Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

50th Anniversary Edition on 180-gram double LP

Direct-to-analog mastering from the original tapes by Kevin Gray!

Original gatefold package with lyrics; tip-on heavyweight jacket

Printed sleeves with track details, a rare image from the cover photo session, and a new essay by acclaimed author and post Hanif Abdurraqib

Rare and previously unreleased cuts, mono singles, B-sides, more!

Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums of All Time — rated 1/500!

This premium vinyl release features direct-to-analog mastering from the original primary album tape reels by acclaimed engineer Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, one of the first times this has been done since 1971, offering an undeniably authentic listening experience!

What's Going On: 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition bonus LP has four rare cuts making their vinyl debut, highlighted by a previously unreleased "stripped" version of the title song, plus all six original mono single mixes and their B-sides, with all of those 7" versions on vinyl for the first time since their original releases.

With two 180-gram records, a tip-on heavy stock jacket, an original gatefold with complete lyrics, this formidable release also includes printed sleeves with track details, a rare image from the cover sessions, and a brief essay honoring arranger David Van De Pitte.

The main essay was written by acclaimed author and poet Hanif Abdurraqib who was just named one of the 25 recipients of the 2021 MacArthur "Genius" Grant.

Features:
50th Anniversary Edition
180-gram double vinyl LP
Mastered direct-to-analog from the original primary tape reels
Mastered by Kevin Gray
Four rare cuts on vinyl for the first time
Previously unreleased "Stripped" version of the title track
All six original mono single mixes & their B-sides
All 7" versions on vinyl for the first time since 1971
Tip-on heavy stock jacket
Original gatefold
Complete lyrics
Printed sleeves with track details
Rare image from the cover sessions
Essay by Hanif Abdurraqib

LP 1: Original LP

Side A

1. What’s Going On

2. What’s Happening Brother

3. Flyin’ High (In The Friendly Sky)

4. Save The Children

5. God Is Love

6. Mercy Mercy Me

Side B

1. Right On

2. Wholy Holy

3. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

LP 2: Bonus Tracks

Side C

1. What’s Going On stripped version

2. What’s Going On mix 1/no strings or horns

3. What’s Going On rhythm & strings instrumental mix

4. Symphony demo version

Side D - Original Mono Single Mixes

1. What’s Going On

2. God Is Love

3. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)

4. Sad Tomorrows

5. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

6. Wholy Holy

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 5 person(s) rated this product.

Wow! posted on 10/06/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: E. Alexander So glad I purchased this. The sound is exceptional and packaging was perfection. Thank you for all that you do at Acoustic Sounds! Keep the music playing!

Marvin Gaye at his finest posted on 03/12/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: Jimbo My Hat is off to Marvin Gaye and Kevin Gray. Marvin was at his finest during this recording and Kevin did a superb job of remastering this very special album. This masterpiece is quite and very well mastered. This might be the best of my very modest collection. The two-disk record starts with "What’s Going On" and it does not lose traction through the end. Disk two contains different edits of the tracks on disk one. Do not overlook this fantastic second disk. Do not bypass this amazing album.

Off-center pressing posted on 02/08/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Em A great album from one of the greatest soul artists ever. Unfortunately, on my copy, the first LP was an off- center pressing and the wow and flutter on side 2 was so prominent, the record was unlistenable.

A must buy posted on 12/07/2022 5 Stars Reviewer: Byron From the gatefold all the way down to the pressing I couldn’t be more satisfied. This is one of my favorite albums of all time and it sounds great. Love the mono bonus tracks!

Fantastic…so worth it posted on 06/10/2022 5 Stars Excellent mastering … love the extras and the mono tracks. Still packs as much of a punch as it did in 71.

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