Another gem for Motown fans, a new box set of seven 7″ singles exploring the side of music that was not released in a proper fashion at the time they were recorded and mixed. The Motown 7s Box: Rare And Unreleased Vinyl Volume 2 (Motown/UMC) shows how well the Motown and Northern Soul still holds up, as artists today are dipping into it and making a killing from the style of music that was popular 45+ years ago. All of these songs are not the big hits we know and love, so it’s a chance to hear these artists in a way that is unfamiliar to most of us. This includes Stevie Wonder’s “I Want My Baby Back”, Jimmy Ruffin’s “He Who Picks A Rose”, and Brenda Holloway’s “We’ll Keep On Rolling”. Other mixes here include songs made/mixed for box sets and compilations, including a 1994 box set version of “Angel Doll” by The Temptations, an outtake of “I Know Better” by Barbara McNair, and a 2004 anthology mix of “That’s A Funny Way” by The Velvettes. Considering all the mono/stereo variations and outtakes/alternate takes that exist, there is still something worthy here for even the completist, plus it’s all on vinyl to boot, some being released in that format for the very first time. Overall, a very nice set and a perfect companion to the first volume released late last year.
(The box set is available from Amazon.co.UK.)
This Is Book's Music 