Nearing the end of a legendary run
whatever_gong82 | 03/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This series is really amazing, the fact being what I didn't know about groups like Rare Earth, The Originals, The Supremes after Diana Ross left it, etc. is really quality music. I came in thinking that the music from these other groups would be subpar, but it turned out that they were actually good, in fact, I'd say 85-90% of the music in these selections are much better than the majority of music that is put out nowadays. Such the tragedy of contemporary music today.
There is some nice nuggets to listen to on this latest selection of "The Complete Motown Singles" besides the classic songs by Gaye and Wonder, et al. "Act Like A Shotgun" by former Spinners lead singer G.C. Cameron is a funk filled ditty, full of fire and spirit. I'm surprised that this song isn't played a lot on radio today: it's actually done quite well, and Cameron's vocals are the highlight of this song. Rare Earth's "Hey Big Brother" keeps the beat pretty good, and is a song that grows on you, in a good way. There are other highlights, such as David Ruffin's "Dinah" as well.
1971 was in many ways an incredible year for Motown: Berry Gordy was about to move the company to Los Angeles (though the public didn't know it at the time), while Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder were starting to break free of the Classic "Motown Sound", and make their own, personalized music, which actually helped Motown in the long run, by their innovations in conceiving, arranging, and singing their songs which have influenced both Pop/R & B music to this day.
I'd not only recommend this particular set, but to purchase the previous ones as well. What Tome Raider said about this series on the CD page for this series is worth reading for additional insight. Very nice commentary done by Tome Raider."
Still Going Strong
Tome Raider | California, United States | 03/08/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"At this point, 1971, the Motown Sound has shifted significantly from its original Soul Music roots. Yes, there is still a lot of good Soul Music reminiscent of the earlier Motown days, but now there is an influx of diverse new styles of music. A lot of the new music is clearly in the "light rock" or "pop music" genre. I kept thinking of the Carpenters as I played these through, as many of the songs had that kind of ambience. Generally it is very happy, upbeat music, still displaying Gordy's flair for class and polish.
Most of these songs I had never heard before. The good news is most of the songs are excellent. The bad news is that a few of the songs are annoying...a characteristic which overwhelms the label once it moves to Los Angeles in 1972. A synthetic, screechy quality begans to pervade. And, for me, I can no longer stand the sound of Michael Jackson's voice (for a variety of reasons). I have the "Motown Hitsville Collection 1972-1992"--which is "Best Of" Motown from the L.A. era, and let me report in emphatic terms that it is highly unappealing music. I kept getting a migraine as I listened to it: the high-pitched, disco-esque nature of the music seems the antithesis of the Motown sound I like, which is earthy, organic, with deep plodding bass lines and silky guitar and piano grooves, all topped off with preternaturally beautiful voices and sensual lyrics. The L.A. stuff sounds more like computer-generated music. Motown lost its roots and its "soul" once they went Hollywood.
It has been a struggle obtaining all the volumes up to this Volume 11B, because I only learned of this series recently. Volume 6 was particularly elusive, but I finally scored one off of Amazon's Canadian store (amazon.ca) where I bought one at Amazon's typical discounted price. I also received an email from CD Universe advising they had it back in stock. [...].
[...]. I'd like a complete collection, but I think anything from the L.A. era detracts more than it enhances. But this 11B is DEFINITELY WORTH HAVING AND I ADVISE THAT YOU BUY IT. There are numerous gems in here, I think you'll be pleased."
Another superb collection!
William G. Ratcliffe | Lawrenceville, New Jersey United States | 07/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not much can really be said of this companion to Vol. 11A, a further treat with material that spans 7/1971-12/1971. Collectible now that Michael Jackson is no longer with us, as this set features his single release, "Got To Be There" as a vinyl 45 enclosed at front.
Again, if you have previously purchased the former volumes, you may as well get this one. Being a limited edition, once they are gone, they are gone!"