The Onion Song-Marvin & Tammi

[Guest]

Cos l never have,even at Motown Revival Nights!! Why??

Last time l heard it (apart from my Dining Room tonight )was on Motown Chartbusters Vol.4 in my bedroom about 71..Why is this cos it's brilliant!

[old but nimble]

Cos l never have,even at Motown Revival Nights!! Why??

Last time l heard it (apart from my Dining Room tonight )was on Motown Chartbusters Vol.4 in my bedroom about 71..Why is this cos it's brilliant!

Totally agree with you Webby, classic sound, fell in love with it first time i heard it, have got it on motown T54192, shoul be played more on the scene

[Guest Mark Holmes]

I lurve this song but no one here in the US knows it...I think I read (and possibly on here) that it wasn't actually Tammi singing, I think she was already too sick at the time.

Some wise one on here will know.

[Dazcymru]

I lurve this song but no one here in the US knows it...I think I read (and possibly on here) that it wasn't actually Tammi singing, I think she was already too sick at the time.

Some wise one on here will know.

Not really that wise!! But it was in fact Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson). Never liked it back when it was released but strangely do now.

[Ian Parker]

I definitely heard it , Nottingham palais all-dayer. 1978/79 (hard to pinpoint). the DJ played it, the floor emptied totally ... i also remember hearing ABC by the Jackson 5 on the same day

Edited March 25, 2010 by parkash

[Weingarden]

"No one here in the US knows it"? Puh-leez. I prefer the other side, actually. Though not for dancing. Just sounds great at the bar with a drink in hand and a lady on the arm.

[Bigsoulman]

Was more of the pop end of Motown and Gordy knew it was chartable, great song but never their best have played it out at various private functions when I had my own rig always a floorpacker for the handybaggers

[jocko]

Not really that wise!! But it was in fact Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson). Never liked it back when it was released but strangely do now.

Valerie Simpson has always categorically denied this, even in recent interviews. A friend who like myself has almost all A&S stuff, but has a better ear than me for voices swears it is her, but who knows.

It certainly isn't Tammi, can't remember if it actually says anything in Tammi's sisters book, would not be surprised if it didn't.

I did try and get close enough to her last year at Birmingham to ask but I was too busy salivating over one of the greatest live concerts ever witnessed.....

[jocko]

Was more of the pop end of Motown and Gordy knew it was chartable, great song but never their best have played it out at various private functions when I had my own rig always a floorpacker for the handybaggers

Think thats more because of its familiarity than the actual record Lennie,I actually think the interplay and the just the energy of it makes it one of their best actually,

Woudn't mind hearing it out once ever blue moon, but please lets not have a repeat of Ain't No Mountain High Enough where Baa, Baa and all the brothers start chasing it and playing it everywhere Surely stuff like this the advantage of it is playing it once as a surprise but changing the surprise record every spot?

[Stubbsy]

Nice one! Sure that it charted...in fact l know that it did ,remember listening to it on the Sunday Night Chartshow.....just before l got chucked in the bath!

I've got it somewhere on a UK, but can't find it

Wasn't it the B side to "Heard It Through The Grapevine"? If it was that might explain why it got played on the Chartshow?

Great record

[Stubbsy]

Think thats more because of its familiarity than the actual record Lennie,I actually think the interplay and the just the energy of it makes it one of their best actually,

Woudn't mind hearing it out once ever blue moon, but please lets not have a repeat of Ain't No Mountain High Enough where Baa, Baa and all the brothers start chasing it and playing it everywhere Surely stuff like this the advantage of it is playing it once as a surprise but changing the surprise record every spot?

Too right mate

[manus]

It was one of the most popular Motown records at our local under 18s Welfare/youth dance in 69/70 when I was about 13/14 - along with things like the Isley Brothers , Four Tops and all - sadly you also had to listen to stuff like Jethro Tull and the like too.

Manus

[Ady Croasdell]

Bloody awful record as bad as soul gets. In fact it's not soul it's catchy lightweight pop like Abba, Buddy Holly or the bee gees. I'd include Blondie only they couldn't even write!

[jocko]

Bloody awful record as bad as soul gets. In fact it's not soul it's catchy lightweight pop like Abba, Buddy Holly or the bee gees. I'd include Blondie only they couldn't even write!

Oh shut up and stop acting your age, grumps! I hope your obvious headache is better in the morning! Off to bed now for dreams of Onions.

You could do something useful like use your NY contacts to put to bed the rumour if it was Valerie Simpson singing (and then tell her she is not soulfull)

[Ady Croasdell]

That's right l've always thought that Bjorn from Abba was a great comparison with Marvin Gaye,in fact it wouldn't be the first time anyone has mixed them up..

:lol:

It was the catchy lightweight pop of the record i was comparing, not the singers. i can see I'll have to make it a bit easier for you next time.

[Ady Croasdell]

Oh shut up and stop acting your age, grumps! I hope your obvious headache is better in the morning! Off to bed now for dreams of Onions.

You could do something useful like use your NY contacts to put to bed the rumour if it was Valerie Simpson singing (and then tell her she is not soulfull)

Not when she's singing about onions.

I'm in tip top condition, in fact I just got out at 4 suit spider patience so I'm rather smug, just having a go at a pet hate; like you do.

[jocko]

Not when she's singing about onions.

I'm in tip top condition, in fact I just got out at 4 suit spider patience so I'm rather smug, just having a go at a pet hate; like you do.

Okay, since you are normally the bastion of all things nice I will let you off.

Seriously any view on the is it or is not Valerie, any inside info, did ask Ralph Tee to ask her but he either ignored me or didn't hear properly!!

[Ady Croasdell]

Okay, since you are normally the bastion of all things nice I will let you off.

Seriously any view on the is it or is not Valerie, any inside info, did ask Ralph Tee to ask her but he either ignored me or didn't hear properly!!

No idea that intro sends me scurrying for my members LP. sleep tight in your cave or are you o'erseas?

[Ady Croasdell]

Catchy Lightweight Pop Of The Record.?...Are you trying to tell me you don't like it cos it was popular.?....By the way best if you don't try to patronise,you'll only get into trouble..

No pop and popular are not always the same thing; the clue was in the lightweight.

I think the Beatles Berry Gordy and Phil Spector among others made great pop records that were popular, the other people I already mentioned made shit popular records like this one we're discussing.

PS I won't get into trouble the way this is shaping up.

[Guest Paul]

I always loved all that Marvin & Tammi stuff, including 'The Onion Song'.

I admit I sometimes tend to have a romantic view (just a bit) of records that I fell in love with when I was a schoolkid. I was 11 when it was a top ten pop hit and I'd play the same few records over and over again on my Dansette Viva. I suppose there wasn't much else to do in those days.

Now that I've grown up (to a degree) I do admit that the lyrics to 'The Onion Song' are just a little bit naff (to say the least) but kids are very naive and I was really up for the cause... "Hey world, we've got a great big job to do..."

I think we were gonna save the world or something quite important.

So I agree about the lyrics but I can't fault the performances and production so please don't knock Tammi (...or was it Valerie?) because you're talking about the only woman (...or the only two women?) I ever really loved - apart from all the others.

Life is full of disappointments.

[dthedrug]

Bloody awful record as bad as soul gets. In fact it's not soul it's catchy lightweight pop like Abba, Buddy Holly or the bee gees. I'd include Blondie only they couldn't even write!

Dear Lady..I cant believe your quote about this timeless MOTOWN CLASSIC! Really Im bemused at this statement, Wasn'T it yourself or could of been Mick who informed me of the picture sleeve that come with the DEMO? and was it not yourself who put me collecting the Tamla Motown UK Label after seeing your collection at Langham Place, you had them all. More to the point this is one of the great POP Tunes of 69-70 when GODS Dog was a Pup!we were both older and wiser than today!!

All I can say is if you loath this record so much and I have never had a picture sleeve for my Demo, How about giving me yours?? DAVE the True SPIRIT of 69.

[Ady Croasdell]

Dear Lady..I cant believe your quote about this timeless MOTOWN CLASSIC! Really Im bemused at this statement, Wasn'T it yourself or could of been Mick who informed me of the picture sleeve that come with the DEMO? and was it not yourself who put me collecting the Tamla Motown UK Label after seeing your collection at Langham Place, you had them all. More to the point this is one of the great POP Tunes of 69-70 when GODS Dog was a Pup!we were both older and wiser than today!!

All I can say is if you loath this record so much and I have never had a picture sleeve for my Demo, How about giving me yours?? DAVE the True SPIRIT of 69.

Well remembered Dave. But by then it was the numbers I was collecting, not the music and once I'd got every UK Tamla release i flogged the lot so I'm afraid you won't find it round my gaff.

Cheers

Ady

[Pete S]

Why would anyone consider playing this out, good as it is...you might as well play Baby Love or Reach Out

[Val (Chunky)]

I once heard it at a Desborough soul night (think Steve Jeffries played it) was gonna' say all sort of things about it but I shall just say 'Not my cup of tea'

aww f**k it, it's rubbish

[manus]

It's got to be true to say that one mans shit is another mans gold. I really like this record - along with a lot of Motown records it takes me back to a time and place and being a youngster with no sophistication or knowledge of much at all. Yes the lyrics are banal but the energy and the vocals give, it in my opinion, that something special that Motown tunes had.

Cheers

Manus

Edited March 24, 2010 by manus

[Dazcymru]

Valerie Simpson has always categorically denied this, even in recent interviews. A friend who like myself has almost all A&S stuff, but has a better ear than me for voices swears it is her, but who knows.

It certainly isn't Tammi, can't remember if it actually says anything in Tammi's sisters book, would not be surprised if it didn't.

I did try and get close enough to her last year at Birmingham to ask but I was too busy salivating over one of the greatest live concerts ever witnessed.....

According to Marvin's biography "I heard it through the grapevine" written by Sharon Davis (not the swimmer) Tammi only recorded enough tracks for one side of their "easy" album. Valerie Simpson recorded Tammi's demo songs and apparently could mimic Tammi's voice. According to the book she has admitted to recording "What you gave me" and "The onion song". In another of his biographies written by the co-writer of Sexual Healing (can remember his name and can't find the book!!) it's also claimed that she recorded a whole side of the album. Marvin objected to the way it deceived the public but relented when Berry Gordy told him that Tammi's family would benefit from the royalties.

[45cellar]

I lurve this song but no one here in the US knows it...I think I read (and possibly on here) that it wasn't actually Tammi singing, I think she was already too sick at the time.

Some wise one on here will know.

I have this as a DOUBLE Sided DEMO with "The Onion Song"

I'm sure that I've also seen "California Soul" as a DOUBLE Sided DEMO.

Looks like both sides promoted. Wondering which side took it into the charts in U.S.A.

[Guest Brian Ellis]

According to Marvin's biography "I heard it through the grapevine" written by Sharon Davis (not the swimmer) Tammi only recorded enough tracks for one side of their "easy" album. Valerie Simpson recorded Tammi's demo songs and apparently could mimic Tammi's voice. According to the book she has admitted to recording "What you gave me" and "The onion song". In another of his biographies written by the co-writer of Sexual Healing (can remember his name and can't find the book!!) it's also claimed that she recorded a whole side of the album. Marvin objected to the way it deceived the public but relented when Berry Gordy told him that Tammi's family would benefit from the royalties.

Good God Daryl, when did you start eating books?

Brian

[Guest]

I have this as a DOUBLE Sided DEMO with "The Onion Song"

I'm sure that I've also seen "California Soul" as a DOUBLE Sided DEMO.

Looks like both sides promoted. Wondering which side took it into the charts in U.S.A.

Its not a demo Roger,audition mate and onion.

[Dazcymru]

Good God Daryl, when did you start eating books?

Brian

Just a mine of information Brian and if I remember one of your favourites!! So much so that I remember someone requesting it at Morda and I had to get it out of the van.

Edited March 24, 2010 by DazCymru

[Guest Brian Ellis]

Just a mine of information Brian and if I remember one of your favourites!! So much so that I remember someone requesting it at Morda and I had to get it out of the van.

Shirley not!!

[45cellar]

Its not a demo Roger,audition mate and onion.

Thanks Ken

[Dazcymru]

Shirley not!!

LOL.....................LOL Lessly of that mate!!!!

[Guest Brian Ellis]

LOL.....................LOL Lessly of that mate!!!!

[old but nimble]

Bloody awful record as bad as soul gets. In fact it's not soul it's catchy lightweight pop like Abba, Buddy Holly or the bee gees. I'd include Blondie only they couldn't even write!

always get one soul snob

[old but nimble]

No pop and popular are not always the same thing; the clue was in the lightweight.

I think the Beatles Berry Gordy and Phil Spector among others made great pop records that were popular, the other people I already mentioned made shit popular records like this one we're discussing.

PS I won't get into trouble the way this is shaping up.

so buddy holly was shit was he, you aint got a clue mate

[Ady Croasdell]

always get one soul snob

Because I don't like one record that makes me a snob. OK I hate Pyramid too does that make me the opposite because it's rare?

[KevH]

According to Marvin's biography "I heard it through the grapevine" written by Sharon Davis (not the swimmer) Tammi only recorded enough tracks for one side of their "easy" album. Valerie Simpson recorded Tammi's demo songs and apparently could mimic Tammi's voice. According to the book she has admitted to recording "What you gave me" and "The onion song". In another of his biographies written by the co-writer of Sexual Healing (can remember his name and can't find the book!!) it's also claimed that she recorded a whole side of the album. Marvin objected to the way it deceived the public but relented when Berry Gordy told him that Tammi's family would benefit from the royalties.

Didn't know about "What you gave me"!!.100 club last hour spin some time back...

Can't understand folks not liking Onion Song.Special memories for me of school days and school discos at lunch time.

Edited March 24, 2010 by KevH

[old but nimble]

Because I don't like one record that makes me a snob. OK I hate Pyramid too does that make me the opposite because it's rare?

not so much about one record, its your music knowledge that worries me or lack of it

[KevH]

Why is it when i join a thread it all goes fackin tits up?

You can stick Buddy Holly and a whole string of Onions up yer jacksie....i'm off...

Edited March 24, 2010 by KevH

[Kevinkent]

Why is it when i join a thread it all goes fackin tits up?

You can stick Buddy Holly and a whole string of Onions up yer jacksie....i'm off...

HaHa..........and whenever I join a thread it just dies.

Never liked this song, not even when Motown was about all we had. The less I'm reminded of it the better so hopefully I've killed this thread too.

- Kev.

[Kevinkent]

But why would you want to kill a thread which is about a record you don't really care for??

You must have seen the thread title....

Good point, and my ploy obviously hasn't worked.

I was drawn to the thread by a morbid fascination as to why anyone would possibly want to start such a thread.

[Mike]

two similar threads merged

[Mike Lofthouse]

It was one of the most popular Motown records at our local under 18s Welfare/youth dance in 69/70 when I was about 13/14 - along with things like the Isley Brothers , Four Tops and all - sadly you also had to listen to stuff like Jethro Tull and the like too.

Manus

I once saw Jethro Tull at the ABC Stockton circa 1972. Performed the full album 'Thick as A Brick'. I nicked in and remember it was a full house so sat on the floor in some sick!! I didn't have any Soulie mates at school

[Guest JIM BARRY]

USED TO HEAR THIS AT CHILTONS IN CHEETHAM HILL MANCHESTER, ALONG WITH ALL THE POPSOUL HITS OF THE DAY, CIRCA 1970. IT WAS A SUNDAY NITE DISCO FOR TEENAGERS, FIRST TIME I SAW BACK DROPS TO FUNKY STREET

[Guest Paul]

I once saw Jethro Tull at the ABC Stockton circa 1972. Performed the full album 'Thick as A Brick'. I nicked in and remember it was a full house so sat on the floor in some sick!! I didn't have any Soulie mates at school

The things you do for music or entertainment.

[Guest Paul]

I've admitted that the lyrics were a bit naff but what really charged those great tracks - apart from the passionate vocals - was the suspense and the tensions in the music, especially in the pauses etc.

It was a dynamic arrangement and I think Motown were especially good at creating that kind of "drama".

The other people who often seemed to really get it right (at almost the same time) were the Philly guys in the formative years when they issued stuff on Neptune etc but were still doing a lot of outside productions.

The arrangements were so important.

I don't have an instrumental version of 'The Onion Song' but I suppose it might appeal to those who are put off by the lyrics.

[Guest WPaulVanDyk]

The The Onion song is classic and should be played out then it be something different away from the same old Motown.

don't get why we even mention other styles of music in this thread. Maybe webby wants to vote to see how many like it and how many hate it.

the world is just a great big onion, no i will stop can't sing to save my life lol

[Guest JIM BARRY]

JUST READ ALL THE PREVIOUS POSTS ON THIS THREAD AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THE NEGATIVITY OF THIS TUNE, IT IS WHAT IT IS A POP RECORD .IT DID WHAT IT WAS MEANT TO DO AND CHARTED, A GREAT SOUL RECORD BY MARVIN "WHATS GOIN ON" NEVER CHARTED IN THIS COUNTRY!!!!

WHO GIVES A F**K. MOTOWN DIDN'T TRY TO KID US WITH "ONION SONG" IT WAS JUST A LIGHT WEIGHT TUNE TO DANCE TO

[Guest Paul]

JUST READ ALL THE PREVIOUS POSTS ON THIS THREAD AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THE NEGATIVITY OF THIS TUNE, IT IS WHAT IT IS A POP RECORD .IT DID WHAT IT WAS MEANT TO DO AND CHARTED, A GREAT SOUL RECORD BY MARVIN "WHATS GOIN ON" NEVER CHARTED IN THIS COUNTRY!!!!

WHO GIVES A F**K. MOTOWN DIDN'T TRY TO KID US WITH "ONION SONG" IT WAS JUST A LIGHT WEIGHT TUNE TO DANCE TO

That was most often the case in the UK, Jim, and it was usually due to the styles and tempos rather than how soulful a particular record was.

But if 'The Onion Song' was just a pop record, then most Motown records were pop records ...but I'd say it was the best kind of pop music we ever had.

In the 1970s some people thought I was a snob for being so heavily into deep soul but I still always loved all those great pop/ soul records. Maybe the uplifting and dramatic "limp wristed" stuff balanced with the "manic depressive" stuff I was playing to give me a kind of equilibrium???

Maybe that's what life is all about?