PMG,
I think the long versions [e.g. 'Cream Of The Crop' series] are often very good...and yes, best if the lyrics and 'instrumental' sounds do offer variance, and are not simply repeating punched in phrases.
I actually rarely 'sit through' and pay very close attention to any Motorcity, be they long or edited versions.
It all works best for me as background 'mood' sounds, when doing something else, and my mind is in abstract mode. Particularly effective when driving in the car, more than the sitting room at home...and for reasons I would have to think about.
That way, my ears subconsciously pick up what appeals...while my mind then rationalises what I feel could be better [although just to my own taste, of course].
For example, many of the Motorcity tracks have a 'booom' stadium/arena sound, which is a real plus. And I can hear every word of the lyrics...which isn't always possible with every single Motown track.
The ones with a thinner, almost tinny sound, stand out to my own ears as needing more layers. For example, 'Step Into My Shoes' has a really infectious rhythm....and is a great track, but I think needs the addition of a strong sax sound....particularly on the intro.
Frances Nero's 'Footsteps' has a great intro which catches the ear...followed by a stonking sound, but I think overdubs were used to the original recording. Even then, it needs to be sped up slightly.....otherwise, as it is, there is a sense of 'one, two, one, two, plod, plod, plod' leaden feel to the drum sound. On that track, it actually suits Frances's voice....but doesn't work on some others as well.
I could identify a lot of Motorcity tracks which I think could be greatly improved if their BPM were simply increased, even slightly. Just needs some lightness to the sound.
Beans Bowles 'Motorcity Magic' is an instrumental, and yes, I can easily find that one really hard on my ears...and distracting, even when I try to tune it out....
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