Various Artists Motown Connoiseurs
Spectrum Music
Catalogue number: 544 4262
Released 5th February 2001

This is THE Motown compilation to top them all.

There is no review to be had as such because those of you reading this article will already know the tracks in question, will have already worn some leather out on them, and will just be waiting for the day when they will be available on one CD. That day arrived on the 5th February 2001 when Universal/Spectrum Music yet again put their money where their mouth is, and delivered the goods big style.

They have only just seen the dust settle on their last three Motown compilations which also delve back into the northern soul spectrum and give the collectors just what they have been waiting for.

This CD was compiled by the much respected Richard Searling (northern DJ/radio presenter - Jazz FM) and I know from talking with my contacts at Motown that certain tracks that Richard suggested could not get licence clearance (Chuck Jackson - What Am I Gonna Do Without You) but who cares with a track listing like this.

If every Northern/Motown collector bought a copy of this CD it will make a serious impact on the national charts, and more importantly will give Spectrum Music the confidence to keep delving into the Motown archives.

This is the first release in a series so watch this space.

Here’s that ultimate Motown track-listing;

1. Gladys Knight & The Pips - Pieces Of My Broken Heart
2. The Isley Brothers - My Love Is Your Love
3. Brenda Holloway - Tell Me Your Story
4. Marvin Gaye - Sunny
5. Tammi Terrell - Lone Lonely Town
6. The Originals - Don’t Stop Now
7. Chris Clark - Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)
8. The Temptations - That’ll Be The Day
9. Junior Walker - Ain’t That The Truth
10. Barbara McNair - Forget You Ever Met Me Baby
11. The Contours - It’s Growing
12. Martha Reeves - No One There
13. The Undisputed Truth - You Got The Love I Need
14. Bobby Taylor - Don’t Be Afraid
15. The Marvelettes - Don’t Make Hurtin’ Me A Habit
16. The Four Tops - Where Did You Go
17. Stevie Wonder - Hey Love
18. Detroit Spinners - Where Is That Girl
19. Marvin Gaye/Kim Weston - When We’re Together
20. Smokey Robinson & Miracles - Flying High Together

Other recommended UK issues of a similar nature on Motown can be found on our reviews page, including issues by;

The Contours
The Tempatations
Shorty Long
Big Motown Hits and Hard to Find Classics - Volumes 1-3
Gladys Knight and the Pips
Junior Walker & the All-Stars
Marvelettes
Stevie Wonder

To see the reviews please follow the links.