DIVAS 2 - Philles/Motown Gary

[Philles/Motown Gary]

If you liked the first Motorcity "Divas" collection, wait 'til you hear Motorcity "DIVAS 2" by the Former Ladies Of Motown!

As always, many grateful thanks to Kenny for his invaluable assistance with the uploading process to Soulful Detroit.

- Philles/Motown Gary

[Philles/Motown Gary]

VARIOUS ARTISTS
"DIVAS 2"
Label: Motorcity
MOTC CD 67 [[2-CD Set)
Released: 1991


CD 1:

1) FRANCES NERO
"Mr. Right"
[[I. Levine - E. Starr)
Producer: Ian Levine & Edwin Starr
https://youtu.be/va5uTX0WwTo

2) PAT LEWIS
"Back To Front"
[[I. Levine - P. Lewis)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/NHBYjcL0ulE

3) LOUVAIN DEMPS
"No Time For Tears"
[[I. Levine - E. Starr)
Producer: Ian Levine & Edwin Starr
https://youtu.be/nE88snBPsfI

4) HATTIE LITTLES
"I've Never Found A Man [[To Love Me Like You Do)"
[[Jones - Floyd - Isbell)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/gi5Ise3XzIA

5) BRENDA HOLLOWAY
"You Gave Me Love"
[[I. Levine - L. Roman)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/kVSp9F4mW54

6) CHRIS CLARK
"From Head To Toe"
[[Wm. Robinson)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/mUBGU06lAkk

7) BARBARA McNAIR
"Talking In My Sleep"
[[I. Levine - S. Wright)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/wyKGt83Nyx0

8) JEAN TERRELL
"Too Many Memories"
[[I. Levine - S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/1J7NaZkDQ4k

9) KAREN PREE
"Girl With A Broken Heart"
[[I. Levine - K. Pree - C. McMurray)
Producer: Ian Levine & Clay McMurray
https://youtu.be/P8118Z9stfA

10) LINDA GRINER
"Easy To Love"
[[I. Levine - E. Starr)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/veoPowVk4Tg

11) CAROLYN CRAWFORD
"Break The Ice"
[[I. Levine - C. Crawford - S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/6r_MZBLC9MQ

12) MARY WELLS
"Walk The City Streets"
[[I. Levine - S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/l0lvfpZFUtc

13) SAUNDRA EDWARDS
"Love From The Inside Out"
[[I. Levine - I.J. Hunter)
Producer: Ian Levine & I.J. Hunter
https://youtu.be/rtN7qO3r_2o

14) BETTYE LAVETTE
"'Surrender"
[[N. Ashford - V. Simpson)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/vqDNh0TYBWc

15) SYREETA
"I Can't Dance To That Music You're Playing"
[[D. Richards - D. Dean)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/kKzRMn3vwGE

16) VEE [[Virginia McDonald)
"Smiling Faces Sometimes"
[[I. Levine - B. Strong)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/ZmpMbifH0Jo

17) P.J. [[Patti Jerome)
"Down For The Third Time"
[[I. Levine - P. Jerome - P. Frank - S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/EuyMLpLeIes

18) SUSAYE GREENE
"Stop I Need You Now"
[[I. Levine - S. Greene)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/i1yNYuQIQ7M

[Philles/Motown Gary]

CD 2::
1) KIM WESTON
"Oh No, Not My Baby"
[[G. Goffin - C. King)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/aHv4nrACSYk

2) LIZ LANDS
"Further Than Ever"
[[I. Levine - V. Williams - S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/SJJ8cUofw2w

3) MARY WILSON
"Ooh Child"
[[S. Vincent)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/xfKyfu-ey6Q

4) BLINKY [[WILLIAMS)
"Good For Nothing"
[[I. Levine - S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/Gg6I424dc9g

5) LEEZA MILLER
"Sign Of A Heartache"
[[I. Levine - L. Miller - T. Woodford - S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/CMfUod4RrDw

6) MARILYN McLEOD
"Straight On The Line"
[[M. McLeod)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/O_DF4XW7IMk

7) SHERRI TAYLOR
"Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart"
[[B. Holland - L. Dozier - E. Holland)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/D9IpSjS5rFg

8) Claudette Robinson
"Ooh Baby Baby"
[[W. Robinson - P. Moore)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/FoPx3FCK3D0

9) MABLE JOHN
[[I. Levine - J. Webster - K. John - S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/6CdTs7G_4E0

10) BARBARA RANDOLPH
"I Got A Feeling"
[[B. Holland - L. Dozier - E. Holland)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/UJXHQbW8PRA

11) Sylvia Moy
"My Cherie Amour"
[[S. Moy - S. Wonder- H. Cosby)
Producer: Ian Levine & Sylvia Moy
https://youtu.be/O799e2Q1tqs

12) LYNDA LAWRENCE
"Living With A Married Man"
[[I. Levine - C. McMurray - K. Pree)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/A-0KGt9H12g

13) BILLIE CALVIN
"Wishing On A Star"
[[B. Calvin)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/BYX5l4UK_zY

14) LOIS REEVES
"Patience Is A Virtue"
[[I. Levine - S. Moy- S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine & Sylvia Moy
https://youtu.be/PD1rhEKwvqI

15) BETTY KELLY
"I Need To Be Independent"
[[I. Levine - B. Taylor - S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine
https://youtu.be/JtSBwJo_oKg

16) ORTHEIA BARNES
"Without Your Love"
[[J. Steinberg)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/XYFKbqLeZRI

17) SCHERRIE PAYNE
"Pure Energy"
[[I. Levine - S. Payne - S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/Uu4HbBvMLqM

18) MARTHA REEVES
"Angel In Disguise"
[[I. Levine - S. Wagner)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/8SNFJCqGG5Y

[NOTE: The commercial Tracklist on the "DIVAS 2" CD credits "Angel In Disguise" as being recorded by Martha Reeves, yet on the YouTube videos for this track, the song is credited to Martha Reeves & The Vandellas.]

[Philles/Motown Gary]

The posting of the Motorcity "DIVAS 2" thread has completed. I hope you'll enjoy it!

Thanks again for your patience. Please feel free to post your comments now.

And, also, a GREAT BIG THANKS to Kenny for his uploading expertise!

- Philles/Motown Gary

[westgrandboulevard]

Hi Gary,

A belated [ahem....!] response to a very welcome post from you......

I have long felt this to be a really great second set, featuring the Motorcity Divas. Sound quality very good.

Listening to these tracks often reminds me then to get out the albums made by the featured artists...for example, 'Breaking Into My Heart' album by Barbara Randolph [not so easy to obtain now] which, of course, includes an extended version of 'I Got A Feeling'...

Also, many of the other tracks on 'Divas 2' leave me thinking there was once an extended version of them, but which was never released.

Any of your own favourites featured here?

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hey, westgrand! Pleasant surprise! I was beginning to think this entry was a flop! I guess the Motorcity audience has been busy with the Easter weekend and all.

Yes, I love "DIVAS 2"! Most of the tracks enclosed were new to me, which makes it all the more exciting! Here are my favorites:

FRANCES NERO - Mr. Right

PAT LEWIS - Back To Front
.....[NOTE: One of my Top 5 favorite Motorcity artists!]

LOUVAIN DEMPS - No Time For Tears
.....[NOTE: When I first saw this title, I was so hoping it would be a cover version of the beautiful Marvelettes' song.]

BRENDA HOLLOWAY - You Gave Me Love
.....[NOTE: Also, I was hoping this song title was a cover of Motown's chestnut by Diana Ross & The Supremes and also Jimmy Ruffin.]

CHRIS CLARK - From Head To Toe
.....[NOTE: Always a fun romp whether Motown's or Motorcity's version!]

BARBARA McNAIR - Talking In My Sleep
.....[NOTE: A favorite track of mine since the '90s!]

JEAN TERRELL - Too Many Memories

LINDA GRINER - Easy To Love

CAROLYN CRAWFORD - Break The Ice
.....[NOTE: My decision to make Carolyn Crawford my very favorite of all the Motorcity artists came easily. That voice! And I just love her cute, comical personality! I'll never understand why Berry Gordy dropped her from Motown's artist roster. They were THIS CLOSE to developing The Motown Sound. Carolyn's vocal chops would have fit perfectly like hand-in-glove.]

MARY WELLS - Walk The City Streets
.....[NOTE: I've loved this track since the '90s, but I've gotta be honest. That eerie intro with the scream is horrible! HORRID! I'm left wondering -- did the club DJ's play this track back in the day? And, if so, did they play the intro?]

SAUNDRA EDWARDS - Love From The Inside Out
.....[NOTE: Saundra Edwards' voice has mellowed a lot since her days at Motown. She, too, is among my Top 5 favorite Motorcity artists.]

BETTYE LAVETTE - Surrender
.....[NOTE: It will never replace Diana's original, but it's a great cover just the same!]

SYREETA - I Can't Dance To That Music You're Playing
.....[NOTE: WOW! I love Ian's Motorcity production on Syreeta every bit as much as I love Deke's Motown production on Martha!]

KIM WESTON - Oh No, Not My Baby

LIZ LANDS - Further Than Ever

MARY WILSON - Ooh Child
.....[NOTE: Mary has always shined on this cover version.]

SHERRI TAYLOR - Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart
.....[NOTE: A very, VERY guilty pleasure!]

CLAUDETTE ROBINSON - Ooh Baby Baby

BARBARA RANDOLPH - I Got A Feeling
.....[NOTE: A fresh musical arrangement on a Motown chestnut from yet another of my Top 5 Motorcity artists.]

SYLVIA MOY - My Cherie Amour

LYNDA LAURENCE - Living With A Married Man

BILLIE CALVIN - Wishing On A Star

BETTY KELLY - I Need To Be Independent

ORTHEA BARNES - Without Your Love

All of the above are my fave tracks from "DIVAS 2" of which there are many. And, what are your favorites, westgrand?

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Reese, Mysterysinger, Boogie, Kenny, TomatoTom, etc., I'm anxious to hear which "DIVAS 2" selections are YOUR favorites.

[lakeside]

Is Diva's 2 for sale anywhere [[CD)?

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Is Diva's 2 for sale anywhere [[CD)?

Yes it is, Lakeside. I've seen a few for sale. Let me see what I can find for you. It's never very expensive, so I'll search for NM copies.

Lakeside, I checked both eBay and also Discogs [[where I bought my copy). I hate to tell you, but ALL of the copies I've seen recently are gone. [[Possibly as a result of people hearing the tracks featured in this thread?) Don't be discouraged. Motorcity CDs come and go constantly on eBay. Search for "Divas 2" Motorcity CD every day and you'll eventually find yourself a copy.

[westgrandboulevard]

Yes it is, Lakeside. I've seen a few for sale. Let me see what I can find for you. It's never very expensive, so I'll search for NM copies.

Lakeside, I checked both eBay and also Discogs [where I bought my copy]. I hate to tell you, but ALL of the copies I've seen recently are gone. [Possibly as a result of people hearing the tracks featured in this thread] Don't be discouraged. Motorcity CDs come and go constantly on eBay. Search for "Divas 2" Motorcity CD every day and you'll eventually find yourself a copy.

Hi Gary & Lakeside....

Have just checked, and a couple of copies of Divas 2 [red cover] do seem to be available on Discogs? [although the first set, blue cover, indeed has none for sale at the moment...]

One in Netherlands, one in Germany......

See what you both think....

And Lakeside, if you are still 'Soul Searching' [!], I continue to be on the look out for availability of Barbara Randolph's Motorcity album 'Breaking Into My Heart', for you.....

I also have a 'saved search' on eBay for Motorcity, just for my own interest, and receive an update email each day, for any new listings on both eBay UK and US.

I am noticing that many [but not yet all] of the titles are now becoming more expensive. One reason for that could be that they were all produced in perhaps just one pressing, and maybe in relatively low numbers....

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hi Gary & Lakeside....

Have just checked, and a couple of copies of Divas 2 [red cover] do seem to be available on Discogs? [although the first set, blue cover, indeed has none for sale at the moment...]

One in Netherlands, one in Germany......

See what you both think....

And Lakeside, if you are still 'Soul Searching' [!], I continue to be on the look out for availability of Barbara Randolph's Motorcity album 'Breaking Into My Heart', for you.....

I also have a 'saved search' on eBay for Motorcity, just for my own interest, and receive an update email each day, for any new listings on both eBay UK and US.

I am noticing that many [but not yet all] of the titles are now becoming more expensive. One reason for that could be that they were all produced in perhaps just one pressing, and maybe in relatively low numbers....

Westgrand, I already have my own copy of Divas 2 which is what I used for this thread. I was checking for Lakeside. I just double-checked Discogs again. It shows a photo of Divas 2 available. But when you open it to reveal the copies for sale, it says there are none available at this time.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hi Gary,

A belated [ahem....!] response to a very welcome post from you......

I have long felt this to be a really great second set, featuring the Motorcity Divas. Sound quality very good.

Listening to these tracks often reminds me then to get out the albums made by the featured artists...for example, 'Breaking Into My Heart' album by Barbara Randolph [not so easy to obtain now] which, of course, includes an extended version of 'I Got A Feeling'...

Also, many of the other tracks on 'Divas 2' leave me thinking there was once an extended version of them, but which was never released.

Any of your own favourites featured here?

Yes, Westgrand, I've already listed them for you. I'm still waiting to hear your list of favorite tracks!

[westgrandboulevard]

Westgrand, I already have my own copy of Divas 2 which is what I used for this thread. I was checking for Lakeside. I just double-checked Discogs again. It shows a photo of Divas 2 available. But when you open it to reveal the copies for sale, it says there are none available at this time.

Sure Gary, that is all understood.

But why then am I seeing two copies for sale, and you are not?

I have always thought Discogs.com would show the same information for both US and UK....?

[westgrandboulevard]

Gary,

There are other favourites of mine on DIVAS VOL. 2..but, for a start, I do agree with you on many of your own favourite tracks on this compilation.

Here is my own selection and/or comments....

'Mr Right':

This song, written by Edwin Starr, suits Frances Nero's voice very well.
The background voices interest me...not the usual mix, I feel....
There is a later version of this track...I'll see if I can locate it...

'Back To Front':

That chorus towards the close is very catchy..
This track well captures that little 'catch' Pat Lewis uses at times in her voice...
And in a song of which she is credited as co-writer.....
Although I would say it is mainly her own input, at least....

'No Time For Tears':

This track is clearly demonstrates Louvain's vocal range.
Do you feel the element of 'I Will Survive' to it, that I do?
And my ears always listen out for the husky warning 'Get away, get away! Get away, get away!' line....!

'You Gave Me Love':

I wonder why Linda Griner wasn't given this song [where she has writer credit] to record...when Brenda Holloway was assigned to so many more....

'From Head To Toe':

Chris Clark is in fine voice, but I have to be negative here.
IMO, this is one of the tracks which gave Motorcity a bad reputation.
The construction of the song is basically for a quick-step...and the horrid, metal hammer knocking on this recording kills all the potential for bounce, and lightness of step....

'Talking In my Sleep':

A real favourite of mine from the '90s, too!
Love the way Barbara powers on and over that charging background sound, just as if she is riding a galloping horse....and also when it then drops to just the bass....

There is another version, taken slightly slower, and with a different vocal arrangement.
To my ears, this [the original] is much the superior....

'Too Many Memories':

A very neat, sweet song, very suited to Jean's voice and vocal style, and which she also sings 'straight'....

'Easy To Love':

I love anything by Linda Griner...some of the artists came out consistently well from the Motorcity project, and Linda is one....

'Break The Ice':

Agreed about Carolyn Crawford....although I think her husky tones are performed to better effect on some songs, than others....

'Walk The City Streets':

Well, that intro for a Mary Wells recording is certainly distinctive!

I always feel there is a strong reference to 'Phantom Of The Opera' in it, with a conveyed sense of impending horror, rather than perhaps being plain horrible. And Liz Lands did possess a great operatic vocal range, so I can easily see why her voice was used, additionally and effortlessly sliding up and down the vocal scale.

What I can't immediately understand is why that particular sequence in the intro was used for this particular track! If it began with just that 'walking bass' line, which follows the dramatic musical prologue, and with that bass sound then made much more distinctive, it would then have more aptly suggested the walking of a street, probably after dark, feeling lost, with perhaps a fear of being approached from behind by someone, from out of the shadows.

I imagine the DJs would have needed to cut the first section....or maybe they just segued it with the runout of another suitable recording? I could imagine that working well in a huge disco hall.

'Love From The Inside Out':

Yes, Saundra Edwards' singing voice from her Motown days was clearly still there...but with added depth, by the time she recorded for Ian Levine.

'Surrender':

I enjoy Bettye LaVette's interpretation.....different from Diana's....it brings an earthy, more 'street cred' meaning to the lyrics....

'I Can't Dance To That Music You're Playing':

Yes, I too very much enjoy the enhancement in this version to the original arrangement. I would guess this track was a first option for Martha to record for Ian.....that is, if she had decided she would give it a go! But, as with other titles [including even some of her own originals], Martha then decided against! And so it is very fitting that Syreeta takes it....and brings with it a much stronger production....and one which, IMO, should have been used for the original...

'Oh No, Not My Baby':

I enjoy Kim Weston's voice here, but think a slightly different mix to the background would have made it even better...perhaps more distinct percussion sounds....

'Further Than Ever':

Love the way Liz Lands growls, bites and moans her way through the lyrics. A personality to be reckoned with...!

'Ooh Child':

Yes, a song which really suited the singing voice that Mary Wilson had developed by the time she recorded it. And was then able to give it the strong, uplifting chorus it needs....

'Love is Like An Itching In My Heart':

Another biting voice...and hearing Sherri Taylor sing always reminds me of Esther Phillips....

'Ooo Baby Baby':

This one I think could have been given more work. Claudette's vocal is a little uncertain and wavering, not as strong as she likely could produce, with perhaps more preparation...but still a good song for her to tackle....

'I Got A Feeling':

Indeed, a fresh musical arrangement for Barbara, and one which works very well!

'My Cherie Amour':

Sylvia Moy, like Claudette, has a light voice...but is shown to best effect, together with the invaluable presence of The Andantes, whose voices gently wrap themselves around Sylvia, as if they were a shimmering haze.....

'Living With A Married Man':

To my ears, Lynda Laurence's vocal interpretations can sometimes become too strident - a tendency to 'over soul' the lyrics given to her, be that when solo, or with The FLOS. Here, her natural vocal ability is presented very well, and at its best.

'Wishing On A Star':

Billie Calvin, giving the song all the wistful interpretation it needs....

'I Need To Be Independent':

So interesting to hear Betty Kelly on a lead vocal - maybe not the strongest delivery, and the background vocals are a tad too prominent, but there is an endearing quality in Betty's voice which shines though. This just needs some added dubs and sparkle to the production....although I do prefer her other Motorcity recording, 'Giving Me The Runaround', which to me is even better.

'Without Your Love':

A great performance by Ortheia, and a great production. One of my all-time Motorcity favourites - not much here I would change, if anything!

[kenneth]

Sure Gary, that is all understood.

But why then am I seeing two copies for sale, and you are not?

I have always thought Discogs.com would show the same information for both US and UK....?

My experience with DISCOGS is that if an album is available elsewhere, but not here in the US, it will say something like "Not available for purchase in your region," or something like that. Bootlegs are often listed in DISCOGS but have a similar, though broader message, saying something like "Cannot be sold here" or "Forbidden from being offered for sale."

I found no copies of DIVAS 1, but did find two copies of DIVAS 2 available, both from European sellers.

However, both mention "unavailable in the United States" on the info given.

https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/2828531?ev=rb

[kenneth]

@WestGrandBlvd,

Great reading your reviews. I haven't listened to these tracks yet but plan to very soon. I did hear Sherri Taylor's "Love is Like an Itching in my Heart," and love it. Yes, her voice does evoke Esther Phillips [[who evokes Dinah Washington, who evokes Billie Holiday...quite a lineage!). Wish there was more recorded on Taylor. Loved her duet[[s?) with Sammy Ward. Weren't they the very first duet partners at Motown?

I'm sure I'll like many of the other tracks. I had the Supreme Ladies "best of" Motorcity in my collection a long time, but never listened to it until Gary started unearthing these tracks for his digital jukeboxes. Aside from the Lynda Laurence tracks, whose voice doesn't really do anything for me, I love the album. I hadn't heard anything from it except for the Mary Wilson tracks which had been around quite a while, I believe, even when that album came out.

Is "Wishing on a Star" the Rose Royce song? I always loved that song.

It's great having more music to discover.

[westgrandboulevard]

My experience with DISCOGS is that if an album is available elsewhere, but not here in the US, it will say something like "Not available for purchase in your region," or something like that. Bootlegs are often listed in DISCOGS but have a similar, though broader message, saying something like "Cannot be sold here" or "Forbidden from being offered for sale."

I found no copies of DIVAS 1, but did find two copies of DIVAS 2 available, both from European sellers.

However, both mention "unavailable in the United States" on the info given.

https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/2828531?ev=rb

Now that's very interesting information indeed, Kenny.....

I have learned something there.

First, that you are indeed able to see the two items for sale....Gary must be thinking I am on completely the wrong page!

And also, that when I see the same page, there is no mention of 'unavailable in United States'. I guess Discogs recognises I am in UK.

So it looks as if there must be some essential difference with Discogs between the North American market [I assume Canada is included with US], and the European market.

Then it seems to become more complicated.....

The item from Netherlands, that I can view, does appear to ship to US.
[so how does anyone in US know it is available? ]

The item in Germany does not ship to UK ['unavailable in UK'!], but does appear to ship to US........

[westgrandboulevard]

@WestGrandBlvd,

Great reading your reviews. I haven't listened to these tracks yet but plan to very soon. I did hear Sherri Taylor's "Love is Like an Itching in my Heart," and love it. Yes, her voice does evoke Esther Phillips [[who evokes Dinah Washington, who evokes Billie Holiday...quite a lineage!). Wish there was more recorded on Taylor. Loved her duet[[s?) with Sammy Ward. Weren't they the very first duet partners at Motown?

I'm sure I'll like many of the other tracks. I had the Supreme Ladies "best of" Motorcity in my collection a long time, but never listened to it until Gary started unearthing these tracks for his digital jukeboxes. Aside from the Lynda Laurence tracks, whose voice doesn't really do anything for me, I love the album. I hadn't heard anything from it except for the Mary Wilson tracks which had been around quite a while, I believe, even when that album came out.

Is "Wishing on a Star" the Rose Royce song? I always loved that song.

It's great having more music to discover.

Glad you found my comments interesting, Kenny....

I think Sherri Taylor and Singin' Sammy Ward were indeed the first duet partners on Motown - at least on Motown as a label....as I think Ron & Bill had their earlier release 'It'/ 'Don't Say Bye Bye' on Tamla.

Do you know Sherri's Motorcity version of 'What A Difference A Day Makes' ? Sherri is definitely channelling Esther Phillips' own version of the song. And then there's 'Weakhearted', an original song co-written by Sylvia Moy, and with an even newer version on Motorcity 2023 Vol. 1, the recently made available 'various artists' digital album. There was also 'Don't Get It Wrong', which remained unreleased as an instrumental demo which did not receive a vocal.

Although their cover versions are more than competent, I generally prefer the various Ladies of The Supremes on newer material. Mary Wilson recorded just two tracks for Ian Levine...apart from 'Oooh Child', there was the earlier 'Don't Get Mad, Get Even' from 1987, released on Ian's Nightmare label. There were also five other songs, with instrumental demos prepared for Mary's vocals....but which were never completed.

I also sometimes wonder about songs which might have been written, had Motorcity continued. I assume that Ian Levine's other artists, who subsequently continued to release tracks after Motorcity folded, were then assigned songs which would likely have gone to the former Motown artists.

Finally, yes, Billie Calvin's 'Wishing On A Star' is indeed the Rose Royce song.

[soren1974]

Mary Wilson recorded just two tracks for Ian Levine...apart from 'Oooh Child', there was the earlier 'Don't Get Mad, Get Even' from 1987, released on Ian's Nightmare label. There were also five other songs, with instrumental demos prepared for Mary's vocals....but which were never completed

That's correct. The titles were

NEVER IS A LONG TIME
SEVENDAYS A WEEK July1990
NOTHING’S TOO GOOD FOR YOU [[Michael& Brenda Sutton)
LIAR July 1991
ONE NIGHT WITH YOU [[which Mary would use for her Walk The Line album)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

My experience with DISCOGS is that if an album is available elsewhere, but not here in the US, it will say something like "Not available for purchase in your region," or something like that. Bootlegs are often listed in DISCOGS but have a similar, though broader message, saying something like "Cannot be sold here" or "Forbidden from being offered for sale."

I found no copies of DIVAS 1, but did find two copies of DIVAS 2 available, both from European sellers.

However, both mention "unavailable in the United States" on the info given.

https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/2828531?ev=rb

Ah, so THAT explains it. Thanks for verifying that, Kenny. I was beginning to wonder whether westgrand was imagining seeing things that aren't really there, or I was going blind!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Yeah, Westgrand -- your list of favorites is nearly identical to mine!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Sure Gary, that is all understood.

But why then am I seeing two copies for sale, and you are not?

I have always thought Discogs.com would show the same information for both US and UK....?

I, too, wasn't aware that Discogs offers certain CDs that are unique, viewable, and available only to certain countries. From my Discogs shopping experience, whenever I buy a CD from one of their sellers, I search for NM. I then choose a seller from within the U.S., as shipping from sellers outside the U.S. [[of which many are listed) would be cost prohibitive and take forever to get here. I don't understand why there are some CDs viewable to only certain countries, but at least Kenny's explanation solved the question of why you can see a certain item for sale but I can't. [[Thanks, Kenny!)

[westgrandboulevard]

Ah, so THAT explains it. Thanks for verifying that, Kenny. I was beginning to wonder whether westgrand was imagining seeing things that aren't really there, or I was going blind!

The only times I imagine seeing things that aren't really there...is whenever I check the balance on my bank account....

[westgrandboulevard]

Yeah, Westgrand -- your list of favorites is nearly identical to mine!

So far, Gary...so far.

More to follow.

[westgrandboulevard]

I, too, wasn't aware that Discogs offers certain CDs that are unique, viewable, and available only to certain countries. From my Discogs shopping experience, whenever I buy a CD from one of their sellers, I search for NM. I then choose a seller from within the U.S., as shipping from sellers outside the U.S. [[of which many are listed) would be cost prohibitive and take forever to get here. I don't understand why there are some CDs viewable to only certain countries, but at least Kenny's explanation solved the question of why you can see a certain item for sale but I can't. [[Thanks, Kenny!)

Which confirms that if anyone is searching for a certain Motorcity title which is proving elusive, then this is the very place for them to make their wish known.

Surely, at least one member in this informal, but very active Motorcity Forum, is likely to eventually spot it....

[Philles/Motown Gary]

The only times I imagine seeing things that aren't really there...is whenever I check the balance on my bank account....

Yeah, West! Join the club! At least you've got a balance TO see! LOL!!!

[westgrandboulevard]

So far, Gary...so far.

More to follow.

Gary,

I can find good things to say about all the tracks on 'DIVAS 2" set, including your own favourites, as listed above [and with my added comments].

But here are my own VERY TOP favourites from that set:

Frances Nero: 'Mr Right'

Louvain Demps: 'No Time For Tears'

Hattie Littles: 'I've Never Found Me A Man [To Love Me Like You Do]'

Barbara McNair: 'Talking In My Sleep'

Karen Pree: 'Girl With A Broken Heart'

Syreeta: 'I Can't Dance To That Music You're Playing'

Blinky: 'Good For Nothing'

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas: 'Angel In Disguise'
[as billed on 12" single"]

[westgrandboulevard]

And, unless I have missed them, you haven't yet shared your favourites from the first DIVAS set...?

[westgrandboulevard]

While on this topic......

Can anyone positively identify the two 'DIVAS' shown on the front of each set?

I thought I knew, but have just studied them again, and now feel not quite so sure..

[lakeside]

Yes it is, Lakeside. I've seen a few for sale. Let me see what I can find for you. It's never very expensive, so I'll search for NM copies.

Lakeside, I checked both eBay and also Discogs [[where I bought my copy). I hate to tell you, but ALL of the copies I've seen recently are gone. [[Possibly as a result of people hearing the tracks featured in this thread?) Don't be discouraged. Motorcity CDs come and go constantly on eBay. Search for "Divas 2" Motorcity CD every day and you'll eventually find yourself a copy.

Thanks, Gary. I will.

[westgrandboulevard]

8) Claudette Robinson
"Ooh Baby Baby"
[[W. Robinson - P. Moore)
Producer: Ian Levine & Rick Gianatos
https://youtu.be/FoPx3FCK3D0

June 20th:

Happy Birthday to Claudette Rogers Robinson [Claudette Annette Rogers Robinson]....

The First Lady Of Motown....and one of the many DIVAS of Motorcity

[ralpht]

It looks like another of your interesting comprehensive offerings, Gary. Many thanks for the effort.

[reese]

My faves from this collection would be:

Love Is Like An Itching in My Heart
Surrender
Angel In Disguise

Many of the others listed I've never heard.

[westgrandboulevard]

Reese,

Yes, I agree with your faves.

But of those 'many others listed' that you've never heard, perhaps try the links provided by Gary & Kenny [and grateful thanks going to them both!], see what you think of those particular tracks....

And then let us know....?

[Philles/Motown Gary]

It looks like another of your interesting comprehensive offerings, Gary. Many thanks for the effort.

Thanks, Ralph! When you get a chance, check out my latest project -- Salute To Van McCoy -- Part 1: His Bio And Albums; Van McCoy - Part 2: Faith, Hope & Charity; and the upcoming Van McCoy - Part 3: Van's Artists which will include pretty much EVERY ONE of Van's 1972-1979 productions. I'm really proud of it and can hardly wait!