| Typically when people think of the "disco era", Motown does not immediately pop into their minds. "Disco Nights Vol. 9: Motown Dance" aims to change all that by serving up the original 12" mixes of some of the label's greatest 70s disco/funk classics. The key word here is "extended"; many of the versions on this disc run at 6 to 8 minutes long! The obvious hits are all here. Diva Diana Ross is represented with her two biggest songs of the era, the sensuous "Love Hangover" and the still-kickin' "Upside Down". The Jackson 5 give us "Dancing Machine", and the post-Smokey Miracles' underappreciated Number One hit "Love Machine" smolders. Superstars the Commodores funk things up with the memorable and mightay mightay "Brick House". And for those who can't seem to remember if Motown even had any other female singers besides Ross on the label in the 70s, their memories will be jogged by the fourth Pointer, Bonnie and her 1979 Holland-Dozier-Holland Top 15 smash "Heaven Must Have Sent You", and Thelma Houston's masterpiece "Don't Leave Me This Way", featured in the recent film "54". This disc does an excellent job of spotlighting the work of Motown producer Hal Davis, who produced many of the aforementioned titles and is too often overlooked in the history of the company. Curiously, despite such strong 70s output, two 60s dance cuts are included: the perennially popular "Dancing In The Street" by Martha Reeves and The Vandellas", and "Going To A Go Go" by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. These songs are great, but seem out of place next to the more modern dance music comprising the rest of this collection. The only drawback to the disc is the absence of two of Motown's greatest funk musicians: Rick James and Teena Marie. They definitely belong on this collection! At least the inclusion of the Dazz Band's "Let It Whip" assuages some of the pain. Ultimately however, dollar for dollar, this inexpensive collection of songs is a great buy; it will have many booties shaking for about 45 minutes of musical bliss! |
Disco Nights vol 9 : Motown Dance - Various Artists
