530. The Merced Blue Notes: “Thompin'”
Still not great or anything, but it’s much more listenable than the topside, and it boils down to a fun little record, an appropriate note on which to close out 1964. (5)
Tag Archives: Motown
529. The Merced Blue Notes: “Do The Pig”
As it stands, it’s harmless enough, but if it went on any longer, I could see me knocking some more marks off the score. (4)
528. The Velvelettes: “Throw A Farewell Kiss”
The Velvelettes, for those not paying attention, are a great, great group, and this is another excellent record. That their greatness has been all but forgotten (even by Motown fans) is a travesty, and it’s something I hope to put right here on Motown Junkies. Who’s with me? (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)
526. Howard Crockett: “The Miles”
Howard Crockett’s career seems to be on some sort of permanent downward trajectory, with the two sides of each successive single adding up to be more irritating than the last. (1)
525. Howard Crockett: “Put Me In Your Pocket”
Ironically – possibly selflessly, I don’t know – Howard seems to have been writing stronger material for his labelmates than he gave himself. Perhaps he just wouldn’t dare try to palm this tedious rubbish off on someone else. (1)
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)
523. Choker Campbell’s Big Band: “Come See About Me”
Choker carries his task out with professional dedication, and the result is probably the best darned big band cover of Come See About Me we could have hoped for. Assuming your hopes were as low as mine. (5)
522. The Temptations: “(Talking ’Bout) Nobody But My Baby”
There’s no getting away from the fact it’s a relic, an artefact from an already distant past. Plus, nice though it is, who on earth was flipping this single over in the first place? (5)
521. The Temptations: “My Girl”
If My Girl isn’t in your fifty top Motown tunes, I fear nothing can be done for you. (10)
520. Marvin Gaye: “My Way”
The painful truth is that while Marvin Gaye may have been Motown’s greatest and most fascinating solo star, his MOR output is that of a keen hobbyist indulging himself at the listener’s expense, and on this evidence, I’m not sad we won’t be covering any more of it. (2)
Motown Junkies 