Track of the Day: ‘I Heard it through the Grapevine’ by The Slits

By JESSICA SABBAH

The Slits’ 1979 cover of the classic Motown hit “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” which came more than a decade after its originator, has the ability to stand apart from other versions with its funky, alternative approach.

Written by two Motown writers originally for The Funk Brothers, it hit the top of charts with later renditions of the song. The most notable versions are Gladys Knight & the Pips’ No. 2 hit in 1967 and Marvin Gaye’s No. 1 in both the United Kingdom and U.S. in 1968.

Other bands, such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Temptations and The Undisputed Truth tried their hands at the song.

The Slits, an all-female UK punk band from the late ‘70s, was started by 14-year-old Ari Up in 1976. Their version added a whole new dimension to the song, as Up still sings from a male’s perspective.

With the track’s heavy drums and fun beat, it is sure to get your feet tapping and make you forget what the original even sounded like.

From the album “Cut” (1979).