Mike Posted January 5, 2022 Posted January 5, 2022 A new year return for this irregular series Mal aka @Mal C has suggested the following Motown related song Way Over There and these 3 versions for this the first 2022 'version battle'... The Marvelettes - Way Over There Edwin Starr - Way Over There The Miracles - Way Over There All you need to do is have a think and if needed a listen below, then just select which version you prefer... Mal adds I didn't realise that this song is an original Smokey song, he wrote it... Cool song, very into old Motown at the moment, they are very good, and cheap!! lol Has any other Motown group done this song, or any other non Motown group...
Modernsoulsucks Posted January 5, 2022 Posted January 5, 2022 I think there's two cuts of Miracles track that were issued. 1
Mal C Posted January 5, 2022 Posted January 5, 2022 (edited) 2 minutes ago, Modernsoulsucks said: I think there's two cuts of Miracles track that were issued. yeah Rod that clips says 'with strings' so I guess thats one of em... Pursist Motown fans on this one, if thats a 'thing' at all, either go with Smokey, Rough it up with Edwin, or Shimmy in with the Marvelettes... I don't mind saying I'm with the Marvelettes. Edited January 5, 2022 by Mal C 1
Modernsoulsucks Posted January 5, 2022 Posted January 5, 2022 (edited) Later cut with strings is other side of "If your mother only knew" Actually ignore that. I always assumed 54028 had no strings but clip here has strings. Bob Klein will know. Edited January 5, 2022 by Modernsoulsucks
Tomangoes Posted January 5, 2022 Posted January 5, 2022 Edwin for me...I think he was in his prime when that came out. Ed 2
Twinroots Posted January 5, 2022 Posted January 5, 2022 Love the marvelettes version..but edwin takes it for me 1
The Yank Posted January 5, 2022 Posted January 5, 2022 2 hours ago, Source said: Has any other Motown group done this song, or any other non Motown group... There is a Marv Johnson version that exists on acetate and the Temptations did a version on their "Temptations Sing Smokey" album.
Midnight Drifter Posted January 5, 2022 Posted January 5, 2022 Marvelettes for me (not far ahead of the Miracles' version)
Tlscapital Posted January 5, 2022 Posted January 5, 2022 Without a second of a doubt the Miracles version. But the "rougher" take (flip of 'if your mother only knew') that is not only an alternate mix... And I am not a Miracles fan or even less a Smokey one. Yet on some of the early Miracles material especially I must reckon that their best tunes works so good to even age with benefits. The same goes for ALL the Marvelettes 'original' material IMO. Edwin's version is the first one I knew but never really liked. I really liked the Ric-Tic man. Not much after actually. And I've tried. Motown and all doing the other's version is still not my cup...
Amsterdam Russ Posted January 5, 2022 Posted January 5, 2022 The take by the Marvelettes is just a classic Motown pop song. It's very pedestrian. Although I favour this style of Motown groove to the earlier stuff, Edwin Starr's take is too close to '25 Miles' and thus lacks originality from him and those involved in the recording, arranging and producing of the track. The Miracles, on the other hand, offer a take that really comes across in an exciting way as "the sound of young America". Not my cup of tea really, but out of the three it gets my vote by a country mile. Unlike the Marvelettes and the legendary Edwin Starr, I can really imagine the sense of excitement young/teen listeners might have had on hearing the Miracles do this track for the very first time courtesy of little transistor radios, car speakers or whatever. 1
Mal C Posted January 6, 2022 Posted January 6, 2022 Because its a nice one, dont have the other two on Aussie, wonder if they came out? would have been either HMV or Stateside. W&G did put out some Motown but not this title. 1
Soulfusion Posted January 6, 2022 Posted January 6, 2022 Another one here for Edwin. Just so much punchier than the other two. Probably because it is Norman Whitfield producing. 2
Lozzer66 Posted January 7, 2022 Posted January 7, 2022 Although I profess to not being a big fan of Smokey, I think that his version is the best. The Marvelettes is a jaunty little number and would be my second choice. Although Edwin is a 'star' his take on this is far too samey for me. Lorraine
Mike Posted January 9, 2022 Author Posted January 9, 2022 be closing this in a couple of days , so if you haven't voted yet, now's the time suggestions for future ones here? just read the below and send them in
Tomangoes Posted January 9, 2022 Posted January 9, 2022 Not sure if best place to suggest a slight twist, but how about best record from same artist. Example Mandrill Too late / Never die ? Ed
Westender Posted January 9, 2022 Posted January 9, 2022 Edwin for me too. Love his voice and the contrast with the backing singers cuts through really well.
Mike Posted January 11, 2022 Author Posted January 11, 2022 thanks to all who took part , both in the voting and talking, was some interesting discussion/views etc final results 1. Which Version does it for you? The Marvelettes 9% Edwin Starr 70% The Miracles 21% @Mal C as the person who nominated the tracks, have you anything to add? that makes the most preferred version Edwins... a new poll be up very shortly
Mal C Posted January 11, 2022 Posted January 11, 2022 Thanks everybody for casting your vote, but no surprises there, I wouldn't have taken any bet that wasn't Edwin... lets face it. Just wished the Marvelettes would have done better On with the next poll!! Mal
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