The other day my iPod coughed up a Motown cover and I thought that it would be a good idea to post a bunch of Motown covers. But then I got to thinking about all the great covers that Motown artists have recorded over the years and thought that might make a better theme. I never could come to a decision, so I present to you both kinds of Motown covers.
The Four Tops “The Fool On The Hill” (Beatles)
This is one of the most soulful Beatles covers you’ll ever hear. It’s great to hear a song that’s so familiar reinvented so completely.
Isley Brothers “Hello It’s Me” (Todd Rundgren)
A fantastic slow jam, sung with more conviction than Todd Rundgren could muster.
The Slits “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (Marvin Gaye)
An all-girl British punk band is about as far as you can get from Marvin Gaye, but the universal themes of this song still work well.
Martin Sexton “Will It Go Round In Circles” (Billy Preston)
Billy Preston’s chipper funk takes on a whole new meaning just by being slowed down a half-step.
Mary Wells “Satisfaction” (Rolling Stones)
There are a lot of covers of “Satisfaction” with horn sections, but it actually works on this version.
The Isleys are terrific cover artists (but you already know that). “Summer Breeze,” “Listen To The Music,” “Spill The Wine,” “Love The One You’re With,” “Sweet Season” and more.
Billy Preston was not a Motown artist when he recorded Will it go round. Thank you for Mary Wells. Never heard that one before. 1960’s Motown albums were full of covers of popular songs of the moment. You should hear Martha & the Vandellas sing Lemon Tree !