MARVIN GAYE & KIM WESTON/TAKE TWO STML 11049 (-67) UK STEREO

LP consisting of four Gaye/Weston duet cuts earlier released on two singles - the 1964 "What Good Am I"/"I Want You 'Round" and the 1966 "It Takes Two"/"It's Gotta Be A Miracle" - coupled with eight newly recorded, together released as an attempt to cash in further on the success of the latter 45. Not widely considered one of the better Marvin Gaye albums, or tops among his duets. But I've been listening to it a lot lately and after skipping such comparisons feeling many reasons for love. They both sing like angels and their vocal meetings create more than one hot moment. The backing, with instruments by The Funk Brothers plus vocals by The Spinners and The Andantes is smooth and flawless. Add to that tophole production and stereo mix and you're bound to be embraced. If not all killer songs, still having enough highlights to carry it through - "It Takes Two", "Baby Say Yes", "Love Fell On Me" very good Motown and the jazzy cover of "Till There Was You" really swings in a gentle way. Audio very good most of the time though to my ears a couple of the songs are cut borderline too loud. Not very disturbing, but a softer outcome would have added to the joy. Also as UK mono (TML 11049). Premiere US on Tamla (T/S 270), also originally issued in Canada and a couple of European countries - all those with a "chair" image on front sleeve. To my knowledge this front pic was UK only. Japan 2009 limited number CD in paper sleeve on Tamla (UICY-94162). Premiere UK had label as shown here and laminated flip/back cover. (TÖMÖ*) (FÄV*) (GÖJI*)