Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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!
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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 clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Jimmy Ruffin – Gonna 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 clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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 clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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 clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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 psychedelica 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 clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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 clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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 Whitfield 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!
[Audio clip: view full post to listen] The Temptations – Camouflage (Recorded February 1962) [Audio clip: view full post to listen] 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 [...]
But Mel’s voice was just mesmerizing. Don’t you think?
