Motown Junkies

616. Martha & the Vandellas: “You’ve Been In Love Too Long”

The Nixon Administration — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:26:16 +0000

They were never going to be the Supremes, but instead, here they take possession of something new, something more dangerous and exciting and grown-up: from here on in, this is the Vandellas' home turf, and they occupy it with panache. And with a super-catchy chorus to boot. (8)

615. Brenda Holloway: “Who’s Lovin’ You”

The Nixon Administration — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:30:26 +0000

It's hard to argue that it doesn't sound nice, but given the pedigree of everyone involved - given this is Motown we're talking about here, and in the summer of 1965 to boot - well, I'm just looking for more than pleasant and meaningless wallpaper. (4)

614. Brenda Holloway: “You’ve Changed Me”

The Nixon Administration — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:03 +0000

It's the sort of thing where you could imagine Mary Wells having an absolute field day, but Brenda treats it as nothing more than a vocal showcase and, I have to say, I don't really like it all that much. (4)

613. The Marvelettes: “Your Cheating Ways”

The Nixon Administration — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:12:03 +0000

Strangely, considering this isn't brilliant - and that it could easily have been recorded a year before by someone else without anyone batting an eyelid - Your Cheating Ways perhaps offered unwitting fans more of a clue to the Marvelettes' future sound than first realised. (6)

612. The Marvelettes: “Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead”

The Nixon Administration — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:04:10 +0000

I can't necessarily imagine anyone picking it out as one of their all-time favourites (though no doubt there'll be some in the comments section!), but there's really very little wrong with it; for me it just doesn't go quite far enough, doesn't scrape the sky in the way it keeps threatening. Still, on a good day, there's little to touch it. (7)

611. The Supremes: “Nothing But Heartaches”

The Nixon Administration — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:00:36 +0000

A genuinely thrilling album track, and that's where it should have stayed. (6)

610. The Supremes: “He Holds His Own”

The Nixon Administration — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 07:57:57 +0000

A brief oasis of calm and contemplation amid a sustained barrage of banging high-gloss pop tunes. Really rather lovely, and not at all unwelcome. (7)

609. The Supremes: “Mother Dear”

The Nixon Administration — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:42:09 +0000

The magic of Motown runs in the veins of Mother Dear, and it's only a pity it didn't seduce the decision-makers deeply enough; while it might not have topped the charts, it would have made a fine, fine single. (9)

608. The Four Tops: “Your Love Is Amazing”

The Nixon Administration — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 09:00:32 +0000

Messy but still full-on excellent, shambling towards greatness; it's a rush, a buzz, a gas, utterly irresistible in its demented glee. (8)

607. The Four Tops: “It’s The Same Old Song”

The Nixon Administration — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 20:55:45 +0000

Based solely on its reputation, this seemed like it might be a chance to ease up on the flow of constant praise we've had recently - but no, this one's absolutely fine by me. (8)