Err, I get confused over statements like this. If you regard the artists/writers/producers/musicians etc as producing what they did for anything other than the bottom line then that imo is totally niaive. They simply used their talents (same as a bricklayer), in an attempt to make a living in a profession they felt they had something to offer. You ask Popcorn if he would rather a top ten "pop" record in '67 or a sought after "raresoul" rarity that sold nil in '05? Christ, half the musicians/artists/labels in Detroit would have given their right arms to have half the "white peoples money success" that Motown had.
I agree that records like Baby Love have no place on the rare soul scene, but for quite different reasons. Basically, you can hear it on the radio, at home, at "normal' discos etc etc. Therefore it becomes MOR. But musically and the reason it was produced is imo one and the same as Jackie Beavers on Revilot. You think the Solid Hitbound Team or the folks at Pied Piper did what they did for the love of it?? Read Jack Ashfords book. Kinda puts things in perspective.
If you speak to artists still involved in the business, they STILL see the $$$ when you discuss their current projects. (ie. What's in it for me? This is how I make my living), and quite rightly so. You wouldn't ask a plumber to fix your leak for nothing would you. No difference imo.
"Aimed at white audiences as that's where the money was". Too right Chalky lad. And thank God they did eh?
Nice talkin' to ya....
Regards,
Dave
www.hitsvillesoulclub.com