You can never go wrong pairing a good song with a great singer. It was interesting that at Motown that different performers would sing the same song and an it could be a minor hit for one but a major hit for another.
They also allowed other artists to cover songs which had already been a hit for someone too.'Reflections' was a hit for Diana Ross & the Supremes in '67 and The Four Tops covered it in 1970. It's interesting that whilst listeners cultivate ideas of the definitive versions of a song (and there are plenty of good arguments to make on the Supremes 'Reflections' being definitive), Motown held no such ideas themselves. Then again, maybe 3 years isn't long enough to recognise a possible "classic".
I think what I like about the Pips version here is that they make the song their own, just like Marvin Gaye also made it his own. The interpretative differences are vast and equally successful. Gladys Knight could be so assured and sassy singing live with the Pips and I think that comes across. Impressive to think it's the same musicians playing on both Grapevines, more or less. That's flexibility!
5 Comments (since 8 Jul 2014)
karenmonid
…just about, just about, just about to lose my mind. Oh, yes I am…..
Ohow
You can never go wrong pairing a good song with a great singer. It was interesting that at Motown that different performers would sing the same song and an it could be a minor hit for one but a major hit for another.
karenmonid
They also allowed other artists to cover songs which had already been a hit for someone too.'Reflections' was a hit for Diana Ross & the Supremes in '67 and The Four Tops covered it in 1970. It's interesting that whilst listeners cultivate ideas of the definitive versions of a song (and there are plenty of good arguments to make on the Supremes 'Reflections' being definitive), Motown held no such ideas themselves. Then again, maybe 3 years isn't long enough to recognise a possible "classic".
karenmonid
I think what I like about the Pips version here is that they make the song their own, just like Marvin Gaye also made it his own. The interpretative differences are vast and equally successful. Gladys Knight could be so assured and sassy singing live with the Pips and I think that comes across. Impressive to think it's the same musicians playing on both Grapevines, more or less. That's flexibility!
fsohail
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