Motown Junkies

Right at the end of that fabled partnership, more than any other Smokey/Temptations joint, is a song that sounds more like the Miracles than the Miracles themselves. (9) Continue reading →

If white radio wasn't ready for this in 1966, it's their loss, because now it's 2020 and I am so very ready for this today.

It's not as brave as the A-side, or as startling, and - hand on heart - it isn't quite as good as a record, either; but it's still lovely, and it still works. (7) Continue reading →

The Four Tops are wonderful, and right now, like the rest of their labelmates, songwriters, producers, musicians, and - heck - probably the people at the pressing plants, they can do no wrong. (9) Continue reading →

Marvin Gaye's time with Smokey Robinson is drawing to a close here on Motown Junkies, but this absolutely has to go down as one of their best team-ups.

Marvin's life story was a fascinating patchwork of weird, unbelievable things; here, his musical story treads the same odd pathways, and the results are a strange, groovy trip, but a trip which still compels you to get up and dance.

Just another really solid Motown cut.

It should be better known, but then that would still be true if this had sold six million copies; it's a great, great record. ★ 10 ★ Continue reading →

In keeping with the overall theme so far of Motown's most spectacular winter, this is yet another established Motown artist subtly raising their game to a whole new level; if, this time, it's more about the anticipation of what it means for future records…

The return to both the heavier beats and the heavier themes of the earlier Vandellas' best material is a welcome one; this is a record at once ominous and impressively demanding of your attention, neatly illustrating not only where they've come from but a…