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A week ago today I shared with you the first rendition of the Temptations performing “The Christmas Song” featuring one of the few leads by Otis Williams.
Well today I would like to share with you the second version the group released that appeared on their second holiday collection a decade later in 1980.
This LP is truly a classic. Other songs are repeated from the first Holiday LP, but the greatest of any holiday song that the Temptations EVER sang (IMHO) is on this set — “Silent Night.” Now I loved Eddie Kendricks’ lead on the 1970 “Silent Night”, but the 1980 version is a classic that will be listened to for ages to come!
But back to “The Christmas Song” version 2 – If you have been following OSML then you are aware that the Temptations often made second versions of their songs and always bested themselves. True to course this version has better vocals, better production values and just is a much better listen than the first!
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The Elgins – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You (1966)
Marvin Gaye originally released the song in 1965 and had a chart buster on it in 1965. Of course to reap the benefits of Gaye’s success there were many covers of the song released to try for more hits on the track.
The Elgins made a great cover of HSIITBLBY — don’t you agree? Hard to believe that the following year (1967) this great group disbanded.
I had a post last year on the Motown versions of “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) ” made from 1964 – 1966. In it I mentioned there was one Motown cover of the song, by the Elgins, that I did not have a digital version of to share with you at the time.
I always keeps my promises (maybe latter than earlier) so here is the Elgins version and a poll so that you can finally select your favorite version of this awesome tune.
To refresh your memory here is the link to the original posting from 1/1/08 right here so that you can listen again to the other three versions before you vote.
I am so looking forward to seeing what the results of the poll will be so please vote.
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4747793_ptpri/Starr-%20%20Gonna%20Keep%20On%20Tryin%20Till%20I%20Win%20Your%20Love.mp3] Edwin Starr – Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love) 1967
Released 2 months after the Temptations “Cloud Nine” LP (below), in April 1969, “25 Miles” was actually comprised in part of single sides, some going back as far as 1967. Starrs’ gospel tinged version of “GKOTTIWYL” also appears on “The Complete Motown Singles Vol 7:1967 — so this appears to be the original release of the song. I am not sure though so if anyone has more details I would be beholding.
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4748032_fuwfj/Jimmy%20Ruffin%20-%20Gonna%20Keep%20On%20Tryin%20Till%20I%20Win%20Your%20Love.mp3] Jimmy Ruffin – Gotta Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love -1968
David Ruffin’s older brother Jimmy’s version of this song appears on the May 1969 album release “Ruff ‘N Ready”. Ruffin’s version of “GKOTTIWYL” also appears on “The Complete Motown Singles Vol 8: 1968″
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4725233_resjd/Version%201%20-%20Gonna%20Keep%20On%20Tryin%27%20Till%20I%20Win%20Your%20Love.mp3] The Temptations – Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love (1969)
This is one of my favorite Classic Temptation albums. It charted #1 R&B and #4 Pop in 1969.
After the David Ruffin dominated “I Wish It Would Rain” LP – - the “Cloud 9″ set, released February 1960, was a breath of fresh air – featuring all of the Temptations on leads. This particular song featured the “New Guy” Dennis Edwards on lead. I like Dennis immediately. He was a perfect fit for the group IMHO.
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4746684_fvrcr/Marvin%20Gaye%20-%20Gonna%20Keep%20On%20Trying.mp3] Marvin Gaye – Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love) 1969
Norman Whitfield produced this Marvin Gaye outing, so of course he had Gaye cover this Temptations song of his. It appeared on the 1970 LP release entitled “That’s The Way Love Is” which included Gaye’s hit cover of this Isley Brothers’ original. The song also appears on “The Complete Motown Singles Vol 9: 1969″
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4725235_rnviu/Version%202%20%20-%20Gonna%20Keep%20On%20Tryin%C2%B4%20Till%20I%20Win%20Your%20Love.mp3] The Temptations – Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love (1971)
This completely re-worked psychedelic version appeared on Sweet Eddie Kendricks’ Temptations swan-song album along with the classic “Just My Imagination.” Eddie sings lead on this slowed down version that picks up on the psychedlica where Ruffin’s cover left off.
So which do you prefer? Let’s talk about it after you vote.
Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love – Composed by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong
Like the birds in the trees, my heart sings a rhapsody of love for you.
Girl, you won my heart the very first time I layed eyes on you.
I know your love belongs to someone else.
But girl, I got to have you for myself.
So, I’m gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love.
Gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love, woo.
A fallen star that’s what you are, from the heavens above.
There’s no treasure on earth, that can match your worth.
You’re a picture of love.
I know to you I’m just a love sick guy.
But you’re wrong.
I love ya and I need you, by my side.
So, I’m gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love.
I’m gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love.
I can’t help but thinkin’ ’bout that guy.
He just got you by his side.
He’s got everything.
There’s is no end to of his happiness to be in his place.
I’ll be glad to give you anything.
I know your love belongs to him.
But girl, I can’t be satisfied jus’ being your friend.
So, I’m gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love.
Gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love.
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4725234_shhlz/Version%201%20-%20It%5C%27s%20Summer.mp3] The CLASSIC Temptations – It’s Summer (1970)
Bass singer Melvin Franklin takes lead on “It’s Summer” while the awesomely harmonious Temptations provide a glorious background on this cut from the 1970 “Psychedelic Shack” album. The was their first of the new decade and their 15th in their career. Another class set, every song on this LP was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, and of course Whitfield produced all sessions.
I recall that this single was the B-side to “Ball of Confusion” and I played it over and over again on my portable record player — just listening to this song as it it were being sung only for me. I also recall that I was getting on my Grandmother’s nerves playing it over and over again. But Mel’s voice was just mesmerizing. Don’t you think?
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4725236_glly9/Version%202%20-%20It%5C%27s%20Summer.mp3] The 4 MAN Temptations – It’s Summer (1972)
Now imagine 2 years later when I find out that the same song with Melvin’s lead has been replaced. I resented this fact — plus the fact that my dear sweet Eddie Kendricks was not a part of this album. Eddie was now gone because of his desire to continue to sing love ballads and not the psychedelic soul Whitfiled was intent on making. But my Dad played this Album so much that he finally wore me down and it is now a favorite.
This album is also notable in that it contains the last Temptation’s song that Paul Williams ever sang on, “It’s Summer,” and it is the only song on the album with his voice. Paul was now gone from the group due to sickle cell and alcoholism and I just felt betrayed that my classic five were no more. I really took it hard.
This time around Norman Whitfield not only had another artist re-do his song but had the same artist repeat it themselves with another one of his elaborate musical orchestrations. Wonder how Melvin felt about them turning his solo masterpiece upside down? And which one do you prefer my friends?
Trivia: With Eddie now gone this song was recorded with only 4 Temptations instead of 5!
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The Temptations – Camouflage (Recorded February 1962)
The Classic Temptations
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The Temptations – Camouflage (Recorded March 1967)
This month’s posting theme here at OSML has been “Motown Covers Motown.” I am still keeping within this theme, but have made it even more specific for the rest of this month, posting on The Temptations covering The Temptations. Yes you read it right. The Tempts have re-recorded songs they made in one incarnation and redone them with a slightly different group line up during their Motown tenure.
This first example is one that you may not be familiar with since BOTH of these songs languished in the “Vault” of unreleased material until the release of the “Motown Lost and Found Series” in 1999. These two songs come from the marvelous 1999 CD release entitled “Lost and Found:You’ve Got to Earn It (1962-1968)” which contains 19 previously unreleased Temptations studio tracks and one live track. If you don’t own this set and are a classic Temptations fan you must get a copy. When I first played it I felt like I had gone back in time and was listening to a new Temptations LP in the sixties. IMHO all of these studio cuts could have been hits!
Of course I hate to sound like a broken record on this issue but I just don’t understand the “Motown Vault’s” existence: this music should ALL be released to the public. A few years back we fans had to get together a petition to get Eddie Kendrick’s Motown/Tamla solo music re-released on CD and our efforts paid off — plus we received some bonus “Vault” material that was simple superb! (A sincere thank you to Mr. Harry Weinger – Mr. Weinger you are a Prince!) But I digress (Can you tell how much I love Eddie K.? )
In addition to the Temptations’ Lost and Found set there were also CDs released on Smokey Robinson & The Miracles; The Four Tops; Martha & The Vandellas in the series. But more often than not after release these gems go out of print so I always grab vault releases as soon after they come out as I can afford to buy them – and I recommend you do the same.
This song “Camouflage” was written by Berry Gordy. In fact both versions were produced by Berry Gordy. But alas they remained unheard by the public for forty years!? Wonder why? What do you think? Let’s discuss it after you vote.
Here are The Supremes are singing their 1965 #1 USA & #7 UK hit single.
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The Supremes -- Stop In The Name of Love (Alternate) (1965) And here is an alternate version of the song from my cherished, now oop, Import Supremes Limited Edition Box Set of 200o.
According to Wiki: “Paul Williams and Melvin Franklin of The Temptations taught the girls the routine backstage in London, before the Supremes’ performance on the BBC television special The Sound of Motown, hosted by Dusty Springfield. “
The song was recorded in January 1965, the single released in Feb 1965 and included on the group’s sixth LP released in July 1965 “More Hits By The Supremes.” The LP went #2 R&B and #6 Pop.
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Kim Weston -- Stop In The Name of Love (1965)
The beautiful, sometime duet partner of Marvin Gaye, Kim Weston recorded “SITNOL” as a sultry ballad that was totally opposite of The Supremes bubble gum original, in the fall of 1965. It never saw the light of day until the 1998 “Ultimate Rarities” Collection of previously unreleased “vault” songs.
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The Isley Brothers -- Stop In The Name of Love (1965)
Released in November 1965, The Isleys “This Old Heart of Mine” lp contained lots of Motown covers including this one.
Trivia: Co-writer and producer of ‘SITNOL” Lamont Dozier, sang his own cover version of the song on his 2004 non-Motown release “Reflections Of.”
Before you vote on you favorite rendition of “Stop In The Name of Love” do check out this video that proves Motown and the Supremes are an integral part of the fabric of America! And see how Paul and Melvin’s choreography has become legend.
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4609532_5zogw/Supremes%20-%20%20I%20Hear%20a%20Symphony.mp3] The Supremes – I Hear A Symphony (1965)
Released as a single in October 1965, “I Hear A Symphony” became The Supremes sixth #1 on the Billboard Top 100. Capitalizing on it’s hit status the song was also included on the LP, of the same name released in February 1966, that zoomed to #1 on the R&B Charts and #8 Pop. I can even recall the day I crossed the street and walked around the corner to pick of my brand new copy of the LP! You see – getting an new Supremes album was always an event to me as a tween. The Supremes were my “Miley Cyrus” as it were (LOL).
Looking back on this LP and it’s change from all cutesy tunes to the more romantic strings got me to thinking if “Symphony” was HDH’s answer to The Toys hit “Lover’s Concerto,” which coincidentally is covered on this album! I have never seen this in print anywhere, but it was just a feeling I always had and would love to ask the trio if I ever had a chance to.
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4609533_k77aq/The%20Isley%20Brothers%20-%20I%20Hear%20A%20Symphony.mp3] The Isley Brothers – I Hear A Symphony (1966)
The Isley Brothers had been singing since the Fifties. While at Motown, the group were assigned mostly cover tunes. Like Gladys Knight and The Pips (who were also assigned mostly cover tunes), the Isleys left the label and went on to create their own label, their own music and much success!
This is one of the many cover tunes assigned to the group during their Motown tenure. It appeared on their LP “This Old Heart of Mine” without their photo, to appeal to a crossover audience. Oh those sixties!
BTW you just gotta love Ron Isley’s lead on this track: his tenor voice is smooth like butta! I think he is one of the best male vocalists of our generation.
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4609588_yv6u1/Stevie%20Wonder%20-%20I%20Hear%20A%20Symphony.mp3] Stevie Wonder – I Hear A Symphony (1966)
Recorded in the summer of 1966, Wonder’s cover did not appear on either of his 1966 releases. Instead the world first heard it in the “Motown Sings Motown Treasures” compilation of 1998.
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4609530_gadxa/Barbara%20McNair%20-%20%20I%20Hear%20A%20Symphony.mp3] Barbara McNair – I Hear A Symphony (1969)
McNair’s cover was made for her second Motown LP. It really is unfortunate that McNair was relegated to cover versions of other folk’s hits while a Motown. They rarely gave her her material (or the promotion) suited just for her unique style and talent. If you look at the track lists on her first two Motown releases you will see what I mean. An the third and final Motown release is all Smokey songs originally made hits by The Miracles other Motown artists. Harumph.
[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4609531_ifjc9/Michael%20Jackson%20-%20I%20Hear%20A%20Symphony.mp3] Michael Jackson – I Hear A Symphony
Released in an now out of print compilation of previously unreleased tunes form the Motown Vault — Mike’s cover of “I Hear A Symphony” finally saw the light of day in 1986. It was probably recorded when they started to launch his solo career away from his brothers at Motown.
Wonder if the camera man was told to focus on you know who (who messed up a lyric or two in this live TV version – LOL)
Trivia tidbit: Co-writer and co-producer of the original “I Hear A Symphony” actually recorded his own cover version of the song on another label in 2002. Lamont Dozier’s cover appears on his release “An American Original.” You see Dozier was a singer before he became a songwriter/producer for Motown.
So you know the drill. Please share your thoughts on your favorite version and any comments you have on all of the above!
My sincere thanks for your visit and participation. I am honored to have you here.
But Mel’s voice was just mesmerizing. Don’t you think?
