In fact, I would go a lot further and make the audacious claim that, in my opinion, it is the greatest cover version of that particular song of all time.
There, I have committed myself to a far reaching statement but I stand by it.
The song in question is a Motown Classic.
It was written in 1966 by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and saw its first release into the U.S Charts by Gladys Knight and the Pips when it reached number 2.
It is of course "I heard it through the Grapevine".
Just about every credible artist has performed or recorded it since with the list including arguably the most well known, Marvin Gaye in 1968 and the likes of Ike and Tina Turner, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles.
It is a timeless song and in successive decades it has been sung by Elton John, The Kaiser Chiefs, dueted by Amy Winehouse and Paul Weller, crooned over by Michael McDonald and soul searched by Craig David.
The mellow rockers, Creedence Clearwater Revival brought out an eleven minute version in 1970 as an album filler track.
The song in its Marvin Gaye version was placed at number 81 in the greatest 500 songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.
In the world of advertising and media the song accompanied Nick Kamen whilst taking his clothes off in a launderette in that Levis Jeans commercial in 1985 and a bunch of grizzled dried grapes from California taking gross advantage and liberties with it a year later.
The recording that I have elevated to the best of all time is that by the UK based punk band, The Slits from their album "The Cut" in 1979.
It is an emotional song anyway but in the distinctive raw and raucous style of The Slits it is given a completely new dimension.
The commercially successful Knight and Gaye recordings were in contrast quite pedestrian and methodical.
The distinctive opening riff is in a unique vocal murmuring, followed by a tinny barrage of drums and then the stark, often screeching and lyrical drone of the band members who, at the time comprised Ari Up (Arianne Foster), Viv Albertine, Tessa Pollitt and Palmolive (Paloma McLardy).
The Slits had formed in 1976 with founder members Ari Up, Palmolive, Kate Korus and Suzy Gutsy and became firmly immersed in the punk rock scene of the time.
The album cover of "The Cut" is one that is immediately recalled to mind as it depicts the band tastefully topless, dressed in loincloths and covered in mud.
To my sensitive 16 year old self it was quite a revelation.
Back to the song.
Here it is for you to make up your own mind......................................................
The Slits perform I heard it through the grapevine
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