The Motown 7s Box - Volume 2: music from classic artists on 7" singles
Box set release: The Motown 7s Box - Volume 2
Release date: 2 June, 2014
Label: Universal
Following on from the overwhelming success of Volume 1, USM is proud to present ‘The Motown 7s Box Volume 2’.
Once more we celebrate “The Sound Of Young America”. As with Volume 1, many of the tracks included here were never released at their time of recording, for a variety of reasons. Some got pushed to one side as albums usually only contained 12 songs and a few more were usually cut at the session - sometimes other Motown artists were given the songs and other versions were released, or it was simply a matter of the tracks being “rejected” at the weekly A+R meeting held with Berry Gordy and his team of songwriters and producers. The result: a source of brilliant recordings to release on highly desirable 7s.
From Universal: “For Volume 2 a few changes to the box packaging have been made. We have adapted the label copy insert into a more substantial four page card leaflet. Vinyl will also be manufactured at Optimal to give the authentic push out centre hole of the time. Sleeves will be paper rather than gloss card. The selection of tracks again represent highly sought after vinyl releases compiled by journalist and DJ Richard Searling. Boxes will be limited edition and numbered.”
Single 1
Jimmy Ruffin - He Who Picks A Rose
Huge Northern Soul favourite legally available for the first time
Gladys Knight & The Pips - If You Ever Get Your Hands On Love
Only ever on CD previously, a mid-60s delight that now gets its first legal release on a 45
Single 2
Stevie Wonder - I Want My Baby Back
Previously on LP / French EP only, another first timer on a 45
The Contours - Take Him Back If It Makes You Happy
Featuring lead vocals from Dennis Edwards - highly sought-after and never before on a 45
Single 3
The Spinners - We’re Gonna Be More Than Friends
Recently discovered in the Hitsville vaults - first time ever on a single
Kim Weston - You Can Do It
Previously CD on, a great dancer discovered in the tape library recently
Single 4
Brenda Holloway - We’ll Keep On Rolling
A storming piece of LA recorded Northern Soul - first time on a 45 legally
The Temptations - Angel Doll
Only previously ever available on the highly collectable “Emperors of Soul” 4CD American box set
Single 5
Marvin Gaye - My Love For You
A magical recording from Marvin’s mid 60s period - never on a 45 before
The Four Tops - I’m Grateful
H D H magic from their “Second album” , now huge in the clubs, never released on a single before
Single 6
The Isley Brothers - Sure Is A Whole Lotta Woman
Recently discovered 1966 recording, never on a single-until now
Barbara McNair - I Know Better
Previously unreleased on vinyl, superb version of the Marvelettes and Gladys Knight song
Single 7
The Velvelettes - That’s A Funny Way
Never on a 45 before - highly in demand
The Originals - Don’t Stop Now
Sought after track, previously album only gem from 1969