Cover to Cover: Marvin Gaye V The Band

Henry Irving

Marvin Gaye's original classic "Northern" Soul sound from 1964

https://youtu.be/ZKhqL3xS0Dw

Or the Band's Funky live version from 1971

https://youtu.be/11Y987Uf1wY

Listen without prejudice and say which you prefer and why.

PS I know the Who covered it too but it's not as good as either of these versions.

bobmunro

Tough one Henners, and I very rarely move away from the original but this came close. Still Marvin for me - just.

There are other great versions you could have used - examples, Jerry Garcia (magnificent), Junior Walker and the All Stars, or James Taylor (although I accept a bit Marmite).

lolwray

Marvin can do no wrong in my eyes although he's not the finished article in this song and the production does sound as if from a basic motown template .They would have put more work into if It was Marvin 4 years on 

The Bands version is musically more mature sophisticated and surprisingly good but it just ain't got what Marvin's got .

TelMc32

It’s a great performance with The Band brilliantly complemented by the brass backing band. For me though, Marvin’s voice has always been amazing and this is a classic H/D/H sound. A wonderful combination.