Wonderful track from Marv Johnson.
Wonderful track from Marv Johnson.
It's an A-sided potential hit in its own right that was squandered as a B-side. I never understood that. Such a thrilling, vibrant, exciting song; great lyrics, some of Benny Benjamin's best drum work [[I would have paid 10 times the going price for the fills alone.) The structure of the song is also rather unique with a fantastic "middle 8"- those strings!
And while we're at it, "I'm Not A Plaything" is another wasted opportunity for a strong single.
Not heard this in a while one of my favourite Marv Johnson tracks and of course 'I'm not a Plaything'. Thanks for posting Mysterysinger.
I have a DJ copy of "Im Not A Plaything" and for years I thought that was the A side, then I found out is was actually "Why Do You Want To Let Me Go" . I love "Plaything". This is great too.Thanks for posting.
Nice track. I also love "I'm Not A Plaything". The horns are so enjoyable.
I'm so glad Marv came back to Motown.
"Just The Way You Are" is my favourite song by Marv, and one of my All-Time Motown Top 10.
I've always liked both of these songs by Marv Johnson as well.
Tomovox,Such a thrilling, vibrant, exciting song; great lyrics, some of Benny Benjamin's best drum work
The drumming on this track is actually Uriel, again showing his masterful Benny 'clone mode'!
He seemed to be really cooking around this time emulating Benny, when needed.
Checkout some of those Temptation tracks from that period and you'll see what I mean!
Cheers
Paul
Last edited by bradburger; 11-07-2018 at 01:59 PM.
There is a really fantastic Marv Johnson track which went un-released until the IPARFMR CD - I don't believe it has been posted on YouTube yet though. I recommend giving it a good listen. The song is called "Just Look Through Your Window At The World".
I first heard "Why Do you Want To Let Me Go" on an 80's Motown compilation LP. It was ok, but I didn't get too excited over it. I think it just sounded so sad and sorrowful, and a bit plodding. I wouldn't play it very much. Then I found the single, heard the B-side and had a very hard time comprehending who on this planet would have thought "I'm Not A Plaything" was B-side material. Even in an alternate universe, I don't think "I'm Not A Plaything" would be considered 2nd place to "Why Do You Want To Let Me Go."
WOW! Now that is a total eye-opener! Uriel is really workin' overtime on those drum fills! Always appreciate when you comment on these songs, Brad. You really have great ears and a fantastic knowledge of what musician is playing on what song. I'll go back and give a listen to some of the Temptations tracks with ears open just a bit wider.
Tomovox
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