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HIP-O SELECT
COMPLETE MOTOWN SINGLES V. 10 1970/various: So just how many epochal years can an indy, specialist label have? The country was up for grabs in 1968 and Motown reflected those changes. The tidal wave hit Motown itself in 1970 as the first golden era was definitely one for the books at that point. The changes at Motown in 1970 were so fast and furious, I can’t improve on the label’s telling of what was going on, so let’s let them tell it: “In 1970, Motown was experiencing sea changes. Diana Ross went solo while the Supremes went Top 10 without her. Jacksonmania was in full effect. Stevie Wonder began producing himself. Rare Earth had an unexpected hit and so did the Miracles, forcing Smokey Robinson to put on hold his departure from the group. Tammi Terrell died, finally succumbing to the effects of a brain tumor. Marvin Gaye was refusing to record or perform, but he produced another hit for the Originals. Los Angeles producer Frank Wilson had established himself in Detroit and set about creating a concept album for the Four Tops. In addition, Motown’s core staff had moved into the Motown Center building on Woodward Avenue. The company closed its Artist Development Department.” Without the charm school in effect and with Barry Gordy spending more and more time in LA, could you expect the label to turn out a rash of hits? Logical answer, no. Actual answer, they did. The 6 discs/145 tracks on board here are simply off the hook taking Motown into the new generation with flying colors and really cashing in on the credo to be the sound of young America. Hitting on all cylinders like never before, the book with this set is the biggest yet and the details of what was going on behind the scenes get really juicy. No one knew how this mad scramble was going to turn out, but whether you’re a soul brother or a frat boy, this is the meeting ground the leaders never envisioned would be the middle ground bringing everyone and everything together. Seriously, for what it costs ot fill your gas tank these days, buy this instead, stay home and enjoy the collision of the end of Motown’s first golden era as it crashes into the beginning of the second. Really, a $100 on gas won’t take you very far, but $100 on this is a lifetime of good vibes and memories whether you were there the first time around or not. Essential American music as much part of our heritage as Cole Porter and those other old guys.
(Motown/Hip-O Select)
Volume 31/Number 251
July 8, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record
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