The Case of the Alternates

[reese]

I think the alternate version of Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing by Marvin and Tammi is excellent. Different pace, different vocals and in some way more engaging especially their banter to each other. Such chemistry there!

https://youtu.be/MTwKjsJB7lo

This is another instance where I prefer the hit single version. Even though I've often lamented how short the hit version is, it still achieves a lot of feeling in those few minutes.

By comparison, this alternate version is too long, IMO. The extra repeating of the chorus between the verses and the bridge drags it down. It doesn't sound like a hit to me. I believe it was Ashford and Simpson's first production so I can understand their trying out different grooves. But I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they sent this one to Quality Control and was told to cut it down.

[RanRan79]

What about this alternate?

[RanRan79]

I love the released version by the Marvelettes. It's one of my absolute favorite Marvelettes songs. But this alternate sounds so stale and watered down. It was obvious there was more work to do to make this a classic.