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Tamla T 54059 (B), April 1962
B-side of I’ll Try Something New
(Written by Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy)
This song, an early minor gem from Smokey Robinson, had previously been released as a Motown single back in November 1959 in an unimpressive version by Eugene Remus, one of Motown’s most obscure signings. For the Miracles’ second album Cookin’ with the Miracles, released exactly two years later, the song’s co-writer dusted it off for his own group, turning in a quite beautiful interpretation which only serves to highlight just how poor Remus’ rendition really was.
Remus had recorded the song twice, once with strings and once without; the Miracles’ version is quite different from both of those, slightly slower in tempo and boasting a completely new arrangement (again augmented by a lush orchestral string part, this time done by Bill Ramal, rather than Smokey’s new arranger of choice Riley C. Hampton). Really, though, the biggest difference between the Miracles’ record and those cut by Remus is the Miracles themselves. The group’s delicate, well-judged call-and-response harmonies provide a warm, melodic backing for Smokey’s great lead vocal delivery; throaty and melismatic, slightly more rough and raw here than on the A-side, it’s nonetheless another excellent performance from one of Motown’s most consistent lead singers.
Smokey the songwriter had developed considerably since this was originally written (as was discussed at some length yesterday), but even if it’s hardly a patch on the stellar A-side, this is still a very good record well worth a listen.
MOTOWN JUNKIES VERDICT
(I’ve had MY say, now it’s your turn. Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment, or click the thumbs at the bottom there. Dissent is encouraged!)
COVERWATCH
Motown Junkies has reviewed other Motown versions of this song:
- Eugene Remus (October 1959)
You’re reading Motown Junkies, an attempt to review every Motown A- and B-side ever released. Click on the “previous” and “next” buttons below to go back and forth through the catalogue, or visit the Master Index for a full list of reviews so far.
(Or maybe you’re only interested in Smokey Robinson & the Miracles? Click for more.)
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| The Miracles “I’ll Try Something New” |
The Marvelettes “Playboy” |
Motown Junkies 
Para 2, re-check ARRANGER credit
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Well spotted!
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Maybe my head is spinning with Motown. I hear YOU CAN’T LET THE BOY OVERPOWER THE MAN IN YOU.
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Ooh, interesting idea. I can definitely see where you’re coming from, anyway; there are definite echoes in the chords used there, however faint. You’re okay for a while yet. đŸ™‚
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Whats with the label? This was issued originally with the “globes logo” in 1962. Is this some kind of reissue or bootleg. I thought they didnt switch to this logo until 1966/7.
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Hover your pointer over the image and all shall become clear!
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If you mean the blurb about sending scans in i get that. But i was just curious as to why a later Tamla logo was being used on earlier Tamla release.
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Do you not get the pop up message about this being a later reissue because nobody has sent me a picture of the original globes pressing? There’s meant to be a message explaining this is a later reissue because etc. Anyway, if you have one, please feel free to send it in!
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