OT- "What's Going On" turns 40.
I'm not much on OT threads, but this week, on the 40th anniversary of Marvin Gaye's classic album, "What's Going On," Motown commemorates it with a reissue, and there are bound to be lots of remembrances and stories about the recording.
To me, the coolest story happens to be the one about Lem Barney getting Marvin a 'tryout' (more like a 'workout') as a wide receiver with the Lions, and then getting the chance to do backing vocals along with Mel Farr on What's Going On. Barney's voice in particular is clearly heard; I always had doubts about whether Mel Farr did anything but talk in the background, but I caddied once for Obie Benson of the Four Tops and the co-writer of "What's Going On" who confirmed the story and assured me that Farr and Barney were both there. (Those guys were all golf nuts; Obie, Duke Fakir also of the Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin. I think they had more fun on the golf course than on stage.)
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/29/sports/la-sp-crowe-20100830
This takes the cake as the most OT topic of all-MGoBlog-time.
It kinda is, University of Michigan was founded in Detroit and didnt move till 1941.
...you mean "1837", right?
Yes, I totally f'd that up.
I laughed because the University wouldn't even buy the ground that would become North Campus for another 11 years in 1941.
So therefore anything related to the City of Detroit is on-topic? Hmm...
Are you drunk?
The story will be appearing in tomorrow's Wall Street Journal. The Journal writer mentions the Lions' tryout, but apparently didn't know the part about Barney and Farr singing backup for Marvin. MGoBloggers will now be just a little smarter than the average Journal reader.
No really, cool story. I told it to my dad and he appreciated it
I used to have a signed picture of Lem Barney that my dad got me when he came to my hometown sometime in the mid 1990's. I know he was a good player for the Lions way back in the day. Nice guy.
1973 trailer for "The Black 6." (The "Black 6" were Lem Barney, Carl Eller, Mean Joe Greene, Willie Lanier, Mercury Morris and Gene Washington. Hilarious, classic early-70's blaxploitation):
What a great voice. To bad he had to go so young.
Always a big fan of Motown and Marvin Gaye. Happy Birthday.
I was expecting to wish MGoUser "What's Going On" a happy 40th.
Instead I get an informative, albeit uninteresting post (to me), from Section 1 followed by the usual bashing that follows anything he does. Now, if we could just get His Dudeness and BRCE to chime in, we can make this an all out cluster-bleep.
I was hoping to hear someones misery turning 40 so I can look down on them like I did at the classmates of my last High School reunion.
While attending UofM, I put on a Marvin Gaye CD to get a girl to sleep with me... so thanks to Marvin Gaye (and roofies).
It's not cool at all, and I hope the comment gets deleted.
Don't worry, she got me back, as we ended up getting married.
They should call them floories
Love this record and all, but this is just about the 5th or 6th time Motown has reissued it in the past 15 years. Just when you think the "Deluxe" Legacy Edition was it, they show up with another huge set with bonus tracks that overlap several other releases... Not to mention the (I think) 3 different times it's been "remastered" in some form or another.
For my money, the 2001 Legacy Edition is the definitive reissue, everything else is simply gouging. You've got the original mix, the "Detroit Mix" (different vocal blending, instrumentation, a little funkier), alternate takes and single mixes, a rare live concert, it's really great. Can be found on Amazon for less than 20, last time I checked. Also on iTunes.
Bando Calrissian, disgruntled Motown fan
Also recognizant this is incredibly OT.