Standing in the Shadows of Motown
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Free Music Notes for Standing in the Shadows of Motown
Free Music Review: No longer Standing in the Shadows
Hit: 5 Stars
This soundtrack compilation paying homage to Motown's unknown background musicians brings the Funk Brother's talent the recognition they richly deserve. The rhythym tracks behind the singers testify to the fact that the Brothers haven't lost their chops. If anything, today's technology brings out their talents in a manner that recording technology couldn't do back in the 60's-70s. Their sound is so up tight and out of sight that it reminds what rock and roll is supposed to sound like. I have a tough time picking my best of the selections, but Joan Osbourne's version of "What's Become of the Broken Hearted," in my humble opinion is better than the David Ruffin original. (I just saw the documentary and it blew the audience away!) James Jamerson, considered a legendary bassist, was the inspiration for the book that was the inspiration for the movie/CD, but the bass tracks laid down by Bob Babbitt are indistinguishable from Jamerson. Motown was blessed with multiple musical geniuses on all of the background instruments (except for Jack Ashford's one of a kind genius on the tambourine and vibes) and this CD proves they still have it! The Funk Brothers don't stand in ANYBODY'S shadow anymore.Free Music Review: When it comes to Motown ...
Hit: 5 Stars
... I'm a fusspot, a 46-year old guy born and raised in Detroit and its suburbs and living in the city now. Most of the time when I hear a Motown cover, I wonder why the artists bothered; they usually sound fourth-rate. This CD, however, is worth every dime and then some. In addition to highlighting the incredible unsung musicians who toiled in the Snakepit, the new vocalists generally do an outstanding job. Special props to Joan Osborne -- if anything, her version of "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" actually surpasses the original, and I NEVER thought I'd say that about a Motown cover. The first time I heard it, it brought tears to my eyes, and I've played it at least a dozen times since. I saw the great Rudy Robinson's last live gig the afternoon before he died last year; I recently saw Joe Hunter play keys in that same room with musicians young enough to be his kids or grandkids, but he sounded like he'd played with them his whole life. These men, and their funky brothers, are finally getting out from the shadows. And it's about time.
Please buy -- don't download -- this disc. And I can't wait for the DVD!
Free Music Review: Old school fan
Hit: 5 Stars
In the interest of full disclosure I believe virtually no good music has been produced since 1972.I just saw the film at the Apollo in Harlem. I never before heard of most of the vocalists on the CD. I can tell you that Joan Osborne's "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" lifted the roof off the Apollo! It was the musical highlight of a truly amazing documentary.
I was prepared to have my prejudices confirmed - no one but Jimmy Ruffin can sing "Broken Hearted", who is Ben Harper to pretend to do a Marvin Gaye tune, etc. - but this soundtrack and film have gotten me to do a 180. The premise of the documentary is that the band was more important than the vocalists. By combining new singers with the unsung (pun intended) legends doing the instrumental work, the premise was validated - in a good way. "Infectious" is the adjective that best describes these wonderful performances.
Interestingly enough, I saw it with my kids who, unlike their old man, knew all the vocalists. Like me, though, they are still talking about the film three days later.
What a blast!
Free Music Review: Standing in the shadows of soul
Hit: 5 Stars
I was nine years old the first time my heart was broken and Motown's "What becomes of the broken hearted?" became my anthem. More than twenty years later I have found myself singing in the street to the same song, not because of a broken heart but in jubilation to the musicians of Motown and Joan Osbourne's voice. Standing in the shadows of Motown is more than just a phenomenal album, it is praise in church, a testament to the musicians that made Motown a hit factory. Hearing the funk brothers play behind some of this generations amazing voices makes you believe in every cliche ever written about the transformative effects of music. You'll believe that for love, "Ain't no mountain high enough", you'll understand how "Shotgun" could cause a spike in the birth rate and you will put your hand out to the lover who "Ain't to proud to beg." Every time you listen to this album you will shake your hips, stomp your feet, raise your voice and thank God that you're Standing in the shadows of motown.Free Music Review: You'll laugh, cry and dance ...
Hit: 5 Stars
I'm so sorry I missed this one on the big screen. The story told is wonderful, and you'll gain a new appreciation for the musicians who made Motown what it was. If you can watch this and sit still, you've got a hole in your soul. The old standards come across just as we remember them, but the current artists who perform - Chaka Khan, Gerald Levert, Montell Jordan, the inimitable Bootsy Collins, Ben Harper and Joan Osborne - rock the house just as their predecessors did. MeShell Ndegeocello is the only weak link in the movie; she just does not belong in this company. Yet the movie is done with the joy and the love that the Funk Brothers clearly have for each other, even now, forty years later. The back-story could have been infused with the bitterness that doubtless exists toward Berry Gordy and his exploitive ways, but this is fortunately excluded, making the movie a powerful celebration of the men and their spectacular music that so many of us grew up on. This one is not to be missed. Buy it today.