476. Stevie Wonder: “Happy Street”
Even though it’s both stupid and tacky, a pointless step in the wrong direction, I can’t bring myself to hate it, not even a little bit. (3)
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475. The Velvelettes: “Should I Tell Them”
Despite its dated, scruffy nature, there’s the feeling that this has been pulled above its natural level, and it ends up being well worth a listen. (5)
474. The Velvelettes: “Needle In A Haystack”
A work in progress, a hint of the shape of things to come, that also happens to be very groovy in its own right. That the Velvelettes’ weakest Motown single is still several orders of magnitude better than most artists’ best should tell you all you need to know. (6)
473. Marvin Gaye: “Walk On The Wild Side”
Marvin’s version of Walk On The Wild Side is unquestionably Marvin’s version, not a third-rate copy of someone else’s vision, and that makes it absolutely worthwhile and worth hearing. Not a classic Gaye cut, but cause for cautious optimism. (5)
472. Marvin Gaye: “Baby Don’t You Do It”
A quite remarkable record, rough and loud and crackling with energy, out of step with everything Motown was doing at the time and yet pointing a clear path to Marvin’s future. It’s also brilliant. (9)
471. Oma Heard: “Mr. Lonely Heart”
A great deal of promise and the kernel of an exceptionally fine song, but not much more. It’s still very good, and it’s still definitely, definitely worth seeking out, but ultimately, it’s not as good as it could and perhaps should have been.
(7)
470. Oma Heard: “Lifetime Man”
A chaotic, stumbling semi-cover of the Beatles’ Please Please Me, but done with real enthusiasm (if not any great skill or care). (4)
469. Various Artists: “Greetings to Tamla Motown Appreciation Society”
A fan club only disc, full of promotional messages for British Motown fans, now lovingly transcribed for your reading pleasure.
468. The Miracles: “Would I Love You”
Too slow and gentle, and (more importantly) too meandering, for commercial success, and lacking the killer hook to take it to the very top level – but it’s beautiful and it’s honest, and if a record has those things going for it, you can’t really say too much against it. (7)
467. The Miracles: “That’s What Love Is Made Of”
This is a water-treading, wheel-spinning entry in the Miracles catalogue, pleasant enough but lacking everything that made me love I Like It Like That, and if anyone were to tell me this was their favourite Miracles record, I’d be deeply suspicious. (5)
466. Shorty Long: “Out To Get You”
The Contours might have been proud to have made this, but it sacrifices the sly winks, the slink and personality of the A-side in favour of a pounding bar-room rhythm; a case of going for vibe ahead of tune or lyrics. (5)
Motown Junkies 