Who Did It Better? - California Soul (1967/1968/1970)

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You know the rules. Listen to the 3 versions by Fifth Dimension, Marvin & Tammi and Marlena Shaw, then share your thoughts in the comments section. As an added bonus, the original version by Messengers is included as the fourth cut. Enjoy!

“California Soul" is a funk-soul tune written by Ashford & Simpson, issued originally as the B-side of the Messengers' single "Window Shopping" in 1967 under the Motown group of labels. Nick Ashford then released his own version in June 1968 on Verve 10599.[1] It was then issued as a single by American pop quintet the 5th Dimension in late 1968, and also covered by Motown vocal duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, and by Marlena Shaw the following year. It was Gaye's and Terrell's last single together when released in early 1970.

Both the 5th Dimension's version and the Gaye-Terrell version were modest charted hits. The 5th Dimension's performed better, reaching number twenty-five on the pop singles chart.[2] Marvin and Tammi's cover was the B-side of "The Onion Song". The duo's version of "California Soul" reached number fifty pop but never charted on the US R&B chart.[3] The duet was released after Terrell's death from a brain tumor in March 1970.

In 1969, Marlena Shaw covered the song on the album The Spice of Life. This version has appeared in commercials for Dockers, KFC[4] and Dodge Ram trucks.[5] A Diplo remix appears on Volume 4 of the Verve Remixed compilation series; this version was used in a late summer 2011 commercial for Target and was featured in the 2011 video game Driver: San Francisco. The original version of Shaw's cover also appears in the 2013 video game Grand Theft Auto V, played by the in-game radio station The Lowdown 91.1.

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Marlena Shaw, EASY. That Charles Stepney arrangement rolls over everybody. That intro alone kills! Also, this version was featured in the 2011 film Lincoln Lawyer starring Matthew McConaughey during the end credits.

shirkophobe
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I am a big Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell fan. I have never heard of or heard Marlena Shaw, but when I heard her version I knew she had my vote. Marlena Shaw!

cdjneicy
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Marlena Shaw..but all three are great!!

IceManLikeGervin
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All of these versions are good, but Marlena and here entire band is the reason why this song was on repeat for a week straight when I first heard it. She bodied this song! She made me wanna look into more California Soul artists 🤷🏾‍♂️

undisputedcheatersandspammers
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I've never heard this song b4 but I can't believe that I'm going to go with Marlena Shaw over Marvin & Tammi 😌

dasmilingoddess
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Ms. Shaw kills it.
The MUSIC?🎶🎶🎶 🔥🔥🔥
Hers is MY favorite.
Fifth Dimension...close 2nd.😊

heathertea
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Love 5th dimension they have great harmony but they don't go all the way in on this song, Marvin and Tammi makes you drift away, but Marlena Shaw Version rocks the house and makes the earth shake! I'm going with Marlena Shaw!✊🏾❤🎼🎵🎶

ambersmith
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Loved all three versions, but I i love the arrangement of the Marlena Shaw version and I enjoyed the 5th Dimension as well . Marvin and Tammi are equally awesome though!!

OsekahTikaani
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Nothing beats a Charles Stepney arrangement: Marlena Shaw ftw.

omarellis
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I'm watching "the Italian Job" movie.. Oh yea...that's definitely Marlena Shaw's version in the soundtrack.. I had to search this vocalist. Her voice is amazing. The into, arrangement, etc. Traveling to Cali is on my list, and once I plant my feet in the pacific ocean I'll be sure to play this song. It's everything🙌🏾

msg.
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Marlena Shaw takes it for me. But Marvin's and Tammy's version is comes very close

ksekweyama
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I have to say Marlena Shaw I love ❤️ all 3 but Marlena kills it!!!

kgraham
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The Marlena Shaw. of course I'm ruined because Dj Premier used it for Check The Technique. I've been in love with it ever since

mechtech
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I love the 5th, adore Marvin and Tammi but Marlena and her arrangement is KICKING!

howardcash
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Charles Stepney...the man behind damn near all Earth, Wind & Fire's arrangments ...gotta rock with he and Marlena...plus they just used their version in a car commercial a few months back. MARLENA SHAW ON THIS ONE.

sunrah
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They are all great to listen to a brilliant song but Marlena Shaw for me just beats them I love her voice

CarlosMendez-hsyi
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Great comparison! For me it has to be Marlena Shaw. Her version has a sassy sexy vibe missing from the other two versions. Also, the Marvin and Tammi version is actually Valerie Simpson in that period when Motown used her voice to be passed off as Tammi!s due to Tammi’s illness.

themotownboy
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I love all the versions...and that period of our music✌🏿...I love my people✊🏿...thanks Reel Black✊🏿

simmiewilliams
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I'm feeling Marlena Shaw's version first.❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Second choice is Marvin & Tammi.🌹🌹
Third is the Messengers', who I never heard of.👍🏾
Fourth is Fifth Dimension.🎶🎶🎶🎵🎵🎵

autumnsmom
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Always loved the 5Dimensions, Marvin, Tami, but Marlena's arrangement and backing track are simply better...

jjgrey