What's Going On Essex Junction VT

Originally written in a time where there was something to rebel against, a time of radical changes so deep that most of the participants didn't e ...

Local Companies

Twin State Electric Supply
(802) 223-2488
Williamstown Industr
Montpelier, VT
Audio Video Authority
(802) 660-2003
372 Dorset St
South Burlington, VT
Graybar Electric Co
(802) 775-2555
21 Allen St
Rutland, VT
Twin State Electric Supply Co
(802) 295-3193
Wilder, VT
Wilson Music Co Inc
(802) 773-2163
168 N Main St
Rutland, VT
Garofalo Television & Audio
(802) 257-7621
165 Canal St
Brattleboro, VT
Northeast Electrical Distributors
(802) 658-1625
340 Avenue D Ste 10
Williston, VT
Granite City Electric
(802) 254-8256
70 Gsp Dr
Brattleboro, VT
Midstate Electric Supply Corp
(802) 223-1900
Airport Rd
Montpelier, VT
Byrne Electronic Service Center
(802) 748-2111
68 Eastern Ave
Saint Johnsbury, VT

Provided by: 

Provided By:The Daily Vault

What's Going On

Marvin Gaye

Motown, 1971

REVIEW BY: Benjamin Ray

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 12/02/2006

What's Going On is the finest record to come out of Motown and perhaps one of the best protest records of all time.

Originally written in a time where there was something to rebel against, a time of radical changes so deep that most of the participants didn't even know what they were causing, Gaye's masterpiece immediately spoke for an entire generation, the first record by a black artist that spoke for the entire country.

It works so well because the protests are human and intensely personal. Dylan could write a protest album, sure, but he did not suffer nearly the kind of injustice Gaye went though during this time in his life. Sick of the Motown hit factory that robbed artists of their integrity and creativity, fueled by sadness from his own disintegrating marriage and the death of Tammi Terrell, his duet partner, Gaye isolated himself and created this record.

Its genius is in its air of hope, the underlying optimism that undercuts Gaye's soaring voice, one that is equal parts sadness, hope and romance. The title track is the most recognized masterpiece, as it should be; Gaye's brother Frankie had just returned from the war, and in a way this record uses him as the narrator to address a country torn apart by war and social strife. Starting with some happy studio banter, the song uses a sensual sax beat and sparse production, putting the emphasis strongly on Gaye's lyrics, which are simple but direct: "Picket lines and picket signs / Don't punish me with brutality / Come on talk to me / So you can see what's going on." The background vocals (courtesy of two Detroit Lions) and the occasional handclaps and scat singing just bring the point home, as does the soul underpinning.


Click here to read complete Review
Related Articles
- () Essex Junction VT
When Radiohead credits a band for encouraging its members to become even more sonically adventurous in the recording process, chances are if you&rsqu ...
- '89 Live In Japan Essex Junction VT
- #447 Essex Junction VT
- '74 Jailbreak Essex Junction VT
- #3 Essex Junction VT
- "Weird Al" Yankovic Essex Junction VT
- "Hours..." Essex Junction VT
- #1's Essex Junction VT
- (818) Essex Junction VT
- "Hours..." Essex Junction VT
Related Articles
- () Essex Junction VT
When Radiohead credits a band for encouraging its members to become even more sonically adventurous in the recording process, chances are if you&rsqu ...
- '89 Live In Japan Essex Junction VT
- #447 Essex Junction VT
- '74 Jailbreak Essex Junction VT
- #3 Essex Junction VT
- "Weird Al" Yankovic Essex Junction VT
- "Hours..." Essex Junction VT
- #1's Essex Junction VT
- (818) Essex Junction VT
- "Hours..." Essex Junction VT
Related Local Event
Knitting, Yoga & Meditation: A Knitting Retreat
Dates: 11/6/2009 - 11/8/2009
Location: Sky Meadow Retreat Center
Greensboro Bend, VT
View Details

Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

Topics:
Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
Career Financial Services Insurance Software
Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History