I just noticed that these two versions of "what is this" have totally different female backing vocals.

 

For example, at 50 second in, the second video has a distinctive "whoo" that is missing in the first. My copy of this record matches the second video. 

 

 

 

i think both versions were released in this country on minit and then jay boy . i prefer the jay boy version.

The Minit version is totally different to the Keymen one.

Neither of those above are the Minit version which is this one 

 

I Like Both Versions - Minit And Keymen!

Perhaps the top video is taken from the Keymen 45 and the second from the Jay Boy issue?

 

I don't know whether President would have been sent tapes from the US or recorded direct from a disc, but that could explain the difference.

Edited April 29, 201510 yr by Stuart Russell

Always wondered about that myself.  Personally I like the Keymen version as it's the one I first heard.

 

By the way, anyone agree some of those JayBoy and President 45's were some of the best pressed vinyl we ever had?  My copy of PT109 is as heavy as a half brick and sounds amazing...

The flip of the Keyman version is beautiful deep soul, maybe Bobby's best in that particular genre.

 

 

All his versions of 'What Is This' are essential really.

 

There's also a version produced by Bobby on Jackie DeShannon on Imperial with a worthy stab at the classic 'Trust In Me' on the reverse.

Perhaps the top video is taken from the Keymen 45 and the second from the Jay Boy issue?

 

I don't know whether President would have been sent tapes from the US or recorded direct from a disc, but that could explain the difference.

mine sounds like the second video, and mine is Keymen 

Yes, of course they might have just used the Keymen scan in the first video.

 

And to my ears, the top version is pitched higher and possibly even faster than the bottom one...

Simon Sousan released a vocal and instrumental version on a gold Mirwood label done from the master tapes so maybe one version is that one - I no longer have it to check but someone else on here will

 

Simon Sousan released a vocal and instrumental version on a gold Mirwood label done from the master tapes so maybe one version is that one - I no longer have it to check but someone else on here will

 

I have this one as well as the Keymen. Mine is the same take as video #2.

 

Does anyone know if video #1 is, indeed, the JayBoy?

I have this one as well as the Keymen. Mine is the same take as video #2.

 

Does anyone know if video #1 is, indeed, the JayBoy?

 

Video #1 is indeed the JayBoy version