‘Second
Album’
In the continuing series of Motown’s 2 on 1 CD series the legendary Four Tops get eight of their albums issued over four double CD’s. The first of these albums (originally issued back in 1965) represent the very best of their ouput at Motown, and are still highly sought after by collectors in their original vinyl format.
It’s easy to see why when listening to ‘Baby I need Your Loving’ which features lead singer Levi Stubbs on one of his finest moments, yet it is the striking harmonious backing vocals that makes this song stand head and shoulders above the rest, and ranks amongst the best Motown songs of all-time. The very same can be said for ‘Without The One You Love’ which sounds as fresh today as it did back in 1964 and was one of the first import Motown 45’s to grace my collection.
Of course much of this success was equally down to the immaculate songwriting and production skills of HDH whose expertise and trademark can be found on virtually all of the labels major acts from 63-67. There cannot be many music fans that haven’t experienced the ultimate Motown jewel in the crown song of ‘Ask The Lonely’ from 1965. When I interviewed Martha Reeves a few years ago and asked her to pick some of her favourite songs, this was one of them. Check out what she had to say by clicking here.
There are additional standout tracks in ‘Don’t Turn Away’ and ‘Tea House In China Town’ whereas the fabulous ‘Love Has Gone’ was sadly relegated to a ‘b’ side at the time. Don’t overlook another superbly produced track in ‘Where Did You Go’ which has long been a favourite for many on the soul scene as one of those great mid-tempo songs that has received constant plays amongst key DJ’s on the scene.
This album is a straight lift from the original vinyl copies and will serve as an invaluable substitute for those wanting to preserve their originals. In terms of value for money, you will find no better.
‘Second
Album’
This second album is just crammed with hit material from start to finish and again features songs that were crafted from the pen of HDH. The big hit ‘I Can’t Help Myself’ opens the proceedings and is quickly followed by the pleasing ‘Love Feels Like Fire’ and the best of them all (in my opinion) with ‘Is There Anything That I Can Do’ which again displays the Tops in top form and confirms them as the number one male group on the label.
At a point when the band could do no wrong the issue of ‘It’s The Same Old Song’ took them to even greater heights as the song went UK top 40 in August 1965, fully complemented by a cracking flip side in ‘Your Love Is Amazing’ (also recorded by the late Shorty Long). Right now the Tops were on a roll and nothing stood in their way as hit after hit followed. It is no secret that all the acts at Motown recorded each others songs in an attempt to get Berry Gordy to approve their versions for single release, and ‘Helpless’ whilst being finally assigned to Kim Weston, would have no doubt gone well with the Tops whose faster version of this HDH classic is preferred by many.
Northern soul dancers will feel pleased with the inclusions of ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’, ‘I’m Grateful’ (played at Wigan Casino) and ‘Something About You’ which have all received countless plays at northern soul nights across the UK for almost twenty five years now even though the first of those songs was only issued in the UK as a flip side. Other ‘b’ sides featured here include ‘Darling I Hum Our Song’.
All in all an even stronger album this time round and with both of them packaged together on one CD for £12.99 in the UK will no doubt keep many a Motown fan pleased, and will make an essential addition to those who are collecting this series of 2 on 1’s.