Nothing But The Truth

[masterblaster]

Just pre ordered this Undisputed Truth CD direct from Ace [[released tomorrow) for £17.75 including postage which I think is the cheapest in the UK. It's £18.62 from Amazon if you are signed up to Prime, £19.88 if not.

[thanxal]

Thanks for the tip. Here's the US Amazon url:
https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-But-Truth-Undisputed/dp/B073LJR31N/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1503586182&sr=1-1&keywords=nothing+but+the+truth

[TomatoTom123]

Hey masterblaster, I did the exact same thing as you, and can't wait for the CD! Unfortunately, since being told about a website by the name of wowhd.com, I have started checking out all their prices for all the CDs I have ordered and might order in the future! Nothing But The Truth is apparently available for $15 [[!!!!) including free delivery!!!! Maaaadness!!!

http://www.wowhd.us/nothing-but-the-truth-3-motown-albums/029667084628

[jack020]

I used to order a lot from CDWOW as they were called before.
They ship from Asia I believe and sometimes it takes quite a long time before you receive your order.
So be aware.

[mysterysinger]

CDWOW has a lot of bad reviews [[and unhappy customers).

[gordy_hunk]

My copy has arrived - the liner notes are excellent. The whole package looks brilliant. I shall be playing it all in the car later today en route to the coast.

Good to see Eric Charge being given a mention too - I miss his contributions on here - his knowledge and collection of Motown material is phenomenal.

[jbpintus]

I got my copy this morning. It's just brilliant!

Well, it's another Ace / Kent cd that has all the qualities we could await from such a release. That means a lot!

It's fantastic to have these UT albums on cd... at last!

The liner notes, and particularly the interview parts with Joe Pep Harris, are a treasure by themselves.

And what music do we have here!
The mastering is superb, as always.

The choice to include music unavailable to us on cd - i.e. not to include the FACE TO FACE WITH THE TRUTH lp - is very clever.

The bonus tracks wisely selected give us a glimpse of the songs from that non included lp anyway.
But here we have the 45 mixes.

Overall, another one Ace Records cd everybody reading this should get. This and Brenda Holloway's SPELLBOUND are two dreams coming true.
I remember the many times we asked for the first UT album to get a cd release. Here it is. And we don't have just the 11 tracks of the album but 2 full CDs - 36 tracks including nearly half of them new on cd altogether.

The labels of 45 reprinted in the booklet are numerous and much welcome too.

What is missing with that release? Not much really. Maybe the back artworks of the lps? The detailed track listings differences between the US and UK LAW OF THE LAND lps? Well this can easily be found on the internet, contrary to the great 45 labels collected here.
So I won't complain.

... and oh! I just love the "?"
Who had this wonderful and funny idea? It's there, twice, but you're likely not to see it if you don't pay too much attention to details... [[I'm not talking about the "?" on the track listing after "Feeling Alright" huh?)

Many thanks to Keith all of those who made this release a reality.

In the same vein of 70s albums not on cd yet, please bring us Jr WALKER, the ORIGINALS, JERMAINE JACKSON and the remaining 2 UNDISPUTED TRUTH lps not on cd yet.

:)

JB

[alexstassi]

Mine hasn't arrived yet. Hopefully we'll see cosmic truth and higher than high real soon.

[masterblaster]

My copy arrived this morning [[Saturday) direct from Ace, at a lower price than elsewhere in the U.K. Great mastering and love to finally have the single version of 'Law Of The Land' digitally. Bought this as a single when first released in U.K. And loved the additional instrumentation that knocks socks of the album version.

Great release and agree with jbpintus, we need Jr Walker 70s albums.

[TomatoTom123]

I used to order a lot from CDWOW as they were called before.
They ship from Asia I believe and sometimes it takes quite a long time before you receive your order.
So be aware.

Ahh, now that would make sense. Thanks for letting me know, jack. I don't mind when companies do that, as long as I am aware of it and don't mind waiting! :)

[TomatoTom123]

My copy has arrived - the liner notes are excellent. The whole package looks brilliant. I shall be playing it all in the car later today en route to the coast.

Good to see Eric Charge being given a mention too - I miss his contributions on here - his knowledge and collection of Motown material is phenomenal.


I got my copy this morning. It's just brilliant!

Well, it's another Ace / Kent cd that has all the qualities we could await from such a release. That means a lot!

It's fantastic to have these UT albums on cd... at last!

The liner notes, and particularly the interview parts with Joe Pep Harris, are a treasure by themselves.

And what music do we have here!
The mastering is superb, as always.

The choice to include music unavailable to us on cd - i.e. not to include the FACE TO FACE WITH THE TRUTH lp - is very clever.

The bonus tracks wisely selected give us a glimpse of the songs from that non included lp anyway.
But here we have the 45 mixes.

Overall, another one Ace Records cd everybody reading this should get. This and Brenda Holloway's SPELLBOUND are two dreams coming true.
I remember the many times we asked for the first UT album to get a cd release. Here it is. And we don't have just the 11 tracks of the album but 2 full CDs - 36 tracks including nearly half of them new on cd altogether.

The labels of 45 reprinted in the booklet are numerous and much welcome too.

What is missing with that release? Not much really. Maybe the back artworks of the lps? The detailed track listings differences between the US and UK LAW OF THE LAND lps? Well this can easily be found on the internet, contrary to the great 45 labels collected here.
So I won't complain.

... and oh! I just love the "?"
Who had this wonderful and funny idea? It's there, twice, but you're likely not to see it if you don't pay too much attention to details... [[I'm not talking about the "?" on the track listing after "Feeling Alright" huh?)

Many thanks to Keith all of those who made this release a reality.

In the same vein of 70s albums not on cd yet, please bring us Jr WALKER, the ORIGINALS, JERMAINE JACKSON and the remaining 2 UNDISPUTED TRUTH lps not on cd yet.

:)

JB


My copy arrived this morning [[Saturday) direct from Ace, at a lower price than elsewhere in the U.K. Great mastering and love to finally have the single version of 'Law Of The Land' digitally. Bought this as a single when first released in U.K. And loved the additional instrumentation that knocks socks of the album version.

Great release and agree with jbpintus, we need Jr Walker 70s albums.

OH MAN, reading all this makes me want the CD even more! Just one more day and then I'm back home... damn, I hope it has arrived...

[TomatoTom123]

Mine hasn't arrived yet. Hopefully we'll see cosmic truth and higher than high real soon.

Hey alex, I hope yours arrives soon too!!!

I'd love to see those Undisputed Truth LPs on CD as well. But I've always wondered what people [[Motown fans) think of them. I like both albums but they are rather, erm, crazy! A bit too much on the rock side if you know what I mean. [[Those screeeeechy guitars on Cosmic Truth!!!)

Anyway, my question [[sorry it is a bit irrelevant)... what do you think of The Undisputed Truth's albums Cosmic Truth and Higher Than High?

[alexstassi]

I agree that both these albums are more rockier and crazier, but my standout faves on higher than high are "life aint so easy" I prefer this version to the re-recording on method to the madness, and "i saw you when you met her"...
on "Cosmic Truth" again for me the two stand out tracks are "down by the river" and the ultimate "I know [[i'm losing you) , which dare i say tops the original Temps version... The Truths cover is one "7 min musical trip"!!
just these 4 tracks mentioned, to me, would be worth the price of the CD alone.

[jbpintus]

Something i wanted to ask for some years now...

At the very beginning of "You Got The Love I Need", there is some chatting heard on the right channel of the stereo album mix. This is not heard on the mono single mix.

It seems someone says something like "is it take...?"

What is it?

I may be a bleed-through of an announcement related to the take number, actually said just before the take itself but who got by chance 'copied' by magnetic effect a few seconds later - i.e. at 0:01 into the song.

Or maybe an error during the mixing, which would have omitted to turn to silence some dialogue on one of the tracks for the horns which are far right in the mix, just where the chatter is heard.

Else I thought it could also be something said in the cans to the singers, that would have leaked through the microphones, and preserved on the tape - some similar extra noises can be heard when lyrics were sung to Stevie so he knew what to sing, on "I Gave Up Quality For Quantity" for instance.

What do you think?

JB

[jbpintus]

Just found a great French blog on the UNDISPUTED TRUTH, and other great Soul Music related things too...

Scroll down for complete discography, including scans of many many international releases.

Very impressive!

http://soul-quinquin.eklablog.com/the-undisputed-truth-discographie-c17942504/1

http://soul-quinquin.eklablog.com/
For other soul and Motown related similar pages.

JB

[jbpintus]

...and UNDISPUTED TRUTH ? NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH ranks #1 in Funk releases on amazon.co.uk!

Well done!

[masterblaster]

Confused!!
The single version of 'Law Of The Land" on Nothing But The Truth set is the same version as the 'album version' on the Undisputed Truth Essential Collection cd [[i.e. without the high pitch wah wah at 02:25) whereas the album version on NBTT is the same version as the single issued in the U.K.

So which version was issued on the 'Law Of The Land' album? Have these two tracks got mixed-up on NBTT?

[TomatoTom123]

I agree that both these albums are more rockier and crazier, but my standout faves on higher than high are "life aint so easy" I prefer this version to the re-recording on method to the madness, and "i saw you when you met her"...
on "Cosmic Truth" again for me the two stand out tracks are "down by the river" and the ultimate "I know [[i'm losing you) , which dare i say tops the original Temps version... The Truths cover is one "7 min musical trip"!!
just these 4 tracks mentioned, to me, would be worth the price of the CD alone.

Ah, great choices alex! The Truth's version of "I'm Losing You" is indeed a crazy piece of extended psychedelic funk!! And their recording of "I Saw You When You Met Her" might top David Ruffin's version, which means a lot coming from me, lol. Not a massive fan of "Life Ain't So Easy" [[either version really) but it has grown on me over time. IMO "Down By The River" is probably one of the most 'normal' songs out of them all, and it's a cover! Great track though.

My faves on Cosmic Truth are probably "Earthquake Shake" and then either "Spaced Out", "Squeeze Me, Tease Me" or "Lil' Red Riding Hood" [[is that four? oops)... and on Higher Than High "Poontang" is DEF my favourite track and then either "I'm In The Red Zone" or "Ma" for second.

Half the tracks I know are on CD but I need all of 'em!!! Also, I'd love an 'edited single version' of "Earthquake Shake" without the last two minutes of, erm, musical nonsense. :p

[TomatoTom123]

Something i wanted to ask for some years now...

At the very beginning of "You Got The Love I Need", there is some chatting heard on the right channel of the stereo album mix. This is not heard on the mono single mix.

It seems someone says something like "is it take...?"

What is it?

I may be a bleed-through of an announcement related to the take number, actually said just before the take itself but who got by chance 'copied' by magnetic effect a few seconds later - i.e. at 0:01 into the song.

Or maybe an error during the mixing, which would have omitted to turn to silence some dialogue on one of the tracks for the horns which are far right in the mix, just where the chatter is heard.

Else I thought it could also be something said in the cans to the singers, that would have leaked through the microphones, and preserved on the tape - some similar extra noises can be heard when lyrics were sung to Stevie so he knew what to sing, on "I Gave Up Quality For Quantity" for instance.

What do you think?

JB

Lol, JB, I have always wondered what that was at the beginning of the track. I had never thought about checking the mono version though... and it's not there, eh? I will have to give it a listen.

I think I had always just assumed it was studio chatter or something accidentally left on the track, but [[as you can tell) I have no idea really, and all of your theories sound plausible.

I don't suppose it's any different on this new CD, is it? Also, do you think there is a way of removing it? I guess you could cut the track so it starts after the chatter is heard but I dunno... hmm, mysterious... lol ;)

[TomatoTom123]

...and UNDISPUTED TRUTH ? NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH ranks #1 in Funk releases on amazon.co.uk!

Well done!

OH MY, that's so great!! Yes!!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/b/ref=mh_s9_acsd_hfnv_b3AIa_ct_x_ct02_w?_encoding=UT F8&node=761110&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-4&pf_rd_r=8MWBK62RZGS57JYMM2J0&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_p=83e9b298-5cd9-5e0a-ac52-c6f94a6beac5&pf_rd_i=754576

[alexstassi]

Ah, great choices alex! The Truth's version of "I'm Losing You" is indeed a crazy piece of extended psychedelic funk!! And their recording of "I Saw You When You Met Her" might top David Ruffin's version, which means a lot coming from me, lol. Not a massive fan of "Life Ain't So Easy" [[either version really) but it has grown on me over time. IMO "Down By The River" is probably one of the most 'normal' songs out of them all, and it's a cover! Great track though.

My faves on Cosmic Truth are probably "Earthquake Shake" and then either "Spaced Out", "Squeeze Me, Tease Me" or "Lil' Red Riding Hood" [[is that four? oops)... and on Higher Than High "Poontang" is DEF my favourite track and then either "I'm In The Red Zone" or "Ma" for second.

Half the tracks I know are on CD but I need all of 'em!!! Also, I'd love an 'edited single version' of "Earthquake Shake" without the last two minutes of, erm, musical nonsense. :p

The Truths take on Down by the river makes it sound more like a Pink Floyd number rather than a Neil Young song :) I didn't include Poontang on my list as I have it already on a best of compilation, but yes, fantastic track... how did they get away with that????

[TomatoTom123]

The Truths take on Down by the river makes it sound more like a Pink Floyd number rather than a Neil Young song :) I didn't include Poontang on my list as I have it already on a best of compilation, but yes, fantastic track... how did they get away with that????

Ooh, alex, I don't know anything about Neil Young or Pink Floyd, so I'll have to take your word for it. :)

Ah, yes, "Poontang", I don't know how they did get away with that... "I used to hate it 'til I ate it"... LOL... gets me every time. I can't believe it wasn't released as a single 'cause IMO it is definitely the best track off their Higher Than High LP and just screams HIT to me. Maybe it was just too explicit!!! :D

[TomatoTom123]

So... I uploaded my copy of Nothing But The Truth onto my computer and iPod and... I'm loving it!

Well, technically, I burnt the CDs into iTunes, moved the tracks about, and recreated the original albums! Now I have every Undisputed Truth song eva!!!!

I'm so happy to have this music on CD... especially all the album tracks and B-Sides...! The Truth's versions of "We've Got A Way Out Love"... "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"... "Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone" are fantastic and now sound fantastic too!

Also, I can't believe I'm saying this, but... I love their cover of Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" too!!! I like it way more than I thought I would [[or should!) but I can't help it. I deliberately avoided listening to the track in the past for fear of me actually liking it but oh well... lol

Thanks for this great release ACE!!!!! :D

[paul_nixon]

So... I uploaded my copy of Nothing But The Truth onto my computer and iPod and... I'm loving it!

Well, technically, I burnt the CDs into iTunes, moved the tracks about, and recreated the original albums! Now I have every Undisputed Truth song eva!!!!

I'm so happy to have this music on CD... especially all the album tracks and B-Sides...! The Truth's versions of "We've Got A Way Out Love"... "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"... "Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone" are fantastic and now sound fantastic too!

Also, I can't believe I'm saying this, but... I love their cover of Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" too!!! I like it way more than I thought I would [[or should!) but I can't help it. I deliberately avoided listening to the track in the past for fear of me actually liking it but oh well... lol

Thanks for this great release ACE!!!!! :D


Could you get Itunes to recognise it it - mine just comes up with a list of unnamed tracks guess will have to wait a few days

[TomatoTom123]

Could you get Itunes to recognise it it - mine just comes up with a list of unnamed tracks guess will have to wait a few days

Hi Paul, do you mean recognise the Nothing But The Truth compilation? If so, no... the tracks were all just numbers like "track 01" and so on. I think I must have named them all myself which is a bit long but does work. :)

[paul_nixon]

Hi Paul, do you mean recognise the Nothing But The Truth compilation? If so, no... the tracks were all just numbers like "track 01" and so on. I think I must have named them all myself which is a bit long but does work. :)

Yep same here track one track two etc etc. I wasn't going to go all through the hassle or naming them myself - will wait for Itunes to wake up. Must be they aren't selling it yet

[lakeside]

https://www.dustygroove.com/item/850419

At Dusty Groove.

[gordy_hunk]

Also, I can't believe I'm saying this, but... I love their cover of Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" too!!! I like it way more than I thought I would [[or should!) but I can't help it. I deliberately avoided listening to the track in the past for fear of me actually liking it but oh well... lol

Thanks for this great release ACE!!!!! :D

I first heard this track on the LP way back in the 1970s. I used to love this track so much. In those days, I would be getting to go to work [[nights) and this track was always the one I played before I set off for work. I'm now coming to the end of my time as a Police Officer, and having this track on CD is a fantastic reminder of those fearless days.

The first LP by the Undisputed Truth is perhaps my most wanted LP from any artist on Motown to be issued and now finally it's here. In the last 10 days' I must have played "like a rolling stone" at least a dozen times.

I had forgotten just how amazingly good this entire LP was. I'm so delighted it's available - although I do not intend to let my vinyl copy of the LP depart from my collection...

[keith_hughes]

Ace - and Universal, and all record companies - release the track info and the audio files at the same time to digital vendors such as iTunes and Amazon. Syncing this data is up to the vendors, and I don't know why it doesn't always happen before the files go on sale.

Thanks for the kind comments on this set - credit is due to Tony Rounce at Ace who had the idea and saw it through. Tony has other ideas for "later" Motown material to get the CD treatment, and I hope they happen soon.

The next Ace/Motown CD is nearly ready for announcement ... and we'll be back firmly in the 60s with that one! Watch this space ...

[TomatoTom123]

Yep same here track one track two etc etc. I wasn't going to go all through the hassle or naming them myself - will wait for Itunes to wake up. Must be they aren't selling it yet

Yea I guess so. Sometimes that happens. It worked alright for the Willie Hutch CD though so maybe's it's just random. :)

[TomatoTom123]

I first heard this track on the LP way back in the 1970s. I used to love this track so much. In those days, I would be getting to go to work [[nights) and this track was always the one I played before I set off for work. I'm now coming to the end of my time as a Police Officer, and having this track on CD is a fantastic reminder of those fearless days.

The first LP by the Undisputed Truth is perhaps my most wanted LP from any artist on Motown to be issued and now finally it's here. In the last 10 days' I must have played "like a rolling stone" at least a dozen times.

I had forgotten just how amazingly good this entire LP was. I'm so delighted it's available - although I do not intend to let my vinyl copy of the LP depart from my collection...

Yea, gordyhunk, it is rather catchy and I just love the build-up. And yep, I agree, the whole LP is fantastic... I don't mind the fact that basically all the tracks are covers 'cause they're [[almost all) Motown songs.

I have never listened to the original version of "Like A Rolling Stone" actually, I wonder if it's any good... lol

[TomatoTom123]

Ace - and Universal, and all record companies - release the track info and the audio files at the same time to digital vendors such as iTunes and Amazon. Syncing this data is up to the vendors, and I don't know why it doesn't always happen before the files go on sale.

Ahh, I see. So they release the track info to iTunes but sometimes not the actual music? I mean, I've seen some albums that come out on CD also made available as digital downloads, others not... hey, Keith... could you explain that to me? Lol, thank you ;)


Thanks for the kind comments on this set - credit is due to Tony Rounce at Ace who had the idea and saw it through. Tony has other ideas for "later" Motown material to get the CD treatment, and I hope they happen soon.

Oh, nice! Thanks Tony Rounce!!!! :D


The next Ace/Motown CD is nearly ready for announcement ... and we'll be back firmly in the 60s with that one! Watch this space ...

YAY! Love it! :)

[sansradio]

TomatoTom, if a CD is not on iTunes when you sync it, iTunes consults a database called Gracenote. That database relies on the first instance in which the CD was synced to supply track information. Hence, if a CD has never been synced anywhere in the world with track info, you'll get just track numbers. This explains why some CDs you sync may appear in languages other than English or with typos, which, of course, you can manually modify if you choose to. Hope this helps.

[TomatoTom123]

TomatoTom, if a CD is not on iTunes when you sync it, iTunes consults a database called Gracenote. That database relies on the first instance in which the CD was synced to supply track information. Hence, if a CD has never been synced anywhere in the world with track info, you'll get just track numbers. This explains why some CDs you sync may appear in languages other than English or with typos, which, of course, you can manually modify if you choose to. Hope this helps.

Ahh, ok, I think I get that. Thanks sans.

When you say the "first instance in which the CD was synced to supply track information" do you mean syncing by the vendors? Or by anyone? If I add track names and info, will iTunes remember it so other people use it when they upload their CD?

[[I'm gonna say "no", lol :))

[masterblaster]

Well, technically, I burnt the CDs into iTunes, moved the tracks about, and recreated the original albums! Now I have every Undisputed Truth song eva

Hi TomatoTom,
In recreating your original albums, which versions of 'Law Of The Land'did you use for the Law Of The Land and Down To Earth albums?
The 'single version' on cd2 was actually on the Law Of The Land album so I suppose the album version on Cd1 was on the Down To Earth album although I can't get anyone to confirm which version was used on DTE.
I do know that the version on cd1 was used for the UK single release which differs from the US single.

[TomatoTom123]

Hi TomatoTom,
In recreating your original albums, which versions of 'Law Of The Land'did you use for the Law Of The Land and Down To Earth albums?
The 'single version' on cd2 was actually on the Law Of The Land album so I suppose the album version on Cd1 was on the Down To Earth album although I can't get anyone to confirm which version was used on DTE.
I do know that the version on cd1 was used for the UK single release which differs from the US single.

Hi masterblaster, in creating my Law Of The Land album, I think I used the 'single version' from Nothing But The Truth, which is, like you say, the one on the original Law Of The Land album. [[So it's not really the single version then, right? Lol)

I didn't include all the songs that were already on previous albums when creating my Down To Earth album, only the new tracks by the new lineup.

Also, "Let's Go Back To Day One" and "Gonna Keep On Tryin' 'Til I Win Your Love", which were bonus tracks on the UK release of Down To Earth in 1974... I put those two on my Law Of The Land album because they were recorded by the original 1970-73 trio not the new 1974 lineup. :D

[masterblaster]

Hi masterblaster, in creating my Law Of The Land album, I think I used the 'single version' from Nothing But The Truth, which is, like you say, the one on the original Law Of The Land album. [[So it's not really the single version then, right? Lol

I did something similar when recreating the two albums but pondered over which LOTL tracks to use. I heard the UK single version first and was always disappointed when hearing the album versions as they lacked the added synth effects in the instrumental bridge. I used to have Down To Earth on cassette and I'm sure the version used was the same as the Law Of The Land album version. That means the only time the 'synth' version was ever issued was for the UK single release.

[sansradio]

Ahh, ok, I think I get that. Thanks sans.

When you say the "first instance in which the CD was synced to supply track information" do you mean syncing by the vendors? Or by anyone? If I add track names and info, will iTunes remember it so other people use it when they upload their CD?

[[I'm gonna say "no", lol :))

The impression I have is "anyone"; that would explain typos.

[alexstassi]

With iTunes only cd2 came up with the track names... I ended up using Nero to rip the cd, until the database is updated on grace note

[Ozmo]

I did something similar when recreating the two albums but pondered over which LOTL tracks to use. I heard the UK single version first and was always disappointed when hearing the album versions as they lacked the added synth effects in the instrumental bridge. I used to have Down To Earth on cassette and I'm sure the version used was the same as the Law Of The Land album version. That means the only time the 'synth' version was ever issued was for the UK single release.

Hi Masterblaster. I still have the vinyl of Down To Earth somewhere and distinctly recall that the version of 'Law of the Land' on that album is the version with the synthesiser effects. I recall being surprised when first hearing it as I expected the same version [[with no synth) that was on the LOTL album.The Down To Earth album also contained the same versions of 'Love and Happiness' [[from LOTL) and 'Save My Love For A Rainy Day' [[from first album). I guess Norman Whitfield did not have enough tracks completed for a full album with the new lineup.

[masterblaster]

Hi Masterblaster. I still have the vinyl of Down To Earth somewhere and distinctly recall that the version of 'Law of the Land' on that album is the version with the synthesiser effects. I recall being surprised when first hearing it as I expected the same version [[with no synth) that was on the LOTL album.The Down To Earth album also contained the same versions of 'Love and Happiness' [[from LOTL) and 'Save My Love For A Rainy Day' [[from first album). I guess Norman Whitfield did not have enough tracks completed for a full album with the new lineup.

Thank you for confirming that Ozmo, I couldn't remember which version was on my cassette. That is how I have recreated my albums with the synth version on Down To Earth.
I don't understand why Ace didn't put the correct versions with each album rather that naming one as the 'single version' to avoid any confusion, as each version stands up as a different track IMO.

[mysterysinger]

My copy arrived this morning from Wow HD - intact and looking great. The CD cases used by ACE seem more robust and altogether more practical than those used by Soul Music. Still to listen to it but I'm expecting great things.

[TomatoTom123]

Ozmo and masterblaster, thanks for explaining and getting to the bottom of the Law Of The Land mystery!

I think I will replace the [[synth-less) version I used for my Law Of The Land album... I'll put the version with the synthesiser effects in there instead, as it seems superior! :D

[masterblaster]

I totally agree TomatoTom, the synth version is the definitive version to me as it was the one I heard in the clubs at the time and the version selected for U.K release as a single.
Thank you Ozmo for helping to clear up the confusion.

[kenneth]

Ace - and Universal, and all record companies - release the track info and the audio files at the same time to digital vendors such as iTunes and Amazon. Syncing this data is up to the vendors, and I don't know why it doesn't always happen before the files go on sale.

Thanks for the kind comments on this set - credit is due to Tony Rounce at Ace who had the idea and saw it through. Tony has other ideas for "later" Motown material to get the CD treatment, and I hope they happen soon.

The next Ace/Motown CD is nearly ready for announcement ... and we'll be back firmly in the 60s with that one! Watch this space ...

I have no idea of the lead time for these releases, but perhaps it's the Spinners set that was hinted about on a thread a few months ago. Honestly, it doesn't really matter. All of Ace/Kent's stuff is great and so beautifully done I'll buy it regardless.

[TomatoTom123]

I have no idea of the lead time for these releases, but perhaps it's the Spinners set that was hinted about on a thread a few months ago. Honestly, it doesn't really matter. All of Ace/Kent's stuff is great and so beautifully done I'll buy it regardless.

I agree kenneth, I don't mind at all who gets the ACE treatment, it's all great stuff!!!! :)

[kenneth]

Amazon says it is out of stock on this and I heard from an SDF friend that even his pre-order has yet to be satisfied. Yesterday, I checked Amazon and the price was $32! Today it's back to $16.99.

Anyway, I had a good experience buying Holloway's "Spellbound" on WOWHD, so I ordered "Nothing But the Truth" from them for $17.71, and free shipping. They say it's in stock. Hope so!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Amazon says it is out of stock on this and I heard from an SDF friend that even his pre-order has yet to be satisfied. Yesterday, I checked Amazon and the price was $32! Today it's back to $16.99.

Anyway, I had a good experience buying Holloway's "Spellbound" on WOWHD, so I ordered "Nothing But the Truth" from them for $17.71, and free shipping. They say it's in stock. Hope so!

Hey Kenny! I just got off the phone with Amazon Customer Service. I pre-ordered my copies of Brenda Holloway AND The Undisputed Truth CDs back in July when the option to Pre-Order first became available. As an Amazon Prime member, I was to have my copy of The Undisputed Truth in my hands yesterday. Instead, not only had it not shipped yet, its Amazon status is currently listed as "Temporarily out of stock". This status implies that Amazon had them in stock at some point but ran out of them, having sold my Pre-ordered copy out from under me. As it turns out, this isn't the case at all. Amazon simply hasn't received ANY copies yet of either title. As soon as they become available, I'll be among the first to receive my Pre-Order, as will other customers who pre-ordered. [[I've noticed that this always happens with U.S. Amazon's import-CD orders from ACE in the U.K., although I've never understood why.) The Amazon Customer Service rep I spoke with was a foreigner and I was having trouble understanding her, but I think she said that The Undisputed Truth won't be available until October, but I seriously doubt it will take that long. Anyway, to ease the minds of those who Pre-Ordered, Amazon hasn't been selling our copies out from under us. We're still first on the list to get them.

[kenneth]

Hey Gary, that still seems unacceptable. If they are selling pre-orders, they should have an idea of what kind of stock they'll have. I think you should ask for the CD to be free or something. I had the Brenda CD about a week after its actual street date, from WowHD. What you describe has never happened to me with Amazon; I've always got my pre-orders shortly after release [[though not as quickly as you big wigs who have Amazon Prime). When it happens to me, they'll get an earful, you can be sure!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hey Gary, that still seems unacceptable. If they are selling pre-orders, they should have an idea of what kind of stock they'll have. I think you should ask for the CD to be free or something. I had the Brenda CD about a week after its actual street date, from WowHD. What you describe has never happened to me with Amazon; I've always got my pre-orders shortly after release [[though not as quickly as you big wigs who have Amazon Prime). When it happens to me, they'll get an earful, you can be sure!
"Big Wigs"! HaHa! I wish! I hear ya, Kenny, but don't take it out on the Customer Service reps. They have no control over it, and, apparently, neither does Amazon. I could have ordered my ACE releases elsewhere, but I chose to wait for Amazon because of the free 2nd-Day shipping and the Amazon Reward Points which I earn toward future purchases. I've always had good luck with my free 2nd-day shipping deliveries [[with the exception of orders shipped from Amazon's East Georgia warehouse which, for whatever reason, take 3 days for delivery instead of 2). And some orders even arrive on Sunday's! It's only the imported ACE Motown releases that seem to take forever to get here beyond the original expected arrival date. I'll just bide my time. At the moment, I'm just relieved to know that Amazon's "Temporarily Out Of Stock" status for Pre-Orders is simply a poor choice of wording and not a royal screw-over. Brenda will be here along with The Undisputed Truth when I least expect it.

[kenneth]

@Gary, Ah Kind Sir, Methinks you are much more gracious of a personage than am I. But of course, I knew that anyway!

And like it or not, the customer service reps are the front line and have to bear the brunt of consumers' complaints. At least, that's the way I look at it!

[ejluther]

I cancelled my Amazon order and ordered it via amoeba instead it's on its way to me now...
https://www.amoeba.com/nothing-but-the-truth-3-motown-albums-on-2-cds-plus-bonus-tracks-cd-undisputed-truth/albums/3975557/

[kenneth]

I cancelled my Amazon order and ordered it via amoeba instead it's on its way to me now...
https://www.amoeba.com/nothing-but-the-truth-3-motown-albums-on-2-cds-plus-bonus-tracks-cd-undisputed-truth/albums/3975557/

Did you get 15% off? They're having a sale through tomorrow. If you enter SEP15 at checkout, you'll get the 15% discount.

[TomatoTom123]

I totally agree TomatoTom, the synth version is the definitive version to me as it was the one I heard in the clubs at the time and the version selected for U.K release as a single.
Thank you Ozmo for helping to clear up the confusion.

Yea masterblaster, I like the synth effects... they're a bit weird 'cause I'm not used to hearing them but I like them! Also, they remind me of the sythesisers on The Undisputed Truth's "Higher Than High"... :)

[kenneth]

Amazon still seems to not have this in stock. I ordered it from WowHD [[price about the same, free shipping) on Saturday and got a confirmation that it was shipped the next day.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Amazon still seems to not have this in stock. I ordered it from WowHD [[price about the same, free shipping) on Saturday and got a confirmation that it was shipped the next day.

Hey Buddy, happy days are here again! I just got an email from Amazon. My copy of "Nothing But The Truth" has shipped -- for real! [[It has left the seller facility and is in transit.) However, despite my Prime Membership benefits, it won 't arrive until Thursday -- most likely because of Hurricane Irma which is coming right at us.

[caliluv]

Amazon still seems to not have this in stock. I ordered it from WowHD [[price about the same, free shipping) on Saturday and got a confirmation that it was shipped the next day.

I did the same. Canceled amazon order and ordered from Wowhd for 17.99, no shipping and received it in a week. It was mailed from KY.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I did the same. Canceled amazon order and ordered from Wowhd for 17.99, no shipping and received it in a week. It was mailed from KY.

Caliluv, my copy from Amazon ended up costing only $16.99 plus free shipping. Not bad, and worth the wait.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Amazon finally came through, as I knew they would. And they didn't make me wait until Thursday, either! My copy of "Nothing But The Truth" arrived today [[Tuesday), and what a thrilling set this is! Norman Whitfield's productions on the Undisputed Truth are just as exciting as ever, and the sound quality is top notch, as always. ACE/Kent has blessed us all with another Motown winner! One more blessing of "Cosmic Truth" and "Higher Than High" is all it would take to complete the UT's Motown output.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

On the front cover of The Undisputed Truth's "Nothing But The Truth", could someone please identify which of the ladies is Billie Calvin and which is Brenda Evans? After all these years, I have yet to see them identified in any photos. I even had the pleasure of meeting them back in 1971 during my tour of Motown's Donovan Building. They were so gracious and friendly, yet I was too embarrassed to ask them who was who for fear of insulting them. Can anyone help?

[TomatoTom123]

On the front cover of The Undisputed Truth's "Nothing But The Truth", could someone please identify which of the ladies is Billie Calvin and which is Brenda Evans? After all these years, I have yet to see them identified in any photos. I even had the pleasure of meeting them back in 1971 during my tour of Motown's Donovan Building. They were so gracious and friendly, yet I was too embarrassed to ask them who was who for fear of insulting them. Can anyone help?

Hey Gary, I believe I can help!!!

13454

On the cover I believe it is Billie Rae Calvin on the left, and Brenda Joyce Evans on the right. I think I was able to find out from Brenda's Facebook page, which I shall try and locate now!! :)

[TomatoTom123]

Here it is... lovely pictures too... https://m.facebook.com/bj.evansjohnson

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hey Gary, I believe I can help!!!

13454

On the cover I believe it is Billie Rae Calvin on the left, and Brenda Joyce Evans on the right. I think I was able to find out from Brenda's Facebook page, which I shall try and locate now!! :)
Tom, thank you so much for solving the mystery! As popular as the Undisputed Truth were at the time, their identities were treated as if they were anonymous studio singers. Maybe it was just a sign of the changing times [[the '70s versus the '60s back when Motown's artists were household names and felt like family members).

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Here it is... lovely pictures too... https://m.facebook.com/bj.evansjohnson
Hey Tom, thanks again! I knew I could count on you! It's good to know that Brenda is still alive and well. [[If I had run into her on the street, however, I'm afraid I would have never recognized her! But, then, she probably wouldn't recognize me, either, as I look totally different now than I did back in 1971 when I met and had photos taken with her, Billie, and Marv Johnson.) When Billie and Brenda's identities were last discussed on the Motown Forum, I was saddened to learn that Billie had passed on, but was glad to hear that she was always such a nice person. Still, however, their faces weren't identified. At last, thanks to you, the mystery is over! [[And, thanks to the new and fantastic "Nothing But The Truth", I had almost forgotten how good those girls sounded together. Their harmonies were fantastic!)

[TomatoTom123]

Tom, thank you so much for solving the mystery! As popular as the Undisputed Truth were at the time, their identities were treated as if they were anonymous studio singers. Maybe it was just a sign of the changing times [[the '70s versus the '60s back when Motown's artists were household names and felt like family members).

Hey, no problem, Gary!

But yea, you're right, their identities were kinda hard to find out... even today... it was only when I found the Facebook page that I knew for sure! But I'm so glad I know now too :D

[TomatoTom123]

Hey Tom, thanks again! I knew I could count on you! It's good to know that Brenda is still alive and well. [[If I had run into her on the street, however, I'm afraid I would have never recognized her! But, then, she probably wouldn't recognize me, either, as I look totally different now than I did back in 1971 when I met and had photos taken with her, Billie, and Marv Johnson.) When Billie and Brenda's identities were last discussed on the Motown Forum, I was saddened to learn that Billie had passed on, but was glad to hear that she was always such a nice person. Still, however, their faces weren't identified. At last, thanks to you, the mystery is over! [[And, thanks to the new and fantastic "Nothing But The Truth", I had almost forgotten how good those girls sounded together. Their harmonies were fantastic!)

Yes indeed Gary!!! And no worries ;)

[Cosmic Truth]

Mine hasn't arrived yet. Hopefully we'll see cosmic truth and higher than high real soon.

That's the two albums I'd love to see released on Cd, Alex.

[Cosmic Truth]

The Truths take on Down by the river makes it sound more like a Pink Floyd number rather than a Neil Young song :) I didn't include Poontang on my list as I have it already on a best of compilation, but yes, fantastic track... how did they get away with that????

In my opinion, Norman definitely copied the Pink Floyd track Breathe on this one Alex.

[TomatoTom123]

In my opinion, Norman definitely copied the Pink Floyd track Breathe on this one Alex.

Imma have to check that out... right now! :)

[TomatoTom123]

Here's The Truth's version of "Down By The River"...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&persist_app=1&noapp=1&v=-vbksvRx-Ro

[TomatoTom123]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrojrDCI02k&app=desktop

OK now this does sound very similar... especially the intro and that organ thing... wow Norman Whitfield was doing some serious experimentation on Cosmic Truth, LOL :D

[Cosmic Truth]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrojrDCI02k&app=desktop

OK now this does sound very similar... especially the intro and that organ thing... wow Norman Whitfield was doing some serious experimentation on Cosmic Truth, LOL :D

Some might even say Norman was doing some serious plagiarism with that track Tom! :D

I always thought the problem with Pink Floyd was when they sang. When it was just instrumentation, some of their music was excellent, but when they sang, it ruined it for me.

Though the tunes are pretty much the same, in my opinion, Down By the River is a much better song, because of The Undisputed Truth's singing.

[TomatoTom123]

Some might even say Norman was doing some serious plagiarism with that track Tom! :D

I always thought the problem with Pink Floyd was when they sang. When it was just instrumentation, some of their music was excellent, but when they sang, it ruined it for me.

Though the tunes are pretty much the same, in my opinion, Down By the River is a much better song, because of The Undisputed Truth's singing.

I guess you could say that Cosmic, heehee :D

I'm not familiar with Pink Floyd at all but while listening to "Breathe" I was kinda turned off when they started singing...

However, this has got me thinking... if The Truth's version of Neil Young's "Down To The River" actually sounds like Pink Floyd's "Breathe"... what on earth does Neil Young's "Down By The River" sound like??!

[TomatoTom123]

Like this, apparently!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1gxkRve4Q0&app=desktop

That's actually a very weird song, lol

[alexstassi]

Yes, most definitely

[mjdestiny]

One thing about the song "Let's Go Back To Day One" :
I have the Undisputed Truth compilation called "The Collection" and issued in 2002 by Spectrum , this one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ESSENTIAL-COLLECT-Undisputed-Truth/dp/B00005YT8M/ref=sr_1_5?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1509805348&sr=1-5&keywords=undisputed+truth
This compilation contains a version of the song totally different than the one includes on the "Nothing But The Truth" compilation.Different mix , the trio singing and humming during the intro [[on the recent comp' it's only Joe singing and just one line) , also the song is longer on the 2002 CD = 2'50" [[ 2'35" on the 2017 cd).
One question: which version is really the one includes on the original UK LP in 1975 ? I'm confused ....

[theboyfromxtown]

The version on the latest ACE cd is NOT the version on the original Tamla Motown album.

Have to say, I love both versions.

[TomatoTom123]

Oh damn, another Undisputed Truth mystery!? :D

[mjdestiny]

The version on the latest ACE cd is NOT the version on the original Tamla Motown album.

Have to say, I love both versions.
Thank you for the info.
And me too , i love both versions !

[Cosmic Truth]

It looks like Pink Floyd may have copied their song Breath from Buddy Miles version of Down By the River.


https://youtu.be/s5_5ik5ZM6M

[alexstassi]

It looks like Pink Floyd may have copied their song Breath from Buddy Miles version of Down By the River.


https://youtu.be/s5_5ik5ZM6M

Wow... i always said the truths cover sounded like pink floyds breathe and now its seems exactly what you said. So The Truths cover was based on Buddy Miles' arrangement...

And others have made the breathe down by the river comparison too... quite a few videos on youtube where bands have mashed the two songs together


https://youtu.be/j5k2-Q7LOuc

[Cosmic Truth]

Wow... i always said the truths cover sounded like pink floyds breathe and now its seems exactly what you said. So The Truths cover was based on Buddy Miles' arrangement...

And others have made the breathe down by the river comparison too... quite a few videos on youtube where bands have mashed the two songs together


https://youtu.be/j5k2-Q7LOuc

I didn't even know Buddy had covered Down By The River until the other day.

In my opinion, The Undisputed Truth's version is the best version of the song, but both their cover, and the song Breath, seem to have been influenced, to say the least, by Buddy.

[alexstassi]

I didn't even know Buddy had covered Down By The River until the other day.

In my opinion, The Undisputed Truth's version is the best version of the song, but both their cover, and the song Breath, seem to have been influenced, to say the least, by Buddy.


Also found this in google books search from .Pink Floyd All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track. 14128

[Cosmic Truth]

Also found this in google books search from .Pink Floyd All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track

. 14128

Good find, Alex.

[TomatoTom123]

Just came back to this thread as I found out today that the three albums reissued in Nothing But The Truth are also available to download on iTunes! The Undisputed Truth, Law Of The Land and Down To Earth are all digitally remastered, with Law Of The Land even having the bonus track "Gonna Keep Tryin"!

This is great news!!! But does anyone know how they got there? How do albums just become available on iTunes like that? Did Ace have any involvement? :cool:

Method To The Madness and Smokin' are also available on iTunes, I noticed that a while back... now we just need Cosmic Truth and Higher Than High... ;)

[keith_hughes]

Ace do not rights to offer their Motown CDs for download; as far I'm aware [[I may be wrong) only Universal can do that.