I used to think this was my all-time favorite album, but somehow I haven't listened to it for around 5 years, and I'm playing it now. It's just not doing it for me... Did I change?

I know it's often overrated by so many people, but everytime I listen to that record, it always puts me in a certain mood. I think still think it is a riveting masterpiece 35 years after its acclaimed release in 1971. I think the only two people that can compete him in doing solid concept albums like this is Stevie Wonder or Cutis Mayfield. But I'm suprised that you're not digging it that much anymore, booyah!

Who knows, maybe? No offense meant, but maybe, as we grow older, we might lose some of that idealistic, child-like idea of a better world and dreams. This album really is like that IMO, and the more we get caught in everyday realism, the album might speak less to us. I hope I'm not just rambling here.

booyah said:

Likely so, but that's not a reflection on the quality of "What's Going On." It's arguably the greatest soul album ever made, but it's also an album that has to be digested when you're in certain moods given it's social content.

Marvin's Whats going on is a masterpiece but i can only be severly depressed to listen to it. I turn to it when ever i am dangerously low. Until them dark times it doesnt get listened to at all. Perhaps your lack of interest in the album now is mood defined too?

booyah said:

Yes, the album can be kind of depressing. However, if the title track isn't doing it for you, you may need to check your pulse.

I never could get into that album

first listen, it all sounded the same to me
like one long song...

I'm convinced it's got to be
better than what my ears are hearing

Let's Get It On is so much better than What's Going On. Although, both albums are heaven.

DarlingDiana said:

hallelujah
Here, My Dear even
I guess it's just all a matter of taste
[Edited 3/1/07 22:41pm]

DarlingDiana said:

"What's Going On" is the Mona Lisa of soul - an album so revered, so venerated you almost feel obligated to like it.

I love it, but I don't consider it Marvin's greatest. I'm with Mr Chris on Here, My Dear, which is a stupendous album and, in my opinion, a masterpiece. I also think Here, My Dear took a lot out of Marvin creatively, because his final two albums, while good, lacked the focus, purpose and overall consistency of Here ... I also consider Let's Get It On and I Want You to be superior to What's Going On. That said, the title track and Inner City Blues still give me goosebumps.

Anyway, what I really want to know is, what do you good people think of "Sanctified Pussy"?

Well, it's not very exciting musically. But I'm spoiled with Stevie and Prince albums with so many different styles on it.

DirtyChris said:

Well, that's the concept.


I'm going to assume you're not that familiar with the album. If you're having trouble digesting it as a complete work, why not listen in parts? The title track, "Mercy Mercy Me," and "Inner City Blues" were all #1 hits (for good reason). They're coincidentally placed in the beginning, middle, and end. I suggested a few months ago that someone should listen to the album on shuffle if the individual songs aren't standing out enough. Of course, those suggestions are all based on the idea that you want to get into the album.

I really like Here My Dear and I absolutely love Let's Get It On, but the two best Marvin albums for me will always be What's Going On and I Want You.

I wish I had a copy of the original "Sanctified Pussy."

DarlingDiana said:

I agree! 'Let's Get It On' is my favorite Marvin Gaye album.

AlexdeParis said:

I used to have an unedited and undubbed monitor mix of it on 12" twenty plus years ago. I stupidly leant it to someone and .... you know the rest. It sounded a little flat compared to the version on "Dream of a Lifetime", but the original lyrics came though loud and clear. It remains one of the funniest and bleakest songs Marvin ever wrote. "I'm savin' mine for Jesus!"

There must be a version of it somewhere on the internet. Or else those people at Sony (who own the rights to Marvin's last recordings) ought to release it both versions.

AlexdeParis said:

Great point about What's Going On - it was conceived as a suite rather than an album of individual songs. Marvin's Sinatra influence rearing its head again.

AlexdeParis said:

I'll try my best to explain
it's like... those songs you mentioned
I'm burnt the fuck out...
I guess I heard em so much growing up
(my mama loves Marvin)

I will try the "shuffle" thing
I believe I tried that once also

maybe I'll smoke a blunt to it
I smoke to HMD all the time

DirtyChris said:

Well, that basically explains it. If I'm understanding correctly, you're very familiar with the three singles, but not with any of the others. Why don't you take them out and listen to the rest? I love the one-two punch of "What's Going On" and "What's Happening Brother," but the latter is great all by itself.




Maybe you just aren't meant to get it. Berry Gordy didn't, either.

No fugin problem ova heah, but I Want You is the truth.
I can feel ya' on being burnt out. It (the connection) will come back again.