3. Eddie Holland: “Merry-Go-Round”
Not one of Gordy’s classic songs, then, but it has a nice enough tune, and the vocal performance is excellent – and more than enough to carry it through. (5)
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2. Marv Johnson: “Whisper”
A slower, more contemplative number than its Historically Significant A-side Come To Me, this is much less energetic and done in a more straightforward and familiar doo-wop setting, but it’s also – for my money – a considerably better song. (6)
1. Marv Johnson: “Come To Me”
People will always want to seek it out, but the reason for that is because of its historic value, rather than its musical merits. A decent enough start, but there was considerably better to come, even in that shaky, uncertain first year. (5)
00. Wade Jones: “Insane”
Like the A-side, its Historical Value is through the roof, even if it was destined to be a footnote; for that, it’s worth hearing whatever its quality, and its quality is far from awful. (3)
0. Wade Jones: “I Can’t Concentrate”
Berry Gordy didn’t get the lucky break he needed on this occasion, but it’s not inconceivable this could have shifted a few copies had the deck cut a little differently – and, of course, there wouldn’t be long to wait before the Gordys’ toast began landing buttered side up. (5)
Motown Prehistory
It was therefore little-known Marv Johnson who had the first release on Tamla Records, which is where our story starts in earnest, and where my life disappears for the next couple of years. Buckle up.
Motown Junkies 