Lot #10: Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Vinyl LP - Rare 1971 Canadian Gatefold Pressing

Highly sought after international variant of one of the greatest musical achievements of all time: a 1971 first-edition Canadian vinyl pressing of Marvin Gaye's masterpiece, What's Going On. Released under the Tamla Motown banner, this specific release features a crucial point for vinyl historians: it was distributed by Ampex Music of Canada out of their Rexdale, Ontario hub. Ampex served as Motown's manufacturing and licensing partner in the Canadian territory during this era, making this a unique, regionally distinct regional variant that is less common than its standard US counterpart. Audiophiles often praise this specific Canadian Ampex matrix for possessing an exceptionally rich and well-balanced tonal profile across the entire track list. Artist: Marvin Gaye Title: What's Going On Catalog: TS-310 Label: Tamla Motown Release: 1971 Cover Art: The unforgettable, tightly-cropped front image of a bearded Marvin Gaye by photographer Jim Hendin. The visual aesthetic captures a raw, pensive mood, deviating drastically from Motown's traditionally clean-cut promotional styling. Legend holds that during the photoshoot in Detroit, it began to rain and snow. Hendin captured Marvin with water droplets on his hair and clothes, adding a gritty, real-world texture that mirrors the tone of the album. Gatefold Collage: contains an intimate visual montage provided by the Gaye and Gordy Family Archives, displaying rare, personal glances of Marvin's home life and relationships. Unlike standard pop records of its era, What's Going On was conceptualized as a cohesive song cycle. Most tracks seamlessly segue into one another to tell the story of a returning Vietnam veteran witnessing urban and social turmoil. Side 1: Track 1: What's Going On - features atmospheric chatter from Detroit Lions football players Lem Barney and Mel Farr. 2: What's Happening Brother - directly continues the veteran's narrative. 3: Flyin' High - a haunting commentary of coping mechanisms and addiction 4: Save the Children - a spoken-word and sung plea regarding future generations 5: God is Love - a spiritual movement bridging Side One's narrative. 6: Wholy Holy - a gospel-influenced ensemble track calling for unity Side 2: 1: Mercy Mercy Me - One of the earliest mainstream pop tracks addressing environmental destruction 2: Right On - a sprawling, jazz-influenced jam featuring multi-layered instrumentation 3: Inner City Blues - the bleak, driving final track that dramatically concludes the narrative cycle by looping back into a brief reprise of the opening title theme. Auction Note: All lots are from a single estate collection. This is an opportunity to purchase a carefully curated decades-spanning collection from a single collector. The majority of the vinyl is in near mint condition with many appearing unplayed - if there are flaws of note we did our best to photograph that specifically. If you would like any further information please use the question portion available on each lot. Shipping is available - if you win the lot please email [email protected] to arrange. Pickup category timeslot {A}