The Smiley Smile Message Board
Welcome,
Guest
. Please
login
or
register
.
1 Hour
1 Day
1 Week
1 Month
Forever
Login with username, password and session length
If you like this message board, please help with the hosting costs!
680599
Posts in
27601
Topics by
4068
Members - Latest Member:
Dae Lims
March 28, 2024, 11:27:49 PM
The Smiley Smile Message Board
|
Non Smiley Smile Stuff
|
General Music Discussion
|
What Was Motown's Best Period?
0 Members and 4 Guests are viewing this topic.
« previous
next »
Pages:
[
1
]
2
3
4
Author
Topic: What Was Motown's Best Period? (Read 38501 times)
harrisonjon
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 423
What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
on:
January 07, 2013, 12:22:18 PM »
Yesterday I was listening to some Supremes circa 1965 and this just blew me away:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcylDkRw7dg
The rhythm section hits a groove in 1965-67 that is unsurpassed in any music I know. Such as this Four Tops number:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wYoLQc-x5g
Jimmy Ruffin on the subsidiary Soul Label (original 1966, reissued 1975):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vf3ZE7CLg0
Logged
EgoHanger1966
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 2891
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #1 on:
January 07, 2013, 01:09:04 PM »
Not a popular opinion, but to me, Motown was never better than its 1961-1963 output. So many fantastic sounds by The Miracles, Mary Wells, Eddie Holland, Marvin Gaye (before he went into heavier R&B, he tried his hand at standards and soul-pop with great results), The Marvelettes, and the early efforts of the "no-hit" Supremes.
Logged
Hal Blaine:"You're gonna get a tomata all over yer puss!"
Brian: "Don't say puss."
Jason
Guest
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #2 on:
January 07, 2013, 02:30:37 PM »
Sheesh, that's a tough one. Up until 1971 the label was just ON FIRE. I'd say the 1959-71 era was the best.
Logged
I. Spaceman
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 2271
Revolution Never Again
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #3 on:
January 07, 2013, 03:53:47 PM »
1966. But there are essential records, all the way through 1982. I wouldn't trade any Motown period for another, up till then.
Logged
Nobody gives a sh*t about the Record Room
harrisonjon
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 423
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #4 on:
January 08, 2013, 05:34:01 AM »
It doesn't thin out after 1971? I know you have Stevie flying the flag but what else of that standard?
Logged
Peadar 'Big Dinner' O'Driscoll
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 1080
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #5 on:
January 08, 2013, 08:41:58 AM »
61-65
Logged
MBW Youtube Demos
I. Spaceman
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 2271
Revolution Never Again
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #6 on:
January 08, 2013, 03:17:13 PM »
Quote from: harrisonjon on January 08, 2013, 05:34:01 AM
It doesn't thin out after 1971? I know you have Stevie flying the flag but what else of that standard?
Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, The Miracles, The Temptations, Rick James, Teena Marie, Mary Jane Girls, Willie Hutch, Thelma Houston, Syreeta, Eddie Kendricks, Undisputed Truth, Gladys Knight & The Pips and many others.
Logged
Nobody gives a sh*t about the Record Room
the captain
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 7255
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #7 on:
January 08, 2013, 03:30:19 PM »
Quote from: I. Spaceman on January 08, 2013, 03:17:13 PM
Quote from: harrisonjon on January 08, 2013, 05:34:01 AM
It doesn't thin out after 1971? I know you have Stevie flying the flag but what else of that standard?
Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, The Miracles, The Temptations, Rick James, Teena Marie, Mary Jane Girls, Willie Hutch, Thelma Houston, Syreeta, Eddie Kendricks, Undisputed Truth, Gladys Knight & The Pips and many others.
OK, those, but what else?
(that was a joke)
Logged
Demon-Fighting Genius; Patronizing Twaddler; Argumentative, Sanctimonious Prick; Sensationalist Dullard; and Douche who (occasionally to rarely) puts songs
here.
No interest in your assorted grudges and nonsense.
I. Spaceman
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 2271
Revolution Never Again
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #8 on:
January 08, 2013, 03:36:32 PM »
Quote from: Luther on January 08, 2013, 03:30:19 PM
Quote from: I. Spaceman on January 08, 2013, 03:17:13 PM
Quote from: harrisonjon on January 08, 2013, 05:34:01 AM
It doesn't thin out after 1971? I know you have Stevie flying the flag but what else of that standard?
Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, The Miracles, The Temptations, Rick James, Teena Marie, Mary Jane Girls, Willie Hutch, Thelma Houston, Syreeta, Eddie Kendricks, Undisputed Truth, Gladys Knight & The Pips and many others.
OK, those, but what else?
(that was a joke)
Logged
Nobody gives a sh*t about the Record Room
the captain
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 7255
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #9 on:
January 08, 2013, 03:40:50 PM »
Quote from: I. Spaceman on January 08, 2013, 03:36:32 PM
Quote from: Luther on January 08, 2013, 03:30:19 PM
Quote from: I. Spaceman on January 08, 2013, 03:17:13 PM
Quote from: harrisonjon on January 08, 2013, 05:34:01 AM
It doesn't thin out after 1971? I know you have Stevie flying the flag but what else of that standard?
Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, The Miracles, The Temptations, Rick James, Teena Marie, Mary Jane Girls, Willie Hutch, Thelma Houston, Syreeta, Eddie Kendricks, Undisputed Truth, Gladys Knight & The Pips and many others.
OK, those, but what else?
(that was a joke)
Isn't that 1983 (and so ineligible)?
I rest my case. Your witness, Spaceman.
Logged
Demon-Fighting Genius; Patronizing Twaddler; Argumentative, Sanctimonious Prick; Sensationalist Dullard; and Douche who (occasionally to rarely) puts songs
here.
No interest in your assorted grudges and nonsense.
I. Spaceman
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 2271
Revolution Never Again
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #10 on:
January 08, 2013, 03:51:44 PM »
Can't Slow Down's cover is greatly misunderstood. Most folks think the choice of white pants, white carpet and a nearly empty white room as being symptomatic of Lionel's music being the most pasteurized version of R&B music that could possibly be imagined. Actually, he is taking a visual cue from Yoko Ono and commenting on the essentially austere, goal-focused ethos of the decade the album was made in. At times, he notes the threat of cocaine-fueled excess to the 80's wholesome surface, particularly in the subtle parenthetical insistence in the title "All Night Long (All Night)". The idea of the visually afflicted having a greater sense of "sight" than "normal" people, which is expressed in the moving video for "Hello", finds great resonance with the early work of Pete Townshend.
I'll think of more later. I gotta go return some videos.
Logged
Nobody gives a sh*t about the Record Room
Chocolate Shake Man
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 2871
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #11 on:
January 08, 2013, 05:21:58 PM »
Quote from: I. Spaceman on January 08, 2013, 03:51:44 PM
Can't Slow Down's cover is greatly misunderstood. Most folks think the choice of white pants, white carpet and a nearly empty white room as being symptomatic of Lionel's music being the most pasteurized version of R&B music that could possibly be imagined. Actually, he is taking a visual cue from Yoko Ono and commenting on the essentially austere, goal-focused ethos of the decade the album was made in. At times, he notes the threat of cocaine-fueled excess to the 80's wholesome surface, particularly in the subtle parenthetical insistence in the title "All Night Long (All Night)". The idea of the visually afflicted having a greater sense of "sight" than "normal" people, which is expressed in the moving video for "Hello", finds great resonance with the early work of Pete Townshend.
I'll think of more later. I gotta go return some videos.
And my dad had that album.
Logged
guitarfool2002
Global Moderator
Offline
Posts: 9996
"Barba non facit aliam historici"
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #12 on:
January 08, 2013, 09:17:09 PM »
Quote from: rockandroll on January 08, 2013, 05:21:58 PM
Quote from: I. Spaceman on January 08, 2013, 03:51:44 PM
Can't Slow Down's cover is greatly misunderstood. Most folks think the choice of white pants, white carpet and a nearly empty white room as being symptomatic of Lionel's music being the most pasteurized version of R&B music that could possibly be imagined. Actually, he is taking a visual cue from Yoko Ono and commenting on the essentially austere, goal-focused ethos of the decade the album was made in. At times, he notes the threat of cocaine-fueled excess to the 80's wholesome surface, particularly in the subtle parenthetical insistence in the title "All Night Long (All Night)". The idea of the visually afflicted having a greater sense of "sight" than "normal" people, which is expressed in the moving video for "Hello", finds great resonance with the early work of Pete Townshend.
I'll think of more later. I gotta go return some videos.
And my dad had that album.
But did he have the limited edition replica of the Lionel bust from the "Hello" video? They gave away 5 of them, you'd win the head if you opened the album jacket and found a gold ticket inside.
Logged
"All of us have the privilege of making music that helps and heals - to make music that makes people happier, stronger, and kinder. Don't forget: Music is God's voice." - Brian Wilson
Chocolate Shake Man
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 2871
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #13 on:
January 08, 2013, 09:59:51 PM »
Quote from: guitarfool2002 on January 08, 2013, 09:17:09 PM
Quote from: rockandroll on January 08, 2013, 05:21:58 PM
Quote from: I. Spaceman on January 08, 2013, 03:51:44 PM
Can't Slow Down's cover is greatly misunderstood. Most folks think the choice of white pants, white carpet and a nearly empty white room as being symptomatic of Lionel's music being the most pasteurized version of R&B music that could possibly be imagined. Actually, he is taking a visual cue from Yoko Ono and commenting on the essentially austere, goal-focused ethos of the decade the album was made in. At times, he notes the threat of cocaine-fueled excess to the 80's wholesome surface, particularly in the subtle parenthetical insistence in the title "All Night Long (All Night)". The idea of the visually afflicted having a greater sense of "sight" than "normal" people, which is expressed in the moving video for "Hello", finds great resonance with the early work of Pete Townshend.
I'll think of more later. I gotta go return some videos.
And my dad had that album.
But did he have the limited edition replica of the Lionel bust from the "Hello" video? They gave away 5 of them, you'd win the head if you opened the album jacket and found a gold ticket inside.
He's going to be so mad when he finds that he missed out.
Logged
SMiLE-addict
Smiley Smile Associate
Online
Gender:
Posts: 888
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #14 on:
January 09, 2013, 12:18:42 PM »
Just My Imagination, 1971. Doesn't get any better than this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Z9-QCmZyw
Logged
I. Spaceman
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 2271
Revolution Never Again
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #15 on:
January 09, 2013, 04:13:50 PM »
Yeah, that song is pure astral projection.
Logged
Nobody gives a sh*t about the Record Room
LetHimRun
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 361
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #16 on:
January 09, 2013, 10:02:27 PM »
1961-1972, and inside of that, 1963-1967. Absolutely amazing music was being cranked out left and right, and Holland-Dozier-Holland were amazing songwriters and the Funk Brothers? Nothing else needs to be said. I couldn't live without it.
Logged
Peadar 'Big Dinner' O'Driscoll
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 1080
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #17 on:
January 10, 2013, 03:31:46 AM »
Quote from: SMiLE-addict on January 09, 2013, 12:18:42 PM
Just My Imagination, 1971. Doesn't get any better than this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Z9-QCmZyw
been obsessed with that song lately, that harmony blend...wow
Logged
MBW Youtube Demos
SMiLE-addict
Smiley Smile Associate
Online
Gender:
Posts: 888
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #18 on:
January 10, 2013, 12:55:25 PM »
Quote from: My Brother Woody on January 10, 2013, 03:31:46 AM
Quote from: SMiLE-addict on January 09, 2013, 12:18:42 PM
Just My Imagination, 1971. Doesn't get any better than this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Z9-QCmZyw
been obsessed with that song lately, that harmony blend...wow
I think those 7 or 8 harp notes near the beginning have to be the most effective 7 or 8 harp notes in the world.
Logged
KittyKat
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 1466
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #19 on:
January 10, 2013, 03:22:09 PM »
Quote from: rockandroll on January 08, 2013, 09:59:51 PM
Quote from: guitarfool2002 on January 08, 2013, 09:17:09 PM
Quote from: rockandroll on January 08, 2013, 05:21:58 PM
Quote from: I. Spaceman on January 08, 2013, 03:51:44 PM
Can't Slow Down's cover is greatly misunderstood. Most folks think the choice of white pants, white carpet and a nearly empty white room as being symptomatic of Lionel's music being the most pasteurized version of R&B music that could possibly be imagined. Actually, he is taking a visual cue from Yoko Ono and commenting on the essentially austere, goal-focused ethos of the decade the album was made in. At times, he notes the threat of cocaine-fueled excess to the 80's wholesome surface, particularly in the subtle parenthetical insistence in the title "All Night Long (All Night)". The idea of the visually afflicted having a greater sense of "sight" than "normal" people, which is expressed in the moving video for "Hello", finds great resonance with the early work of Pete Townshend.
I'll think of more later. I gotta go return some videos.
And my dad had that album.
But did he have the limited edition replica of the Lionel bust from the "Hello" video? They gave away 5 of them, you'd win the head if you opened the album jacket and found a gold ticket inside.
He's going to be so mad when he finds that he missed out.
Logged
Sheriff John Stone
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Posts: 5309
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #20 on:
January 10, 2013, 05:27:35 PM »
Thanks for starting this thread, harrisonjon. It prompted me to get out my Motown. Just for the heck of it, my Top 10, today
:
1. Love Child - The Supremes
2. You're All I Need To Get By - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
3. My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder
4. Get Ready - The Temptations
5. It's The Same Old Song - The Four Tops
6. Goin' To A Go-Go - The Miracles
7. Maybe Tomorrow - The Jackson 5
8. Jimmy Mack - Martha & The Vandellas
9. Papa Was A Rolling Stone - The Temptations
10. Mercy Mercy Me - Marvin Gaye
Logged
SMiLE-addict
Smiley Smile Associate
Online
Gender:
Posts: 888
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #21 on:
January 10, 2013, 09:40:16 PM »
Does this count as Motown? It was actually on Epic Records. Takes about 2 seconds for this song to make me break down:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE0pwJ5PMDg
Logged
SMiLE-addict
Smiley Smile Associate
Online
Gender:
Posts: 888
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #22 on:
January 10, 2013, 09:43:55 PM »
And the way the guitar line in this song interacts with the rest of the song has always had me spellbound:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lihbaHfnDhk
Another borderline Motown song I suppose.
Logged
mikeyj
Smiley Smile Associate
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 1825
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #23 on:
January 10, 2013, 11:17:40 PM »
Quote from: SMiLE-addict on January 10, 2013, 09:40:16 PM
Does this count as Motown? It was actually on Epic Records.
You've answered your own question. It can't be Motown if it was released on Epic. Great record though!
Logged
Lonely Summer
Smiley Smile Associate
Online
Posts: 3932
Re: What Was Motown's Best Period?
«
Reply #24 on:
January 11, 2013, 12:05:28 AM »
Best has gotta be 1964-67. The best Four Tops, Temps, Miracles and Supremes records came out mostly during those years. "Reach Out I'll Be There" has gotta be in my top 10 of all time.
Logged
Pages:
[
1
]
2
3
4
Jump to:
Please select a destination:
-----------------------------
Smiley Smile Stuff
-----------------------------
=> BRIAN WILSON Q & A
=> Welcome to the Smiley Smile board
=> General On Topic Discussions
===> Ask The Honored Guests
===> Smiley Smile Reference Threads
=> Smile Sessions Box Set (2011)
=> The Beach Boys Media
=> Concert Reviews
=> Album, Book and Video Reviews And Discussions
===> 1960's Beach Boys Albums
===> 1970's Beach Boys Albums
===> 1980's Beach Boys Albums
===> 1990's Beach Boys Albums
===> 21st Century Beach Boys Albums
===> Brian Wilson Solo Albums
===> Other Solo Albums
===> Produced by or otherwise related to
===> Tribute Albums
===> DVDs and Videos
===> Book Reviews
===> 'Rank the Tracks'
===> Polls
-----------------------------
Non Smiley Smile Stuff
-----------------------------
=> General Music Discussion
=> General Entertainment Thread
=> Smiley Smilers Who Make Music
=> The Sandbox
Powered by SMF 1.1.21
|
SMF © 2015, Simple Machines
Page created in 0.637 seconds with 22 queries.
Helios Multi
design by
Bloc
Loading...