11 Bizarrely Unnecessary Sequels To Classic Songs
2. The Marvelettes - "Twistin' Postman"
When The Marvelettes followed their 1961 hit "Please Mr. Postman" with the far less original "Twistin' Postman," the desperation was obvious. The song comes across as a lazy attempt by Motown Records to follow up a hit while simultaneously cashing in on the current dance trend of the time.
As pointed out by Motown Junkies, it also completely disregards the heart of the original. Instead of tearfully pining to hear from a lover who's currently far away, Gladys Horton has now decided that she either receives the letter today or simply dumps the guy. Her heart still aches, but not so much that she can't toss her absentee lover to the curb over a needless ultimatum.
This becomes especially troubling when questioning why her boyfriend is away in the first place. "Please Mr. Postman" was released one year after the U.S. military embraced full integration, and was in the process of sending pre-draft soldiers to Vietnam. It wouldn't be a stretch to assume her boyfriend is at war.
While it may seem presumptive to assume that the integration detail is relevant, it changes little either way. "Please Mr. Postman" was a cry of longing soon to be echoed by many American women from all walks of life, especially once the draft hit three years later. The lamentations of these women are not to be found in the heartless ultimatum proposed by Horton in "Twistin' Postman."
On the plus side, Gladys does finally receive her letter. Not to say she bothers reading it, remaining focused instead on the postman as he dances his way down the street. Her yearning in the first song is now almost entirely absent, a lesser priority than watching her postal worker complete his route.