Persil Automatic [[1988) ''Automatically Sunshine''

[marv2]

I never saw this before:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tN1TmbJb5w

[monicarivers]

I never saw this before:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tN1TmbJb5w

File under: who cares? Yawn.

[Ozmo]

That brought a smile to my face. Just what I needed in these troubled times. Thanks for posting Marv.

[marv2]

That brought a smile to my face. Just what I needed in these troubled times. Thanks for posting Marv.

You're most welcome Ozmo. The ladies doing the vocals did a good job I thought.

[blackguy69]

That’s kinda cute

[detmotownguy]

Great find Marv! Took my mind off of other things!

[marv2]

Great find Marv! Took my mind off of other things!

Thanks DET! It does uplift and brings you back to happier times.

[TheMotownManiac]

I never saw this before:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tN1TmbJb5w
Yet ANOTHER great Marv find - thank you - they do a great job!

[RanRan79]

I never saw this before:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tN1TmbJb5w

Wow! And that's a perfect jingle song. I don't think I've ever thought about it like that before. Surprised it hasn't been used more.

[RanRan79]

File under: who cares? Yawn.

Who cares? You did, dumb ass, which is why you entered the thread.

[monicarivers]

Who cares? You did, dumb ass, which is why you entered the thread.

So now we can’t have different opinions without resorting to name calling? Subpar song/cheesy commercial and definitely not worthy of an entire thread.

[RanRan79]

So now we can’t have different opinions without resorting to name calling? Subpar song/cheesy commercial and definitely not worthy of an entire thread.

I should've put your ass on block a long time ago. That fault is mine. Unfortunately for the forum- and I apologize to you all ahead of the following- since the entire state has basically been shut down and I'm more or less stuck in the house, I got time for the trolls.

If you weren't on some bullshit, you would've stated that you personally didn't care for the commercial and maybe even given your reasons why. Who couldn't respect that? Instead you disrespected the thread, and yet want to play victim? Fuck out'a here and post something under your other screen name. Even a child knows "who cares? yawn" is a simple, dismissive, negative response to anything. It's a commercial utilizing an under known Supremes song and it's posted in a Supremes forum, and you think it's unworthy of a thread? You're so fake and so phony, right down to the 15th different screen name you've generated over the last year or so. It's always the same MO: join the forum and within two to six posts start going in on Marv, Mary Wilson, and anything that is not Diana Ross. There's no way that these are separate people every time. NO. WAY. Lucky for you Ralph is okay with this bullshit because if I had the power to ban, you'd be out and your IP would be blocked so that your other screen names couldn't make a comeback either. So much for this:


I apologize for the negativity here folks.

I appreciate contributions to online forums and social media sites that provide and promote healthy discussions on the topics we’ve all come together to discuss and dissect.

Anyway, here’s to focusing on the music moving forward...

-MR

Lies.:rolleyes:

[monicarivers]

I should've put your ass on block a long time ago. That fault is mine. Unfortunately for the forum- and I apologize to you all ahead of the following- since the entire state has basically been shut down and I'm more or less stuck in the house, I got time for the trolls.

If you weren't on some bullshit, you would've stated that you personally didn't care for the commercial and maybe even given your reasons why. Who couldn't respect that? Instead you disrespected the thread, and yet want to play victim? Fuck out'a here and post something under your other screen name. Even a child knows "who cares? yawn" is a simple, dismissive, negative response to anything. It's a commercial utilizing an under known Supremes song and it's posted in a Supremes forum, and you think it's unworthy of a thread? You're so fake and so phony, right down to the 15th different screen name you've generated over the last year or so. It's always the same MO: join the forum and within two to six posts start going in on Marv, Mary Wilson, and anything that is not Diana Ross. There's no way that these are separate people every time. NO. WAY. Lucky for you Ralph is okay with this bullshit because if I had the power to ban, you'd be out and your IP would be blocked so that your other screen names couldn't make a comeback either. So much for this:



Lies.:rolleyes:

Calm down dear. You are likely to give yourself a stroke - not a good idea in these perilous times. There is only one person who should be banned [[or should I say “persons” considering they operate under at least three screen names simultaneously) and many of us are tired of the BS here and on various other sites. You all are like abusive wives with this person: does something awful then gets a band-aid for posting something insightful like “man, I bought that 45 at Jimmy Bob’s record store on Woodward when I was in college”. Riveting.

As for the assertion that I am “anti” Mary Wilson, not remotely the case. I just think it’s ludicrous to keep puffing her up on this forum like she’s on the same level as Streisand, Midler, Cher, or...you guessed it, Diana Ross.

Lastly, I stand by my post about this thread. I personally don’t find it to be a good song and that video isn’t worthy of a thread to begin with!

[sup_fan]

i had heard that the song was used in a British laundry detergent commercial but i just assumed 1) they used the Supremes version and 2) it was produced during the time when the song was a hit. had never seen this 80s era commercial! lots of fun

[Bluebrock]

i had heard that the song was used in a British laundry detergent commercial but i just assumed 1) they used the Supremes version and 2) it was produced during the time when the song was a hit. had never seen this 80s era commercial! lots of fun

I recall this commercial, but my memory must be playing tricks on me because i had remembered it to be the Supremes version. Age does that to you!
It's fun to watch but i was never a massive fan of the song, or the Floy Joy album which i found to be bland and lightweight. Each to their own i guess.

[Ollie9]

I have never seen this before so thanks for posting. Not a bad song for the time if a little to pop for my own taste. It’s a song that is quite well remembered, at least in the UK.

[marv2]

I have never seen this before so thanks for posting. Not a bad song for the time if a little to pop for my own taste. It’s a song that is quite well remembered, at least in the UK.

You are very welcome Ollie!

[blkfrost]

Wished they had used the Supremes' version.

[kenneth]

You're so fake and so phony, right down to the 15th different screen name you've generated over the last year or so. It's always the same MO: join the forum and within two to six posts start going in on Marv, Mary Wilson, and anything that is not Diana Ross. There's no way that these are separate people every time. NO. WAY.

@RanRan79, I'm with you on this...gotta be an old troll under a new name.

The level of nastiness leveled at this thread - which has an absolutely legitimate purpose and place here - has to really be meant for Marv, as in the other recent post where s/he lambasted him for posting the information about Barbara Martin's passing.

[kenneth]

i had heard that the song was used in a British laundry detergent commercial but i just assumed 1) they used the Supremes version and 2) it was produced during the time when the song was a hit. had never seen this 80s era commercial! lots of fun

@sup_fan, it's very possible it might have had the Supremes' version in the original commercial. Sometimes the licensing for such usage runs out and the seller can't use the same soundtrack they were licensed to use originally, which may have been good for a year or two.

This is also true of TV series. Many shows license popular music for their original broadcast but by the time they get to video, the license is no longer good and they have to add more generic background music.

If you remember the "Wise Guy" series with Ken Wahl, which I loved back in the 80s, they had a story arc which climaxed with the lead villain being overcome to the strains of "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues. Later the series when converted to DVD no longer could use the Moody Blues' music which was a source of controversy for the viewers who loved the show.

So you might have heard Jean and the girls as you recall.

I think "Automatically Sunshine" is a great song for such a purpose. Seems to fit perfectly. It's one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" moments!

[marv2]

Yet ANOTHER great Marv find - thank you - they do a great job!

You are very welcome. More of the music could have, should have been used in U.S. commercials.

[marv2]

@sup_fan, it's very possible it might have had the Supremes' version in the original commercial. Sometimes the licensing for such usage runs out and the seller can't use the same soundtrack they were licensed to use originally, which may have been good for a year or two.

This is also true of TV series. Many shows license popular music for their original broadcast but by the time they get to video, the license is no longer good and they have to add more generic background music.

If you remember the "Wise Guy" series with Ken Wahl, which I loved back in the 80s, they had a story arc which climaxed with the lead villain being overcome to the strains of "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues. Later the series when converted to DVD no longer could use the Moody Blues' music which was a source of controversy for the viewers who loved the show.

So you might have heard Jean and the girls as you recall.

I think "Automatically Sunshine" is a great song for such a purpose. Seems to fit perfectly. It's one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" moments!

"Wise Guy" was one of my favorite shows in the 80s especially when Ray Sharkey was part of the storyline.

[gman]

Although I liked the entire Floy Joy LP from the release point, I considered the LP "lightweight fluff"....the subtleness of it has grown on me tremendously over the years and it is now in my top 5 Sup's Lps….I prefer the unedited versions of the title track and Sunshine from the Rare Classics/70's CD....all and all,...I think Touch and Floy Joy are better LPS than Right On and New Ways.....despite the 2 killer I still can't live without singles [[Up The Ladder /Stoned Love)

[sup_fan]

I recall this commercial, but my memory must be playing tricks on me because i had remembered it to be the Supremes version. Age does that to you!
It's fun to watch but i was never a massive fan of the song, or the Floy Joy album which i found to be bland and lightweight. Each to their own i guess.

interesting viewpoint

i like the FJ set - it's light but effervescent. i do wish it was more MJC and less Andantes

While i love the Frank Wilson work, those are big productions. Lots going on. sometimes boardering on OVER produced. FJ is the opposite of that and i found it a refreshing change. Adore the cover too!! so hip and sexy and the white background & outfits versus their gorgeous skin tones and then pops of red.

I think the overall FJ set would have been more successful had they really been able to promote it properly. With Cindy's departure, that cut into their ability to get on tv and promote it. Also they really didn't do anything to hype up the connection with Smokey. This lp could have worked marvelously with a thoughtful and structured promotional effort that tied in the lp with their shows and tv appearances. revamp the set and gowns to focus on the white and red themes, a medley of Smokey tunes, etc

[kenneth]

"Wise Guy" was one of my favorite shows in the 80s especially when Ray Sharkey was part of the storyline.

That was the story line I was referring to, but I couldn't remember the actor's name who played the villain.

The story arc with Jerry Lewis as a garment industry exec was also excellent. There was also a story arc which included a role played by someone from Fleetwood Mac, as I recall...I think it must have been Lindsay Buckingham but I don't remember for sure.

It really was a great show.

[Bluebrock]

@sup_fan, it's very possible it might have had the Supremes' version in the original commercial. Sometimes the licensing for such usage runs out and the seller can't use the same soundtrack they were licensed to use originally, which may have been good for a year or two.

This is also true of TV series. Many shows license popular music for their original broadcast but by the time they get to video, the license is no longer good and they have to add more generic background music.

If you remember the "Wise Guy" series with Ken Wahl, which I loved back in the 80s, they had a story arc which climaxed with the lead villain being overcome to the strains of "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues. Later the series when converted to DVD no longer could use the Moody Blues' music which was a source of controversy for the viewers who loved the show.

So you might have heard Jean and the girls as you recall.

I think "Automatically Sunshine" is a great song for such a purpose. Seems to fit perfectly. It's one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" moments!

I think it was the Supremes version used in the original commercial. I am convinced of it! I know i am getting old, but i clearly recall it being the Supremes

[Bluebrock]

interesting viewpoint

i like the FJ set - it's light but effervescent. i do wish it was more MJC and less Andantes

While i love the Frank Wilson work, those are big productions. Lots going on. sometimes boardering on OVER produced. FJ is the opposite of that and i found it a refreshing change. Adore the cover too!! so hip and sexy and the white background & outfits versus their gorgeous skin tones and then pops of red.

I think the overall FJ set would have been more successful had they really been able to promote it properly. With Cindy's departure, that cut into their ability to get on tv and promote it. Also they really didn't do anything to hype up the connection with Smokey. This lp could have worked marvelously with a thoughtful and structured promotional effort that tied in the lp with their shows and tv appearances. revamp the set and gowns to focus on the white and red themes, a medley of Smokey tunes, etc

I much preferred the cover to the actual content!

[RanRan79]

I have never seen this before so thanks for posting. Not a bad song for the time if a little to pop for my own taste. It’s a song that is quite well remembered, at least in the UK.

That's good to know. I think with more exposure [[TV) in the states, the song could've gone top 20 pop and top 10 r&b. As it was, the song apparently was #1 in a few markets. That's usually a good sign to boost up the exposure.

[marv2]

That was the story line I was referring to, but I couldn't remember the actor's name who played the villain.

The story arc with Jerry Lewis as a garment industry exec was also excellent. There was also a story arc which included a role played by someone from Fleetwood Mac, as I recall...I think it must have been Lindsay Buckingham but I don't remember for sure.

It really was a great show.

No, you have a really good memory. I remember Lindsey Buckingham being on the show. I taped and saved many of the episodes that are now in storage. My other favorite 80s shows were "Crime Story" and "Miami Vice".

[RanRan79]

@RanRan79, I'm with you on this...gotta be an old troll under a new name.

The level of nastiness leveled at this thread - which has an absolutely legitimate purpose and place here - has to really be meant for Marv, as in the other recent post where s/he lambasted him for posting the information about Barbara Martin's passing.

Yup. But why the different screen names? It's not like the names have been banned. Whoever this is just creates a new name every couple months for the hell of it I guess. It's really ridiculous. Anyway, I went on and hit the "ignore" feature for the idiot. Started feeling like a hypocrite after all the talk I do around here encouraging everyone about ignoring posts that were clearly created to inflame. I can't ride my high horse if I parade around the forum with a do as I say not as I do attitude.:cool: Enough with that trash...back to the Supremes.

[RanRan79]

@sup_fan, it's very possible it might have had the Supremes' version in the original commercial. Sometimes the licensing for such usage runs out and the seller can't use the same soundtrack they were licensed to use originally, which may have been good for a year or two.

This is also true of TV series. Many shows license popular music for their original broadcast but by the time they get to video, the license is no longer good and they have to add more generic background music.

If you remember the "Wise Guy" series with Ken Wahl, which I loved back in the 80s, they had a story arc which climaxed with the lead villain being overcome to the strains of "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues. Later the series when converted to DVD no longer could use the Moody Blues' music which was a source of controversy for the viewers who loved the show.



Yeah and it sucks. I don't know why some of these folks have such a difficult time renegotiating for dvd. Blossom and Murphy Brown are just two of quite a few of the series I'd buy on dvd but can't [[aside from their first season each) on account the music rights are an issue. Blossom utilized quite a bit of early 90s hit songs and of course Murphy Brown famously incorporated a lot of classic Motown and 60s soul music into the show. I believe I read In the Heat of the Night [[another set I would purchase) also won't see a full release [[there's a 24 episode dvd collection that I purchased some years back, I guess these were episodes that were cleared) due to music rights.

[RanRan79]

Although I liked the entire Floy Joy LP from the release point, I considered the LP "lightweight fluff"....the subtleness of it has grown on me tremendously over the years and it is now in my top 5 Sup's Lps….I prefer the unedited versions of the title track and Sunshine from the Rare Classics/70's CD....all and all,...I think Touch and Floy Joy are better LPS than Right On and New Ways.....despite the 2 killer I still can't live without singles [[Up The Ladder /Stoned Love)

Aside from GHARC, I believe Floy Joy was the first 70s Supremes album I bought. It's probably tied with Touch as my fav of the 70s Supremes. It's not an exciting album. It's mostly very laid back, but the singing is fantastic IMO. Jean shines throughout, and Mary's lead on "A Heart Like Mine" is gorgeous. She didn't have to do much in order to turn out what I feel is a beautiful reading of the lyrics. The cover art was really nice also. Very contemporary.

[RanRan79]

interesting viewpoint

i like the FJ set - it's light but effervescent. i do wish it was more MJC and less Andantes

While i love the Frank Wilson work, those are big productions. Lots going on. sometimes boardering on OVER produced. FJ is the opposite of that and i found it a refreshing change. Adore the cover too!! so hip and sexy and the white background & outfits versus their gorgeous skin tones and then pops of red.

I think the overall FJ set would have been more successful had they really been able to promote it properly. With Cindy's departure, that cut into their ability to get on tv and promote it. Also they really didn't do anything to hype up the connection with Smokey. This lp could have worked marvelously with a thoughtful and structured promotional effort that tied in the lp with their shows and tv appearances. revamp the set and gowns to focus on the white and red themes, a medley of Smokey tunes, etc

I agree that the Smokey connect should've been promoted more. The cover should've been the shot of Smokey with the group. I can't argue against calling the album Floy Joy, but it might have been more appropriate for promotional opportunities to title it Smokey Robinson Presents the Supremes, or Supremes Produced and Arranged By Smokey Robinson or some such title to play up the connection.

[detmotownguy]

Marv the more I think abt this song, I suggest it can def be repurposed for many other commercials. I think I have played this darn commercial at least 10x.

[detmotownguy]

I like Supremes Produced and Arranged By Smokey Robinson or something similar.

[gman]

I have never seen Automatically Sunshine promoted on US TV....Floy Joy and Your Wonderful Sweet Sweet Love were performed at least 2x with Lynda, and the earliest performance on David Frost I believe was prior to Cindy leaving.
I like the non single tracks on the LP... Over and Over is one of my fav Terrell tracks, and Precious Little Things just gently perks along. Floy Joy and Touch [[minus Time and Love) would have made another perfect pair early CD release Motown 2'fer

[RanRan79]

Marv the more I think abt this song, I suggest it can def be repurposed for many other commercials.

I agree. Might also add:

"Up the Ladder" for commercials involving roofs.

"Bad Weather" for products having to do with rain or snow.

"Buttered Popcorn" for the obvious.

"Stoned Love" for markets with legal weed advertisements.

"Love Child" for one of the birth control medicine commercials.

And of course "Let Yourself Go" for laxatives.:p

[RanRan79]

I have never seen Automatically Sunshine promoted on US TV....Floy Joy and Your Wonderful Sweet Sweet Love were performed at least 2x with Lynda, and the earliest performance on David Frost I believe was prior to Cindy leaving.
I like the non single tracks on the LP... Over and Over is one of my fav Terrell tracks, and Precious Little Things just gently perks along. Floy Joy and Touch [[minus Time and Love) would have made another perfect pair early CD release Motown 2'fer

I think I once asked the forum about AS being performed on TV and was told they did it at least once, but I might be thinking about a UK performance. Can't remember.

"Over And Over", "Precious Little Things", "Wisdom Of Time", "A Heart Like Mine" and "Automatically Sunshine" are the ones I play the most.

[detmotownguy]

No, you have a really good memory. I remember Lindsey Buckingham being on the show. I taped and saved many of the episodes that are now in storage. My other favorite 80s shows were "Crime Story" and "Miami Vice".

Marv I need to find your storage unit lol!

[dickiemint]

This Advert got the song 're released in the UK and it made the charts [[ in the top 100 around 67 I think) and Motown issued the compilation LP / CD. Love Supreme combining the best of the 60s and 70s groups hits which got the Supremes again back in the UK charts
Any way that people get to hear the music is a good thing, it keeps the music alive in our minds

[kenneth]

I like Supremes Produced and Arranged By Smokey Robinson or something similar.

It's not an original idea, but "The Supremes Sing Smokey" might have worked.

[marv2]

Marv the more I think abt this song, I suggest it can def be repurposed for many other commercials. I think I have played this darn commercial at least 10x.

I agree. I remember back when it was released as a single by the Supremes. It was in the Spring of the year, which made sense, but it had it's greatest impact during the Fall into Winter. You know how long and dark the Winters get in Michigan LOL!

[marv2]

I like Supremes Produced and Arranged By Smokey Robinson or something similar.

Me too. Smokey was always a thoughtful, upbeat songwriter that played to the broad sensibilities of the general public. Think about it. Everyone could relate to "My Girl", "My Guy", "Tracks of My Tears", etc,etc.

[marv2]

I have never seen Automatically Sunshine promoted on US TV....Floy Joy and Your Wonderful Sweet Sweet Love were performed at least 2x with Lynda, and the earliest performance on David Frost I believe was prior to Cindy leaving.
I like the non single tracks on the LP... Over and Over is one of my fav Terrell tracks, and Precious Little Things just gently perks along. Floy Joy and Touch [[minus Time and Love) would have made another perfect pair early CD release Motown 2'fer

I know what you mean. For me "Now the Bitter, Now the Sweet" was a killer album track. It would never make a good Pop single, but it is one of those songs you listen to at home that you can really get into.

[marv2]

It's not an original idea, but "The Supremes Sing Smokey" might have worked.

Oh definitely. Combine all of his compositions that they recorded into one album. Maybe the best of them.

[marv2]

I agree. Might also add:

"Up the Ladder" for commercials involving roofs.

"Bad Weather" for products having to do with rain or snow.

"Buttered Popcorn" for the obvious.

"Stoned Love" for markets with legal weed advertisements.

"Love Child" for one of the birth control medicine commercials.

And of course "Let Yourself Go" for laxatives.:p

hehehehehehehe.........LOL!!!!

[blackguy69]

You forgot they introduced Floy Joy [[with Cindy) late January 1972 on Merv Griffin
I have never seen Automatically Sunshine promoted on US TV....Floy Joy and Your Wonderful Sweet Sweet Love were performed at least 2x with Lynda, and the earliest performance on David Frost I believe was prior to Cindy leaving.
I like the non single tracks on the LP... Over and Over is one of my fav Terrell tracks, and Precious Little Things just gently perks along. Floy Joy and Touch [[minus Time and Love) would have made another perfect pair early CD release Motown 2'fer

[blackguy69]

Reposting in case some have forgotten it. https://soulfuldetroit.com/blob:https://soulfuldetroit.com/43626b8b-f8be-49cd-86e1-0e63b70d3527
https://youtu.be/cbviC2FFnI0

[detmotownguy]

I agree. I remember back when it was released as a single by the Supremes. It was in the Spring of the year, which made sense, but it had it's greatest impact during the Fall into Winter. You know how long and dark the Winters get in Michigan LOL!

Man Marv I used to leave Detroit in Feb or March and go somewhere warm in light of the shorter days. But this song reminds me of Detroit in the late Spring and Summer.

[detmotownguy]

I agree. Might also add:

"Up the Ladder" for commercials involving roofs.

"Bad Weather" for products having to do with rain or snow.

"Buttered Popcorn" for the obvious.

"Stoned Love" for markets with legal weed advertisements.

"Love Child" for one of the birth control medicine commercials.

And of course "Let Yourself Go" for laxatives.:p

Great ideas! This is such a fun thread. Still laughing abt your last example.

[marv2]

Reposting in case some have forgotten it. https://soulfuldetroit.com/blob:https://soulfuldetroit.com/43626b8b-f8be-49cd-86e1-0e63b70d3527
https://youtu.be/cbviC2FFnI0

Oh yes. I searched for years to find the video clip of this show. I know it exists because they have recently opened the vaults to the Merv Griffin Show going back to the mid 60s.

[detmotownguy]

Reposting in case some have forgotten it. https://soulfuldetroit.com/blob:https://soulfuldetroit.com/43626b8b-f8be-49cd-86e1-0e63b70d3527
https://youtu.be/cbviC2FFnI0
Thanks for posting, been a while since I have heard this. Marv was such a big fan of the ladies.

[kenneth]

Thanks for posting, been a while since I have heard this. Marv was such a big fan of the ladies.

I think you meant Merv!

[PeaceNHarmony]

I think you meant Merv! ... actually one hears that Merv wasn't such a big fan of the ladies ... [[Don't need no Mapquest; WENT THERE!! :o)

[benross]

Automatically Sunshine had a light, contemporary feel with lyrics that were cute without being cutesy; sometimes Smokey tried too hard to be clever with his rhymes, and the results were cloying, but his restraint on this song [[unlike, for instance, the lack of discipline he showed on Floy Joy, where he settled on simplistic, non-conversational, unnatural phrases that popped into his mind and distracted from the storyline) was admirable. Too, the back-and-forth lead vocals and the blend of voices in the go-for-it finale kept the song fresh and interesting from start to finish. And it was a great song to hear on the radio while driving, perhaps singing along, feeling optimistic and joyful.

The album was 66.67% rewarding, but Your Wonderful Sweet Sweet Love, Floy Joy and Oh Be My Love were tiresome. The addition of Smokey's voice on the first, the lyrics that seemed nonsensical on the second and the drifting, free-form feel of the third were difficult to listen to more than once or twice. The other six songs presented a great mix of classic Motown, a pure, gentle sound and a modern, unexpected maturity that suggested the group could move forward, fitting in with and at times leading the newer performers in the new decade.

Their Merv Griffin show interpretation of Where You Lead, on the other hand, pointed to the difficulties to come. Jean rushed through it, veering into and out of the actual melody, over and over again, and with all the racing about, she, Mary and Cindy didn't seem at all committed to the lyrics. The performance presaged the group's deranged, disengaged shows in the later years, when it was all fake smiles even during the sad or serious songs, frenetic dancing that had nothing to do with the point of the song and fighting duels where the last three members tried to be lead singers simultaneously, each going in a different direction at a different tempo in a different key sometimes, forgetting that the audience wanted sincere, compelling renditions of the story lines, not a lot of screeching noise and silly movement that meant nothing.

[sup_fan]

Ben - very interesting review there. love hearing everyone's specific opinions on material

I agree with adding Smokey's voice to YWSSL was a big mistake. especially using a vocal that seems so odd sounding. it's not like he's clearly singing along with the girls. Now the idea of him and Jean doing a duet, like what she and Jimmy did is compelling. Provided M and C also sang with them. but i think that really tanked the song

FJ wasn't a fav of mine but i've grown to like it more. It is most definitely silly. I think it would have been aided by Cindy having a few lines to sing too. Then you have all 3 girls chirping away about some hot lover man that, while they know he's a player, they can't resist. Definitely not the most feminist statement lolol. and especially after Jean had just told Nathan Jones to go jump in a lake! lol

AS is a song i really like. always include on playlists. it's just catchy, hypnotic. groovy lol. and i just ADORE Cindy's little adlibs. I know they're not much but her delivery and persona in the group was just sexy. very sultry and Marilyn Monroe-esque. I think they could have played that up a little more on some recordings and given her a bit more exposure.

[sup_fan]

Their Merv Griffin show interpretation of Where You Lead, on the other hand, pointed to the difficulties to come. Jean rushed through it, veering into and out of the actual melody, over and over again, and with all the racing about, she, Mary and Cindy didn't seem at all committed to the lyrics. The performance presaged the group's deranged, disengaged shows in the later years, when it was all fake smiles even during the sad or serious songs, frenetic dancing that had nothing to do with the point of the song and fighting duels where the last three members tried to be lead singers simultaneously, each going in a different direction at a different tempo in a different key sometimes, forgetting that the audience wanted sincere, compelling renditions of the story lines, not a lot of screeching noise and silly movement that meant nothing.

this is a VERY valid point. I love Jean's singing - most of the time. my problem is that often she would sacrifice the melody of the song for vocal workouts and gymnastics. I think the worse example of this was her rendition of Stoned Love on the Live Japan lp. Stoned Love is so magical because there's such an amazing story being told through the lyric. it's almost the total opposite of a fluff song like FJ. the melody and words of SL are critical to it and so when she's going off on endless mumbles and ad libs, it's lost. You're already dealing with the huge disadvantage of not having all of the bells and whistles of a studio to bring the whole song together. her vocal just destroyed that live version for me

[gman]

benross...you bring up some good points.

YWSSL was a good song, and Jeans vocal is exciting, passionate and enthusiastic....Smokey's overtones ruin it for me....had the mix brought up the latin tinged percussion, and eliminating SR's interference [[!) the song may have had a chance. I am surprised a version similar to the one I described doesn't exist.
FLOY JOY was said to be a 60's throwback vibe...some note a likeness to Come See About Me...I didn't get that at the time, and I liked the song, but it clearly wasn't in the same ballpark as Ladder and Stoned Love. Once I got the 70's Rare Classics CD the unedited version made the song grow on me a lot more.
OH BE MY LOVE fits right in with the rest of the LP fine....it blends the softness of much of the LP with the psychedelic tinge of Now The Bitter....which IMHO would have fit better in the New Ways song line up.

I have to agree totally with your assessment of the last line ups live work. I wish Cindy would have stayed...the MSC blend was beautiful and well balanced. Everyone knew their place, and the roles complimented each other.

The studio LP MSS was a good one....live, there are very few moments I enjoy....High Energy from the Swiss show is excellent. Maybe This Time and The Way We Were worked...that's about it for me with live work from MSS...

Every grouping following Florence's departure's live work suffered the same problems...too many rushed paced songs in the act, and often too much brass, not enough identification with the recorded versions.

[RanRan79]

Smokey on "Wonderful" is what always turned me off. But I think the song didn't go as far as it could've because the track itself needed punching up. It's a song that had the potential to blare from radios like crazy, but it sounds as if it's held back somehow. "Floy Joy" and "Automatically" worked because it held a "less is more" vibe. "Wonderful" doesn't work because it sort of moves in the same way when it really shouldn't.

[detmotownguy]

I think you meant Merv!
Lol! Staying inside is finally getting to me!

[sup_fan]

benross...you bring up some good points.


OH BE MY LOVE fits right in with the rest of the LP fine....it blends the softness of much of the LP with the psychedelic tinge of Now The Bitter....which IMHO would have fit better in the New Ways song line up.



interesting idea - i view NW as more of a rock opera approach and album. yes there's some psychedelic influences, wah wah guitar, the synthesizers. But the productions are mostly big, heavy. lots going on. I think Time and Love would have worked better on NW than Touch. Life Beats could have fit on there too. I find the FJ songs too frothy and light to fit on the NW album

[gman]

interesting idea - i view NW as more of a rock opera approach and album. yes there's some psychedelic influences, wah wah guitar, the synthesizers. But the productions are mostly big, heavy. lots going on. I think Time and Love would have worked better on NW than Touch. Life Beats could have fit on there too. I find the FJ songs too frothy and light to fit on the NW album

I hate Time an Love so much... wish it was on the Webb LP so I wouldn't have to skip it! I only play the first 2 tracks on side 1 of that LP

[TYK1986]

Automatically Sunshine perfectly fits that commercial! I love it. The song sounds a bit more upbeat and cheerful than the original.
I've used the Merv Griffin performance ones to add Cindy to the original track [[FLoy Joy) and see what it sounds like. But because of the bad quality it sounded pretty bad but I still love it. Maybe someone out there is able to get a clearer recording of the Merv Gr performance and mix it with the single version.
As for Stoned Love live which sup-fan mentioned, I don't like the live in Japan version either. There was a live version from 1972 somewhere on youtube which was much better. Also the central park performance from 1971 was really good. I think with the live in Japan version the drum is not prominent enough after Jean's intro bit.
Back to Automatically Sunshine. Love to hear a live version!

[sup_fan]

I hate Time an Love so much... wish it was on the Webb LP so I wouldn't have to skip it! I only play the first 2 tracks on side 1 of that LP

i've never been a huge fan of it either and always skip it. only just recently came up with the idea of moving it to NW and i did a playlist using it:

Together
Stoned
Time
Bridge
Mirror

Time and Love
Is there a place
life beats
shine on me
thank him

to be honest, the big brassy production sort of works. does it make me now love the song - of course not. but the religious touches to some of the lyrics and the huge backing track a least allow it to be less conspicuous than on the much more subdued Touch lp

[sup_fan]

sometimes on youtube there are the bootlegs to the Valley Forge show with MJL in Aug or Sept 72. yes it's much better there

and the tv performance of MJL on Mike Douglas was strong too. interestingly enough, they did a live performance of the LP version of the song. not the shorter typical live version. jean makes a couple minor glitches with the song since she'd been singing it live for so long another way but covers it beautifully.

[blackguy69]

In regards it the SL performance in Mike Douglas, I do find it interesting that Mary’s vocals seems to dominate Almost everyone else’s vocals.
sometimes on youtube there are the bootlegs to the Valley Forge show with MJL in Aug or Sept 72. yes it's much better there

and the tv performance of MJL on Mike Douglas was strong too. interestingly enough, they did a live performance of the LP version of the song. not the shorter typical live version. jean makes a couple minor glitches with the song since she'd been singing it live for so long another way but covers it beautifully.

[marv2]

In regards it the SL performance in Mike Douglas, I do find it interesting that Mary’s vocals seems to dominate Almost everyone else’s vocals.

I noticed that too. Her dancing was also more pronounced. Mary was really selling it! LOL!

[gman]

there is a live performance clip of Your Wonderful Sweet Sweet Love and it is at breakneck pace....and Jean flubs the lyrics....all and all in retrospect, musically, the studio recordings are far superior to the live performances of every line up. Vocally as pleasing as some of the live work is, the speed and overuse of brass kill it for me most of the time

[marv2]

there is a live performance clip of Your Wonderful Sweet Sweet Love and it is at breakneck pace....and Jean flubs the lyrics....all and all in retrospect, musically, the studio recordings are far superior to the live performances of every line up. Vocally as pleasing as some of the live work is, the speed and overuse of brass kill it for me most of the time

I never cared for those hits medley's directed by Gil Askey or Teddy Harris. I believe all three active Supremes related acts [[Mary, Diana, and the Flos) have stopped using them in their current acts.

[daviddh]

The original commercial did have the Supremes version and helped the lp Supremes Love go top ten.
I actually like the Floy Joy album but as already stated to much Jean .not enough Cindy....and I would have done a better mix on YWSSL. Could been huge. I like the Latin feel idea. Surprised some of these haven't been remixed.
I actually think a Supremes 70 remix album is in order.

[RanRan79]

I love the sound of brass.

The Latin feel is throwback Smokey. [[It's also present on "Precious", sounds like to me.) Had he played it up even more on "Wonderful", it may have been that extra thing it needed.

[kenneth]

I love the sound of brass.

The Latin feel is throwback Smokey. [[It's also present on "Precious", sounds like to me.) Had he played it up even more on "Wonderful", it may have been that extra thing it needed.

I think you are spot on. To me, the album is pleasant but somehow lacks any 'X factor'. It's almost instantly forgettable when it's over. It reminds me a little of the Marvelettes' "In Full Bloom," in that many of the songs seem to have the same mood and arrangement, but on "Bloom" the songs were much more complex and interesting to begin with than those on "Floy Joy."

I know "Floy Joy" seems to be a favorite Supremes 70s album of many, but I like "Jimmy Webb," most people's least favorite Jean-era lineup LP, much better than this one.

[gman]

many pre '65 Motown songs were Cha Cha rhythm...to mention some, Miracles /Mary Wells early hits, Marvelettes Strange I Know & Someday Someway, Martha's A Love Like Yours, Supreme's...Your Heart Belongs to Me, Breath Taking Guy....my personal favs are Supremes I'm Giving You Your Freedom and Marin & Mary's Once Upon A Time

[sup_fan]

I think you are spot on. To me, the album is pleasant but somehow lacks any 'X factor'. It's almost instantly forgettable when it's over. It reminds me a little of the Marvelettes' "In Full Bloom," in that many of the songs seem to have the same mood and arrangement, but on "Bloom" the songs were much more complex and interesting to begin with than those on "Floy Joy."

I know "Floy Joy" seems to be a favorite Supremes 70s album of many, but I like "Jimmy Webb," most people's least favorite Jean-era lineup LP, much better than this one.

it's always fun comparing notes and thoughts on the songs. i agree that the sound and approach to FJ is very VERY unified. and as you said, that can lead to monotony and blandness. some of the FJ songs are standouts IMO but perhaps the lp works more as a whole than as individual songs.

if you look at another fav of mine, MS&S, the variety of the songs [[while still having some shared core sounds and productions) allows it to be both an interesting and engaging complete set but also with many of the tunes standing along very well

a good litmus test might be - how many songs from an lp do you put on a mixed tape or playlist?

[copley]

I had forgotten all about that commercial. Happy days. Thanks Marv.

[marv2]

I had forgotten all about that commercial. Happy days. Thanks Marv.

You're welcome Copley!

[kenneth]

it's always fun comparing notes and thoughts on the songs. i agree that the sound and approach to FJ is very VERY unified. and as you said, that can lead to monotony and blandness. some of the FJ songs are standouts IMO but perhaps the lp works more as a whole than as individual songs.

if you look at another fav of mine, MS&S, the variety of the songs [[while still having some shared core sounds and productions) allows it to be both an interesting and engaging complete set but also with many of the tunes standing along very well

a good litmus test might be - how many songs from an lp do you put on a mixed tape or playlist?

I totally agree with you that "Mary, Scherrie and Susaye" was an excellent LP and seems to have been even more underrated over the years and dismissed as a disco effort and nothing more. I think it was a great LP, but I found the single "Let Yourself Go" a very pedestrian dance track. I loved the first single "You're My Driving Wheel," as well as some of the unusual tracks such as the standout "Come Into My Life," which has always sounded to me like a George Clinton/Parlet song. Other standouts were "Sweet Dream Machine," "We Should Be Closer Together" [[great vocal by Mary), and "I Don't Want to be Tied Down," which Scherrie belts out in her most showstopping style.

[sup_fan]

lol see i think Let Yourself Go is an amazing dance track. much more exciting and should have been the follow up to Walking. then perhaps Wheel. or then maybe, assuming LYG had done well, venture into some of the more non traditional tracks. LIke Dream Machine.

but the whole album is wonderful and one i listen to often