566. Kim Weston: “I’ll Never See My Love Again”
Not only a bewildering record, it’s momentarily bewitching too, and I’ve always got plenty of time for forays off the beaten track which bring unexpected results. (6)
Category Archives: Writing credit: Mickey Stevenson
565. Kim Weston: “A Thrill A Moment”
The production is a surprise (are we sure this isn’t from 1975?), and Kim’s voice is capable of breaking bottles at fifty paces – but those are just some of the ingredients for a great record, and nobody’s brought the recipe. (5)
545. Martha & the Vandellas: “Motoring”
Having just scaled the highest heights, Martha and the Vandellas will hopefully forgive me if a good rhythm and two-fifths of a dirty joke doesn’t send me into raptures any more. (5)
543. Kim Weston: “I’m Still Loving You”
If it wasn’t quite Kim’s ticket to Motown’s top table, it also made sure her claims to stardom could never be ignored again. (7)
539. Earl Van Dyke & the Soul Brothers: “All For You”
It’s alright, but the organ is annoying, and it mainly serves as a reminder of Motown’s foolishness in not issuing one of the vocal versions instead. (5)
531. The Four Tops: “Ask The Lonely”
If I still don’t entirely trust that massive, sweeping chorus, it’s a record that’s nonetheless been creeping up and up and up in my estimation, to the point where I thought I’d better finish writing this before the song barged its way any further up the scale. (8)
527. The Velvelettes: “He Was Really Sayin’ Somethin'”
In this glorious year of amazing records, the very last Motown single of 1964 turns out to be quite possibly the best one yet. And I’m not actually sure it’s even my favourite Velvelettes record. Yes, they’re that good. (10)
524. Choker Campbell’s Big Band: “Pride And Joy”
In the midst of Motown’s glorious mid-Sixties Golden Age, it’s a nice enough throwback, but one that feels more like an aperitif than a main course. (6)
509. The Contours: “Can You Jerk Like Me”
I’ve given it many, many listens and I still don’t know what to make of it, or where it fits into the Contours’ story. Your mileage may vary. Mine certainly does. (5)
506. Martha & the Vandellas: “Dancing Slow”
Even for fans who prefer Martha in this lower-key mode, the mix still wasn’t right; there wouldn’t be another midtempo Vandellas A-side for over a year, by which time they’d really mastered the art. For now, this pretty little scribble would have to do. (5)
505. Martha & the Vandellas: “Wild One”
A kind of half step in a new direction, while driving twenty miles down the same road as before. Sure, it’s inescapably very similar to (and rather less good than) Dancing In The Street. That can’t stop it being fun. (7)
Motown Junkies 