CD-Charts Position 41
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The Definitive Sound of Atlantic Soul

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Various Artists

Release Date September 20, 1999
Atlantic were into what was then called 'R&B' very early, much earlier than that other great publisher of soul, Motown.

Their artist rosta & style of music was much broader than Motown's though they never quite got the star rating of the motor city label.

The Atlantic sound was less commercial, more 'earthy' & a bit closer to the streets than Motown as most of these tracks show.

Best tracks? Almost impossible to say but personal favourites include:

The first 12 songs, mostly released on the Stax label, set a standard that even Motown might struggle to beat!

There are classics here like the Coasters "Yakety Yak" complete with King Curtis sax, great Aretha standards like ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 42
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Greatest Hits & Rarieties

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Brenda Holloway

Release Date August 10, 1998
Every little bit hurts was not typical of T M at the time.The song was by an outside writer Ed Cobb who was one of the 4 Preps and it was covered by Cilla Black as well as a few groups like the Spencer Davis one.A classical sounding song with an aching melody which suited Cilla Black but not really groups like the Small Faces
By the time a new single was issued it could have been anybody.When I'm gone was to my mind rather a poor My guy soundalike.
Later came a single called You made me so very happy-which was good enough to have been a Goffin-King one but its cover by Blood Sweat & Tears is what made the song famous
Her sister Patrice was on the Capitol label and cut a single called Love & Desire-which was nearer the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 43
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Lost Without You: Lost and Found

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Four Tops

Release Date June 23, 2008
I had been meaning to get this one for a while, and was finally moved to action by the sad death of lead singer Levi Stubbs on 18 October.

What a terrific set. Once again I cannot understand how they left music like this in the can for so long. Levi was a natural baritone, and a very good one at that. The producers at Motown got him singing tenor, above his normal range to give an edge to his voice and an emotional urgency that worked on hit after hit.

His voice, those harmonies from the guys, and that magical music from The Funk Brothers is a hypnotic blend for me. The stand-out track for me after a couple of plays is 'My Fatherlesss Son'. Sure it is contrived and melodramatic and uses every trick in the book to tug on your ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 44
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Early Classics

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Stevie Wonder

Release Date February 28, 2000
I am listening to this CD as I write this & I promise you it is absolute 100% quality, all the way through. These early recordings are an absolute treat. Stevie Wonder is not & never has been one of my very favourite artists but despite that,I still enjoy his music & I could not recommend this album more highly - the genius of the man is evident on this set of recordings. Wonderful in every way & a steal at the price - quality like this should surely cost more ? Go mad & treat yourself !

CD-Charts Position 45
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The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: OST

Release Date March 11, 2002
A great album that brings back memories of a fantastic film:)

CD-Charts Position 46
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The Ultimate Collection: Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

Release Date December 15, 2000
Smokey Robinson was once described by Bob Dylan as "the greatest living poet". That is certainly nothing of an understatement and Smokey Robinson was one of the most richly talented singer/songwriter/producers at Tamla Motown Records.

Smokey Robinson gave Berry Gordy the initial ammunition for forming Tamla Motown Records and was also partly responsible for bringing the great Diana Ross to his attention, who was a close friend of Smokey's and indeed Smokey ended up having a short-lived affair with Diana, even though he was married to Claudette Robinson at the time. Berry Gordy expressed an interest in one of his songs and before long, a creative bond was forged that would change the face of music between blacks and whites.

Origanal ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 47
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Leaders of the Pack: the Very Best of the 60's Girls

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Various Artists

Release Date March 01, 2004
OK, this is a good collection of songs from the album's subject but c'mon, no Cilla Black!
Cilla had two no.1 hits in the 60s as well as 8 more top ten smashes. Why, does it seem that Cilla has been airbrushed out of 60s music, her voice really was one of a kind.
This mayor release could have introduced more people to Cilla's music but all it is an insult to her musical legacy where so many one hit wonders have their songs included here, there is no Cilla recording to be found.

CD-Charts Position 48
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What's Going On

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Marvin Gaye

Release Date March 19, 2001
Much has been written about the original release and I share the view that it truly is one of the great albums; transcending both time and genre.
What the reviews here fail to mention are the treasures to be found within the live recording from The Kennedy Center. Close listening to this concert reveals moments of utter beauty. The slowed moments referred to by other reviewers enhance the depth of feeling and this can be felt too in the reactions of the audience who respond rapturously to Gaye's heartfelt improvisations, backed perfectly by some wonderful playing by the supporting musicians.The recording may indeed lack the polish of the studio release but its extremes of intensity and subtlety in performance showcase a true genius at the height of his powers.
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CD-Charts Position 49
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The Best Sixties Album in the World...Ever Vol.1

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Various Artists

Release Date December 13, 2004
I regard this as the best series of sixties compilations yet released on CD. Even with 200 tracks between four volumes, it would have been easy to continue the series. On compilations like this, I particularly look for classic tracks by artists who only had one or two big hits. Of course, most of the major names are here although you won't find Elvis, the Beatles or the Rolling Stones here due to licensing restrictions.

On this volume, I was particularly pleased to find Rescue me (Fontella Bass) as I already had many of the other tracks elsewhere, but there are so many classics here that I never tire of hearing including Flowers in the rain (Move), Waterloo sunset (Kinks), Downtown (Petula Clark), The sun ain't gonna shine any more (Walker brothers), Dock of the bay ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 50
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I Want You

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Marvin Gaye

Release Date September 07, 1998
I love this album sooo much!!!I am a huge, huge fan and I brought this album after watching the Marvin Gaye DVD, 'Live in Amsterdam: 1976' a few years ago. He gave a live performance of 'All the Way 'Round' and I just fell in love with the song so I decided to buy the whole album and I was not dissapointed. The album has been put onto my ipod and has been played constantly!!Marvin is at his sensual best and its just a very smooth and chilled album. I know its classed as a lovers album but I just enjoy playing it when I want to relax as the songs are very mellow.I love 'All the Way Round', 'Since I had You' and 'I Want You' the most but all the songs have their charm. I actually think its stronger then the 'Lets Get It On' album which I think is quite patchy at times. The only criticism ... Read More: