Favourite mix of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On?

All in the title. I vote for the Detroit Mix. The mix itself maintains that classic Motown separation as well as having a dryer, earthy quality to it, which is how I think of the album regardless. I the the quadraphonic mix is a perfect in-between for either experience. As for the released version, it's absolutely amazing how the rhythms sound so big, given how non-isolated they were on the multitracks.

Anywhoodle, that's my pseudo-musicologist analysis. What do you think?

 

The Detroit Mix is the one I always run toward nowadays, as it is more earthy and aggressive. If I'm just listening to the album casually, I listen to the released version because of its flow and airiness.

 

This is the one I turn to. I also have the 1998 version that I have yet to listen to.

 

L.A. Mix.

 

The original Detroit Mix.

 

TBH it's the default LA mix - but now someone's "axed" the question, I'm going to go and listen to the Detroit mix with wears wide open. While not really a "mix", my second favourite way to hear this album is the live recording on the Deluxe edition, even though it is performed Side 2/Side 1.
DD

 

+1. This is the L.A. mix, the album mix as it was released. This is the best sounding digital version of this album ever IMO.

 

Interestingly, the CD insert credits John Matousek as mastering the Motown Compact Classic disc of What's Going On. Tom Baker is credited as mastering the What's Going On/Let's Get It On two-fer CD.

Both of the above CDs were mastered from the EQ cutting dub and both sound better than more recent remasters that were mastered from the original master tape.

 

How many versions of this song exist? I seem to have several -- stereo, mono, different intros etc.

 

The original album mix is my favourite. I have them both. Love the album!

 

If this is the definitive CD version, what's the equivalent on vinyl? I browsed some threads about it but there seems to be no consensus.

I'm tempted to buy the 40th anniversary set with the Detroit mix LP. Can anyone comment on the sq of that one please?

I voted Detroit mix as I prefer the segues from the title track into What's Happening Brother (sounds like it was meant to be that way) and the segue into Mercy, Mercy Me (ditto).

 

I love both mixes. Detroit and the regular album mix.

 

I saw a thread that recommended a Japanese 200 g version and the original German vinyl pressing. Did you get an answer, or buy one you really like ? Cheers.

To answer the OP question, I prefer the original still, and also really like the Kennedy Centre, DC live version very much too.

 

What about the original MONO single mix from 1970, released early 1971? It's like a combination of the Detroit and LA mix and has a fake ending to boot.

 

The thread title should clarify whether we are discussing the single or the album. I assume the OP means the latter, but the mono 45 mix was my first thought when I read the title.

 

I can't open the pic--which one is this?

 

Thanks-I have this and agree it is sweet. I have a few more versions, including the recent package with the Detroit mix on vinyl--it's not bad and I listen to it now and then.

 

So this is the definitive version of this album, the consensus best mastering? For every other album of his, what should i get?

 

I would recommend the Special (expanded) editions.

 

I have the early What'sG.O./LetsG.I.O. cd 2-fer. Is that the same mastering as this? If not I'm willing to give this a try, should be pretty cheap to pick up once I run into a copy.
That said, I love the Detroit mix and I will likely prefer it no matter how good the sound quality is for any L.A. mix version. But there is no reason I can't enjoy both for a great album like this.

 

IIRC, it has been established on the Forum that the 2-fer, while good, is different from the Motown WGO cd. I have both and will try a play-off later this week, if no one else steps forward as already having done so. As for the Detroit, I think the only vinyl is on the recent deluxe package-got it and enjoy it.

 

Both mixez were released on CD? If so, where?

 

Is the Detroit mix the original? Any major difference in the Detroit mix?