Marvin's follow-up to the spiritual consciousness of "What's Goin' On" was the soundtrack to '72 Blaxploitaion flick "Trouble Man". It's altogether a more streetwise collection of stone cold funk, earthy Curtis-esque falsetto and badass grooves that has seen it plundered by generations of beatdiggers. "'T' Plays it Cool" is one of the best tunes ever made, just ask Jazzy Jeff!!!
TRACK LISTING
Main Theme From Trouble Man Part 2
"T" Plays It Cool
Poor Abbey Walsh
Break In (Police Shoot Big)
Cleo's Apartment
Trouble Man
Theme From Trouble Man
"T" Stands For Trouble
Main Theme From Trouble Man Part 1
Life Is A Gamble
Deep-In-It
Don't Mess With Mister "T"
There Goes Mister "T"
By 1970 Marvin Gaye was already a phenomenally successful singer, with a string of hit singles to his name, making him Motown's number one male performer. However, when he entered the Hitsville studio on June 1st to cut a new single, Marvin hungered for more. All over the world social unrest was prompting political activism and cultural revolution. Yet the Motown hit production line carried on like nothing was happening. Marvin longed to make a statement that would reflect the new reality, so when Al Cleveland and The Four Tops' Obie Benson brought him the framework of a song called "What's Going On", he jumped at the chance to record it. Initially rejected by Motown, the track went on to become a runaway smash, and the label demanded a full length LP to capitalize on sales. Recorded in ten days in March 1971 the "What's Going On" album features co-writing credits from awesome session band the Funk Brothers, as well as brass and string arrangements by David Van De Pitte. The heady mix of percussive-heavy grooves, luxurious fills and Marvin's sweet vocals became an instant classic. Taking in themes like the Vietnam war, poverty, spirituality and green issues, the album seems just as relevant today as it did back at the start of the 70s and deserves the vote as 'greatest album ever' that it often receives.
TRACK LISTING
What's Going On 3:51
What's Happening Brother 2:57
Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky) 3:40
Save The Children 3:04
God Is Love 2:31
Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) 3:05
Right On 7:20
Wholy Holy 3:20
Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) 5:16
The weight of a follow-up to 1971's "What's Going On" was lifted from Marvin Gaye's shoulders by the success of his soundtrack to the film Trouble Man, but he was still searching for something to unify his next long player. In 1973 he started working with R&B balladeer-turned-producer Ed Townsend, who gave him the basis of a song about 'the business of getting on with life'. However, inspired by the presence of studio visitor Janis Hunter, destined to become his second wife, Gaye transformed the song into a monument to desire and seduction that ran soul-deep. In this moment Marvin found the focus for the album that had eluded him. If "What's Going On" is a celebration of the spirit, then "Let's Get It On" is all about love, salvation and the pleasures of the flesh.
TRACK LISTING
Let's Get It On 4:44
Please Don't Stay (Once You Go Away) 3:32
If I Should Die Tonight 3:57
Keep Gettin' It On 3:12
Come Get To This 2:40
Distant Lover 4:15
You Sure Love To Ball 4:43
Just To Keep You Satisfied 4:35
"Here, My Dear" is a wrenching yet beautifully rendered chronicle of the end of Gaye's first marriage to Anna Gordy Gaye. Released in December 1978, the suite was attacked by critics as indulgent and irrelevant, a misstep in a musical career noted for breakthroughs and artistic bravery. With mixed reviews and no hit singles, the album was not a big seller and failed commercially. Yet in the decades since "Here, My Dear" has become recognized as a masterpiece of romantic anguish. It's also one of Marvin's most influential recordings. Hear it in today's young soul singers and in hip hop's confessional raps. Listen to the many producers who obsess over every note. This is a Marvin gem waiting for you to rediscover it.
By 1970 Marvin Gaye was already a phenomenally successful singer, with a string of hit singles to his name, making him Motown's number one male performer. However, when he entered the Hitsville studio on June 1st to cut a new single, Marvin hungered for more. All over the world social unrest was prompting political activism and cultural revolution. Yet the Motown hit production line carried on like nothing was happening. Marvin longed to make a statement that would reflect the new reality, so when Al Cleveland and The Four Tops' Obie Benson brought him the framework of a song called "What's Going On", he jumped at the chance to record it. Initially rejected by Motown, the track went on to become a runaway smash, and the label demanded a full length LP to capitalize on sales. Recorded in ten days in March 1971 the "What's Going On" album features co-writing credits from awesome session band the Funk Brothers, as well as brass and string arrangements by David Van De Pitte. The heady mix of percussive-heavy grooves, luxurious fills and Marvin's sweet vocals became an instant classic. Taking in themes like the Vietnam war, poverty, spirituality and green issues, the album seems just as relevant today as it did back at the start of the 70s and deserves the vote as 'greatest album ever' that it often receives.
TRACK LISTING
What's Going On 3:51
What's Happening Brother 2:57
Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky) 3:40
Save The Children 3:04
God Is Love 2:31
Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) 3:05
Right On 7:20
Wholy Holy 3:20
Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) 5:16