What's Going On by Marvin Gaye

Label: Tamla 54201
Year: 1971
Condition: M-
Last Price: $20.00. Not currently available for sale.

This was Marvin Gaye's first single after asserting creative control over his recorded work. What most don't realize is that the 45 rpm release was a different mix than the 3:51 LP cut... and different from what you find on today's stereo reissues. The drums and percussion are mixed much more prominently, while the strings are toned down. The single edits out the jive talk at the beginning of the LP cut, but adds an odd fadeout-surprise fadein right at the ending. There are other differences as well — for example, the LP cut adds finger-popping that's absent from the 45 version. Listening to this version is like hearing this one for the first time! There were several variations of the label released by different 45 pressing plants: This attractive variant uses black ink for the label type (see scan). Note: This beautiful copy grades very close to Mint in all respects (Label, Vinyl, Audio).