A new year return for this irregular series

Mal aka @Mal C has suggested the following Motown related song Way Over There and these 3 versions for this the first 2022 'version battle'...

 

The Marvelettes - Way Over There

Edwin Starr - Way Over There

The Miracles - Way Over There

 

All you need to do is have a think and if needed a listen below, then just select which version you prefer...

 

Mal adds 

 I didn't realise that this song is an original Smokey song, he wrote it... 

Cool song, very into old Motown at the moment, they are very good, and cheap!! lol

Has any other Motown group done this song, or any other non Motown group...

 

 

 

 

 

I think there's two cuts of Miracles track that were issued.

2 minutes ago, Modernsoulsucks said:

I think there's two cuts of Miracles track that were issued.

yeah Rod that clips says 'with strings' so I guess thats one of em...

Pursist Motown fans on this one, if thats a 'thing' at all, either go with Smokey,  Rough it up with Edwin, or Shimmy in with the Marvelettes... I don't mind saying I'm with the Marvelettes.

Edited January 5, 20223 yr by Mal C

Later cut with strings is other side of "If your mother only knew"

Actually ignore that. 

I always assumed 54028 had  no strings but clip here has strings.

Bob Klein will know.

Edited January 5, 20223 yr by Modernsoulsucks

Edwin for me...I think he was in his prime when that came out. 

Ed

EDWIN ALL DAY LONG 

Love the marvelettes version..but edwin takes it for me

Edwin - Hands Down !

Edwin, the soul master.

2 hours ago, Source said:

 

Has any other Motown group done this song, or any other non Motown group...

 

 

 

 

 

  There is a Marv Johnson version that exists on acetate and the Temptations did a version on their  "Temptations Sing Smokey" album.

Edwin all day long for me .

Another vote for Edwin here

 

Marvelettes for me (not far ahead of the Miracles' version)

Without a second of a doubt the Miracles version. But the "rougher" take (flip of 'if your mother only knew') that is not only an alternate mix... And I am not a Miracles fan or even less a Smokey one.

Yet on some of the early Miracles material especially I must reckon that their best tunes works so good to even age with benefits. The same goes for ALL the Marvelettes 'original' material IMO.

Edwin's version is the first one I knew but never really liked. I really liked the Ric-Tic man. Not much after actually. And I've tried. Motown and all doing the other's version is still not my cup...

The take by the Marvelettes is just a classic Motown pop song. It's very pedestrian.

Although I favour this style of Motown groove to the earlier stuff, Edwin Starr's take is too close to '25 Miles' and thus lacks originality from him and those involved in the recording, arranging and producing of the track.

The Miracles, on the other hand, offer a take that really comes across in an exciting way as "the sound of young America". Not my cup of tea really, but out of the three it gets my vote by a country mile.  

Unlike the Marvelettes and the legendary Edwin Starr, I can really imagine the sense of excitement young/teen listeners might have had on hearing the Miracles do this track for the very first time courtesy of little transistor radios, car speakers or whatever.

Because its a nice one, dont have the other two on Aussie, wonder if they came out? would have been either HMV or Stateside. W&G did put out some Motown but not this title.

Another one here for Edwin. Just so much punchier than the other two. Probably because it is Norman Whitfield producing.

Edwin all day long..

Got to be Edwin

Edwin wins.

Edwin Starr by a mile!

Although I profess to not being a big fan of Smokey, I think that his version is the best. The Marvelettes is a jaunty little number and would be my second choice. Although Edwin is a 'star' his take on this is far too samey for me.

Lorraine 😁 

be closing this in a couple of days , so if you haven't voted yet, now's the time

suggestions for future ones here?

just read the below and send them in 👍

 

Not sure if best place to suggest a slight twist, but how about best record from same artist.

Example Mandrill Too late / Never die ?

Ed

Edwin for me too. Love his voice and the contrast with the backing singers cuts through really well.

thanks to all who took part , both in the voting and talking, was some interesting discussion/views etc 👍

final results

1. Which Version does it for you?

The Marvelettes 9%

Edwin Starr 70%

The Miracles 21%

@Mal C as the person who nominated the tracks, have you anything to add?

 

that makes the most preferred version Edwins...

 

 a new poll be up very shortly 👍

Thanks everybody for casting your vote, but no surprises there, I wouldn't have taken any bet that wasn't Edwin... lets face it.  Just wished the Marvelettes would have done better 😞

On with the next poll!! 

Mal