688. The Isley Brothers: “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)”
It should be better known, but then that would still be true if this had sold six million copies; it’s a great, great record. ★ 10 ★
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687. Brenda Holloway: “Together ‘Til The End Of Time”
In keeping with the overall theme so far of Motown’s most spectacular winter, this is yet another established Motown artist subtly raising their game to a whole new level; if, this time, it’s more about the anticipation of what it means for future records than the one we’re listening to right now, this is still awfully nice. (7)
686. Martha & the Vandellas: “Never Leave Your Baby’s Side”
The return to both the heavier beats and the heavier themes of the earlier Vandellas’ best material is a welcome one; this is a record at once ominous and impressively demanding of your attention, neatly illustrating not only where they’ve come from but also where they’re headed. Especially their superstar of a lead singer. (9)
685. Martha & the Vandellas: “My Baby Loves Me”
I find it hard to put into words just what it is she does, but she does it here better than ever before. (9)
684. The Elgins: “Darling Baby”
Even though this is maybe a slower burn than Put Yourself In My Place, it ultimately gives a brighter light; the work that’s gone into this is staggering, and the results get better with every listen. (8)
683. The Elgins: “Put Yourself In My Place”
What we have here is a calling card for a fine new group, in many ways the first “new” Motown signing of the mid-to-late Sixties, the first Motown group born as a “Motown” group. It sounds great, and it’s also a really good record, even if there’s better to come. (7)
682. Frank Wilson: “Sweeter As The Days Go By”
Is it a good record? Yes, absolutely it is – the song is solid, the hooks are catchy, the production is appealing, the lead vocal is okay, the whole package is nice indeed. Would I swap Frank Wilson’s superb upcoming writing and production work behind the scenes for the chance to hear ten or twelve more of these? Not on your life. And apparently, neither would he. (7)
681. Frank Wilson: “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)”
Your happiness is guaranteed. (10)
680. The Supremes: “Everything Is Good About You”
This is a cartoon relationship, a pick-me-up for lovers everywhere to keep the faith after the relentless emotional pummelling of the A-side, a riposte where for these three minutes, nothing can ever, will ever go wrong, and on with the kissing. Tomorrow can wait.
679. The Supremes: “My World Is Empty Without You”
The music is designed and deployed to devastating effect, the vocal is as good as anything we’ve heard from Diana so far, the whole package is quite startling: this is the saddest-sounding outrageous pop stomper I’ve ever heard, and it’s a masterpiece. (10)
678. Jr. Walker & the All Stars: “Baby You Know You Ain’t Right”
The ingredients all seem to be here for a raucous good-time All Stars jam, but the end result is oddly uninspiring.
