Saturday 10 January 2009

Covers: 'Inner City Blues'

Next up in our look at amazing tracks that other artists have covered is the phenominal tune and all time classic by Marvin Gaye, released as the third and final single from his bestselling 1971 album, 'What's Going On'. Written by Gaye and James Nyx, the song depicted the ghettos of inner-city America as it discussed how the bleak situation would lead to someone wanting to holler and throw ones hands up in dispair . In thirty eight years things haven`t changed much. The song was recorded in a mellow funky style with Gaye playing piano. Several of the Funk Brothers also contributed, including Eddie "Bongo" Brown, and bassist Bob Babbitt. Here are 4 cover versons including the original to enjoy!

Marvin`s.


Placebo - 'inner city blues' - From their 'Ball of Eyes' LP also from 1971.



Reuben Wilson from his 'The Sweet Life' LP.



From his 1981 classic release, 'Reflections' here`s Gil Scott Heron`s version.


Phil Upchurch - Wonderful Jazz/funk offering from his 1971 LP, 'Darkness Darkness'.


Marvin Gaye - 'inner city blues'(mp3 download)
Gil Scott-Heron - 'inner city blues' (poem, the siege)-(mp3 download)

3 comments:

Snarky Basterd said...

Cool site...

Anonymous said...

Well done

One of my personal favorite covers of this comes from The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. I'm sure you've probably heard it, but if not check it out

KB, said...

hi keith, actually haven`t heard of them, checked utube but didn`t have their version on there, shame i would have liked to check it.

Thanx for the heads up.