Supercorsa Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Has to be... https://youtu.be/Gr-N3lztcyQ
Guest Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 (edited) To my ears, the absolute archetype of Motown soundalikes....Not surprising either is it given the identity of the artist and her Producer on this terrific Northern classic.... Edited February 20, 2012 by rich chorley 2
Dave Moore Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 (edited) Here's one that is a direct copy cat creation: https://youtu.be/y6FkjequC0M Edited February 20, 2012 by Dave Moore 1
Dave Harrison Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Sticking with the Mary Wells theme - "Dear Lover" & "Fancy Free" are close.
Pete S Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Ok, I know she had just left Motown, but when I first heard Mary Wells - Ever Lovin Boy, I thought it must be a Motown release. Cheers, Heath. Definitely - Bob Bateman arranged I think, Detroit musicians all over the track
Robbk Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Here's one that is a direct copy cat creation: Supposedly a Martha & Vandellas -style. But sounds much more like East Coast Brill Building (with a little Chicago Soul thrown in).
Robbk Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Sticking with the Mary Wells theme - "Dear Lover" & "Fancy Free" are close. Naturally,- with ex-Satintone, Sonny Sanders, arranging, ex-Motowny Barrett Strong as assistant producer and writer. Still, there was a much more heavy "Chicago Sound" element in these than in Robert Bateman's and Andre Williams 20th Century Fox Detroit made recordings on Mary.
Robbk Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 To my ears, the absolute archetype of Motown soundalikes....Not surprising either is it given the identity of the artist and her Producer on this terrific Northern classic.... Yes, I forgot to mention this one. Mickey and Kim from Motown Detroit, and Willie Hutch from Motown L.A.-not at all surprising. Mickey's L.A. group had other ex-Motowners (Clarence Paul et. al). This is really a Motown beat, melody and arrangement, unlike a lot of the East Coast recordings listed above.
Robbk Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Has to be... https://youtu.be/Gr-N3lztcyQ No surprise with Don Davis' Groovesville crew (ALL had worked at Motown (including Don). Most were currently still working there (during the day and early evening).
Guest JIM BARRY Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 what about the invictus recordings from chairmen of the board and freda payne?
Guest FrostyJak Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Shangri-las Right Now And Not Later
Guest allnightandy Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Yes ! but having Holland Dozier Holland at the label would make them sound a little Motownesque ! LoL
Sean Hampsey Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 This sounds a LOT more like an East Coast (Philly) cut than a Detroit/Motown sound. I can't hear The marvelettes doing this (at least not produced by a Motown producer). I can hear 'My Baby Must Be A Magician' and 'Don't Make Hurting Me A Habit' could definitely imagine the Marvelettes doing it and have thought so for years. They'd have done a great job on it (IMO).
Sean Hampsey Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 The words and tempo (and GENERAL) arrangement sound very like a Mary Wells Motown song. But the instrumentation sounds like Nashville. And it doesn't have a Motown bridge, which would have featured a sax solo. I could see how to convert this nicely-written song into a nice 1963-64 Motown Mary Wells (w/Love-Tones) cut. Maybe someday I'll get the software to cut and splice up a version! You're right, it is Nashville. Would love to hear it with a Sax Solo, so please do get that software go for it! Sean
Guest Paul Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Talking of Mickey Stevenson, I just thought of another favorite which fits the bill... 'Angel Doll ' by Vernon Garrett on Venture. A Motown song anyway and produced by Clarence Paul if I remember right. It's very easy to forget the really obvious examples such as '(I Get The) Sweetest Feeling' by Jackie Wilson. I'm sure that has a Motown rhythm section. And not to forget many of the early Hot Wax and Invictus tracks. Motown influenced a lot of people. Paul
Robbk Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Talking of Mickey Stevenson, I just thought of another favorite which fits the bill... 'Angel Doll ' by Vernon Garrett on Venture. A Motown song anyway and produced by Clarence Paul if I remember right. It's very easy to forget the really obvious examples such as '(I Get The) Sweetest Feeling' by Jackie Wilson. I'm sure that has a Motown rhythm section. And not to forget many of the early Hot Wax and Invictus tracks. Motown influenced a lot of people. Paul Yes, several of The Funk Brothers played on "I get The Sweetest Feeling"-and Ex-Motowner Sonny Sanders had a part in arranging it. But, it sounds very "Chicago" in its writing and arrangement-not really like a Detroit or Motown song. I wouldn't say that of all Carl Davis produced songs-as "This Heart of Mine", "I'll Come Running" and "So Much Love In My Heart" all by The Artistics and handled by Barrett Strong and Sonny Sanders all sound like pure Motown (much more, to my ears, than the Jackie Wilsons, -despite their Funk Brothers rhythm sections involvement.
Guest Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 (edited) Yes, I forgot to mention this one. Mickey and Kim from Motown Detroit, and Willie Hutch from Motown L.A.-not at all surprising. Mickey's L.A. group had other ex-Motowners (Clarence Paul et. al). This is really a Motown beat, melody and arrangement, unlike a lot of the East Coast recordings listed above. Yes it is also another one of the genuinely great 'dancers' written by WILLIE during a period someone recently stated was not representative of his career. This is Detroit style Uptown Soul perfected obviously and it would be a little cruel to deny him acknowledgment for this stage of his career when he could turn out crackers like this....And yes a record that was acknowledged by the scene, (should have been bigger in my book) here, but in the same conversation it was claimed that 'northern' style records could not be viewed as representative of Black American musical culture of that period ...I disagreed and this is a prime example...An absolute, top drawer female Soul Artist, a very talented Producer (Her husband of course), an immensely gifted writer and the whole project put together on a major label...(They don't come much more major!)....This was a blatant attempt by MGM to grab a 'mainstream' hit, not only in Motown's commercial slipstream but in it's musical style...As such it is most certainly an example of Black American musical culture of the time and aimed solidly at the 'mainstream', it just was not a hit sadly... Edited February 20, 2012 by rich chorley
Premium Stuff Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 (edited) I wouldn't say that of all Carl Davis produced songs-as "This Heart of Mine", "I'll Come Running" and "So Much Love In My Heart" all by The Artistics and handled by Barrett Strong and Sonny Sanders all sound like pure Motown (much more, to my ears, than the Jackie Wilsons, -despite their Funk Brothers rhythm sections involvement. Interesting Robb - as different people discern provenance, authenticity etc. in sound - and I would put "This Heart of Mine" as pure Chicago Cheers Richard Edited February 20, 2012 by Premium Stuff
Guest Paul Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Yes, several of The Funk Brothers played on "I get The Sweetest Feeling"-and Ex-Motowner Sonny Sanders had a part in arranging it. But, it sounds very "Chicago" in its writing and arrangement-not really like a Detroit or Motown song. I wouldn't say that of all Carl Davis produced songs-as "This Heart of Mine", "I'll Come Running" and "So Much Love In My Heart" all by The Artistics and handled by Barrett Strong and Sonny Sanders all sound like pure Motown (much more, to my ears, than the Jackie Wilsons, -despite their Funk Brothers rhythm sections involvement. Hello Robb, That's why I just said rhythm section because the horns and other things aren't so Motown in style. And it's another example which has the Motown style but not the sound because it's such a clean production with wide panning and good separation. A lot of those Chicago tracks have lots of air and space, most Motown things were more narrow, distorted and compressed. But its heartbeat certainly has the Motown feel, no doubt due to Jamerson etc. Paul
Robbk Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Interesting Robb - as different people discern provenance, authenticity etc. in sound - and I would put "This Heart of Mine" as pure Chicago Cheers Richard Doubly interesting, as I was living in Chicago at the time (South Chicago) and I worked in my father's store on The South Side (where all of my friends lived). To me, the melody and instrumentation on those Artistics cuts was more Detroit-sounding than Chicago. They sound very unlike the typical Carl Davis productions, which share more in common with The Curtis Mayfield style.
The Yank Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 I'm starting to wonder if maybe this shouldn't be split into 2 threads. I think the original intent was to list records that were influenced by Motown. It's turning into only counting records if Motown/ ex-Motown personnel were involved. Any then should we take into account subtle influences (Brill Building, Chicago/ West Coast) ??
Guest JIM BARRY Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Yes ! but having Holland Dozier Holland at the label would make them sound a little Motownesque ! LoL but not on motown andy!...an earlier post suggested that s.o.s edwin starr was issued on motown, but it was a rictic recording re issued on motown
Premium Stuff Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Always think the Fantastic Four Ric-Tics are very Motowny Can't Stop Looking For May Baby As Long As The Feeling Is There As Long As I Live (I Live For You) Cheers Richard 1
Guest allnightandy Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 (edited) but not on motown andy!...an earlier post suggested that s.o.s edwin starr was issued on motown, but it was a rictic recording re issued on motown Berry Gordy liked it so much he bought the company ! LoL Jim I've heard our whole scene described as "Poor mans Motown" by i think Ady Croasdell (If it wasn't him i'm sorry) Edited February 20, 2012 by allnightandy
Robbk Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 I'm starting to wonder if maybe this shouldn't be split into 2 threads. I think the original intent was to list records that were influenced by Motown. It's turning into only counting records if Motown/ ex-Motown personnel were involved. Any then should we take into account subtle influences (Brill Building, Chicago/ West Coast) ?? THIS is the thread title: The Most Motown Sounding Records Never To {have appeared} On Motown ? That, to me is a bit different from listing songs INFLUENCED by Motown. We mentioned the songs being affiliated by ex-Motowners, NOT as evidence that they do sound like Motown recordings, but after choosing the songs, as an aside, to explain that it is not surprising that they DO sound like Motown.
Premium Stuff Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Yes, I forgot to mention this one. Mickey and Kim from Motown Detroit, and Willie Hutch from Motown L.A.-not at all surprising. Mickey's L.A. group had other ex-Motowners (Clarence Paul et. al). This is really a Motown beat, melody and arrangement, unlike a lot of the East Coast recordings listed above. Yes, a Northern classic and an almost perfect Motown soundalike - got just that beat and 'good time' feel Is it West Coast origin? Cheers Richard
Gary Samways Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 (edited) i can't help myself??? and the other side is a dead ringer for" my girl" Edited February 20, 2012 by gary samways
Guest Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 (edited) THIS is the thread title: The Most Motown Sounding Records Never To {have appeared} On Motown ? That, to me is a bit different from listing songs INFLUENCED by Motown. We mentioned the songs being affiliated by ex-Motowners, NOT as evidence that they do sound like Motown recordings, but after choosing the songs, as an aside, to explain that it is not surprising that they DO sound like Motown. Bang on... The interesting thing as well is - as with the KIM WESTON/MICKEY S/WILLIE HUTCH project and records PETE S mentioned like MARY WELL'S 'Dear Lover' at Atlantic - to see the talent Motown also let go, that could clearly have given them more hit records...All interesting strands of the overall story... Edited February 20, 2012 by rich chorley
Guest Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 (edited) Always think the Fantastic Four Ric-Tics are very Motowny Can't Stop Looking For May Baby As Long As The Feeling Is There As Long As I Live (I Live For You) Cheers Richard Without a shadow of doubt... 'As long as I live' would have been tailor-made for LEVI AND THE TOPS over the exact backing track as stands, not that I think they could have improved on what, to my ears is one of the best midtempo Northern records ever... 'Keep on, I'll give you everlasting joy!' Edited February 20, 2012 by rich chorley
Guest allnightandy Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 (edited) Without a shadow of doubt... 'As long as I live' would have been tailor-made for LEVI AND THE TOPS over the exact backing track as stands, not that I think they could have improved on what, to my ears is one of the best midtempo Northern records ever... 'Keep on, I'll give you everlasting joy!' Do you know i have that on a RicTic demo and i have never played or heard it before now ? Great sound that will be getting played from now on ! Edited February 20, 2012 by allnightandy
The Yank Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 (edited) THIS is the thread title: The Most Motown Sounding Records Never To {have appeared} On Motown ? That, to me is a bit different from listing songs INFLUENCED by Motown. We mentioned the songs being affiliated by ex-Motowners, NOT as evidence that they do sound like Motown recordings, but after choosing the songs, as an aside, to explain that it is not surprising that they DO sound like Motown. You might want to read post #47 which is from the person who started the thread- "Motown copies is what I'm looking for- other companies attempts to emulate/ cash in on Motown". Edited February 21, 2012 by the yank
Robbk Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 i can't help myself??? and the other side is a dead ringer for" my girl" The base playing and the beat are certainly reminiscent of Motown. But the remainder of the instrumentation is clearly not.
Robbk Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 Thats because rumour has it thats it's actually Smoky Robinson on vocals. Motown sounding songs : Sandy Winns "A Touch Of Venus" Tamala (Tamla!!) Lewis "You Won't Say Nothing" Not surprising, as the Tamala Lewis song was written by George Clinton's crew for Motown's Jobete Music office in New York. And, "A Touch of Venus" was written by L.A. Jobete Music writers for Motown in L.A.,-and Patrice Holloway's version seems to have a Detroit backing track. 1
Guest Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 You might want to read post #47 which is from the person who started the thread- "Motown copies is what I'm looking for- other companies attempts to emulate/ cash in on Motown". Well, I have looked at it and I cannot see anywhere where he said, 'But no mentioning records made by other companies where ex-Motown staff were involved'..... The STEVENSON/WESTON/HUTCH project is clearly a BLATANT (And excellent) attempt at duplicating the Motown sound under the BANNER of MGM RECORDS...So, it is clearly - in the words of the thread starter- an ' attempt to emulate/cash in on Motown'....Surely?
Dave Harrison Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 Here is another example, and the notes under the clip suggest a real attempt to emulate a Motown sound! Dave https://youtu.be/Vie8XxjpmMU
Daved Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 At the risk of being too obvious, it's got to be Rose Batiste "Hit and Run" surely!
Dazdakin Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 He is a dead a ringer on all the 45s but I don't remember a rumour that they were the same person. You're not getting mixed up with "More, More, More of Your Love" are you? That one was originally recorded by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles on an album and covered by the Baltimore based blue eyed soul band, Bob Brady and the Con-Chords who released it as a single. Yep , your correct!! i knew what i wanted to say just came out all arse up as they do sound soooooo similar in the vocal dept. Thanks. Daz.
Guest ackers Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 The Passionetts, i'm not in love with you anymore, Soulburst, excuse me if this has allready had a mention,can anyone put up a sound clip? as i don't have the knowhow
Craig W Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 Joan Moody - We must be doing something right - Sylvia As good a Non Motown sound that Motown ever released itself. Fantastic! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Osh2kELeg
Sjclement Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 https://youtu.be/4q275CvmT5c Somebody's ripping off nowhere to run !
boba Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 The west coast (e.g. mirwood) were copying motown hard. This has to be the most soundalike for me. Except for the horn intro, this sounds like any supremes record. Felice Taylor's voice even has a similar high / rasping quality as Diana Ross' voice:
Guest sharmo 1 Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 Tootsie Rollers .Love .....on Me-O and I alway's thought the Proffesionals .That's why I love you .. were motowny sounding records regards Terry and June.
Guest allnightandy Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 https://youtu.be/4q275CvmT5c Somebody's ripping off nowhere to run ! I have never heard that before , is Betty Baker exactly the same record booted on a false title / label ? Anyone ?
Guest Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 The west coast (e.g. mirwood) were copying motown hard. This has to be the most soundalike for me. Except for the horn intro, this sounds like any supremes record. Felice Taylor's voice even has a similar high / rasping quality as Diana Ross' voice: Meanwhile in the East, the concept got taken to the absolute extreme....If you can't beat'em, cover'em... https://youtu.be/Ul_nCuTFd9A
boba Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 I have never heard that before , is Betty Baker exactly the same record booted on a false title / label ? Anyone ? Betty Baker is not a boot, she was the lead singer of the heartstoppers. All Platinum was super ghetto. If you get the Val Martin (who is donnie elbert) single on All Platinum as a stock copy (most are single sided promos), the a-side is clearly Donnie Elbert and the b-side is clearly some other singer.
boba Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 the story with the nella dodds is more complicated than just being a cover. it was a supremes LP cut that was not released as a single. The nella dodds record was a cover of a Supremes album cut. As soon as it started to be a hit Berry Gordy released the supremes version as a single and crushed nella's version. But because of this, her version was sort of responsible for making it a hit for the supremes.
Guest allnightandy Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 Betty Baker is not a boot, she was the lead singer of the heartstoppers. All Platinum was super ghetto. If you get the Val Martin (who is donnie elbert) single on All Platinum as a stock copy (most are single sided promos), the a-side is clearly Donnie Elbert and the b-side is clearly some other singer. That's what i asked IS betty baker the same singer as to me it sounded identical was the record re recorded or just repressed with different artwork ? andy
boba Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 That's what i asked IS betty baker the same singer as to me it sounded identical was the record re recorded or just repressed with different artwork ? andy just repressed. certain tracks all platinum reused literally like 8 times or more (specifically this willie and the mighty magnificents instrumental).
Recommended Posts
Get involved with Soul Source
Add your comments now
Join Soul Source
A free & easy soul music affair!
Join Soul Source now!Log in to Soul Source
Jump right back in!
Log in now!