THE UK CORNER: 'Now That's What I Call Motown' CD review

     *Can you imagine a time when Motown music was not celebrated? It is hard to believe, but while the iconic label may be celebrating 50 years of music history, its status was not always so golden, especially not globally.

     On Bank Holiday Easter Monday, the BBC broadcast Legends, a documentary revealing what made Motown special in Britain. It focused on the Motown Revue UK tour and the Sounds of Motown Ready Steady Go! television special, both occurring in 1965.

     It featured the likes of the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder, who were bussed across Britain. The programme explained how racism threatened to sideline the talent, and highlights the visions of Berry Gordy and how high profile fans such as Paul McCartney and Dusty Springfield, and loyal British followers, set the ball rolling for the Motown invasion.

     And the timeless Motown collection has truly invaded popular consciousness on all platforms. This collection will conjure up images of adverts and films gone by, but the resounding experience is one of deluxe delight as your ears are taken on a pleasurable ride through the epitome of the history of R&B and funk. Love songs abound in classic tales of romance.

     It is amazing how many emotions are arrested with such short songs yet; all the beloved favourites are present, though it is hard to select just 25 gems from a catalogue as extensive as Motown's. The range of acts included; represent the many moods of Motown.

     This compilation makes the perfect gift for music lovers of all ages with a keepsake in the album sleeve, which features images depicting style statements from the ages. The gallery signifies a who's who of the music hall of fame. You can party hard and have a karaoke fest with this one! If you live in the US you can access bonus content including classic Motown photos, videos and podcasts, but for fans globally, the music is all you really need. ©

     Now That's What I Call Motown is out now courtesy of Universal / EMI Music Group

Track Listing:
1. Money (That's What I Want) Barrett Strong  
2. Please Mr. Postman The Marvelettes 
3. Shop Around The Miracles 
4. Do You Love Me The Contours  
5. Dancing In The Street   Martha & The Vandellas  
6. My Guy Mary Wells 
7. My Girl Temptations  
8. Stop! In The Name Of Love The Supremes 
9. Shotgun Jr. Walker & The All Stars  
10. I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) Four Tops 
11. You Keep Me Hangin' On The Supremes 
12. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing Marvin Gaye
13. I Heard It Through The Grapevine Marvin Gaye 
14. I Can't Get Next To You Temptations  
15. I Want You Back Jackson 5 
16.  Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) Stevie Wonder 
17. War  Edwin Starr   
18. The Tears Of A Clow Smokey Robinson 
19. What's Going On Marvin Gaye
20. Neither One Of Us Gladys Knight & The Pips 
21. Let's Get It O Marvin Gaye  
22. Love Machine The Miracles  
23. Brick House Commodores  
24. Upside Down Diana Ross  
25. Super Freak Rick James  

The UK Corner covers urban entertainment from a British perspective and is compiled by Fiona McKinson. She is a freelance journalist and creative writer based in London. Contact her at info@thetalentshow.co.uk.