…..for so many reasons that I wont go into, the best album in the world has to be Marvin Gayes “I want you”. Its been with me as long as I can remember, starting of with my recording “Since I had you” of the radio in 1986 one saturday after noon when it was being played by Robbie Vincent and his weekend soul show. Having worn that tape thing many years ago, I finally bought the CD when it was released in the mid Nineties. Since that time, it has travelled the world with me in eiother CD or MP3 form, alongside what I consider to be its two companion albums, Lets get it on and Trouble man. Like most people that really appreciate music, certain albums tie into a time of your life, whether they are good moments or bad. Either way, the first few beats or bars of a song you cherish can stir an infinate amount of emotions, memories and desires. From lost loves to missed opportunites, those few beats can transport you back to a time with such vivid clarity that you wonder if thats songs connection with the past may be more intricatly linked than you realise.
This album charts one relationship. His relationship with his then wife (Jan) is depicted in a way that celebs these days could never consider, afraid that there sensuality is not for public consumption. Yet Marvin had no issues with this. Its a fantastic account of what can only be described as a very intense relationship. If you have ever wanted to be anywhere but where you were at the time, I wanna be where you are sums up more in just over a minute than most albums can in a hour. Typical for Marvins Mid 70’s output, its some of his rawest and best work, far outweighing the material that he is more commonly known for.
So, if you have the album to hand, turn down the lights, grab some wine or a nice CoCo and let this amazing album transport you to who knows where….. pretty dam awesome!
