Martha & the Vandellas, Dancing in the Street

Martha Reeves, former lead singer of the Vandellas, is now a Detroit city councilwoman. Back in the early 60s, though, she fronted one of of Motown's most joyful girl groups. Between this song, "Heat Wave" and "Nowhere to Run," the Vandellas gave Diana Ross and the Supremes their only taste of competition. In this clip from a 1971 episode of Soul Train (by which time the Vendellas were past their prime), "Dancin' in the Street" — with it big-city shout-outs and exhortations to get the hell out there and dance — still does it right. Music, sweet music indeed.

Wanna know who does not do it right? David Bowie and Mick Jagger in their bizarre, uncomfortable cover version. That's who.

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