Motown: The Sound of Young America [[Hardback) Adam White, Barney Ales

[jack020]

https://www.waterstones.com/book/motown/adam-white/barney-ales/9780500518298


Is this a new book?

[johnny_raven]

Yup, there's a thread on it already:

http://soulfuldetroit.com/showthread.php?16030-MOTOWN-The-Sound-Of-Young-America&highlight=Motown%3A+Sound+Young+America

[theboyfromxtown]

Keep watching folks.........not long now!

[thommg]

Keep watching folks.........not long now!

I have it pre-ordered from Amazon US and the release date is not until September. When I ordered it the price was around $32.00. Now it's $60.00 US.

[luke]

Too expensive! Why on earth would price double??

[theboyfromxtown]

Its gone done by £14 in the UK....wow.

It might be cheaper to buy in the UK and pay the postage costs..but this book is real heavy

[MIKEW-UK]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/event/article-3464335/Motown-stars-Michael-Jackson-Diana-Ross-remarkable-new-book-reveals-Motown-conquered-world.html

[paul_nixon]

I'd like to weigh in here if I can. Please, Please, Please get yourself a copy of this beautiful new book it really does deserve to sell by the shipload and I am sure it will. This is a labour of love from a true gentleman who has been associated with Motown for more years than i will admit to living, stuffed full of anecdotes, personal stories and stunning images. DO NOT be confused with other Motown books - aside from Motown Soul and Glamour which I obviously could not understand) this has to be the most beautifully crafted Motown bibles I have ever seen. Printed on high quality heavyweight paper- I really don't want to leave it out of its cellophane jacket that it was delivered in..

[Roberta75]

I'd like to weigh in here if I can. Please, Please, Please get yourself a copy of this beautiful new book it really does deserve to sell by the shipload and I am sure it will. This is a labour of love from a true gentleman who has been associated with Motown for more years than i will admit to living, stuffed full of anecdotes, personal stories and stunning images. DO NOT be confused with other Motown books - aside from Motown Soul and Glamour which I obviously could not understand) this has to be the most beautifully crafted Motown bibles I have ever seen. Printed on high quality heavyweight paper- I really don't want to leave it out of it's cellophane jacket that it was deliverered in..

Youve sold me my dear. When i get my tax refund next month Im buying this book.

Fondly,

Roberta

[MIKEW-UK]

Keith, my amazon-uk order acknowedges release as of 14th March. I take it you got a pre - release copy?


For UK people, I currently have a price of £25.97 on Amazon.co.uk. Waterstones has £39.95

[paul_nixon]

Keith? LOL yes it is an early copy

[longtimefan]

11167

I am sorry, but a $60.00 book that you cannot hold in your hand and flip through before you pay so much is unreasonable. I respect Mr. Ayles' efforts, but c'mon guys ... this is WAY overpriced. Is there really anything "new" to be said? ...or seen? The pictures from the book that have been posted inn the advertisements have all be seen many times over.

Regardless, I hope that Mr. Ayles finds some success with this project. $60.00 in today's economy blocks many fans ability to consider purchasing this.

[theboyfromxtown]

Longtimefan

The book was put together by Adam White. Here is a link on Adam. However, he goes right back to the 60's for us British fans and a shop called Clifton Record Shop in Bristol which is kind of revered by older Tamla Motown fans. He was also editor-in-chief of Billboard International for more than 10 years. He certainly knows his stuff..and it was him that was teaching some of us olduns before we even knew of the existence of Tamla Motown

http://audiokorner.com/?p=9333

The input of Barney Ales is, at best..............not a lot! LOL

I do agree that $60 is a little too expensive for the book but I suspect it will be even more in a few years time. The current Amazon.co.uk price of £25.97 seems a bargain.



http://audiokorner.com/?p=9333

[westgrandboulevard]

Any of us could pay at least £25.97 for a ticket to attend a show which may be great but, after a couple of hours, has gone.

A book of this calibre warrants our attention and reflection on our own life for a very much longer time.

In that respect, I would say it represents extremely good value for money.:)

[longtimefan]

Any of us could pay at least £25.97 for a ticket to attend a show which may be great but, after a couple of hours, has gone.

A book of this calibre warrants our attention and reflection on our own life for a very much longer time.

In that respect, I would say it represents extremely good value for money.:)

Your point is well taken westgrandboulevard. However, $50 shipped to the US from the British Amazon or $60 bought on US Amazon is still a lot of money for most of us who have to be cautious with spending habits. If I saw it in a bookstore and could flip through it [[unlikely), I might be more motivated to give up lunch for the week [[smile). I will keep it on my wish list in hopes that the price drops at some point. I wish Mr. Ayles well.

[westgrandboulevard]

Longtimefan...

I really should say that I haven't actually placed my own order yet......

You always have a choice what you wish to do with any disposable income. I remember how, back in the 60s, I used to buy Motown albums which contained singles, thinking it would save me money instead of buying the singles as well. It took a while to realise that the reality was not nearly as straight forward as that.....:rolleyes:

Wait for reviews of the book, which should follow quite soon. The best place to read those will be right here, because the reviews will be the opinion of the fans who not only have a strong, very personal interest, but who also represent the 'seen it all before, and many times' brigade...which makes us all a very tough audience to please LOL

I would agree with theboyfromxtown....the price is quite likely to go up over time. You might have to wait quite a while to pick up a reduced or used copy.

If you do then make the conscious decision of wanting to possess a copy, but can't get to see one before you buy, and feel the money really should be spent elsewhere , then yes, put the title immediately at the top of your birthday or Christmas list, whichever comes first [[my own wish list is always the maximum number of items that eBay will allow; all very handy for a quick response to any interested parties! ;))

[paul_nixon]

11172
Though you might just like to see that this is no ordinary paperback or lightweight book and that you get great value for money. The weight of the book probably carries a very hefty delivery charge so if you get that free from any retailer that's more than a quarter of its cost by my reckoning.

[jboy88]

Well, I'm sold! This is almost like the TCMS sets but without the music to go along with it. How could any diehard Motown fan not have this?!

[Jimi LaLumia]

mine is on order and I can't wait and I intend to write about it in Good Times Magazine as soon as I get it..

[woodward]

mine is on order and I can't wait and I intend to write about it in Good Times Magazine as soon as I get it..

I ordered mine through Amazon US and I have the lowest price guarantee. The book was ordered at $60 including free shipping but now I note that the price has dropped to $54. Hopefully by the time it is published the price will drop further. The free shipping is impressive as I get the impression that it is a heavy book and shipping might cost upwards of $15.

[JimBagley]

I'd like to weigh in here if I can. Please, Please, Please get yourself a copy of this beautiful new book it really does deserve to sell by the shipload and I am sure it will. This is a labour of love from a true gentleman who has been associated with Motown for more years than i will admit to living, stuffed full of anecdotes, personal stories and stunning images. DO NOT be confused with other Motown books - aside from Motown Soul and Glamour which I obviously could not understand) this has to be the most beautifully crafted Motown bibles I have ever seen. Printed on high quality heavyweight paper- I really don't want to leave it out of its cellophane jacket that it was delivered in..

Thank you Paul for the endorsement. I ordered it a few weeks back from Amazon UK since it isn't due until September from Amazon US and it costs a lot more here too. Sharon Davis' book Motown: The History has always been by far my favorite Motown reference book. If this new book is as good or better, I will be beyond ecstatic. Be well. Jim

[dickiemint]

Release date brought forward to the 16th March according to Amazon UK

[longtimefan]

I ordered mine through Amazon US and I have the lowest price guarantee. The book was ordered at $60 including free shipping but now I note that the price has dropped to $54. Hopefully by the time it is published the price will drop further. The free shipping is impressive as I get the impression that it is a heavy book and shipping might cost upwards of $15.

To be clear, it is free shipping because you pay $99 per year to be a "Prime" Amazon member. It may be a good deal for you, but some people do not need $99 a year of free shipping. Just to be clear to those considering this purchase.

[woodward]

To be clear, it is free shipping because you pay $99 per year to be a "Prime" Amazon member. It may be a good deal for you, but some people do not need $99 a year of free shipping. Just to be clear to those considering this purchase.

I AM NOT A PRIME MEMBER. Free Shipping was offered with no strings attached because I believe it was over $49. I read recently they upped their $35 for free shipping amount to $49 or something similar.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I just pre-ordered my copy on Amazon [[U.S.) for $54.00. The price by the time of release [[September) will surely come down. It usually does. As an Amazon Prime member, the free 2-day shipping will be great! I'll have it in my hands on the day of release. Prime membership may not be for everyone, but it's been a God-send for me. Given the number of CD's and other items that I order, Prime membership paid for itself in no time at all. This handsome, HEAVY new Motown book will be no exception!

[theboyfromxtown]

My copy has been sent....cost £25.97.....free postage!

[westgrandboulevard]

Just the one copy, only? Now, I would have thought you would have bought at least two - one to be unwrapped, and one kept in pristine condition, LOL

I'm advised that my own copy is on way, for same price, so am really looking forward to viewing it.:)

[theboyfromxtown]

My copy arrived at Bromley By Bow sorting office at 5:12 this morning. That's only a couple of tube stops away but it's due to be delivered Tuesday.

[woodward]

My copy arrived at Bromley By Bow sorting office at 5:12 this morning. That's only a couple of tube stops away but it's due to be delivered Tuesday.

Consider yourself very lucky. Thames and Hudson books are distributed in the United States by W. W. Norton & Co., NYC. I called their customer service specialist [[?) this morning trying to find out why the book is being shipped in the UK as we speak and it is not scheduled to be shipped in the United States until September 13, 2016. She did not even have the 13th only Sept. 2016. After pressing her for a while and discussing it, she finally came to the conclusion that "I really don't know why." So I guess I will have to wait until September.
Unless a small miracle happens.

[JimBagley]

I got a notification that my copy was shipped today by Amazon UK. Hopefully, I will get it in Pennsylvania next week. Then John Lester and I can compare notes on its contents.

[mr soul]

Mine's not being sent until Friday.

[westgrandboulevard]

My copy arrived at my [[UK) home today via Amazon, nicely boxed. It is heavy - over 5lbs [[about 2.40kgs).

First impressions, after flicking the pages : it is beautifully produced, with about 400 pages crammed with text, colour and black and white photos, images of record sleeves, etc.

After over 50 years of loving the music, and greatly assisted in recent years by the internet, a high proportion of the images shown are familiar to me [[but I've spotted at least one photo featuring The Marvelettes which I don't recall seeing before, but that might not apply to other fans) - but still..... it's great to have so many of them in one collection.

I've had no time yet to study it in great detail, but the book seems to be focusing on the most famous acts. This makes commercial sense, but might disappoint fans of the lesser-known artists.

When I study it in more depth, there could be some details with which I might differ, and possibly even some criticism..... but, on face value, and for £25.97, this book does appear to be excellent value for a very detailed treasure trove of Motown memories, and I'm really glad I bought it.;)

[woodward]

I got a notification that my copy was shipped today by Amazon UK. Hopefully, I will get it in Pennsylvania next week. Then John Lester and I can compare notes on its contents.

Just curious - do you mind telling me how much the entire transaction cost, book plus postage. I had fears that the postage alone would bankrupt me. I live in Delaware so my cost would be similar to yours. Thank you.

[jack020]

I ordered it through a seller at Amazon UK.
You will see them if you click on NEW price under the Amazon UK price

[theboyfromxtown]

My copy arrived at my [[UK) home today via Amazon, nicely boxed. It is heavy - over 5lbs [[about 2.40kgs).

First impressions, after flicking the pages : it is beautifully produced, with about 400 pages crammed with text, colour and black and white photos, images of record sleeves, etc.

After over 50 years of loving the music, and greatly assisted in recent years by the internet, a high proportion of the images shown are familiar to me [[but I've spotted at least one photo featuring The Marvelettes which I don't recall seeing before, but that might not apply to other fans) - but still..... it's great to have so many of them in one collection.

I've had no time yet to study it in great detail, but the book seems to be focusing on the most famous acts. This makes commercial sense, but might disappoint fans of the lesser-known artists.

When I study it in more depth, there could be some details with which I might differ, and possibly even some criticism..... but, on face value, and for £25.97, this book does appear to be excellent value for a very detailed treasure trove of Motown memories, and I'm really glad I bought it.;)

Excuse me WGB. But can I remind you that I am still waiting to receive my "get it at this price and don't delay" recommendation cheque. You've saved yourself £14.02 so my fee of £14.01 is very reasonable!

[westgrandboulevard]

I gave up writing cheques years ago....right after the last one you gave me bounced. LOL

Just to see how it goes, I'm watching a copy on eBay which, at the moment, is even cheaper, at £19.49....

[theboyfromxtown]

11172
Though you might just like to see that this is no ordinary paperback or lightweight book and that you get great value for money. The weight of the book probably carries a very hefty delivery charge so if you get that free from any retailer that's more than a quarter of its cost by my reckoning.

Oh I see you've opened it at last!

[theboyfromxtown]

Finding the Velvelettes on page 65 is like finding a Needle In A Haystack.....

[JimBagley]

Just curious - do you mind telling me how much the entire transaction cost, book plus postage. I had fears that the postage alone would bankrupt me. I live in Delaware so my cost would be similar to yours. Thank you.

The shipping was 6.98 pounds which is equivalent to about $9.88 US dollars.

[woodward]

Jim: Thank you very much. I definitely will explore this. BTW, check your email in the MT - I sent you a message. Thanks.

[carole cucumber]

Although my copy was not to arrive in the U.S. until next week [[by Amazon U.K.'s computations), it came today. I've leafed through this sturdy, beautiful book briefly. Like some others, I might have wanted a few less 45's, picture sleeves & lp covers, yet I'm enjoying what I'm seeing and am very glad that I made the investment to add this work to my Motown library.
And Mr. Lester, it does appear that someone does not know a Marvelette from a Velvelette.

[carole cucumber]

It is interesting to see the [[earlier?) cover variations for Marvin Gaye's "That's the Way Love Is" and the Miracles "Four In Blue" albums on pp 244-245.
I just love the Jimmy & David Ruffin photo on pg. 224. Brotherly love and a softer side of David.

[JimBagley]

My copy arrived today too. Although I ordered it from Amazon UK, the address sticker says it shipped from Indianapolis.

[theboyfromxtown]

Although my copy was not to arrive in the U.S. until next week [[by Amazon U.K.'s computations), it came today. I've leafed through this sturdy, beautiful book briefly. Like some others, I might have wanted a few less 45's, picture sleeves & lp covers, yet I'm enjoying what I'm seeing and am very glad that I made the investment to add this work to my Motown library.
And Mr. Lester, it does appear that someone does not know a Marvelette from a Velvelette.

Clearly it was an oversight.......

[JimBagley]

Hi John Lester,
I got my book too. This book has beautiful photos but for the complete package of photos and history, I still have to go with Sharon Davis' book Motown: The History. This new book does not even reference important acts like The Elgins and The Monitors and The Velvelettes are only mentioned to point out their Needle In A Haystack was Norman Whitfield's first hit.

[marv2]

Hi John Lester,
I got my book too. This book has beautiful photos but for the complete package of photos and history, I still have to go with Sharon Davis' book Motown: The History. This new book does not even reference important acts like The Elgins and The Monitors and The Velvelettes are only mentioned to point out their Needle In A Haystack was Norman Whitfield's first hit.

How much did it end up costing you?

[theboyfromxtown]

It's still £25.97 [[$37) on Amazon.co.uk . Other places are selling it for £39.99 [[$57)

It's a big difference.

According to the postage rates on Amazon.co.uk, it's about £7 which is about $10

See here
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?_encoding=UTF8&nodeId=11072981&qid=1458725319&ref_hp_ab_ar_intdeliveryrates=&sr=13-1-acs#GUID-5672CA9A-98DA-48AF-A7A0-AE69554161F3__SECTION_DBD4B2049E3244308C39B0336652 EBEF

United States of America [[all 50 states)
Standard [[7-10 days)

Music / DVD / Blu-ray - £0.99 per item + £2.09 per delivery.
Books [[includes audio books) - £2.99 per item + £3.99 per delivery.
VHS - £2.99 per item + £3.99 per delivery.
For any combination of items from the categories listed above add together the appropriate "per item" rates. The highest "Per Delivery" rate applies.

AmazonGlobal Standard [[5-7 days)

Apparel / Automotive / Baby / Electronics / Home Improvement / Jewellery & Watches / Kitchen / Lawn & Garden / Musical Instruments / Office products / Shoes / Software / Sports / Toys / Video Games - £3.99 per kg + £8.99 per delivery.
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For any combination of items from the categories listed above add together the appropriate "per item" or "per kg" rates. The highest "Per Delivery" rate applies.

[thommg]

I am quite jealous of all those who are already receiving this book. I just got this note from Amazon US this morning:

We have good news! One of your pre-ordered items is now eligible for release date delivery and has been upgraded at no additional charge. Your new delivery estimate is:
White, Adam "Motown: The Sound of Young America"
Estimated arrival date: September 13, 2016

So we in the US still have to wait until September [[though it appears they have some copies in Indianapolis!).

[MIKEW-UK]

This book is indispensable to any Motown lover. It is sumptuously produced, the pictures, artwork, text and even the paper are absolutely first class and it is clear there has been no cost-cutting in its production. It is beautifully illustrated and it does a fantastic job of tracking just how Motown started from humble beginnings to grow to global success. As well as being indispensable to fans across the globe, It is especially interesting to UK based Motown fans as it documents just how the company rose to commercial and critical success in Europe from difficult and unsure beginnings, with the disappointingly supported initial Motown European tour. Ironic that Paris was the standout success of the tour!
It does a great job of covering a vast subject, and our own Ralph and Russ are in the book. Inevitably there are some omissions, I was disappointed that the great Motown stalwart Johnny Bristol doesn't find a single mention, and that the Originals only warrant an album cover. Nevertheless, this is a remarkable, beautiful piece of work and is worth every cent/ penny!

[marv2]

This book is indispensable to any Motown lover. It is sumptuously produced, the pictures, artwork, text and even the paper are absolutely first class and it is clear there has been no cost-cutting in its production. It is beautifully illustrated and it does a fantastic job of tracking just how Motown started from humble beginnings to grow to global success. As well as being indispensable to fans across the globe, It is especially interesting to UK based Motown fans as it documents just how the company rose to commercial and critical success in Europe from difficult and unsure beginnings, with the disappointingly supported initial Motown European tour. Ironic that Paris was the standout success of the tour!
It does a great job of covering a vast subject, and our own Ralph and Russ are in the book. Inevitably there are some omissions, I was disappointed that the great Motown stalwart Johnny Bristol doesn't find a single mention, and that the Originals only warrant an album cover. Nevertheless, this is a remarkable, beautiful piece of work and is worth every cent/ penny!


How could they forget Johnny Bristol? He was involved in some of the label's greatest, most memorable hits.

[woodward]

I placed my order on 3/3/16 for $60 with the price drop guarantee that if the price goes down I will get the lowest price. Today, a little over a month later, the price has dropped down several times and currently sits at $49.80. I should get the free shipping which was agreed to when I ordered the book even if it goes below the minimum for free shipping. Incidentally, I did order mine from Amazon USA. Maybe by September it will be next to nothing. Highly doubtful though.

[jobeterob]

I should go looking for this now!

[woodward]

I placed my order on 3/3/16 for $60 with the price drop guarantee that if the price goes down I will get the lowest price. Today, a little over a month later, the price has dropped down several times and currently sits at $49.80. I should get the free shipping which was agreed to when I ordered the book even if it goes below the minimum for free shipping. Incidentally, I did order mine from Amazon USA. Maybe by September it will be next to nothing. Highly doubtful though.

Price as of today has gone DOWN to $45.00. 6/27/16. Maybe with the turmoil in the UK it might go down way more. Stay tuned. I'm not anxious for that happen to see people in the UK get hurt.

[Jimi LaLumia]

I also ordered from Amazon U.S. what feels like years ago and I'll be happy to catch a break on the price by September

[woodward]

I just pre-ordered my copy on Amazon [[U.S.) for $54.00. The price by the time of release [[September) will surely come down. It usually does. As an Amazon Prime member, the free 2-day shipping will be great! I'll have it in my hands on the day of release. Prime membership may not be for everyone, but it's been a God-send for me. Given the number of CD's and other items that I order, Prime membership paid for itself in no time at all. This handsome, HEAVY new Motown book will be no exception!

I check my pending orders periodically; I just checked and it is now at $45 USD and the pending release date for the U S is 9/13. So hopefully the price will go down further before it is sent to U S purchasers.

[thommg]

I pre-ordered this so long ago! On my Amazon US order the price is $32.28. I don't know that it will be cheaper than that before I get it but I'm pleased with that price.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I check my pending orders periodically; I just checked and it is now at $45 USD and the pending release date for the U S is 9/13. So hopefully the price will go down further before it is sent to U S purchasers.

The price is sounding better all the time, woodward! I pre-ordered my copy of the new Motown book so long ago, I had actually forgotten about it! Monday will be August 1 and, compared to the time we've already waited [[since March), the September release date is almost here. [[Wow! August already! Where has the summer flown to?!!!)

[144man]

Last month I saw a copy in Foyles, London, looked through the book and was so impressed that I had to buy it there and then.

I haven't started reading it yet as I'm scared I met get a hernia lifting it off the bookshelf!

[Bokiluis]

I pre-ordered my copy 16 May 2016. At the time I placed the order, the cost was $60.00. Unfortunately, it is not scheduled to arrive until 16 September 2016. The pre-order price has been reduced to $45.00 + $3.94 tax and "no shipping costs".
i am an Amazon Prime customer.
While I concur that the original $60 price tag was steep, but, Snoop Dogg says it best, "maybe it's not for you". Instead of making judgments on whether someone should spend the money, especially those of us that own volume[[s) of Motown books and memorabilia. Chances are high that in a year or so, you may be able to locate one for half the costs.
However, I have read Adam White's Billboard International column for years and find his commentary valuable.
I have a strong personal interest in the Marketing/Sales end of the business. Since I sadly possess no musical or arts talent, Marketing/Sales remain highly interesting. You rarely hear Barney Ales perspective, save for a line or two, here and there. The fact that Mr. Gordy had the vision to build such a strong Marketing/Sales aspect of his company, despite his stating that it is the one weekly meeting he rarely attended....I still want to know how they broke through racial barriers early on in the game and had a slew of #1 hits, fascinates me.
Eventhough I may not learn a lot of new info about Motown, I just cannot resist buying it.
[[Some people think that $300 for a Prada shirt is expensive, while other see it as an investment in quality apparel.....who am I to make that judgment call for anyone. If it fits in your budget, even if you have to cutback on something.....do what's right for you. The rest is just noise from someone who does not fiscally support your decisions. That's my cheap two cent comment on cost).

[woodward]

I check my pending orders periodically; I just checked and it is now at $45 USD and the pending release date for the U S is 9/13. So hopefully the price will go down further before it is sent to U S purchasers.

Again, I checked my pending orders. It is now at $40.18 [[a reduction of 10.7% from the previously low price). Still slated for 9/13/16. Hopefully in the next two weeks, it will go down again. Stay tuned.

[Bokiluis]

I pre-ordered this so long ago! On my Amazon US order the price is $32.28. I don't know that it will be cheaper than that before I get it but I'm pleased with that price.

Congratulations! I ordered mine in May 2016 from Amazon U.S., but, my price is still only reduced to $45, which I am still grateful for. $32.28! Would be even nicer. What's the secret?
Even if you ordered from Amazon UK, where it's been available since March it is $45.07 [[USD).

[woodward]

The $32.28 price has never been understood. He's lucky to have gotten such a low price.

[thommg]

The $32.28 price has never been understood. He's lucky to have gotten such a low price.

I have no idea why my price is that low. I ordered it on February 4, 2016. This is what is says in my order history:

Arriving Sep 13, 2016
Pre-ordered
Track package

Motown: The Sound of Young America
White, Adam
Sold by: Amazon.com LLC
$32.28
Condition: New