Marvin Gaye: What's Going On, 40th anniversary edition

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Written By Chris Singleton

Album reissue: Marvin Gaye: What's Going On, 40th Anniversary Edition
Release date: 27 June 2011
Label: Universal 

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s seminal Motown classic What’s Going On, Universal are proud to present this exclusive super deluxe edition. A meditative act of artistic rebellion, What’s Going On broke the Motown mould. The album introduced Marvin Gaye, the company’s sexy prince, as an uncompromising singer, songwriter and producer. From the first day of release, the unique concept album was recognized as a masterwork; his lyrics, stories and grooves remain timeless. This 40th anniversary edition has coupled the much adored music with the wonders of modern day mastering to produce an unparalleled and previously unattainable insight into Marvin’s showpiece.

The set, which focuses on Marvin’s LP and post-LP Detroit recordings, includes a fully remastered version of What’s Going On including original mono hit singles; the original, rejected, “no strings” mix of the title track; several post-album outtakes; his single sequel, You’re The Man; and a series of recordings, mostly instrumental, made in Detroit before Marvin followed Motown to Los Angeles. The Motor City theme of this edition continues on the included 12-inch: the LP’s rare, original Detroit Mix, on vinyl for the first time.

The overall package also includes rare and unseen photography from throughout the recording process and the detailed and remarkable story behind What’s Going On. Overall the set provides not only an essential piece of Marvin Gaye history for fans but a unique and comprehensive insight into one of the world’s most cherished albums for any Motown fan.

Key features

  • 2 CD/12” LP vinyl High End Deluxe Box Set
  • E-Album equivalent
  • Original Printed Lyrics
  • Detailed story behind the album What’s Going On.
  • Exclusive images of Marvin Gaye throughout the recording process.
  • Much of the material has never been released and comprises remixed, reworked alternate versions of Marvin Gaye’s classics.
  • Focus is on Marvin’s LP and post-LP Detroit recordings. 
  • Double gatefold 12” jacket.

Disc 1 - Side 1

1. Marvin Gaye What's Going On Album Version
2. Marvin Gaye What's Happening Brother Album Version
3. Marvin Gaye Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky) Album Version
4. Marvin Gaye Save The Children Album Version
5. Marvin Gaye God Is Love Album Version
6. Marvin Gaye Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) Album Version
7. Marvin Gaye Right On Album Version
8. Marvin Gaye Wholy Holy Album Version
9. Marvin Gaye Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Album Version
10. Marvin Gaye What's Going On Original Single Mix
11. Marvin Gaye Head Title aka Distant Lover Demo Version
12. Marvin Gaye Symphony Demo
13. Marvin Gaye I Love The Ground You Walk On Instrumental
14. Marvin Gaye What's Going On Single/Mono Mix
15. Marvin Gaye God Is Love Single/Mono Mix
16. Marvin Gaye Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) Mono Single Version
17. Marvin Gaye Sad Tomorrows Single Version
18. Marvin Gaye Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Mono Single Version
19. Marvin Gaye Wholy Holy Mono Single Version

Disc 2 - Side 1

1. Marvin Gaye Checking Out (Double Clutch) 1995 The Master Version
2. Marvin Gaye Chained
3. Marvin Gaye Country Stud
4. Marvin Gaye Help The People
5. Marvin Gaye Running From Love Version 1 (edit)
6. Marvin Gaye Daybreak
7. Marvin Gaye Doing My Thing
8. Marvin Gaye "T" Stands For Time
9. Marvin Gaye Jesus Is Our Love Song
10. Marvin Gaye Funky Nation
11. Marvin Gaye Infinity
12. Marvin Gaye Mandota Instrumental
13. Marvin Gaye Struttin' The Blues
14. Marvin Gaye Running From Love Version 2 (with strings)
15. Marvin Gaye I'm Going Home 1995 The Master Version
16. Marvin Gaye You're The Man - Pts. I & II Single Version
17. Marvin Gaye You're The Man Alternate Version 1
18. Marvin Gaye You're The Man Alternate Version 2

Disc 3 - Side 1

1. David Joseph Van De Pitte, David Van dePitte, Marvin Gaye, Orchestra What's Going On Detroit Mix (What's Going On/Deluxe Edt. 2001)
2. David Joseph Van De Pitte, David Van dePitte, Marvin Gaye, Orchestra What's Happening Brother Detroit Mix (What's Going On/Deluxe Edt. 2001)
3. Marvin Gaye, David Van dePitte, David Joseph Van De Pitte, Orchestra Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky) Detroit Mix (What's Going On/Deluxe Edt. 2001)
4. David Joseph Van De Pitte, David Van dePitte, Marvin Gaye, Orchestra Save The Children Detroit Mix (What's Going On/Deluxe Edt. 2001)
5. David Joseph Van De Pitte, David Van dePitte, Marvin Gaye, Orchestra God Is Love Detroit Mix (What's Going On/Deluxe Edt. 2001)
6. David Joseph Van De Pitte, David Van dePitte, Marvin Gaye, Orchestra Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) Detroit Mix (What's Going On/Deluxe Edt. 2001)

Disc 3 - Side 2 

1. David Joseph Van De Pitte, David Van dePitte, Marvin Gaye, Orchestra Right On Detroit Mix (What's Going On/Deluxe Edt. 2001)
2. David Joseph Van De Pitte, David Van dePitte, Marvin Gaye, Orchestra Wholy Holy Detroit Mix (What's Going On/Deluxe Edt. 2001)
3. David Joseph Van De Pitte, Marvin Gaye, Orchestra Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Detroit Mix (What's Going On/Deluxe Edt. 2001)

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Chris Singleton
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