"The Hunter Gets Captured By the Game" (1967 & 1968)

[audio http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/846084_avmz5/Marvelettes%20-%20HunterGetsCapturedByTheGame] The Marvelettes – The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game (1967)

1967′s “The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game” as sung by The Marvelettes, came from their self-titled album of the same year. The cut reached #2 on the Billboard R&B chart and #13 on the Hot 100. The song is classic Smokey Robinson with some of the most inventive and clever lyrics I have ever heard. This has got to be one of my favorite Motown songs of all time!

Barbara McNair’s version of THGCBTG was recorded July-August 1968 for her second and final Motwn album,  “The Real Barbara McNair”, released April 1969. Pretty sultry. Eh?

[audio http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/846083_ddntn/BlinkyHunterGetCapturedByTheGame] Blinky – The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game (1968)

In 1969, Edwin Starr was blazing, just coming off the hit 25 Miles album, a good time to try to see if the company could capture the magic of some of the labels other pairings. Saundra “Blinky” Williams had grown up in Los Angeles the daughter of a pastor, and she had been active in church choirs since the age of six. She debuted on Motown with the single “I Wouldn’t Change The Man He Is” in 1968, and she was tapped as one of the label’s future stars. Unfortunately, most of her solo work, save for a few singles, remains unreleased. (Source)

This Blinky gem (pictured above with Edwin Starr on their album of duets entitled “Just We Two) was first released on the now out of print “Motown Sings Motown Treasures” in 1998. The liner notes say that this track was recorded 5/17/1968 (my 14th birthday!) as a track for Gladys Knight & The Pips. Blinky’s vocals and additional elements were added 8/29/68. Hmmm … I wonder if GK&TP ever recorded their version? If you know do drop me a line please.

Before you go I’d be interested in your opinion: which version of THGCBTG do you prefer? Please vote here.

Thanks for dropping by. I really appreciate your visits.

Related posts:

1. "When You're Young And In Love" Performed By The Marvelettes (1967)
2. Barbara McNair and February Birthdays have arrived.
3. "Forever" (1963 & 1965)
4. "My Baby Must Be A Magician" Performed By The Marvelettes (1968)
5. “For Once in My Life”

Filed under: Barbara McNair, Fabulous Female Vocalists, Girl Groups, Motown, Motown Covers Motown, R&B/Motown, Saundra "Blinky" Williams, Sixties, The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game, The Marvelettes, William "Smokey" Robinson