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Motown 
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Exact matches: 29
1
Motown, 1978. Very Good ... $4.99
Sort of a disco effort from Motown, featuring a group led by keyboardist Michael L. Smith, and featuring David T. Walker, Sonny Burke, James Gadson, Lee Ritenour, and Roland Bautista. The tracks are long dancefloor cuts, with a bit of a space disco sound, and titles like "Space Dance", "Groove Time", "You Don't Like To Party (Like I Do)", and "Rich Love, Poor Love". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear and a cutout notch.)
2
Motown, Early 60s. Used ... $12.99
... CD
(Out of print.)
3
Roaring Book Press, 2015. New Copy ... $6.99 22.99
Not the highway journey you might expect from the title – but a history of the rise and music of Motown in the 60s – served up with lots of vintage photos along the way! The book is a mix of text and image – and may not be the deepest book you'll ever read on the legendary record label, but does present a concise history of the first decade or so – alongside plenty of great black and white photographs of the artists and the city of Detroit at the time! 166 pages, hardcover. Book
(Spine has a small remainder mark.)
4
Rare Earth —
Rare Earth (Motown Superstar Series) ... LP Motown, 1960s/
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear.)
5
Motown, Late 60s. Used ... $1.99
Who would have thought it? Smokey's great career at Motown was just designed to be inspiration for a TV Special! Who cares, though? The set's still got some of his biggest hits for Motown, if you can get past the title – and tracks include "Mickey's Monkey", "Being With You", "I Second That Emotion", "Shop Around", "Tears Of A Clown", and "Tracks Of My Tears". CD
(Out of print.)
6
Motown (Japan), 1965. New Copy ... $13.99
A heavy batch of Motown soul instrumentals – headed up by Funk Brother Earl Van Dyke! The set features backings that are often very similar to the vocal versions on Motown – but are topped with sweet organ solo work from Earl – who has this lean, mean style that's mighty nice – kind of a Jimmy McGriff groove that really fits the soul of the recordings! Most of the backings are exactly the same ones used for vocal hits, but the use of Hammond really transforms them nicely – making the whole record a sweet popcorn soul version of Motown – almost a bit grittier, with a nice sort of backroom jukebox flavor. Titles include "Try It Baby", "Can You Jerk Like Me", "Money", "Can I Get A Witness", "Come See About Me", and "All For You". CD
Also available That Motown Sound ... LP 24.99(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
7
Motown, 1964. Very Good ... $24.99
A heavy batch of Motown soul instrumentals – headed up by Funk Brother Earl Van Dyke! The set features backings that are often very similar to the vocal versions on Motown – but are topped with sweet organ solo work from Earl – who has this lean, mean style that's mighty nice – kind of a Jimmy McGriff groove that really fits the soul of the recordings! Most of the backings are exactly the same ones used for vocal hits, but the use of Hammond really transforms them nicely – making the whole record a sweet popcorn soul version of Motown – almost a bit grittier, with a nice sort of backroom jukebox flavor. Titles include "Try It Baby", "Can You Jerk Like Me", "Money", "Can I Get A Witness", "Come See About Me", and "All For You". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available That Motown Sound ... CD 13.99(Original pressing. Cover has light wear.)
8
Motown/
6 Motown albums from Jr Walker & The All Stars – all long overdue for reissue! First up is A Gasssss – a gas of a record from Jr Walker & The All Stars – a set that has the magical Johnny Bristol producing – giving the group this really warm, soaring sound that's totally great! Walker still serves up plenty of strong tenor solos, but there's also some vocal currents in the mix – strong leads at times, but also some nice backups too – all of which really helps to keep things soaring! Titles a nice mix of Motown covers and original material – and titles include "I Was Made To Love Her", "Do You See My Love", "And When I Die", "Honey Come Back", "Holly Holy", "Riding High On Love", "At A Saturday Matinee", and "Groove & Move". Next up is Rainbow Funk – a record that definitely has Jr Walker & The All Stars picking up a bit of funk – but in a groove that still mixes things with that warmly soulful glow the group had right from the start! The basslines are definitely up a bit from before – although not rumbling in Norman Whitfield territory – and the sax solos get a bit more space to stretch out and bite on the longer numbers, but often with a bit of backing vocals to warm things up around the edges! Jr is great all the way through – Motown's very strong answer to King Curtis – and titles include "Right On Brothers & Sisters", "Way Back Home", "Feeling Alright", "Psychedelic Shack", "Pieces Of A Man", and "Teach Them To Pray". Moody Jr is a sweet early 70s groover from Jr Walker & The All Stars – a set that reunites the group with producer Johnny Bristol, who always has a great way of helping them set fire to their sound! Walker and company may have shot from the gate with a mix of R&B tenor and Motown soul – but the sound here is much more in the latter, more matured mode of the label – with strong deep soul lyrics on a number of cuts, which are balanced out nicely by Bristol's fuller production. There's plenty of sax solos too, of course – and titles include "Way Back Home", "Bristol's Way", "Don't Blame The Children", "Me & My Family", "Still Water Medley", and "Groove Thang". Peace & Understanding is a record that has Jr Walker and the group stepping out with some of the righteous touches promised in the title – partly in the choice of songs on the set, which are all nicely tucked into that strong mix of deep soul vocals and saxophone lines that had become the Jr Walker groove! The set features work from a number of different arrangers – all the hipper side of Motown in the early 70s, as the list includes, Willie Hutch, Gene Page, and James Carmichael – and tunes include two great originals, one by Hutch, one by Leon Ware. Tracks include "It's Alright Do What You Gotta Do", "Soul Clappin'", "Gimme that Beat (parts 1 & 2)", "It's Too Late", and "Peace & Understanding Is Hard To Find". The self-titled Jr Walker & The All Stars album is maybe the rarest in the bunch – an obscure UK-only record from 1974, and one that has the group's usual approach warmed up by some more ambitious arrangements – a bit like the direction some of the vocal acts of the 70s were taking at the time! The production on most of the set is by Clarence Paul – and there's mostly a focus on the saxophone, not any vocals at all – which makes the set feel a bit like some of the Willis Jackson or Lou Donaldson work for Atlantic around the same time – or maybe even a bit like Hank Crawford on Kudu. Titles include "Boogie Down", "All In Love Is Fair", "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life", "Break Down & Sing", and "Dancin Like They Do On Soul Train". Hot Shot is a mid-70s stormer from Jr Walker & The All Stars – a set that glides along on a fuller set of backdrops than before, with Holland-Dozier-Holland production from Brian Holland returning to Motown – but in a hip 70s style that has strings and funk dancing along in a great way beneath the strong sax solos in the lead! There's a bit of vocals on the record, but the real strength lies in the instrumentation – especially some of the weirder, fuzzier guitar lines and keyboards. Titles include "Why Can't We Be Lovers", "Hot Shot", "Probe Your Mind", "I Need You Right Now", and "You Ain't No Ordinary Woman". CD
Also available Walk In The Night – The Motown 70s Studio Albums (A Gasssss/9
Motown/
6 Motown albums from Jr Walker & The All Stars – all long overdue for reissue! First up is A Gasssss – a gas of a record from Jr Walker & The All Stars – a set that has the magical Johnny Bristol producing – giving the group this really warm, soaring sound that's totally great! Walker still serves up plenty of strong tenor solos, but there's also some vocal currents in the mix – strong leads at times, but also some nice backups too – all of which really helps to keep things soaring! Titles a nice mix of Motown covers and original material – and titles include "I Was Made To Love Her", "Do You See My Love", "And When I Die", "Honey Come Back", "Holly Holy", "Riding High On Love", "At A Saturday Matinee", and "Groove & Move". Next up is Rainbow Funk – a record that definitely has Jr Walker & The All Stars picking up a bit of funk – but in a groove that still mixes things with that warmly soulful glow the group had right from the start! The basslines are definitely up a bit from before – although not rumbling in Norman Whitfield territory – and the sax solos get a bit more space to stretch out and bite on the longer numbers, but often with a bit of backing vocals to warm things up around the edges! Jr is great all the way through – Motown's very strong answer to King Curtis – and titles include "Right On Brothers & Sisters", "Way Back Home", "Feeling Alright", "Psychedelic Shack", "Pieces Of A Man", and "Teach Them To Pray". Moody Jr is a sweet early 70s groover from Jr Walker & The All Stars – a set that reunites the group with producer Johnny Bristol, who always has a great way of helping them set fire to their sound! Walker and company may have shot from the gate with a mix of R&B tenor and Motown soul – but the sound here is much more in the latter, more matured mode of the label – with strong deep soul lyrics on a number of cuts, which are balanced out nicely by Bristol's fuller production. There's plenty of sax solos too, of course – and titles include "Way Back Home", "Bristol's Way", "Don't Blame The Children", "Me & My Family", "Still Water Medley", and "Groove Thang". Peace & Understanding is a record that has Jr Walker and the group stepping out with some of the righteous touches promised in the title – partly in the choice of songs on the set, which are all nicely tucked into that strong mix of deep soul vocals and saxophone lines that had become the Jr Walker groove! The set features work from a number of different arrangers – all the hipper side of Motown in the early 70s, as the list includes, Willie Hutch, Gene Page, and James Carmichael – and tunes include two great originals, one by Hutch, one by Leon Ware. Tracks include "It's Alright Do What You Gotta Do", "Soul Clappin'", "Gimme that Beat (parts 1 & 2)", "It's Too Late", and "Peace & Understanding Is Hard To Find". The self-titled Jr Walker & The All Stars album is maybe the rarest in the bunch – an obscure UK-only record from 1974, and one that has the group's usual approach warmed up by some more ambitious arrangements – a bit like the direction some of the vocal acts of the 70s were taking at the time! The production on most of the set is by Clarence Paul – and there's mostly a focus on the saxophone, not any vocals at all – which makes the set feel a bit like some of the Willis Jackson or Lou Donaldson work for Atlantic around the same time – or maybe even a bit like Hank Crawford on Kudu. Titles include "Boogie Down", "All In Love Is Fair", "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life", "Break Down & Sing", and "Dancin Like They Do On Soul Train". Hot Shot is a mid-70s stormer from Jr Walker & The All Stars – a set that glides along on a fuller set of backdrops than before, with Holland-Dozier-Holland production from Brian Holland returning to Motown – but in a hip 70s style that has strings and funk dancing along in a great way beneath the strong sax solos in the lead! There's a bit of vocals on the record, but the real strength lies in the instrumentation – especially some of the weirder, fuzzier guitar lines and keyboards. Titles include "Why Can't We Be Lovers", "Hot Shot", "Probe Your Mind", "I Need You Right Now", and "You Ain't No Ordinary Woman". CD
10
Now Again, Late 60s/
An overdue look at the lost Lamp Records – a crucially important indie soul label on the Indy scene of the late 60s and early 70s – a company that was never as big as Chess or Motown, but did a similar job of documenting its city's musical scene! Indianapolis was always a very diverse city – and gave the world bigger funk and jazz luminaries like Wes Montgomery or Funk Inc – but like most cities of its size, Indy also sported a rich underground of great singers and bands who were really trying to make it big – all really great artists who were captured in deep detail by the Lamp Records label! Now Again/
Also available Lamp Records – It Glowed Like The Sun – The Story Of Naptown's Motown 1969 to 1972 (4CD set) ... CD 16.99(Hand-numbered limited edition of 1000 – includes download with bonus tracks!)
11
Now Again, Late 60s/
An overdue look at the lost Lamp Records – a crucially important indie soul label on the Indy scene of the late 60s and early 70s – a company that was never as big as Chess or Motown, but did a similar job of documenting its city's musical scene! Indianapolis was always a very diverse city – and gave the world bigger funk and jazz luminaries like Wes Montgomery or Funk Inc – but like most cities of its size, Indy also sported a rich underground of great singers and bands who were really trying to make it big – all really great artists who were captured in deep detail by the Lamp Records label! Now Again/
Also available Lamp Records – It Glowed Like The Sun – The Story Of Naptown's Motown 1969 to 1972 ... LP 49.9912
Motown, 1960s/
An amazing package – one that comes in a tiny replica of the original home of Motown Records in Detroit! As you'd guess from the title, the 11CD set features every single Motown track that ever hit #1 on the charts – almost 200 classic songs, running from the early 60s right up through the 90s – with work by The Temptations, Four Tops, Diana Ross, Boyz II Men, The Contours, Rockwell, The Originals, Marvin Gaye, The Marvelettes, Stevie Wonder, High Inergy, The Dazz Band, Rick James, Commodores, and lots more! The package also includes a photo book with classic images and notes – but man, what we dig most of all is that tiny house of hits packaging – a really amazing thing! Plus, this version of the set also features a bonus CD that wasn't in the original version – with 12 more tracks whose cover versions charted at #1! CD
13
Motown, 1960s/
Music from the Marvelettes, Mary Wells, the Four Tops, the Originals, Jimmy Ruffin, the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Rick James, DeBarge, Shanice, Boyz II Men & more. CD
(Out of print. Includes slipcase, sticker over barcode.)
14
Tamla/
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear.)
15
Motown, 1960s. Used ... $3.99
Music from Martha & the Vandellas, the Marvelettes, Mary Wells, Eddie Holland, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Contours, the Miracles & Barrett Strong. CD
(Out of print.)
16
Motown (Japan), Late 70s/
... CD
17
Various —
Motown Remixed – Hot Remixes Of Motown Classics ... CD Motown/
We gotta admit, we kinda like this one! We were a bit suspicious at first – as the genius of Motown hardly needs any messing with – and we had fears that a remix project might just sound silly, goofy, and filled with easy tricks and gimmicks. But the choice of remixers on the set is really great – and includes enough of a range of talents to keep things interesting, but also a small enough group to unify the sound of the album, and still really respect the original vibe of the tunes. Most of the work here is very subtle – and just extends the best core elements, and expands on a few of the strongest musical references – in a way that's really different than the over-done approach of the Verve Remixed project. Titles include "ABC (Salaam Remi Krunk-a-delic party mix)" by Jackson 5, "Quiet Storm (Groove Boutique rmx)" by Smokey Robinson, "Let's Get It On (Producers MPG groove mix)" by Marvin Gaye, "Papa Was A Rollin Stone (DJ Jazzy Jeff & Pete Kuzma solefull rmx)" by The Temptations, "War (King Britt rmx)" by Edwin Starr, "Keep On Truckin (DJ Spinna rmx)" by Eddie Kendricks, "Smiling Faces Sometimes (Futureshock Main Ingredient mix)" by Undisputed Truth, "My World Is Empty Without You (Tranzition rmx)" by Diana Ross & The Supremes, and "I Just Want To Celebrate (Mocean Worker rmx)" by Rare Earth. CD
(Out of print)
18
Various —
Motown Unmixed – The Original Versions From Motown Remixed ... CD Motown/
The core tracks used in the excellent Motown Remixed collection – and a nicely-priced set that features some of the best cuts from the legendary label! The track list includes 14 gems from the 60s through the early 80s – with titles that include "I Want You Back" and "ABC" by the Jackson 5, "Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Gladys Knight, "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye, "Quiet Storm" by Smokey Robinson, "I Just Want To Celebrate" by Rare Earth, "War" by Edwin Starr, "Keep On Truckin" by Eddie Kendricks, "Tears Of A Clown" by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" by The Temptations, "Smiling Faces Sometimes" by Undisputed Truth, and "Mary Jane" by Rick James. CD
(Out of print.)
19
Motown, 1976. Used ... $4.99
Music from Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Eddie Kendricks, the Commodores, Thelma Houston, the Temptations, Willie Hutch, the Originals, David Ruffin & more. CD
20
Peter Benjaminson —
Mary Wells – The Tumultuous Life Of Motown's First Superstar (hardcover) ... Book Chicago Review Press, 2012. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A stunning look at the great Mary Wells – one of Motown's first female acts of the 60s, and one of the decade's most important early soul figures as well! Mary's work on record is very well-known, but the story behind the music is completely different, and surprisingly dark at times – a tale of a talented artist often caught between larger corporate forces, and personal antagonists as well – not to mention her own personal demons. Peter Benjaminson does a great job of getting at all these details without being overly sensational – and he works in lots of wonderful personal recollections from friends and colleagues who really help illuminate the more private moments. The book is over 300 pages, hardcover, with some black and white photos. Book
21
Smokey Robinson —
Motown Legends – The Ballad Album ... CD Motown, 1960s/
Sweet soul from Smokey – featuring early work with The Miracles, and some later tunes from his solo years at Motown. The set features 11 tracks in all – and includes the tracks "Ooo Baby Baby", "More Love", "I'm On The Outside (Looking In)", "Quiet Storm", "Tracks of My Tears", "Oh Girl", and "Blame It On Love". CD
(Out of print.)
22
Various —
Motown – A Collection Of 16 Original Big Hits Vol 8 ... CD Motown, 1968. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Music from the Temptations, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & the Pips, the Four Tops, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Jr Walker & the All Stars, the Isley Brothers, the Elgins, Jimmy Ruffin, the Monitors & Stevie Wonder. CD
(Out of print.)
23
Various —
Motown 60th Anniversary Mix – Mixed By DJ Lead ... CD Motown (Japan), 1960s/
A really joyous celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Motown Records – a long set that features a continuous mix that includes 37 tracks from the full run of the label – most taken relatively straight, but given these cool old-style radio voiceovers as some of the tracks get started! DJ Lead provides a remix at the start, and scratches a bit here and there – but most of the tunes are delivered in the familiar mode you'd know – titles that include "Money" by Barrett Strong, "Rhythm Of The Night" by Debarge, "Square Biz" by Teena Marie, "Brick House" by Commodores, "I'll Be There" by Jackson 5, "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye, "Video" by India Arie, "Don't Look Any Further" by Dennis Edwards, "Bag Lady" by Erykah Badu, "Running With The Night" by Lionel Richie, "Please Mr Postman" by The Marvelettes, and "I Want You Back (DJ Lead rmx)" by Jackson 5. CD
24
Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5 —
Great Songs & Performances That Inspired The Motown 25th Anniversary TV Special ... CD Motown, 1970s/
Basically a greatest hits package. But the 10 nice tracks are hard to argue with though: "I Want You Back", "ABC", "I'll Be There", "The Love You Save", "Maybe Tomorrow", "Dancing Machine", "Got To Be There", "Rockin' Robin", "I Wanna Be Where You Are", and "Ben". CD
(Out of print.)
25
Bobby Darin —
Go Ahead & Back Up – The Lost Motown Masters ... CD Motown/
Lost late material from the great Bobby Darin – more than two albums' worth of songs, all of which appear here for the first time ever! After some late 60s years in the folk wilderness, Bobby made a surprising step to Motown Records at the start of the 70s – and while the label did issue some of Darin's material, and helped him hit the right sort of vibe for his newly-polished image – they also left behind a fair bit of great work that never saw the light of day! The Bobby heard here is partly coming off that 60s love of folk and country that peaked on his late Atlantic recordings – but there's also some of the slight soul touches you'll hear on the other material that Motown did choose to release at the time – a new sort of confidence that really makes us wonder where Darin would have gone, had he not passed away at such a young, early age. The whole set is very well done – with copious notes on the material, and this unusual part of Darin's career – and the set features 24 tracks, with arrangements by Art Freeman, Bill Holman, Gene Page, and Freddie Perren. Titles include "Watch The River Flow", "Help Me Make It Through The Night", "Lady Madonna", "Higher & Higher", "Go Ahead & Back Up", "I Walk The Line", "Child Of Tears", "I Think The Devil Must Be Beating His Wife", "Catch The Wind", "We're Getting There", "Stray Dog", "I Don't Know How To Love Her", "Rags To Riches", and "Young Joe Caldwell". CD
26
Diana Ross & The Supremes —
Supreme Rarities 1960 to 1969 – Motown Lost & Found (4 X 180 gram vinyl box set) ... LP Motown/
A great little set that once again proves that longstanding rule – that with vintage Motown, even the obscure bits are completely top shelf! As you'd guess from the title, this package is overflowing with rare material from Diana Ross & The Supremes – all pulled from that legendary first decade of the group, when they were not only one of Motown's reigning soul acts, but also a showcase for everything great the label had to offer – from songwriting through arrangements, right on up to production and packaging! And although none of these tracks were issued at the time, they're hardly detritus or throwaway material – as both the alternate takes and never-released songs are really wonderful – top shelf Detroit female soul, handled in the best style of the time. Some tracks are unusual versions of hits, others are obscure songs that never got pressed at the time, and a few more are Supremes' takes on tunes you might know from other singers. Titles include "You Can Depend On Me", "Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone", "In The Evening Of Our Love", "I Can't Give Back The Love I Feel For You", "Come See About Me/
(4 X 180 gram vinyl box set!)
27
Spinners —
While The City Sleeps – Their Second Motown Album Plus Bonus Tracks (2nd Time Around/Motown/
A tremendous collection of early work by The Spinners – their sublime second album for Motown, plus 13 additional bonus tracks, most of which appear here for the first time ever! The core of the set is the 2nd Time Around album – pre-Philly magic from The Spinners – a wonderful early album recorded for Motown – done with a heady Detroit sound that's quite different than their later work in the 70s! The album already has the group sounding amazing on the harmonic tip – definitely a cut above the groups that came before them – with that brilliant Spinners ability to harmonize heavily while still hitting a groove! Arrangements are by Paul Riser, Wade Marcus, and David Van DePitte – all of whom keep things full, but never overblown – presenting music with a perfect polish for the group, but in quite different ways than the later Philly groove. Titles include the classic original version of "It's a Shame", plus "My Lady Love", "Souly Ghost", "Ooh Child", "In My Diary", "My Whole World Ended", "I've Got To Find Myself A Brand New Baby", "Bad Bad Weather", and "Pay Them No Mind". But the bonus tracks are pretty amazing, too – really showcasing the group as they grew tremendously in a few short years – on gems that include "I Can't Let You Go", "Sunshine Train", "Mental Telepathy", "Satisfaction Guaranteed", "Why Don't You Try It", "Just A Little Part Of Your Life", "Sadder Words Were Never Spoken", "Don't Take Your Love Away I Can't Stand It", "Your Sweet Love Is All I Need", "Gonna Keep On Tryin Till I Win Your Love", and "When It Starts To Rain It Pours". CD
28
Various —
Baby I've Got It – More Motown Girls – More Rare Treats From Motown's Female Roster, Including 16 Previously Unissued Gems ... CD Ace (UK), 1960s. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
A stunning selection of female soul from Motown – all of it rare, and much of it previously unreleased! The set is a great reminder not only of how much we still have to learn about the biggest soul label in the motor city – but also of the exceptional quality that Motown brought to their recordings – so much so that even long-unissued tracks like these can easily stand with the biggest hits from other 60s soul labels! The package is wonderful if you dig female soul – and maybe even if you just like vintage soul in general – and in addition to rare cuts by big Motown names, you'll also hear some lesser-knowns that show the way the company was always trying to reach out for new talent in the fertile world of Detroit music. As usual, Ace has provided very detailed notes that offer as much history as information on the music – and the CD features 24 titles that include "It's Been A Long Time Happenin" by Rita Wright, "There Are Things" by Ann Bogan, "It's Crazy Baby" by Liz Lands, "Baby I've Got It" by Brenda Holloway, "Honey Don't Leave Me" by The Lewis Sisters, "It's All Right" by LaBrenda Ben, "When Someone's Good To You" by Oma Page, "In My Heart I Know It's Right" by Gladys Knight & The Pips, "Sweet Talkin Guy" by The Marvelettes, "Cookie Boy" by Thelma Brown, "I Up & Think Of You" by Kim Weston, "There Was" by The Lollipops, "Keep Away" by Little Lisa, "Playboy (first version)" by The Marvelettes, "I Know You Don't Love Me No More (orig mix)" by Yvonne Fair, "In Your Heart" by Patrice Holloway, "You've Got Possibilities" by Barbara McNair, and "Bad News" by LaBrenda Ben. CD
29
Various —
Motown Funk Vol 2 – 19 Pipin Hot Funk Joints (colored vinyl pressing) (2018 Record Store Day Release) ... LP Motown/
Funky cuts from the Motown catalog – a set that mixes key classics with a number of overlooked album cuts – all to remind us that the Motor City label could get plenty heavy in the groove! There's a few cuts here you'll know from hip hop samples, a few you'll remember for their own fame, and a number of others that should hopefully come as a new discovery – and which really make the package great! Titles include "Drink The Wine" by Valerie Simpson, "Gonna Find A True Love" by Bottom & Company, "Machine Gun" by Commodores, "Thank You Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin" by Earl Van Dyke, "Closing Jimmy's" by Marvin Gaye, "Behold" by James Jamerson, "It's The Same Old Love" by Jerry Ross Symposium, "I'm Losing You" by Rare Earth, "To Know You Is To Love You" by Syreeta, "Haiku" by Puzzle, "Got To Give It Up (part 1)" by Marvin Gaye, "Keep On Truckin" by Eddie Kendricks, "Every Time I See You I Go Wild" by Stevie Wonder, "Runnin" by Edwin Starr, "You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover" by Yvonne Fair, and "UFO's" by The Undisputed Truth. LP, Vinyl record album
(On colored vinyl – includes download!)
Close matches: 250
30
India Arie —
Acoustic Soul ... CD Motown, 2000. Used ... $1.99
An incredible debut – and the birth of a genre! India Arie burst upon the Neo Soul scene with this sweet little set a few years back – and her career's been burning up ever since! The set's got all the best elements of some of the best indie soul of recent years – sweet beats, honest vocals, and warm instrumental touches – but the best aspect is the "acoustic soul" use of guitar to give some tracks a slightly folksy feel – one that sets India apart from some of her contemporaries with a really personal approach! The whole thing's great – overflowing with wonderful tracks that include "Video", "Brown Skin", "Back To The Middle", "Part Of My Life", "Always In My Head", and "Nature". CD also features a bonus Stevie Wonder dedication – "Wonderful"! CD
(CRC pressing.)
31
Erykah Badu —
Bag Lady (cheeba sacmix, main) (CD single) ... CD Motown, 2000. Used ... $1.99
... CD
(Out of print.)
32
Motown, 2000. Near Mint- 2LP ... $28.99
A millennial classic from Erykah Badu – a set that came along right as the current century was starting up, to show a soulful path that would keep things strong for many years to come! The album grabbed a bigger audience than Erykah's first, but still kept things strong – really focusing in on that amazing vocal style that made the singer such a unique talent – and which always had edges that were sharper, and runs that were deeper, than some of her contemporaries who might be able to trick a phrase with a bit of spirit, but never deliver the whole thing in the way that Badu can! Themes are both personal and hinting at her political turns to come – and titles include "Kiss Me On My Neck", "Didn't Cha Know", "My Life", "AD 2000", "Bag Lady", "In Love With You", and "Booty". LP, Vinyl record album
(Red vinyl pressing in a stickered sleeve, with a bent corner and small peeled spot.)
33
Motown, 2008. Used ... $3.99
Badu is back with some of the deepest, funkiest and best music of her career – a mindblowing treatise for a New Amerykah – and what we'll consider an instant classic whether the world at large catches on or not! Erykah steps up this time with a set that balances the wilder impulses of her criminally underappreciated Worldwide Underground and more of a hip hop based, righteously grooving style – but still bursts with a freshness that's unrivaled to say the least. From free spirited soul, to sparse hip hop funk this record is both blunt and beautiful – with a slow-building emotional resonance that'll reach the most jaded souls. Modern soul music of the first order that gives us goosebumps from the first spin to the last beat! The album kicks off with Erykah riffing on and remixing Ramp's "American Promise" as an intro – and it just gets deeper from there. Producers/
34
Motown, 2010. Used ... $4.99
The second chapter of Erykah Badu's New Amerykah – recorded for the most part, quite incredibly, during the same period and with the same collaborators as the mind-altering, murky and righteous hip hop funk experimentalism that was Part One – some months that must be among the most dizzyingly creative in Badu's career! We're reluctant to call Return Of The The Ankh a lighter listen than its predecessor, but, it's a less dense and outwardly experimental batch in the sonic realm – the emotionalism and the head nodding warmth is at the forefront, yet she's as uncompromising and real as ever. The sound is still innovative, unique and her own on all fronts, but the songs chosen for Part Two are ones you want to approach and embrace from the opening seconds – there's not as much of a tripped out overall vibe and you don't need to acclimate from a distance – these songs pull you right in! Includes collaborations with James Poyser, Shafiq Husayn, Ta'Raach, Karriem Riggins, Madlib and Georgia Anne Muldrow. Includes "20 Feet Tall", "Window Seat", "Agitation", "Turn Me Away (Get Munny)", "Gone Baby, Don't Be Long", "Love", "Out My Mind, Just In Time" and more. CD
35
Motown, 2019. New Copy ... $11.99 12.98
BJ The Chicago Kid's second full length for Motown! BJ has a way of recalling classic Chicago soul in the earnest, emotional realness of his lyricism and relatively mellow style, which is a nicely grounding anchor given the modern overall aesthetic. It's a contemporary sound with a timeless soul at the center. BJ's years as a guest vocalist himself makes him such a great host for guest singers, MCs and producers on his own records, too – and this one features Anderson.Paak, Rick Ross, Afrojack and others with production by Danja, Cool & Dre, Karriem Riggins and more. Includes "Feel The Vibe" feat Anderson.Paak, "Champagne", "Get Away" feat JID, Buddy & Kent Jamz, "Tome Today", "Can't Wait", "Playa's ball" feat Rick Ross, "Too Good", "Close", "Rather Be With You", "Worryin' Bout Me" feat Offset, "Reach" feat Afrojack and more. CD
36
Motown, 1996. Used ... $1.99
... CD
(Out of print, CRC pressing.)
37
Motown, 1977. Near Mint- ... $2.99
A great little concept album – and one that really shows the continuing sophistication and growth of Jerry Butler's music in the 70s! The record is dedicated to the "single girl" of the 70s (portrayed with the sad little photo of a brown bag lunch and a Gucci purse on the cover) – the new professional woman in the workplace – a surprisingly popular theme for many other singers of the period, but handled here by Butler with way more poise and class than any of his contemporaries! Arrangements are by James Mack and Paul Wilson, who often bring a great mellow mode to the best cuts – almost a Leon Ware style of laidback sensuality. A few other tunes are groovers, but still fit in just right – and titles include "Suite For The Single Girl", "I Wanna Do It To You", "Music In Her Dreams", "Only Pretty Girls", "Let's Go Get Out Of Town", "Chalk It Up", and "Ms Fine". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear and a cutout notch.)
38
GC Cameron —
Love Songs & Other Tragedies ... CD Motown (Japan), 1974. Used ... $11.99
A tremendous solo act from GC Cameron – a singer who first rose to fame in The Spinners, but who really sounds wonderful on his own! GC's moved away from The Spinners here – into a wide range of styles that show him ready to take on most of the rest of the competition! He's working here with the best of the best of Motown – production from Stevie Wonder and Willie Hutch – and arrangements by both, plus Paul Riser, Gene Page, James Carmichael, and Frank Wilson – all of whom really give their best to the record, and show that Motown was putting plenty of effort into making GC one of the next big stars of the 70s. We're not sure why things never took off as strongly for Cameron, but whatever the case, the album's a great step for the solo artist – on cuts that include "If You Don't Love Me", "Tippin", "All In Love Is Fair", "If You're Ever Gonna Love Me", "Come Get This Thang", "I'm Gonna Give You Respect", and "Let Me Down Easy". CD
Also available Love Songs & Other Tragedies (with bonus tracks) ... CD 6.99(Out of print.)
39
Motown/
A tremendous solo act from GC Cameron – a singer who first rose to fame in The Spinners, but who really sounds wonderful on his own! GC's moved away from The Spinners here – into a wide range of styles that show him ready to take on most of the rest of the competition! He's working here with the best of the best of Motown – production from Stevie Wonder and Willie Hutch – and arrangements by both, plus Paul Riser, Gene Page, James Carmichael, and Frank Wilson – all of whom really give their best to the record, and show that Motown was putting plenty of effort into making GC one of the next big stars of the 70s. We're not sure why things never took off as strongly for Cameron, but whatever the case, the album's a great step for the solo artist – on cuts that include "If You Don't Love Me", "Tippin", "All In Love Is Fair", "If You're Ever Gonna Love Me", "Come Get This Thang", "I'm Gonna Give You Respect", and "Let Me Down Easy". CD features an insane amount of bonus tracks – 13 more tracks that include "Act Like A Shotgun", "Girl I Really Love You", "I'm Gonna Get You (parts 1 & 2)", "Don't Wanna Play Pajama Games", "You Are That Special One", "Have I Lost You", "Time", "Topics", and "No Matter Where". CD
Also available Love Songs & Other Tragedies ... CD 11.9940
Motown, 1982. Very Good ... $1.99
A near-lost chapter in the career of Jean Carn – her one and only album recorded for Motown, cut in the early 80s with production by Norman Connors! Oddly, although Connors was the first producer to give Jean Carn a chance back in the 70s as a smooth soul vocalist – finding her voice a perfect fit for his warm and jazzy arrangements – here, he's going for a style that's a bit more conventionally soul-based, with more guitars and mainstream production than you'd expect. Jean's still pretty great, though, showing why she was one of the best female soul artists of the modern soul era – on tunes that include "My Baby Loves Me", "Don't Let Me Slip Away", "Steady On My Mind", "Completeness", and "Better To Me". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear.)
41
Motown (Japan), 1975. New Copy ... $13.99
Wicked early funk from The Commodores – a group that spent so much time on pop ballads in later years, it's hard to believe they could be this sharp and hard-edged! There's plenty of that bass-heavy style that would later dominate many Motown combos at the end of the 70s – but the group's really in control of the groove on this one, without any of the cliches that such bassery could lead them into – and production is nicely restrained, so that the whole thing has the loose, live feel of some of the best ensemble funk of the time – even some of the gems from the underground. Lionel Ritchie contributed one nice smooth soul number, "This Is Your Life", and the rest of the album includes "Let's Do It Right", "Wide Open", "The Bump", "Look What You've Done To Me", and the funk classic "Slippery When Wet". CD
(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
42
Commodores —
Caught In The Act ... LP Motown, 1975. Very Good ... $3.99
Wicked early funk from The Commodores – a group that spent so much time on pop ballads in later years, it's hard to believe they could be this sharp and hard-edged! There's plenty of that bass-heavy style that would later dominate many Motown combos at the end of the 70s – but the group's really in control of the groove on this one, without any of the cliches that such bassery could lead them into – and production is nicely restrained, so that the whole thing has the loose, live feel of some of the best ensemble funk of the time – even some of the gems from the underground. Lionel Ritchie contributed one nice smooth soul number, "This Is Your Life", and the rest of the album includes "Let's Do It Right", "Wide Open", "The Bump", "Look What You've Done To Me", and the funk classic "Slippery When Wet". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear.)
43
Commodores —
Commodores ... CD Motown, 1977. Used ... $3.99
A classic self-titled set from The Commodores – not their debut album, but a record that really broke them out of the box and exposed the group to a huge new audience! The album hits perfectly on both sides of the group's strengths – the tight ensemble funk on which they were raised, and some of the sweeter aspects that were showing up as Lionel Richie emerged as the solo male singing star – not nearly as cheesy here as in later years, and a surprisingly nice element to offset the heavier funk. Titles include the funky classic "Brick House", the mellow hit "Easy", and the cuts "Squeeze The Fruit", "Zoom", "Funky Situation", "Won't You Come Dance With Me", "Funny Feelings", "Heaven Knows", and "Patch It Up". CD
Also available Commodores ... CD 13.9944
Motown (Japan), 1977. New Copy ... $13.99
A classic self-titled set from The Commodores – not their debut album, but a record that really broke them out of the box and exposed the group to a huge new audience! The album hits perfectly on both sides of the group's strengths – the tight ensemble funk on which they were raised, and some of the sweeter aspects that were showing up as Lionel Richie emerged as the solo male singing star – not nearly as cheesy here as in later years, and a surprisingly nice element to offset the heavier funk. Titles include the funky classic "Brick House", the mellow hit "Easy", and the cuts "Squeeze The Fruit", "Zoom", "Funky Situation", "Won't You Come Dance With Me", "Funny Feelings", "Heaven Knows", and "Patch It Up". CD
Also available Commodores ... CD 3.99(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
46
Motown (Japan), 1979. New Copy ... $13.99
Lots of Midnight Magic from The Commdores – still nice and funky at the start of the evening, but also chilling out in the wee hours too – really finding a great way to follow the trajectory of the night with the tracks in this set! The album sparkles with strong arrangements and production from James Carmichael – who furthers the vibe perfected on Natural High, yet continues to avoid most of the cliches that would slow down the group in later years. Lionel Richie's given room to step forth on the ballads "Still" and "Sail On" – but the group feel is still nicely maintained on the rest of the record – which also features the tracks "Getting It", "You're Special", "Wonderland", "Sexy Lady", and "Might Magic". CD
(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
47
Motown, 1985. Used ... $13.99
By this point in their career, The Commodores have lost Lionel Richie and any sort of funk credibility they had from their early years – but they also somehow manage to reemerge with a great new talent for a sweet mellow groove! The title tune "Nightshift" was one of those tracks that crossed over massively at the time – but to our ears, it also kind of redeemed the group too – as it's got a surprisingly soulful quality that really got the group past the soppiness of their ballads and love songs – gliding along with an almost-righteous quality that makes it a nice later cap to an earlier Motown 70s groove. Other tunes on the album don't always fare as well, but there's still some nice moment here – tunes that benefit from some Dennis Lambert production and hit just the right kind of mellow groove to follow up on the spirit of the single. Tracks include "Nightshift", "Slip Of The Tongue", "Lay Back", "Lightin Up The Night", and "The Woman In My Life". CD
(Out of print early Motown pressing with the tan border.)
48
Dazz Band —
Greatest Hits ... CD Motown, Early 80s. Used ... $8.99
A collection of some of the bigger numbers for the Dazz Band, full of nice 80s groove numbers. The name Dazz came from combining the words disco and jazz, and though we don't really think of their work as all that jazzy, it was more so than most of the stuff hitting on the charts back then. We're sure you know the sound, nice early 80s synth and keyboards with heavy bass and crisp production. Includes "Let It Whip", "Joystick", "Swoop (I'm Yours)", "Keep It Live (On The KIL)" and "Let It All Blow". CD
(Out of print.)
49
Motown (UK), 1984. Very Good (pic cover)... $4.99
... 12-inch, Vinyl record
(Cover has lightly bent corners.)
50
Motown (Japan), 1982. New Copy ... $9.99
Dazz Band keep it plenty live on this early 80s gem – a killer set from the group's hit run for Motown! The set's got a bouncy groove that's very much in the best Motown funk style at the time – lots of bass at the bottom, and plenty tight on production – but never as smooth or commercial as work from a few years later. The group balance things out well with a few mellower cuts – numbers that still have some sort of a groove, but one that's a bit more laidback, and which shows they're not just a funk-driven outfit. Titles include the massive hit "Let It Whip" – plus "Gamble With My Love", "Just Can't Wait 'Till The Night", "Shake What You Got", "Keep It Live", and "Let Me Love You Until". CD
Also available Keep It Live (with bonus track) ... CD 11.99(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
51
Motown/
Dazz Band keep it plenty live on this early 80s gem – a killer set from the group's hit run for Motown! The set's got a bouncy groove that's very much in the best Motown funk style at the time – lots of bass at the bottom, and plenty tight on production – but never as smooth or commercial as work from a few years later. The group balance things out well with a few mellower cuts – numbers that still have some sort of a groove, but one that's a bit more laidback, and which shows they're not just a funk-driven outfit. Titles include the massive hit "Let It Whip" – plus "Gamble With My Love", "Just Can't Wait 'Till The Night", "Shake What You Got", "Keep It Live", and "Let Me Love You Until". CD also features the bonus track "Let It Whip (12" version)". CD
Also available Keep It Live ... CD 9.99(Out of print – includes 12" mix of "Let It Whip" which is not available on the recent Japanese pressing.)
52
DeBarge —
All This Love ... LP Motown, 1982. Very Good+ ... $4.99
A stone pop soul winner from DeBarge – the kind of record that made the group a heck of a lot of money back in the 80s, and which sounds surprisingly great to our ears today! The record features lots of electro arrangements – fuzzy keyboards and bass pedals grooving around in a way that's got traces of "street" electro, mixed with some super-smooth LA production, and used brilliantly by the group in a family-based pop harmony way that stretches back to some of the great 70s groups of the same style – like The Sylvers or the Stairsteps. A heck of a lot nicer than we remember, and pretty great all the way through – with tracks that include "I Like It", "I'll Never Fall In Love Again", "All This Love", "I'm In Love With You", "Can't Stop", "It's Getting Stronger", and "Life Begins With You". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear.)
54
Motown, 1985. Very Good ... $0.99
A stone classic from that great early 80s run by DeBarge – that time when they were really reinventing the group soul sound for a new generation, finding a way to bring back older sweet soul modes, but with a very different twist! The record's as strong as its predecessors, although slightly more commercial – but since DeBarge were never going to be one of the rootsiest acts in soul, we can hardly fault them for that! Titles include "Who's Holding Donna Now" and "Rhythm Of The Night", plus "Single Heart" off the DC Cab soundtrack, and "You Wear It Well", "The Walls Come Tumbling Down", and "Share My World". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Rhythm Of The Night ... CD 8.99(Includes the printed inner sleeve.)
55
Tamla/
One of the greatest blue-eyed soul albums ever on Motown – featuring early work by British singer Kiki Dee, better known for her later hit with Elton John! Kiki here sounds much more like a Motown soul act than on later work – singing with a wonderfully smooth style that fits the motor city mode perfectly, yet which also has some nice baroque soul touches, in the mode of other female UK singers of the time. She's accompanied by arrangements from Tom Baird, Paul Riser, and David Van DePitte – all very much in the best swinging style of late 60s Motown. A surprising gem, with a wonderful array of tunes that includes "I Can't Give Back The Love I Feel For You", "More Today Than Yesterday", "The Day Will Come Between Sunday & Monday", "Johnny Raven", and "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me". CD
(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
57
Motown, 1980. Very Good+ ... $2.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear and a cut corner.)
58
Motown, 1972. Near Mint- ... $4.99
... 7-inch, Vinyl record
59
SOUL/
Seminal sounds from this great Detroit group – and a key look at their less-remembered music of the 60s! Although Fantastic Four are probably best remembered for their later disco work – including the Alvin Stone album on Westbound – back in their early days, they were a great Detroit vocal group with a sweet raw sound and some excellent harmonies. Although this album says it's a "best of", it's really the only full LP the group cut during the time – and it's a rare treasure of harmony soul, cut with a nicely stripped-down sound that makes the tracks shine like rough indie soul gems instead of Motown numbers. Titles include "I Love You Madly", "The Whole World Is A Stage", "Goddess Of Love", "As Long As I Live", and "Man In Love" – but the whole record's great! CD
(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
60
Motown, 1978. Near Mint- ... $1.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
61
Hip-O/
A pretty darn big collection of work from the 4 Tops – one that spans both their Motown and ABC years, and which also throws in some surprising bits that we wouldn't have expected! The set's got a few previously unreleased mixes, but overall, all the material has been out before – just never in such a comprehensive or well-done package! There's a total of 48 tracks on the set, and titles include "Seven Lonely Nights", "Ain't No Woman", "Sweet Understanding Love", "A Simple Game (UK single mix)", "River Deep Mountain High (stereo single)" with the Supremes & Four Tops, "MacArthur Park (part 2)", "Just Seven Numbers", "Yesterday's Dreams", "If I Were A Carpenter", "Walk Away Renee (alternate mix)", "Something About You", "Nature Planned It", "HELP", "Catfish", "When She Was My Girl", "Are You Man Enough", "7 Rooms Of Gloom", "Standing In The Shadows Of Love", "Indestructible (7 inch extended)", "In These Changing Times", and "I'll Turn To Stone". CD
62
Motown, 1970. Very Good- ... $0.99
A very hip album from the Four Tops – cut with kind of a political/
(Original pressing. PLEASE NOTE – Cover has staining and peeling on the bottom 3 inches. Bottom seam is split.)
63
Motown, 1966. Very Good ... $6.99
One of the hardest, rawest Four Tops album on 60s Motown – a unique live session, recorded at the Roostertail Nightclub in Detroit – with a sound that shows that the Tops could maybe shine even more away from the studio! Levi Stubbs' leads are especially incredible – not just a powerful force at the head of the songs, but a key factor in driving the energy of the performance – as he reaches out to the crowd with his calls, and whips the rest of the group into a soulful frenzy – no matter what the material. The set includes live takes on Four Tops classics like "It's The Same Old Song", "Reach Out I'll Be There", and "Baby I Need Your Loving" – plus some nice material that's less-iconic, including "The Girl From Ipanema", "I'll Turn To Stone", "I Like Everything About You", and "It's Not Unusual". LP, Vinyl record album
(Original pressing with deep groove. Cover has some wear.)
64
Four Tops —
Four Tops On Top ... LP Motown, 1966. Very Good ... $4.99
The Four Tops are definitely on top with this sweet early set – a record that not only shows them sparkling away from some of their big singles of the time, but also handling some other wonderful material in their sublime soul group style! The set includes some lesser-known Motown tracks, like "There's No Love Left", "I Got A Feeling", "Shake Me, Wake Me", "Until You Love Someone", and the hit "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever" – all mixed with some more standard tunes from the time, but all given a special Motown mix of soul and class, on tracks that include "Matchmaker", "Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars", and Toots Thielemans' great jazzy number "Bluesette". LP, Vinyl record album
(Original pressing with deep groove. Cover has a split top seam.)
65
Motown (Japan), 1965. New Copy ... $13.99
The Four Tops' second album – and quite possibly the most hitbound of all their early Motown work! The album's overflowing with classic numbers – and features the perennial favorites "I Can't Help Myself" and "It's The Same Old Song" – as well as a totally winning batch of other tunes, all produced to perfection by the Holland/
(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
66
Motown, 1968. Near Mint- ... $6.99
... 7-inch, Vinyl record
(In a Sound Of Young America sleeve. Label has a small mark from sticker removal.)
67
Motown, 1970. Very Good+ ... $2.99
... 7-inch, Vinyl record
(In a Motown sleeve. Label has a drillhole.)
68
Motown, 1966. Very Good ... $4.99
... 7-inch, Vinyl record
(Label has a small drillhole.)
69
Motown/
Why did Motown ever let the Four Tops get away? This album was their last for the label – and it's an excellent one, filled with soul, sweetness, and some of the best arrangements the group had in their later years! The soul component is super-high – with tight group instrumentation that reminds us of the best Philly backing combos of the same time, but leaner too – as Dennis Coffey and Wah Wah Ragin are on guitars, Jack Ashford handles percussion, and Leonard Caston adds some nice funky keyboards. The real talent, though, is the group – and Levi Stubbs is in fine fine form on cuts like "She's An Understanding Woman", "I Am Your Man", "If You Let Me", "Nature Planned It", "Walk With Me, Talk With Me Darling", and "Happy (Is A Bumpy Road)". Even includes a great version of Todd Rundgren's wonderful track "We Gotta Get You A Woman"! CD
Also available Nature Planned It ... LP 4.99(Limited edition!)
70
Motown, 1972. Near Mint- ... $4.99
Why did Motown ever let the Four Tops get away? This album was their last for the label – and it's an excellent one, filled with soul, sweetness, and some of the best arrangements the group had in their later years! The soul component is super-high – with tight group instrumentation that reminds us of the best Philly backing combos of the same time, but leaner too – as Dennis Coffey and Wah Wah Ragin are on guitars, Jack Ashford handles percussion, and Leonard Caston adds some nice funky keyboards. The real talent, though, is the group – and Levi Stubbs is in fine fine form on cuts like "She's An Understanding Woman", "I Am Your Man", "If You Let Me", "Nature Planned It", "Walk With Me, Talk With Me Darling", and "Happy (Is A Bumpy Road)". Even includes a great version of Todd Rundgren's wonderful track "We Gotta Get You A Woman"! LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Nature Planned It ... CD 14.9971
Motown, 1966. Near Mint- ... $6.99
... 7-inch, Vinyl record
(Label has a drillhole.)
72
Motown/
One of the last albums the Four Tops ever issued on Motown – but also one of the best, and a set that really has the group taking off in a strong new direction for the 70s! Frank Wilson's at the production helm, and the set has all these cool little twists and turns that work perfectly with the magnificent harmonies of Levi Stubbs and the group – a mode that draws on all their vocal highlights from older years, but also refits them with a more spacious, more mature sort of sound! The approach is different than that used with the Temptations at the same time – less political, but still flowing with plenty of new ideas – handled by arrangers Jerry Long, Jimmy Roach, and David Van DePitte. The title cut – "Still Waters (Run Deep)" – is a perfect example of this – as the tune's got weirdly wonderful production, almost as watery as the cover image, and a bit of moog buried in there – which comes forward even more on the reprise of the song at the end of the record. Other titles include "Love Is The Answer", "Reflections", "I Wish I Were Your Mirror", "Bring Me Together", "LA (My Town)", and "Everybody's Talkin". CD
(Limited edition!)
73
Motown, 1968. Very Good+ ... $5.99
A mix of pop and soul – but in the hands of the Four Tops, just about any song takes on a new soulful life! The record features their minor hit "Yesterday's Dreams" – plus groovy versions of "Sunny", "Never My Love", "Daydream Believer", and "By The Time I Get To Phoenix". Also includes nice lesser-known material like "Can't Seem To Get You Out Of My Mind", "Once Upon A Time", and "I'm In A Different World". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear.)
74
Funk Brothers —
Best Of The Funk Brothers – 20th Century Masters ... CD Motown/
Motown legends finally get their due – in this first-ever collection of work by The Funk Brothers! The group were the backing band for most of the classic Motown recordings of the 60s – and labored for years with hardly any credit, until recently, when their achievements have been brought to light by the film Standing In The Shadows Of Motown, and a much-deserved Grammy award! And despite its cheap packaging, the collection's got plenty to offer any solid fan of Motown – 12 tracks that are pulled from sources that include tracks issued under the name of organist Earl Van Dyke, British singles, and even a previously unreleased mix! The tunes include a few originals, plus instrumental takes on Motown classics – with titles that include "Soul Stomp", "6 By 6", "Too Many Fish In The Sea", "All For You", "Come See About Me", "How Sweet It Is", "The Way You Do The Things You Do", "What's Going On", "Papa Was A Rolling Stone", and "Runaway Child Running Wild". CD
(Out of print.)
75
Marvin Gaye —
Let's Get It On ... LP Motown, 1973. Very Good Gatefold ... $24.99
An amazing record that stunned the world almost as much as Marvin's previous effort, What's Going On. Like that one, this album's an amazingly unified batch of tracks – with a visionary message about sex and love that is as honest and bracing as the politics and social commentary of his previous record. The record shows a sexy side of Marvin that would stun fans of his 60s work – very adult, very warm, and very preoccupied with desire and love. In a way, this sort of full-on love fest was a big payoff for all the folks who'd hung onto his simpler expressions of affection in the earlier years – sort of like getting let into the bedroom after spending years on the front porch! The record was produced by both Marvin and Ed Townsend – and the arrangements by David Van DePitte, Rene Hall, and Gene Page are smooth and seductive all the way through. Includes slow jam classics like "You Sure Love To Ball", "Distant Lover", and "Let's Get It On" – plus "Come Get To This", "Just to Keep You Satisfied", and "If I Should Die Tonight". LP, Vinyl record album
(Original gatefold pressing. Cover has some wear.)
76
Marvin Gaye —
Superstar Series ... LP Motown, 1980. Very Good+ ... $6.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear.)
77
Motown, 1972. New Copy ... Just Sold Out!
A mindblowing collection of work from Marvin Gaye – tracks recorded in the space right after What's Going On – many of which were never issued at the time! All this incredible material from 1972 has been brought together to create a stunning double-length album – one that features a few tracks that only ever saw issue as 45s back in the day, others that only later turned up as bonus tracks on CDs or box sets, and still others that appear here for the first time ever – all to show the incredible talents that Marvin was working with during this incredibly fruitful time in his career! Much of the material has the same righteous, socially-conscious spirit as What's Going On – and, if anything, the whole set provides a much-needed missing link between that album and the more sensual territory of Let's Get It On. There's definitely some of the spirit of that later album in place here too, as well as the instrumental complexity that Gaye would display on his soundtrack for Trouble Man – and the set even features a few Christmas tunes too. Titles include two versions of "You're The Man" – a killer 45 cut that we've loved for years – plus "Piece Of Clay", "I'm Gonna Give You Respect", "Try It You'll Like It", "You Are That Special One", "We Can Make It Baby", "My Last Chance", "Symphony", "I'd Give My Life For You", "Woman Of The World", "The World Is Rated X", "Where Are We Going", "I Want To Come Home For Christmas", "I'm Going Home (Move)", and the killer "Checking Out (Double Clutch)" – one of the funkiest tunes that Marvin ever recorded! CD
Also available You're The Man ... LP 22.9978
Motown, 1972. New Copy 2LP Gatefold ... $22.99 24.99
A mindblowing collection of work from Marvin Gaye – tracks recorded in the space right after What's Going On – many of which were never issued at the time! All this incredible material from 1972 has been brought together to create a stunning double-length album – one that features a few tracks that only ever saw issue as 45s back in the day, others that only later turned up as bonus tracks on CDs or box sets, and still others that appear here for the first time ever – all to show the incredible talents that Marvin was working with during this incredibly fruitful time in his career! Much of the material has the same righteous, socially-conscious spirit as What's Going On – and, if anything, the whole set provides a much-needed missing link between that album and the more sensual territory of Let's Get It On. There's definitely some of the spirit of that later album in place here too, as well as the instrumental complexity that Gaye would display on his soundtrack for Trouble Man – and the set even features a few Christmas tunes too. Titles include two versions of "You're The Man" – a killer 45 cut that we've loved for years – plus "Piece Of Clay", "I'm Gonna Give You Respect", "Try It You'll Like It", "You Are That Special One", "We Can Make It Baby", "My Last Chance", "Symphony", "I'd Give My Life For You", "Woman Of The World", "The World Is Rated X", "Where Are We Going", "I Want To Come Home For Christmas", "I'm Going Home (Move)", and the killer "Checking Out (Double Clutch)" – one of the funkiest tunes that Marvin ever recorded! LP, Vinyl record album
79
Motown, 1973. Very Good+ Gatefold ... $6.99
A surprisingly nice album – even if you're not a fan of Diana Ross! Given that Marvin and Diana are standing back to back on the front cover, we kind of get the idea that there wasn't as much sympathy in the session as on some of Marvin's classic duet sides from the 60s with Tammi Terrell – but the record's actually not that bad, though – thanks to a sweet smooth soulful style that's very much in the style of Marvin's Let's Get It On album. Of course, the overall project isn't nearly as sublime – but the record does feature arrangements by Paul Riser, James Carmichael, Dave Blumberg, and Gene Page that have a seductive quality that moves well past the vocal mismatch. Titles include "Stop, Look, Listen", "Just Say, Just Say", "I'm Falling In Love With You", "Include Me In Your Life", "You Are Everything", "Love Twins", and "My Mistake". LP, Vinyl record album
(Original gatefold pressing. Cover has a large crease on the gatefold flap.)
80
Motown, 1967. Used ... $9.99
Fantastic soul duets between Marvin & Tammi Terrell – a landmark pair in 60s soul music, and easily one of the best male/
(Out of print, out of print sticker on booket cover.)
81
Hi Records/
Al Green explores your mind – then moves onto your heart, your soul, and everything in between! The album's a classic in the best Hi Records tradition – and features Al moving into a style that's even more spiritual than before – serving up the sublime tracks "Take Me To The River" and "God Blessed Our Love", both of which seem to point strongly at the direction he would take in later years – but also managing to mix the secular with the spiritual, in a way that's as sexy as ever! Other tracks include the hit "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)", plus "One Nite Stand", "The City", "I'm Hooked On You", and "Stay With Me Forever". CD
(Out of print early Motown pressing. Booklet has a light stain on the inside.)
82
Motown (Japan), 1983. New Copy ... $7.99
A sweet 80s classic from Finis Henderson – and the kind of record that should have launched him on a much bigger run as a lead singer! Despite the plastic look of the cover, the album's really solidly put together – produced by Al McKay with a vibe that definitely echoes his work with Earth Wind & Fire, and a style that also shows some of Henderson's roots in the Chicago group Weapons Of Peace – which means lots of jazzy inflections with the grooves, in a style that works perfectly for Finis' style of singing. And given that Henderson has a range that sometimes hits Philip Bailey territory, the match is a great one – and gives the album a sense of class that other Motown soul from the time didn't always have. Titles include "Lovers", "Making Love", "Skip To My Lou", "Vina Del Mar", "Crush On You", "I'd Rather Be Gone", and "You Owe It All To Love". CD
Also available Finis ... CD 14.99(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
83
Motown (Japan), 1983. Used ... $14.99
A sweet 80s classic from Finis Henderson – and the kind of record that should have launched him on a much bigger run as a lead singer! Despite the plastic look of the cover, the album's really solidly put together – produced by Al McKay with a vibe that definitely echoes his work with Earth Wind & Fire, and a style that also shows some of Henderson's roots in the Chicago group Weapons Of Peace – which means lots of jazzy inflections with the grooves, in a style that works perfectly for Finis' style of singing. And given that Henderson has a range that sometimes hits Philip Bailey territory, the match is a great one – and gives the album a sense of class that other Motown soul from the time didn't always have. Titles include "Lovers", "Making Love", "Skip To My Lou", "Vina Del Mar", "Crush On You", "I'd Rather Be Gone", and "You Owe It All To Love". CD
Also available Finis ... CD 7.99(Includes obi.)
84
Tamla/
Classic heartbreaking soul from Brenda Holloway – one of the weepiest early records on Motown, as you might guess from the title! The style here is almost more New York uptown than Detroit at times – a fair bit like Maxine Brown with its mix of strength and fragility on the vocals, and scored by the Davis/
(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
85
Motown, 1960s. Used ... $3.99
... CD
(Out of print.)
86
Motown, 1969. Very Good ... $3.99
A real change for Chuck Jackson! This album is the singer's first on Motown – and it's a striking departure from his earlier work on the Wand label, which was often done in a classier, more polished soul style that was more in keeping with the uptown mode of Wand's New York production. This one's in a much deeper soul style – with elements of southern production, and more of a hard soul sound that brings out a raspy edge in Chuck's vocals, and makes him sound a bit like Tyrone Davis. He covers tracks like "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever", "Can I Change My Mind", and "The Chokin Kind" – very much in the manner of the original rougher soul versions. In fact, the "Goin' Back to Jackson" tag seems to be a reference to the south – or at least to the "Jackson", Mississippi that was often referenced in that 60s song. Other tracks include "You Keep Running Away", "Are You Lonely For Me", "Can You Feel It, Babe", and "The Day My World Stood Still". LP, Vinyl record album
(Original pressing, with deep groove. Cover has light waviness along the opening.)
87
Motown (Japan), 1980. Used ... $12.99
Sweet solo grooves from Jermaine Jackson – and a record that shows he was one of the brothers who really had something to offer on the solo tip! The album's got a bouncy, ebullient groove right from the start – upbeat and positive, and really coming off the best Jackson's tip of the late 70s years – yet focused more strongly into Jermaine's solid lead. As a result, the album's got some stellar midtempo numbers that glow with an unexpected degree of warmth – partly due to some help on production from Stevie Wonder. Titles include "Let's Get Serious", "Where Are You Now", "You Got To Hurry Girl", "Your Supposed To Keep Your Love For Me" and "Feelin' Free". CD
Also available Let's Get Serious ... CD 13.99(Out of print.)
88
Motown (Japan), 1980. New Copy ... $13.99
Sweet solo grooves from Jermaine Jackson – and a record that shows he was one of the brothers who really had something to offer on the solo tip! The album's got a bouncy, ebullient groove right from the start – upbeat and positive, and really coming off the best Jackson's tip of the late 70s years – yet focused more strongly into Jermaine's solid lead. As a result, the album's got some stellar midtempo numbers that glow with an unexpected degree of warmth – partly due to some help on production from Stevie Wonder. Titles include "Let's Get Serious", "Where Are You Now", "You Got To Hurry Girl", "Your Supposed To Keep Your Love For Me" and "Feelin' Free". CD
Also available Let's Get Serious ... CD 12.99(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
89
Motown, 1970s/
... CD
(Out of print.)
90
Motown, 1972. Very Good- ... $19.99
Michael Jackson strikes out on his own, and does a pretty darn nice job! The overall sound is prime Motown pop soul – with some very very tight arrangements by Gene Page, The Corporation, and James Carmichael – but there's also a bit more depth here too, an attempt to give Michael even more feeling than in the group with his brother – quite a surprise for such a young solo act! Tracks have a pretty good groove to them – apart from the ballad title cut, "Ben" – and other titles include "What Goes Around Comes Around", "Everybody's Somebody's Fool", "My Girl", "In Our Small Way", "You Can Cry On My Shoulder", and a version of "People Make The World Go Round". LP, Vinyl record album
(Creepy original pressing – with rat image on the cover!)
91
Motown, Early 70s/
A very strange little album – one that features material recorded by Michael Jackson for Motown in the early 70s, remixed with new instrumental backings to cash in on his fame in the mid 80s! Given that the work is early, the vocals are great – very much in the best Jackson 5 mode of the time – but the odd thing is the way that the new backings give the tunes all a bit more of a modern touch – by lining up keyboards and a bit of electric percussion next to the warmer older Motown arrangements. The approach oddly isn't bad, and there's a few nicely compelling tunes here – tracks that we certainly love a lot more than the place Michael went a few years after 1984. Titles include "Melodie", "You've Really Got A Hold On Me", "Don't Let It Get You Down", "Girl You're So Together", "Farewell My Summer Love", "Call On Me", and "To Make My Father Proud". LP, Vinyl record album
(Missing the poster. Cover has some wear, a name in pen, and a cutout hole. Labels have a name in marker.)
92
Motown (UK), 1971. Used ... $5.99
Early Michael Jackson at his best – a brilliant solo album that sparkles with honest warmth and sweet soul energy! There's a gentleness to the tunes that's quite striking, but never childish – a simple and effective approach to the material that's sung in a manner that's years beyond Michael's young age – produced to perfection by The Corporation, with lots of great 70s soul touches. Titles include nice versions of "Ain't No Sunshine", "Got To Be There", and "I Wanna Be Where You Are" – plus the nice Willie Hutch tune "Girl, Don't Take Your Love From Me", and the unfortunate novelty cut "Rockin Robin". CD
93
Motown, Early 70s. Used 2 CDs ... $7.99
A stunning set – featuring just about all the best stuff you'd ever want by the young Jacksons! Titles include "I Found That Girl", "Got To Be There", "Goin Back To Indiana", "I Want You Back", "ABC", "Dancing Machine", "I Am Love", "Body Language", "Forever Came Today", "Just A Little Bit Of You", "Whatever You Got, I Want", "The Boogie Man", "Get It Together", "Lookin Through Windows", "Ben", "Maybe Tomorrow", "The Love You Save", and "Mama's Pearl". CD
(Out of print, CRC pressing.)
94
Jackson 5 —
Skywriter/Motown, 1973. Used ... Just Sold Out!
2 of the Jackson 5's lesser-known albums – back to back on one CD, with some bonus tracks! Skywriter shows the group advancing a lot from earlier pop years – working into territory that's a lot more sophisticated, and which shows them able to interpret tunes with a deeper emotional strata. Titles include "Touch", "Skywriter", "I Can't Quit Your Love", "You Made Me What I Am", and "World Of Sunshine". Get It Together is a surprisingly great album of funky tunes by The Jacksons, and one that shows them moving past the usual structure of Motown 70s pop, into some fiercer material that hints at their later direction on the dancefloor. Includes the perennial fave "Dancing Machine", the extended groover "Hum Along & Dance", plus "Get It Together", "Don't Say Goodbye", and "Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing". CD also features 3 bonus tracks – "Pride & Joy", "Love's Gone Bad", and "Love Is The Thing You Need". CD
95
Motown, Late 70s/
... CD
(Out of print.)
96
Rick James —
Street Songs ... CD Motown, 1981. Used ... $3.99
One of the all-time great Rick James albums – a return to funkier sounds for Rick that worked both artistically and commercially – and actually got over far better than his more blatant attempts at crossover material on other records! The mix here is perfect – a true summation of all that made Motown great at the time, and the special sort of energy that made Rick one of the freshest mainstream talents at the end of the 70s! The record put a lot of money in Barry Gordy's pockets, and for good reason too – given that the set includes the classic hit "Super Freak" – plus "Give It To Me Baby", "Ghetto Life", "Make Love To Me", "Below The Funk (Pass The J)", and "Fire & Desire" – all done in that compressed pop-funky style that James kind of took from Bootsy Collins and manage to successfully soup up for the masses! CD also features the bonus tracks "Give It To Me Baby (12" mix)" and "Super Freak (12" mix)". CD
Also available Street Songs ... LP 11.9997
Motown (Japan), 1981. New Copy ... $13.99
One of the all-time great Rick James albums – a return to funkier sounds for Rick that worked both artistically and commercially – and actually got over far better than his more blatant attempts at crossover material on other records! The mix here is perfect – a true summation of all that made Motown great at the time, and the special sort of energy that made Rick one of the freshest mainstream talents at the end of the 70s! The record put a lot of money in Barry Gordy's pockets, and for good reason too – given that the set includes the classic hit "Super Freak" – plus "Give It To Me Baby", "Ghetto Life", "Make Love To Me", "Below The Funk (Pass The J)", and "Fire & Desire" – all done in that compressed pop-funky style that James kind of took from Bootsy Collins and manage to successfully soup up for the masses! CD also features the bonus tracks "Give It To Me Baby (12" mix)" and "Super Freak (12" mix)". CD
Also available Street Songs ... LP 11.99(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
98
Motown, 2003. Used ... $1.99
The debut release of a new soul superstar – the magnificent Kem, an all-in-one artist with a sound that's tremendous! Kem wrote, arranged, and produced the whole album himself – wrapped up in banks of keyboards, lush rhythms, and some exquisite vocals that have lots of nice jazzy phrasing. His sound is a unique hybrid of a variety of influences – all blended into a style that's deep enough to please any NuSoul connoisseur, and universal enough to ensure him a huge audience in years to come. Titles include "Matter Of Time", "Say", "Miss You", "Inside", "You Are", "Brotha Man", and "Love Calls". CD
(BMG Direct pressing.)
99
Motown, 1970s. Used ... $4.99
... CD
(Out of print.)
100
SOUL/
A key moment in the career of Gladys Knight & The Pips – and a record that opens the group up to a whole new sound for the 70s! When Gladys Knight started out as a raw R&B-ish singer in the early 60s, nobody would have expected her to have such staying power – and to become one of the 70s best interpreters of mellow ballads. This album's more than proof that Knight had plenty of staying power, and the title hit "Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)" went onto become one of the decade's biggest mellow soul tracks. It's backed up here by a number of nice tracks that have a harder soul sound, and which are arranged by some of Motown's best talents of the early 70s. Titles include "It's Gotta Be That Way", "This Child Needs Its Father", "And This Is Love", "Don't It Make You Feel Guilty", and a cover of "Who Is She To You". CD
(Part of the Motown Did It First Series!)
