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)
Category Archives: The Elgins
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)
534. The Downbeats: “You Say You Love Me”
Very much an appetiser, a curtain-raiser for the entrance of the Elgins proper which is coming up in a few months’ time; beyond that, it’s an interesting listen, but ultimately little more than that. Perhaps appropriately for such a dated record, the group who made it were already being consigned to history. (4)
533. The Downbeats: “Do You Know What I’m Talkin’ About”
Good fun while it’s playing, completely forgettable once it’s done; it bears absolutely no relation to the future of the Elgins, not to mention the rest of the Motown catalogue at the time, but it’s nice enough. (5)
209. Saundra Mallett & The Vandellas: “It’s Gonna Be Hard Times”
Not a single, and hardly a classic, it’s still a nice song – but it’s a poor match of vocalist and material. (5)
155. The Downbeats: “Request Of A Fool”
Just about the most out-and-out enjoyable number out of the eight sides Motown had released in 1962 so far. […click title to read more]
154. The Downbeats: “Your Baby’s Back”
Appealing in its way, but it’s more of an album track, or an intimate, contemplative number for live shows; it’s never a hit single. (5)
