MARVIN GAYE/MARVIN GAYE LIVE! T6-333S1 (-74) US

 His second live album after the 1963 "Marvin Gaye Recorded Live On Stage". Gaye, suffering from stage fright, had long been pressed by Motown to tour again and after the success of the "Let's Get It On" LP he finally agreed. The concert recorded here, at Oakland Coliseum arena in front of 14.000+ fans, became a huge success and the album went to #1 on the US R&B chart and #8 on Billboard. They even released the live version of "Distant Lover" as a 45, which also reached high on the lists. First thing that hits me when listening to it now is the audio - wide and generous, allowing me to be there. Second is his relation to the audience as it seems as they're following every note and move, making it a joint experience rather than he's singing down to them. Third, but not least, the performance. Backing, of which the sleeve unfortunately doesn't tell anything, is very adaptive  - sweet or sturdy after what's needed - and the vocals just right. Sitting in my listening chair I don't just hear it as an LP, more like an invitation to travel back in time and join the audience. Not naming my favourite tracks here since to me it's best enjoyed in one long sitting and the parts works better together than detatched. Exemple below. Issued and reissued on all possible formats all over the world through the years. First UK on Tamla Motown (STMA 8018). Japan 2009 remastered CD in a fold/out paper sleeve on Tamla (UICY 94041). Early US had label as shown here in a gatefold gimmick cover with die-cut page. (LYBÖ*)  (YZÄ*)  (GÖJI*)