693. The Four Tops: “Just As Long As You Need Me”
It’s not as brave as the A-side, or as startling, and – hand on heart – it isn’t quite as good as a record, either; but it’s still lovely, and it still works. (7)
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692. The Four Tops: “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)”
The Four Tops are wonderful, and right now, like the rest of their labelmates, songwriters, producers, musicians, and – heck – probably the people at the pressing plants, they can do no wrong. (9)
691. Marvin Gaye: “When I Had Your Love”
Marvin Gaye’s time with Smokey Robinson is drawing to a close here on Motown Junkies, but this absolutely has to go down as one of their best team-ups. It’s weird and it’s thought-provoking and it’s utterly beautiful, and it will stay on your mind for months on end (trust me on that last one). I love it. (9)
690. Marvin Gaye: “One More Heartache”
Marvin’s life story was a fascinating patchwork of weird, unbelievable things; here, his musical story treads the same odd pathways, and the results are a strange, groovy trip, but a trip which still compels you to get up and dance. I love it. (9)
689. The Isley Brothers: “There’s No Love Left”
Just another really solid Motown cut. By now, Motown could afford to be blasé about such things. (7)
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 ★
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)
