Ran across this compilation at Rockaway Records (also known as my home away from home). These are vintage cover versions of Motown hits as performed by various artists from the Stax label. Motown, was of course, a hit factory, with songs being produced in assembly-line fashion in keeping with the label's home in Detroit--the Motor City. The Stax operation was much looser and funkier and it shows in these covers, which include David Porter (Isaac Hayes' writing partner) doing Stevie Wonder's "I Don't Know Why I Love You," Barbara Lewis with a sweet version of Smokey Robinson's "Oh, Be My Love," Booker T. & the MGs turning The Supremes' "I Hear a Symphony" into an instrumental, John Gary Williams (a new name to me) doing The Four Tops' "Ask the Lonely" and O.B. McClinton delivering a country(!) version of The Temptations' "I Wish It Would Rain." This collection was released last year but it doesn't seem to be on iTunes, so if you want a listen you'll have to track one down yourself, or have me over for cocktails. Yeah, baby.
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