Marvin Gaye's Hitch Hike

Gaye's 1963 hit, "Hitch Hike," is an innovative example of 1960s Motown R&B music. The use of cowbell to play a clave rhythm, in conjunction with the blues-based R&B melody shows how the Motown sound was universal in its ability to incorporate elements of jazz, blues, gospel, pop, rock, funk and Latin. Moreover, Gaye's song would be copied by rock bands, and serve as a source of inspiration for songs by The Beatles and Velvet Underground.

Here is the original, by Marvin Gaye. There are congas, a flute solo, and cowbell, with Gaye singing vocals accompanied by Martha and the Vandellas, another Motown act. Gaye sings about finding a woman he loves, hitch hiking across the country to find her in various cities, such as Chicago, L.A., and St. Louis.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwvHfwDfapI

Here is a live version of Gaye performing the song on some television show from the 1960s. It actually sounds a little different than the studio recording plus we get to sing video footage of Gaye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FioNrMTrVXk

The Rolling Stones covered the song, without the cowbell, flute, and horn section of the Motown recording. It's actually not bad, but they cannot sing like Marvin Gaye.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmkU3yg4lK0

The Beatles song, "You Can't Do That," is probably inspired by Gaye's song. It features congas and cowbell, but obviously has a stronger rock sound, especially with the guitar-driven sound.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usQ8AhiRcNE

The Mothers of Invention, Frank Zappa's early band, also recorded a cover of the song, that is quite funky. Lacking the Latin instrumentation, this recording does feature a tambourine, like most Motown music. I cannot tell who is actually singing, but they're far below Gaye in vocal ability...Still, an interesting recording with a little guitar solo. That funky bass keeps it going though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng5xhOt9PLE

The Sonics, a 1960s garage rock band, also recorded a cover of "Hitch Hike." I could do without the prominent, distorted guitar, but the little saxophone part is nice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E0BpWZWXpE

The Velvet Underground also recorded a song inspired by the Rolling Stones cover. "There She Goes Again" is ok, but not great or interesting rock. The song incorporates the guitar line in the RS cover.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOrwJ7HHyyE

The Smiths also recorded a song based on the Rolling Stones version of the song called "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" that ain't that great or interesting...In fact, I strongly dislike the vocals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-cD4oLk_D0