What Are Your Favorite Motown Album Covers?

[kenneth]

The discussion about the Miracles' early LP covers in another thread prompted me to start this one.

What is your favorite Motown album cover? Also, is it also one of your favorite albums musically speaking, or is it just the cover you love?

To make it easy, let's say you can pick one from the early days of Motown or 'Golden Age," and one from the latter days or 'Silver Age.' Or, if you can't even decide on two, just let us know which ones you especially love!

I'm sure mine will be no surprise to anyone.

I love the "Playboy" album cover by the Marvelettes. So innocent, and charming. After all, who knew that the Marvelettes all lived together? Although we should have figured it out from the earlier "Please Mr. Postman" album cover when it was obvious they all shared the same mail box!

18803

My pick for the Silver Age is also of the Marvelettes, the notorious "Return of the Marvelettes." I love the concept and believe the photograph shows great artistry, even though it doesn't really picture the Marvelettes.

18804

I love the music on both albums. Even though "Playboy" is early and the Marvelettes are not yet polished, I love the exuberance of their young vocals, and also love the fact that we haven't yet had the Andantes, whose sound to me was always somehow antiseptic even though I had no idea they weren't the real group. Likewise, even though "Return" is really a solo vehicle for Wanda, with the exception of the two tracks from "in Full Bloom," I absolutely love the album and never get tired of it. I do believe it would have benefited from a few more upbeat numbers, such as "Uptown" and the uncharacteristically raucous vocals by Wanda on "Someday We'll Be Together" and "Our Lips Just Seem to Rhyme Every Time."

So have at it, guys!

[nsoule]

"Hi, We're The Miracles" will always be my favorite. I love the outfits, the colors, the idea to have them hold the letters, and the fact that the cover is laminated/glossy. The cover is very poorly constructed though... It took me a long time to find a copy that didn't open like a book.
18805

[lockhartgary]

I love the vibrant colors and close-up shot of Marvin on this cover; have never heard the album though.
18806

[lockhartgary]

Love the cover and the album!

18807

[kenneth]

I love the vibrant colors and close-up shot of Marvin on this cover; have never heard the album though.
18806

I am not sure at the time Marvin was quite ready to tackle some of the standards on the album but it has grown on me over the years. It was available on CD for a while and I don’t think it was very high priced. I think I only paid perhaps $12 for it.

[tjl]

For me the cleverness of The Miracles "Greatest Hits From The Beginning" as all the Miracles have shared with me was intended as a nod to "in the beginning there was a Miracle" and so it's a very spiritual - front and back.

"Going To A Go-Go" next for me.

[PeaceNHarmony]

All the Diana solos, the post-Diana Supremes Right On and Touch, GSntP If I Were Your Woman, Standing Ovation and Neither One of Us, the Four Tops Nature Planned It

[kenneth]

Not to change the subject of my own thread… But… Did anyone ever find this cover controversial and somewhat offensive? I mean I get what they’re trying to say, but to me it looks like they’re really going out of their way to show the rising cause of black pride and such, but at the expense of the old man pictured at the bottom of the steps. This was after all the era where “black is beautiful” was still a new concept, but this seems particularly insulting to the old man pictured and, well, to whites in general.

I mean this kind of thing makes me wonder if there was such a photo ever done in reverse it would raise a well-deserved protest and screams. Of course, one only has to go to old movies still showing today on Turner classic movies and lots of other images in history to know the reverse was very common. Still, I don’t think two wrongs make a right.

does anyone agree? Did anyone ever wonder about the tastefulness of this cover before? I don’t wanna raise a ruckus but I’m dying to ask.

18808

[drewschultz88]

This is just my take as a Tops and Motown fan who did not grow up in that era - if you released that Changing Times cover today, I would think it was a bit blunt, but still not offensive. The way minorities have been portrayed in media over the years [[and decades, and centuries, etc.), I think the presentation is quite tame in comparison and the sentiment is well intentioned. Blunt, but well intentioned. Trying to put it in the context of the time it was released, I imagine it was a pretty bold statement coming from a label like Motown that actively worked to be palatable to as many demographics as possible.

Musically, those Frank Wilson albums are some of my favorite material to ever come out of Motown!

For some more album cover favorites, What's Going On is one of my all time favorites. Also, although the "flower growing through cement" imagery is a bit cheesy, I like the Tops' Nature Planned It album cover. I'd bet that was a fun photoshoot!

[lockhartgary]

Not to change the subject of my own thread… But… Did anyone ever find this cover controversial and somewhat offensive? I mean I get what they’re trying to say, but to me it looks like they’re really going out of their way to show the rising cause of black pride and such, but at the expense of the old man pictured at the bottom of the steps. This was after all the era where “black is beautiful” was still a new concept, but this seems particularly insulting to the old man pictured and, well, to whites in general.

I mean this kind of thing makes me wonder if there was such a photo ever done in reverse it would raise a well-deserved protest and screams. Of course, one only has to go to old movies still showing today on Turner classic movies and lots of other images in history to know the reverse was very common. Still, I don’t think two wrongs make a right.

does anyone agree? Did anyone ever wonder about the tastefulness of this cover before? I don’t wanna raise a ruckus but I’m dying to ask.

18808

I did not grow up in that era either. When I look at that album cover, what comes to my mind is an older man who simply cannot understand the world changing around him, much like his parents probably felt when he was younger. His body language suggest this in an effective way.

Your take does raise an interesting thought though.

[kenneth]

Thanks for your perspectives which are well taken.

[gman]

for simplicities sake...I love the look of the early Motown/ Tamla live LPs...Miracles, Marvin, Marvelettes and Mary Wells....they remind me of the era's jazz LPS with the monochrome shading.

Where Did Our Love Go? is a classic....A' Go Go definitely suited the times.
Tempts sing Smokey...and Puzzle People
Martha Reeves/ Vandella's Black Magic
Supremes TOUCH...my fav group LP, love the Neon color spray, just wish the gorgeous photo had a bit more color to it...Cindy Birdsong looks drop dead beautiful here. my fav CB photo
Supremes '75....the style and concept are soft, and wonderful...the photo is, however, too over filtered.

[soulster]

I think this is one of the coolest Motown album covers ever.
18809

[Motown Eddie]

I've got a Long list of favorite Motown album covers;

The Miracles-Hi! We're The Miracles, Cookin' With The Miracles, The Fabulous Miracles, Going To A Go-Go, One Dozen Roses
The Contours-Do You Love Me
Martha & The Vandellas-Watchout!, Black Magic
The Marvelettes-Playboy, Sophisticated Soul
The Supremes-Where Did Our Love Go, More Hits by The Supremes, The Supremes Sing H-D-H
Stevie Wonder-Music Of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfullingess First Finale, Songs In The Key Of Life, Hotter Than July
Marvin Gaye-M.P.G., What's Going On, Let's Get It On
Four Tops-Four Tops Second Album, Still Waters Run Deep
Mary Wells-My Guy
The Temptations-The Temptations Sing Smokey, Temptin' Temptations, Gettin' Ready, Cloud Nine

[rovereab]

I have so many favourite covers but one that always sticks in my mind is the UK Motown Chartbusters Volume 5. Such a vibrant and happy cover at a time of significant success for Motown in the UK.

18810

[Motown Eddie]

Not to change the subject of my own thread… But… Did anyone ever find this cover controversial and somewhat offensive? I mean I get what they’re trying to say, but to me it looks like they’re really going out of their way to show the rising cause of black pride and such, but at the expense of the old man pictured at the bottom of the steps. This was after all the era where “black is beautiful” was still a new concept, but this seems particularly insulting to the old man pictured and, well, to whites in general.

My take on this cover has always been 'the young' & the 'changing times' [[exemplified by The Tops at the top of the stairs) taking things over from 'the old ways' [[the old man at the bottom of the stairs). I don't think that Motown would've produced an LP cover that could slight White [[or Elderly) listeners.

[benross]

1. Where Did Our Love Go
2. Meet The Supremes [[1965 blue cover), even though the "left-to-right" identifier line from the original red cover, with Mary on the left and Florence on the right, was not updated when the blue cover repositioned the group with Florence on the left and Mary on the right.
3. More Hits By The Supremes, even though the alternate photo of Mary, as shown on the Expanded Version booklet, was much better.
4. A Bit Of Liverpool
and1. Diana Ross [[1970), which let everyone know that this was a whole new Diana
2. Touch Me In The Morning

[Roger Polhill]

My favourite is "Four Tops On Top" and side one is magic.Sorry I`m unable to show it.

[Circa 1824]

1. DR and the Supremes double album Greatest Hits. The artwork is magnificent.

2. Love Child. I stared at it for hours.

3. The first few DR solo album covers. Loved them all.

[kenneth]

My favourite is "Four Tops On Top" and side one is magic.Sorry I`m unable to show it.

It is a great look. Very bold and modern.

18813

[Roger Polhill]

Many thanks Kenneth. "Then" must be one of least played songs by the Tops as it comes at the end of side two after all the standards.

[kenneth]

Many thanks Kenneth. "Then" must be one of least played songs by the Tops as it comes at the end of side two after all the standards.

is it the same song that was performed by The Supremes with the Temptations?

[Roger Polhill]

Yes it is. We`ve recently a version by the Temptations and there`s version by the Supremes on "Reflections".

[lucky2012]

The only album I have framed on my wall. [[I have limited wall space).
18814

[Graham Jarvis]

There are a lot to choose from, and not trying to be clever, however I just can't choose one! Methinks the greatest album covers ever issued by Motown are "Introducing Paula Greer" & the "Irresistable Tammi Terrell". They are so similar in design and outlay with the jet black backgrounds and the vivid colours.
[ATTACH]18815[ATTACH]18816

[sup_fan]

a couple of mine are

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[sup_fan]

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[lakeside]

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.VOU5PVWQ_1XhUlejJ2R-EAAAAA&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

[Bassline101]

Visually rich, autobiographical front and back covers of the 1974 classic. But who did the art work? Anyone know?
18838

[thanxal]

This one must be my favorite:
18839

With this as a close second [[regardless of the missing beads, lol):
18840

[thommg]

Not sure if this is correct, but Discogs has this credit for the Stevie album: Design [Cover Design], Illustration – Bob Gleason*

[kenneth]

I love the "A Gas..." cover of Jr. Walker. It had to be the same artist who designed this one.

18841

[Bassline101]

Not sure if this is correct, but Discogs has this credit for the Stevie album: Design [Cover Design], Illustration – Bob Gleason*

Spot on, thommg. It is indeed Robert Gleason. Found this:-

http://gleasonart.com/

Thanks

[Sotosound]

I have so many favourite covers but one that always sticks in my mind is the UK Motown Chartbusters Volume 5. Such a vibrant and happy cover at a time of significant success for Motown in the UK.

18810
A favourite of mine, too, and for the same reasons.

[NativeNuYorker]

That truly sounds like a stretch. I don't know how one could be offended by that cover. It's a new vs old generational theme. That's in no way compares to racist covers in the past. It wasn't long before that when Blacks could not even be on covers for their own music.

[soulster]

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.VOU5PVWQ_1XhUlejJ2R-EAAAAA&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

They look like three teenage girls that are totally unrecognizable.

[kenneth]

They look like three teenage girls that are totally unrecognizable.

18842

I think that's actually what I always loved about this photo. This was the first album I ever bought by the Supremes after the two Greatest Hits albums. I was raised in Detroit so of course I knew Diana Ross was no longer in the group, but I really wasn't much aware of the comings and goings. To me, this lineup just seemed younger and hipper than the earlier lineups. I always felt this translated into their TV appearances as well, though perhaps less choreographed than the earlier incarnations, it was nice to see them in more varied contemporary costumes and not always in the same identical gowns.

Although I've always loved Ross and appreciated Jean Terrell's contributions, I felt this lineup with Scherrie singing most of the leads was simply a standout. This cover really seemed to signal a major shift in the group dynamic. It was nice to see Mary take "center stage" in the photos, though this group pose likely had more to do with hiding her pregnancy than seating her on the couch with what seemed to be her two ladies-in-waiting in attendance at her feet. Still, it seemed to foreshadow that she was finally going to share lead vocals with Scherrie [[and later, Susaye).

One odd thing about the cover was that I simply couldn't recognize Cindy Birdsong on the back cover. For the longest time, I actually thought the photos displayed two different lineups of the group. Cindy is so distinctive looking, especially around the eyes, that I just found her nearly unrecognizable on the back cover photo in the red gowns. Of course now I know that's her but at the time I could clearly identify her on the front, but even to this day I find it hard to recognize her on the back cover.

I will say though that a good friend of mine seemed puzzled by the cover and expressed some disbelief that it was really the Supremes. Then, when he flipped it over and saw the trio in their red evening gowns, he said, "Now, that's more like it!"

18849

[kenneth]

That truly sounds like a stretch. I don't know how one could be offended by that cover. It's a new vs old generational theme. That's in no way compares to racist covers in the past. It wasn't long before that when Blacks could not even be on covers for their own music.

Thanks for your perspective.

[khansperac]

The only album I have framed on my wall. [[I have limited wall space).
18814


Never liked this cover. It looks like blackface.

[Boogiedown]

Not to change the subject of my own thread… But… Did anyone ever find this cover controversial and somewhat offensive? I mean I get what they’re trying to say, but to me it looks like they’re really going out of their way to show the rising cause of black pride and such, but at the expense of the old man pictured at the bottom of the steps. This was after all the era where “black is beautiful” was still a new concept, but this seems particularly insulting to the old man pictured and, well, to whites in general.

I mean this kind of thing makes me wonder if there was such a photo ever done in reverse it would raise a well-deserved protest and screams. Of course, one only has to go to old movies still showing today on Turner classic movies and lots of other images in history to know the reverse was very common. Still, I don’t think two wrongs make a right.

does anyone agree? Did anyone ever wonder about the tastefulness of this cover before? I don’t wanna raise a ruckus but I’m dying to ask.

18808


I see what your concerns are. I don't think I would even notice what the guy's color is . It's kind of ambiguous. But as far as covers go , I doubt this one added even one more additional sale for this Four Tops record. Who's looking for heavy music from the Four Tops?? And if someone was buying it because they thought there was something woke going on , I think they would've been disappointed by the title song ....kind of a sleepy tune all about being true to your lady ! lol!!

if I cheated on you girl I'd be cheating on myself ...can you imagine such a line in a 'song' in 2021??


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1TsFuo1fNc

NativeNuYorker


That truly sounds like a stretch. I don't know how one could be offended by that cover. It's a new vs old generational theme. That's in no way compares to racist covers in the past. It wasn't long before that when Blacks could not even be on covers for their own music.

boy some provocative stuff sure gets thrown around casually around here. .....racists covers of the past ....

Seriously, not trying to be funny, educate me , about how blacks "could not be" on covers for their own music. Nat King Cole , Ray Charles Little Richard ..... I see them all on their covers ......??? ....

[Sotosound]

I see what your concerns are. I don't think I would even notice what the guy's color is . It's kind of ambiguous. But as far as covers go , I doubt this one added even one more additional sale for this Four Tops record. Who's looking for heavy music from the Four Tops?? And if someone was buying it because they thought there was something woke going on , I think they would've been disappointed by the title song ....kind of a sleepy tune all about being true to your lady ! lol!!

if I cheated on you girl I'd be cheating on myself ...can you imagine such a line in a 'song' in 2021??


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1TsFuo1fNc


boy some provocative stuff sure gets thrown around casually around here. .....racists covers of the past ....

Seriously, not trying to be funny, educate me , about how blacks "could not be" on covers for their own music. Nat King Cole , Ray Charles Little Richard ..... I see them all on their covers ......??? ....
“This Old Heart Of Mine” by The Isley Brothers features a white couple on the front cover.

Daft, really, even back in 1966.

[Boogiedown]

“This Old Heart Of Mine” by The Isley Brothers features a white couple on the front cover.

Daft, really, even back in 1966.


who knew 'the man ' meant Motown ! lol!

[[could be argued the cover was being inclusive .... or is music by blacks for blacks only?)

I don't think this is an example of : "It wasn't long before that when Blacks could not even be on covers for their own music", do you Sotosound? Trying to imagine Berry Gordy telling Rudolph "No ! You cannot be on your LP's cover, and you know why!!"

I doubt anybody was being deceived into thinking this guy and this girl were performing music as the Isley BROTHERS..... if that's the rub, ...But , if so.... the real Isleys are shown on the back cover....

Interesting decision by Motown. I'd call it progressive. Or cynically: intentional "smart" marketing.

[kenneth]

@boogiedown,

One of the first books about Motown, it might’ve been the story of Motown, I think it was also by Peter Benjaminson who wrote the biography of Mary Wells. I think it was in that book that he said the early covers didn’t picture the artists because then they wouldn’t be sold in the record stores in the south. He was referring to the early albums by the Marvelettes, but even on the first Vandellas album, they’re only pictured on the back, as was also true of the first Mary Wells album.

But your comments actually made me realize some thing. It seemed to happen a lot more with the female artists than the male. The miracles are on the front covers of all their albums as were the Temptations and the four tops. I’m not sure if it means anything, it’s just interesting I guess.

[Motown Eddie]

@boogiedown,

One of the first books about Motown, it might’ve been the story of Motown, I think it was also by Peter Benjaminson who wrote the biography of Mary Wells. I think it was in that book that he said the early covers didn’t picture the artists because then they wouldn’t be sold in the record stores in the south. He was referring to the early albums by the Marvelettes, but even on the first Vandellas album, they’re only pictured on the back, as was also true of the first Mary Wells album.

But your comments actually made me realize some thing. It seemed to happen a lot more with the female artists than the male. The miracles are on the front covers of all their albums as were the Temptations and the four tops. I’m not sure if it means anything, it’s just interesting I guess.

Yes-Many of Motown's early 60's LPs that didn't feature pictures of the artists on the front covers happened with their female artists. In his autobiography, To Be Loved, Berry Gordy admitted that he did this in order to help get those albums stocked in record stores in the South [[so it was both sexism & racism that drove this).

[Motown Eddie]

Here's an interesting one; Martha & The Vandellas' 3rd Album, Dance Party which had two different album covers.

The US:
https://img.discogs.com/r80WNtZJopVkuoFkIPhpdPlpMUo=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc[[):format[[jpeg):mode_rgb[[):qualit y[[40)/discogs-images/R-3325019-1589457765-5056.jpeg.jpg
And the UK:
https://img.discogs.com/qFfmnOZX_wz9np4h6rQ6hayN4HU=/fit-in/600x580/filters:strip_icc[[):format[[jpeg):mode_rgb[[):qualit y[[90)/discogs-images/R-3693231-1418458226-8490.jpeg.jpg

[TYK1986]

Four tops: Nature planned it and Changing times.
Supremes: Supremes join temps cover and maybe an unpopular opinion but I love the Reflections LP cover.
Vandellas: Black Magic is beautiful with the blueish white light shining between the girls.

[NativeNuYorker]

18850
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I love these covers so much I made them tee shirts!

[kenneth]

@NativeNuYorker,

No one ever looked finer than the original Tempts!

[woodward]

In conjunction with posting #44 and the fact that many artists pictures were not shown on their album covers in the early days.

I am a personal friend of Lois Powell of the Chantels. We discussed not too long ago about their End LP The Chantels. She told me that INITIALLY the album was released with the five members on the cover and they all had white gloves on. But End executives feared that the album would not sell with their pictures on the cover. As a result the album was quickly reissued with a full size jukebox on the cover and a white guy and white girl looking at the selections on the jukebox. Now today the initial album release carries a price tag of $500 or more if you can find one in decent condition.

[kenneth]

In conjunction with posting #44 and the fact that many artists pictures were not shown on their album covers in the early days.

I am a personal friend of Lois Powell of the Chantels. We discussed not too long ago about their End LP The Chantels. She told me that INITIALLY the album was released with the five members on the cover and they all had white gloves on. But End executives feared that the album would not sell with their pictures on the cover. As a result the album was quickly reissued with a full size jukebox on the cover and a white guy and white girl looking at the selections on the jukebox. Now today the initial album release carries a price tag of $500 or more if you can find one in decent condition.


I remember those covers from the old Gold Mine price guide.

18852

18853

[arr&bee]

love the cover and the album!

18807hey you just put it up for me[thanks,hehe]my alltime fav.

[Motown Eddie]

In conjunction with posting #44 and the fact that many artists pictures were not shown on their album covers in the early days.

I am a personal friend of Lois Powell of the Chantels. We discussed not too long ago about their End LP The Chantels. She told me that INITIALLY the album was released with the five members on the cover and they all had white gloves on. But End executives feared that the album would not sell with their pictures on the cover. As a result the album was quickly reissued with a full size jukebox on the cover and a white guy and white girl looking at the selections on the jukebox. Now today the initial album release carries a price tag of $500 or more if you can find one in decent condition.

Thanks for the information Woodward. I've seen both versions of The Chantels album and it's wonderful to know that the original version [[with the group on the cover) is the more collectable edition of the LP.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Well, Kenny, just off the top of my head, some of my favorite Motown album covers are:

THE SUPREMES - "More Hits By..."
SUPREMES & TEMPTS - "TCB"
MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS - "Watch-Out"
MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS - "Sugar 'N' Spice"
THE MARVELETTES - Pink Cover [[Self-Titled)
THE MARVELETTES - "Sophisticated Soul"
THE MARVELETTES - "In Full Bloom"
FOUR TOPS - "Four Tops"
THE TEMPTATIONS - "Sing Smokey"
THE MIRACLES - "Going To A Go-Go"
MARVIN GAYE - "Moods Of Marvin Gaye"
MARVIN GAYE & KIM WESTON - "Take Two"
MARVIN GAYE & TAMMI TERRELL "You're All I Need To Get By"
STEVIE WONDER - "I Was Made To Love Her"
EARL VAN DYKE & THE SOUL BROTHERS - "That Motown Sound"
MARY WELLS - "Vintage Stock"
THE NEW SUPREMES - "Right On"
THE NEW SUPREMES - "Touch"
DIANA ROSS - "The Boss"

[kenneth]

@Philles_Motown Gary,

My buddy Gar and I always have to disagree on most things Motown related.


In this list I can understand nearly all of them. You like the Hollywood golden age style glamour portraits of the stars! But the one I can’t understand is…Vintage Stock? A most generic rush cover design to cash in on the interest that Mary Wells may have generated and to eat into her album sales on another label at the time, using a, well, “stock“ photo!

18854

[Philles/Motown Gary]

@Philles_Motown Gary,

My buddy Gar and I always have to disagree on most things Motown related.


In this list I can understand nearly all of them. You like the Hollywood golden age style glamour portraits of the stars! But the one I can’t understand is…Vintage Stock? A most generic rush cover design to cash in on the interest that Mary Wells may have generated and to eat into her album sales on another label at the time, using a, well, “stock“ photo!

18854

Yeah, Kenny, I know the LP cover on "Vintage Stock" is plain without Mary Wells' photo. But it had some previously-unreleased tracks [["When I'm Gone", "One Block From Heaven", "Goodbye And Good Luck", etc.) and I remember how thrilled I was to get the LP for Christmas. Because of that, I've always loved the LP's cover photo. Ditto for Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston's "Take Two" album. Despite there being no artist photos, the music contained within combined with the cool director's chairs and double meaning of the words "take two" and "second take" made me love the album's cover. Probably weird, I know, but that's just me.

[mysterysinger]

We in the UK got lucky with the "Take Two" album, but the release of "Vintage Stock" got cancelled. I suspect they'd have given it a different cover had it been released here.

18855

[Philles/Motown Gary]

We in the UK got lucky with the "Take Two" album, but the release of "Vintage Stock" got cancelled. I suspect they'd have given it a different cover had it been released here.

18855

Yeah, mysterysinger, you guys on the other side of the pond got lucky with the Marvin & Kim LP and also the Martha & The Vandellas "Dance Party" LP cover. Yours shows an exciting scene of Martha, Betty and Rosalind performing on stage, while we in the U.S. got stuck with a bunch of cartoon characters supposedly dancing up a storm for our front cover. Gotta wonder what photo of Mary Wells Motown would have used had "Vintage Stock" been released in the U.K.

[mysterysinger]

Well we also got these among many others ....
18856

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Well we also got these among many others ....
18856
Interesting... I've never seen that photo of The Miracles. It's totally new to me. I'm familiar with both of the Mary Wells' photos, however. And the photo of The Marvelettes was used as the 45 picture sleeve for "You're My Remedy" [[Tamla 54097).

[mysterysinger]

"I Like It Like That" was the third UK Tamla Motown album issued [[1964) Mary Wells "My Baby Just Cares For Me" was a re-issued "My Guy" album. "The Marvellous Marvelettes" was a UK compilation.

TML11003
I Like It Like That
The Miracles
UK Tamla Motown Album

From album [[to re-create the tracklist)
MM = Mickey's Monkey
FM = The Fabulous Miracles
FB = Greatest Hits From The Beginning
TC = Complete Motown Singles Vol 4

Side One
1 "I Like It Like That" [[FB)
2 "Dance What You Wanna [[MM)
3 "The Wah-Watusi" [[featuring Claudette Robinson) [[MM)
4 "Such Is Love,Such Is Life" [[FM)
5 "The Groovy Thing" [[MM)
6 "I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying" [[MM)

Side Two
7 "That's What Love Is Made Of" [[FB)
8 "The Monkey Time" [[MM)
9 "You're So Fine and Sweet" [[featuring Bobby Rogers) [[TC)
10 "Would I Love You" [[FB)
11 "Dancin' Holiday" [[MM)
12 "Twist And Shout" [[MM)



TML11008 The Marvellous Marvelettes.

This is a UK mono only compilation album made up from various US album and other tracks - including many from the US album similarly titled The Marvelous Marvelettes. Consequently it is not available on CD in this form. However all the songs are now available on The Marvelettes Forever CD.

Track list including the US album from which each originates, or CD availability if not an album track.

side 1
01 As Long As I Know He's Mine [[Greatest Hits)
02 Strange I Know [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)
03 Love Letters [[The Marvelettes Sing)
04 I Forgot About You [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)
05 Which Way Did He Go [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)
06 Silly Boy [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)

side 2
01 It's Gonna Take A Lot Of Doing [[to undo all the damage that you've done) [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)
02 My Daddy Knows Best [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)
03 Good Luck Charm [[The Marvelettes Sing)
04 A Little Bit Of Sympathy, A Little Bit Of Love [[The Marvelettes Forever)
05 A Need For Love [[The Marvelettes Forever)
06 Why Must You Go [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

"I Like It Like That" was the third UK Tamla Motown album issued [[1964) Mary Wells "My Baby Just Cares For Me" was a re-issued "My Guy" album. "The Marvellous Marvelettes" was a UK compilation.

TML11003
I Like It Like That
The Miracles
UK Tamla Motown Album

From album [[to re-create the tracklist)
MM = Mickey's Monkey
FM = The Fabulous Miracles
FB = Greatest Hits From The Beginning
TC = Complete Motown Singles Vol 4

Side One
1 "I Like It Like That" [[FB)
2 "Dance What You Wanna [[MM)
3 "The Wah-Watusi" [[featuring Claudette Robinson) [[MM)
4 "Such Is Love,Such Is Life" [[FM)
5 "The Groovy Thing" [[MM)
6 "I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying" [[MM)

Side Two
7 "That's What Love Is Made Of" [[FB)
8 "The Monkey Time" [[MM)
9 "You're So Fine and Sweet" [[featuring Bobby Rogers) [[TC)
10 "Would I Love You" [[FB)
11 "Dancin' Holiday" [[MM)
12 "Twist And Shout" [[MM)



TML11008 The Marvellous Marvelettes.

This is a UK mono only compilation album made up from various US album and other tracks - including many from the US album similarly titled The Marvelous Marvelettes. Consequently it is not available on CD in this form. However all the songs are now available on The Marvelettes Forever CD.

Track list including the US album from which each originates, or CD availability if not an album track.

side 1
01 As Long As I Know He's Mine [[Greatest Hits)
02 Strange I Know [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)
03 Love Letters [[The Marvelettes Sing)
04 I Forgot About You [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)
05 Which Way Did He Go [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)
06 Silly Boy [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)

side 2
01 It's Gonna Take A Lot Of Doing [[to undo all the damage that you've done) [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)
02 My Daddy Knows Best [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)
03 Good Luck Charm [[The Marvelettes Sing)
04 A Little Bit Of Sympathy, A Little Bit Of Love [[The Marvelettes Forever)
05 A Need For Love [[The Marvelettes Forever)
06 Why Must You Go [[The Marvelous Marvelettes)

Boy, mysterysinger, you sure went to a lot of work here! As Motown fans, we from the U.S. and you folks from the U.K. all love pretty much the same songs. It makes you wonder why Motown didn't just release the same tracklist to the U.K. as were released here in the U.S. Over the years, it would have spared the nerves of countless Motown fans and collectors who were trying to sort it all out!

[kenneth]

Boy, mysterysinger, you sure went to a lot of work here! As Motown fans, we from the U.S. and you folks from the U.K. all love pretty much the same songs. It makes you wonder why Motown didn't just release the same tracklist to the U.K. as were released here in the U.S. Over the years, it would have spared the nerves of countless Motown fans and collectors who were trying to sort it all out!

I remember when I first learned that there was a Martha Reeves and the Vandellas greatest hits volume two album released in the UK only. I never was able to find a copy, which I would still buy today just for collecting purposes. I also never knew that Marv Johnson had a Motown album released in the UK. In fact I didn’t know that until the CD on him came out from the Ace/Kent label.

Of course it makes collecting all the more fun, but those UK releases are always hard to find. I wonder if the US releases are as difficult to find in the UK.

[mysterysinger]

Yeah track lists are something else as in the early days and on Greatest Hits releases much tweeking took place on the UK releases. There were some very tasty UK compilations as well.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Yeah, mysterysinger, you guys were getting previously-unreleased Motown tracks long before we ever did here in the U.S. I still find myself wondering if we ever caught up to the stuff that you had gotten.

And, Mystery & Kenny, I never knew that the U.K. got a Martha/Vandellas Greatest Hits Vol. 2 collection. Did it pick up with subsequent singles where our Greatest Hits left off? [[Singles from "Ridin' High", "Sugar 'N' Spice", "Natural Resources", "Black Magic", and non-LP singles like "I Gotta Let You Go, "I Can't Dance To That Music...", and "Sweet Darlin'"?)

[mysterysinger]

When "Dancing In The Street" was a hit again on re-releasem they released a compilation album to try and cash in.... 18857

[mysterysinger]

STML11223
Greatest Hits Volume 2
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Tamla Motown UK LP

SIDE 1
A1 Jimmy Mack
A2 Honey Chile
A3 I Gotta Let You Go
A4 Love Bug Leave My Heart Alone
A5 Third Finger, Left Hand
A6 I Should Be Proud
A7 Your Love Makes It All Worthwhile
A8 I Promise To Wait My Love

SIDE 2
B1 I Cant Dance To That Music You're Playin'
B2 Sweet Darlin'
B3 [[We've Got) Honey Love
B4 Bless You
B5 I Tried
B6 In And Out Of My Life
B7 Forget Me Not
B8 What Am I Going To Do Without Your Love

18858

[simon.millar]

Marvin and Tammi - You'll All I Need - for me is classic 60's Motown.

Latterly, I love the Marvin Gaye covers for I Want You, Here My Dear and In Our Lifetime.

[[I recall years ago the original sketch for In Our Lifetime being auctioned)...

[kenneth]

STML11223
Greatest Hits Volume 2
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Tamla Motown UK LP

SIDE 1
A1 Jimmy Mack
A2 Honey Chile
A3 I Gotta Let You Go
A4 Love Bug Leave My Heart Alone
A5 Third Finger, Left Hand
A6 I Should Be Proud
A7 Your Love Makes It All Worthwhile
A8 I Promise To Wait My Love

SIDE 2
B1 I Cant Dance To That Music You're Playin'
B2 Sweet Darlin'
B3 [[We've Got) Honey Love
B4 Bless You
B5 I Tried
B6 In And Out Of My Life
B7 Forget Me Not
B8 What Am I Going To Do Without Your Love

18858


Great track selection and love the cover photo! Thanks for posting!

[144man]

Boy, mysterysinger, you sure went to a lot of work here! As Motown fans, we from the U.S. and you folks from the U.K. all love pretty much the same songs. It makes you wonder why Motown didn't just release the same tracklist to the U.K. as were released here in the U.S. Over the years, it would have spared the nerves of countless Motown fans and collectors who were trying to sort it all out!

When EMI gave Tamla Motown its own label, although the old albums had never been released before, it didn't make marketing sense to issue them all at once separately. It was thought to be more commerciallly viable to focus on one album per artist, hence the compilations.
I don't know whether this decision was taken in the US or the UK, nor who was responsible for the choice of which tracks to use.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

When "Dancing In The Street" was a hit again on re-releasem they released a compilation album to try and cash in.... 18857

Oh, mystery, I LOVE that photo of Martha & The Vandellas! It's an even-better outtake of the photo from their "Watchout" album. You guys were so lucky to get this!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

STML11223
Greatest Hits Volume 2
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Tamla Motown UK LP

SIDE 1
A1 Jimmy Mack
A2 Honey Chile
A3 I Gotta Let You Go
A4 Love Bug Leave My Heart Alone
A5 Third Finger, Left Hand
A6 I Should Be Proud
A7 Your Love Makes It All Worthwhile
A8 I Promise To Wait My Love

SIDE 2
B1 I Cant Dance To That Music You're Playin'
B2 Sweet Darlin'
B3 [[We've Got) Honey Love
B4 Bless You
B5 I Tried
B6 In And Out Of My Life
B7 Forget Me Not
B8 What Am I Going To Do Without Your Love

18858

That's it, Mystery! I've died and gone to Heaven! I would have given my right arm for this "Greatest Hits Vol. 2" back in the day! 16 glorious tracks of which 5 were non-LP, 45-only tracks! And that gorgeous cover featuring Martha, Lois, and Sandi. The U.S. got seriously screwed on this one.