OK, so I hated the "What's Goin' On" remaster...

While I was wondering about picking up the DE of What's goin on, a friend gave me the usual remastered CD (done by Kevin Reeves) and I absolutely hated it. I can't explain what's wrong with the sound but it just... doesn't breath if you know what I mean and also obviously has some weird EQ a-la Stevie Wonder remasters. While I really enjoyed Ellen Fiton's DE of I want you I can't force myself to buy this one. But maybe there is some other, old CD edition that I will probably love since I hated this one?

 

the Gavin Lurssen remaster

 

Get the one from 1993, the one that came in a slipcase. It has just the album, no bonus tracks. That's the one for me.

 

Wait, does the "usual" remastered CD use the same mastering as the original mix on the DE? The DE is worth it alone for the original "Detroit Mix," also mastered by Kevin Reeves. IMO, he did a damn good job on the Detroit Mix. Not a sonic marvel, but unusually good by Kevin Reeves standards (I've come to associate him with ear-bleed treble and ear-bleed levels). It's surprisingly smooth, maybe just a tad boosted in the treble, but nothing near his usual tricks. I can't comment on the original mix, since I didn't even bother to listen to it.

 

That's the one for me, too, sound-wise. Of course I still enjoy the Deluxe Edition version, too, because of the alternate "Detroit mix" of the album.

 

All of the remasers sound quite good to me. I also recommend the DE.

 

Get the old with no bonus tracks. The booklet says Gavin Lurssen is the mastering engineer and there's a note about 20-bit mastering if that means anything. I'm not a big fan of most Deluxe Editions. They're nice for collectors but if you're not a diehard fan they can be overkill.

I'm not crazy about the Detroit mix of What's Going On. It sounds like a monitor mix or a rough mix.

 

Another vote for this one because of the Detroit Mixes.

 

With your kind indulgence, I once again cite Incognito's Law:

The sound quality of a given release will always be inversely proportional to the comprehensiveness of its content. *Always*.

 

What's the Detroit mix?

 

It was the original mix for the album, mixed in Detroit where the album was recorded. Marvin took the multitracks with him to LA when he flew out there to do a movie (I think) and the album was remixed. This remix became the officially released version. The "Detroit" mix sat unissued until the Deluxe Edition came out. They are very different - the Detroit mix is more gritty - less "dreamy" if you will.

 

Btw, there's a great book by Ben Edmonds called Marvin Gaye: What's Going On and the Last Days of the Motown Sound. It's a must-read if you are a fan of this album.

 

Another vote for the Lurssen. I have a Japanese version from around 1996 that uses this, and I have been happy with it.

 

I've owned the DE since the tuesday that it came out, I cant say that It's better then the vinyl but it does have some great pictures of the session boxes, I have to admit that got me off more then the mix of the album itself. If you really want some gems, check out the I want you DE and listen to the second disc with the bongas and the voices only. it's a treat

 

I am on the complete opposite side of the coin than Grant. This cd is a serious ear-bleeder for me. Dynamically flat a a pancake. The mids and highs pushed up to ridiculous levels.

Comparisons between the DE and the Stevie Wonder remasters are accurate though - bacause the SW discs are AWFUL too. Never have I heard art butchered this severely in the name of commerce.

Compare "I Beleive When I Fall In Love" from the 'High Fidelity' soundtrack, or the video, or from the original cd, or even my beat-up vinyl copy to the 24-bit remaster of 'Talking Book'. The label should be forced to reimburse every one who bought that atrocity, me included. I was and still am furious at how shoddy the Motown remasters sound.

 

Please sell it to me at a reasonable markup!

 

That is my FAVORITE Stevie Wonder song. I have only heard it on the remaster and in no other fashion. It sounds great to me. What is so much better about it on the other mediums?

 

I was pleased with the Deluxe Edition but this is the only version of the album I have.

 

But, the sound quality of it is FANTASTIC!

 

I haven't listened to the DE for awhile, but I like it because it sounds quite smooth and even. It sounds very much like the other versions.

 

Myself, i wouldn't know where to start when talking about anything Reeves touches, except that it has to be something like James Brown's-Live at the Apollo Volume 2 Deluxe Edition, where i have no other choice....

 

I prefer the Lurssen mastered issue for the original album, but this description is really more correct IMO for the live concert on disc 2 of the What's Going On DE.