The Supremes - My World Is Empty Without You (Motown, 1965)

Dark Motown misery-pop genius.

I'm not proposing to make a habit of it but this is such a great song that posting remix, cover and original in succession doesn't seem indulgent (to me, anyway).

Enjoy.

Download The Supremes 'My World Is Empty Without You' (Motown, mp3) (Divshare)

Afghan Whigs - My World Is Empty Without You (Sub Pop, 1991)

Jaw-dropping Motown cover.

Before turning their attention to 'Come See About Me', Afghan Whigs had dropped this frazzled, broken and pleading soul/grunge bomb.

The beat is a threatening rumble, the bass a low-slung metallic clang and Greg Dulli's vocal is one of tears and desolation. Periods of restraint and introversion are followed by the guitars cutting loose, creating a storm of emotional interference.

Splendid.

Download Afghan Whigs - My World Is Empty Without You (Motown, Sub Pop, mp3) (Divshare)

The Supremes - My World Is Empty Without You (Drop Out Orchestra Remix) (2011)

Slow and sinister dubbed-up remix of The Supremes classic.

A great Motown original which was covered to great effect by Afghan Whigs (must dig that one out and post it).

This version is slow house jam with a gentle 4/4 beat, a simple, spartan Fender Rhodes line and deep bass creating a sensitive new home for Diana Ross' vocal.

Very, very nice indeed.

Stevie Wonder - I Don't Know Why I Love You (Motown, 1969)

Gritty, minimal love song with a tang of bitterness and frustration. 

It's about time we had some Stevie Wonder. This is the original version of the song that BEF and Scritti Politti's Green Gartside turned into a floating, synthetic soul fantasy in 1991. The b-side of 'My Cherie Amour', it's grittier and more emotional.

Fantastic stuff.

I'm obviously tempted to blog the Rolling Stones 1975 version tomorrow but that would have been somewhat excessive. Good record though.

Download Stevie Wonder 'I Don't Know Why I Love You' (Soul, Tamla Motown, mp3) (Rapidshare)