Worst Motown Covers

[robb_k]

YourOldStandBy, I'm surprised that you seem to resent Motown's release of Mary Wells' "Vintage Stock" album. I remember how thrilled I was to get that album. Motown released it just in time for Christmas 1966. It contained 6 previously-unreleased Motown recordings of which I loved all 6 of them. I also like the wine-cellar cover, although a photo of Mary on the back cover would have been nice. Oh, well, to each his own. I just had to add my 2 cents' worth, as Mary Wells' "Vintage Stock" Motown LP made my Christmas very special that year.

Same for me! I was so glad to get more Motown cuts by her, especially after knowing she moved to 20th Century Fox, and being disappointed in those recordings, other than "Me Without You". I knew she'd never record for Motown again. So I savoured those previously unreleased Motown recordings. I would have liked a photo of Mary on it. But the music was a lot more important to me.

[Probbie24]

When I heard this Mid 1960's unreleased song by The Temptations, I couldn't believe it was them. Eddie and the boys didn't have any love for singing this song. But I love my Temps. So I was happy to hear anything they sing. Motown Quality was smart not to let that song out of the vaults.

[BayouMotownMan]

I Want You by T-Boy Ross. And he wrote it. Just awful. I never understood why Motown released an lp on him, the guy couldn't sing. Must have been a favor to his sister.

[robb_k]

When I heard this Mid 1960's unreleased song by The Temptations, I couldn't believe it was them. Eddie and the boys didn't have any love for singing this song. But I love my Temps. So I was happy to hear anything they sing. Motown Quality was smart not to let that song out of the vaults.

It was always intended only to be a backside or album cut, as they didn't give it the many-take, hit instrumental mix. Carolyn Crawford got that because Smokey wrote it for Carolyn Crawford, because she was being auditioned as one of the women to replace Mary Wells, with Smokey as producer. Her version WAS hit quality. But they didn't give it a very big marketing push because Carolyn was underage, and couldn't sing in nightclubs [[late at night) or go out on the road to other cities. Herb mother insistyed that she stay in her public school, rather than just have a show business tutor.

[paul_nixon]

Funnily enough there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of mixes or ODB's on any of the three versions - Carolyn has the most mixes [[4) and Brenda and the Tempts have two each - no alternate takes, versions on any of the artists.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I almost feel like I'm betraying a beloved family member here, but I've gotta say it! I cannot stand Smokey Robinson & The Miracles' version of The Marvelettes' "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game". The intro starts out promising enough, but then it soon falls apart for me. Wanda's & The Andante's version is smooth and sexy, whereas Smokey's version is hyper and frantic. [[Sorry, Smokey -- I had to say it -- it's horrible!)

SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES
"The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game"
https://youtu.be/C-hkei2QzFI?si=Xhuo4mZsl3ZMvT1z

[lockhartgary]

I almost feel like I'm betraying a beloved family member here, but I've gotta say it! I cannot stand Smokey Robinson & The Miracles' version of The Marvelettes' "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game". The intro starts out promising enough, but then it soon falls apart for me. Wanda's & The Andante's version is smooth and sexy, whereas Smokey's version is hyper and frantic. [[Sorry, Smokey -- I had to say it -- it's horrible!)

SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES
"The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game"
https://youtu.be/C-hkei2QzFI?si=Xhuo4mZsl3ZMvT1z

I listened to this for the first time today. I can't say that I hate it but I will say that the tempo and arrangement don't suit the song, in my opinion.

[Boogiedown]

I almost feel like I'm betraying a beloved family member here, but I've gotta say it! I cannot stand Smokey Robinson & The Miracles' version of The Marvelettes' "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game". The intro starts out promising enough, but then it soon falls apart for me. Wanda's & The Andante's version is smooth and sexy, whereas Smokey's version is hyper and frantic. [[Sorry, Smokey -- I had to say it -- it's horrible!)

SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES
"The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game"
https://youtu.be/C-hkei2QzFI?si=Xhuo4mZsl3ZMvT1z

I can top that !!! How about this bland version by Grace Jones.



Hadn't seen this clip before.... can't say it adds anything to the song. I didn't even know she was into tobogganing.

[maybe a leopard print could've helped set the tone ??]

added: I do agree Gary there's a random scattered quality to Smokey's rendering.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Boogie, I knew I wasn't gonna like Grace Jones' version from the very first line. When she sings "Every day things CHANGE, they changed the music chord on the word "change". That chord is part of the reason why I love that song. I remember the first time I heard The Marvelettes' version, I thought, "Wow! The Motown magic has struck again!" [[courtesy of Smokey who wrote and produced it.) Changing that chord so shamelessly should require a punishment akin to murder!

BTW, what is tobogganing?

Being a fellow dance-music connoseur as you are, surely you remember Candi Staton's version. I loved it then and still love it now:

https://youtu.be/sXcxEcIeTB4?si=FwzzEuWDKg9ROSUV

[Boogiedown]

Boogie, I knew I wasn't gonna like Grace Jones' version from the very first line. When she sings "Every day things CHANGE, they changed the music chord on the word "change". That chord is part of the reason why I love that song. I remember the first time I heard The Marvelettes' version, I thought, "Wow! The Motown magic has struck again!" [[courtesy of Smokey who wrote and produced it.) Changing that chord so shamelessly should require a punishment akin to murder!

BTW, what is tobogganing

Being a fellow dance-music connoseur as you are, surely you remember Candi Staton's version. I loved it then and still love it now:

https://youtu.be/sXcxEcIeTB4?si=FwzzEuWDKg9ROSUV

I think Candi's is my preferred version, thanks for reminding me! It's very fascinating how certain nuances can make us like or dislke a record. It can be something as simple as a chord change, or the sound of a certain instrument or that one jarring word in a lyric.
I've no doubt Grace means well, for me it just falls flat. { I did get a chuckle at her impromptu ripping at that poor helpless indoor plant.}
re: tobogganing , maybe I should've said speed skating...

[theboyfromxtown]

A Few More-

"Please Mr. Postman"-Carpenters
"Shop Around"-The Captain & Tennille
"Ask Any Man"-Tony Martin
"Stop In The Name Of Love"-The Hollies
"Dancing In The Street"-David Bowie & Mick Jagger

I'm with you on most of your choices although I would add Petula Clark's version of Tears Of A Clown.