A personal favourite non-northern/dance soul track, Jimmy Webb's 'Do What You Gotta Do'. I'd find it hard to choose between Four Tops, Nina Simone, and Roberta Flack, all very different and brilliant in their own way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q62CAf070I

Think Four Tops just does it for me.

Are there any other soul versions. I'm aware of the Johnny Rivers and Linda Ronstadt versions.

I was wondering if anyone was aware of any other versions of interest for sentimental reasons.

A personal favourite non-northern/dance soul track, Jimmy Webb's 'Do What You Gotta Do'. I'd find it hard to choose between Four Tops, Nina Simone, and Roberta Flack, all very different and brilliant in their own way.

https://www.youtube.c...h?v=-q62CAf070I

Think Four Tops just does it for me.

Are there any other soul versions. I'm aware of the Johnny Rivers and Linda Ronstadt versions.

I was wondering if anyone was aware of any other versions of interest for sentimental reasons.

I guess the Four Tops will get the popular vote on this, but for me it's the Nina Simone version that does something the rest don't.

This is the version from her album 'The Very Best of Nina Simone' (slightly different to the one posted by Dean).

Brian

PS - lyrics - for those interested in such:

Nina Simone- Do What You Gotta Do + Lyrics

Do what you gotta do

Come on back see me when you can

Man I can understand how it might be

Kinda hard to love a girl like me

I don't blame you much for wanting to be free

I just wanted you to know

I've loved you better that your own kin did

From the very start it's my own fault

What happens to my heart

You see I've always known you'd go

So you just do what you gotta do

My wild sweet love

Though it may mean that I'll never kiss

Those sweet lips again

Pay that no mind

Find that dappled dream of yours

Come on back and see me when you can

Now I know it'll make you feel sad

And make you feel so bad

They say you don't treat me like you should

They got ways to make you feel no good

I guess they got no way to know

I've had my eyes wide open from the start

And man you never lied to me

The part of you that they'll never see

Is the part you've shown to me

So you just do what you gotta do

My wild sweet love

Though it may mean that I'll never kiss

Those sweet lips again

Pay that no mind

Find that dappled dream of yours

Come on back and see me when you can

Edited August 30, 201014 yr by Brian Ellis

Al Wilsons version is fantastic .

Al Wilsons version is fantastic .

Yep my fave.

Also done to good effect by Clarence Carter.

Thanks Brian, Ken and Shinehead, really useful.

The Nina Simone I play at home is the flip to the '68 RCA Victor Ain't Got No - I Got Life. I think there are a few different takes around by her.

Previously unaware of the Al Wilson and Clarence Carter versions, thanks again for that info. Appreciate the replies. Dean.

Thanks Brian, Ken and Shinehead, really useful.

The Nina Simone I play at home is the flip to the '68 RCA Victor Ain't Got No - I Got Life. I think there are a few different takes around by her.

Previously unaware of the Al Wilson and Clarence Carter versions, thanks again for that info. Appreciate the replies. Dean.

Thanks for the Al Wilson version.

The song (regardless of artist) is just so much about the lyrics and proving it doesn't have to have dancefloor potential or rarity to be up there with the very best.

Just so soulful.

Brian

Loved the Tops version for a lifetime.

World Class, in every department!

Sean

Loved the Tops version for a lifetime.

World Class, in every department!

Sean

A lifetime not wasted then Sean. Four Tops version still chokes me each time I hear it, and its often on my home decks, never loses that impact - wonderfully delivered. Agree with Brian above, no need for a dancefloor to feel this.

Loved the Tops version for a lifetime.

World Class, in every department!

Sean

Same here, I've always loved it by Clarence Carter too.

Paul