Diana & Marvin
In the boxing world, it's called an overmatch. This 1973 artifact foundMarvin GayeandDiana Rossplugged into tracks by a half-dozen producers (includingGaye/Tammi TerrellmastermindsAshford & Simpson, Motown stalwart Hal Davis, andBerry Gordyhimself). Although Gaye would later speak disdainfully of Ross tobiographerDavid Ritz, and his richly emotive tone indeed sometimes mixes with her piping coos like oil with water,Diana & Marvinstill proves hard to resist. Gaye's restraint is a fine thing to hear, and the two get fittingly touching material in twoStylisticscovers and the wonderful single "My Mistake (Was to Love You)." (Never mind how unconvincing they sound on "I'm Falling in Love with You"; lie back and enjoy it.) More than a curio, less than a classic, the original album is augmented by four bonus tracks, three previously unreleased.--Rickey Wright