If this isn’t the most daunting task ever, I don’t know what is. In 2009, Motown will celebrate its Golden Anniversary and by that time, all 12 projected volumes of “The Complete Motown Singles” are supposed to be available for those unable to track down the more than 800 seven-inch records or more than 16,000 recordings those 800 platters add up to. These stunning limited boxed sets (5000 non-numbered copies) will also certainly save you some space, and the remastering adds the final sonic touch to what is one of the most impressive back catalogs of the recording industry. It could be ALL yours if you have the cash.

Berry Gordy, the Detroit entrepeneur who founded Motown (short for “Motor Town”, Detroit) in 1959, turned his label into one that even those who might not like the music know. In their nearly 50 years of existence, Motown Records have placed so many singles in the charts that if you lined them up on a (very long) shelf, both the Beatles’ and Elvis’ catalogs would seem like specks of dust in comparison.

Motown Records, orginally conceived as Tamla (originating from “Tammy” and inspired by a Debbie Reynolds tune), has become a trademark easily identified by its unique mix of soul, rhythm and blues, rock-and-roll, and pop, resulting in a very unique sound identified with a nearly endless list of hit artists such as Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, The Commodores, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, The Spinners, The Temptations, Teena Marie, The Marvelettes and Brian McKnight or Erykah Badu today.

Mind you, “The Complete Motown Singles” will cost you a lot of good money and perhaps having all Motown singles will kill both your budget and the last available shelf space in your house, but it is a fascinating project, especially for collectors.

Each volume is made available in lavishly-produced limited edition packages (Alex Award for excellence in packaging) and the buzz around the Internet is all positive for the first three volumes currently available from Hip-OSelect. The series is picking up speed and has so far covered the years 1959-1961 (Vol. 1), 1962 (Vol. 2) and 1963 (Vol. 3), and the succeeding volumes up to Volume 12 will continue to cover one year each. At an average you get around 150 tunes per boxed set, each CD protected by a replica of a Tamla/Motown original 45rpm sleeve, accompanied by a highly informative 90 to 100 page booklet with song-by-song annotations, tons of photos and, important for collectors, a cross-referenced discography.

I am a hundred percent sure that if you miss out on these, you will regret it later. I cannot imagine these going for anything but outrageous collectors’ prices on eBay once they are out of print. Don’t say I didn’t warn you … and rush over to Hip-OSelect, cash in on the current 25% discount (for a limited time) and get all three. Probably the best way of saving $75 at the moment.

Update: Since the publication of this article, prices have somewhat changed and two volumes have been added!

External Links:
The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 1 (1959-61). $119.98
The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 2 (1962). $79.98
The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 3 (1963). $99.98
The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 4 (1964). $119.98
The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 5 (1965). $99.98

The Complete Motown Singles: An interview with Harry Weinger, Vice President of A&R for Universal Music

Track Listing:

The Complete Motown Singles, Volume 1 (1959-1961)
Disc 1
1. Come To Me - Marv Johnson
2. Whisper - Marv Johnson
3. Merry-Go-Round - Eddie Holland
4. It Moves Me - Eddie Holland
5. Let’s Rock - Barrett Strong
6. Do The Very Best You Can - Barrett Strong
7. Solid Sender - Chico Leverett
8. I’ll Never Love Again - Chico Leverett
9. Snake Walk (Part 1) - The Swinging Tigers
10. Snake Walk (Part 2) - The Swinging Tigers
11. It - Ron & Bill
12. Don’t Say Bye Bye - Ron & Bill
13. Going To The Hop - The Satintones
14. Motor City - The Satintones
15. Money (That’s What I Want) - Barrett Strong
16. Oh I Apologize - Barrett Strong
17. Ich-i-bon #1 - Nick & The Jaguars
18. Cool And Crazy - Nick & The Jaguars
19. Bad Girl - The Miracles
20. I Love Your Baby - The Miracles
21. The Feeling Is So Fine - The Miracles
22. (You Can) Depend On Me - The Miracles [first version]
23. My Beloved - The Satintones [without strings]
24. Sugar Daddy - The Satintones
25. You Never Miss A Good Thing - Eugene Remus [without strings]
26. Hold Me Tight - Eugene Remus
27. Gotta Have Your Lovin’ - Eugene Remus

Disc 2
1. Way Over There - The Miracles [without strings]
2. (You Can) Depend On Me - The Miracles [second version]
3. Way Over There - The Miracles [with strings]
4. My Beloved - The Satintones [with strings]
5. You Never Miss A Good Thing - Eugene Remus [with strings]
6. Yes, No, Maybe So - Barrett Strong
7. You Knows What To Do - Barrett Strong
8. Custer’s Last Man - Popcorn And The Mohawks
9. Shimmy Gully - Popcorn And The Mohawks
10. Who Wouldn’t Love A Man Like That - Mable John [first version]
11. You Made A Fool Out Of Me - Mable John
12. Whirlwind - Barrett Strong
13. I’m Gonna Cry (If You Quit Me) - Barrett Strong
14. Bye Bye Baby - Mary Wells
15. Please Forgive Me - Mary Wells
16. What Makes You Love Him - Singin’ Sammy Ward [first version]
17. That Child Is Really Wild - Singin’ Sammy Ward
18. Who’s The Fool - Singin’ Sammy Ward
19. Shop Around - The Miracles [regional version]
20. Who’s Lovin’ You - The Miracles
21. True Love - Herman Griffin
22. It’s You - Herman Griffin
23. Shop Around - The Miracles [national version]
24. Oh Lover - Sherri Taylor & Singin’ Sammy Ward
25. That’s Why I Love You So Much - Sherri Taylor & Singin’ Sammy Ward
26. I’ve Got A Notion - Henry Lumpkin
27. We Really Love Each Other - Henry Lumpkin

Disc 3
1. Don’t Feel Sorry For Me - Jimmy Ruffin
2. Heart - Jimmy Ruffin
3. Don’t Let Him Shop Around - Debbie Dean
4. A New Girl - Debbie Dean
5. Ain’t It Baby - The Miracles
6. The Only One I Love - The Miracles
7. Money And Me - Barrett Strong
8. You’ve Got What It Takes - Barrett Strong
9. When I Needed You - Little Iva & Her Band
10. Continental Strut - Little Iva & Her Band
11. Whole Lotta Woman - The Contours [regional version]
12. Come On And Be Mine - The Contours
13. I Want A Guy - The Supremes
14. Never Again - The Supremes
15. He Lifted Me - The Gospel Stars [unedited version]
16. Behold The Saints Of God - The Gospel Stars
17. Poor Sam Jones - Mickey Woods
18. They Rode Through The Valley - Mickey Woods
19. Money (That’s What I Want) - Richard Wylie & his Band
20. I’ll Still Be Around - Richard Wylie & his Band
21. Tomorrow And Always - The Satintones [without strings]
22. A Love That Can Never Be - The Satintones
23. Tomorrow And Always - The Satintones [with strings]
24. Whole Lotta Woman - The Contours [national version]
25. Blibberin’ Blabbin’ Blues - Gino Parks
26. Don’t Say Bye Bye - Gino Parks

Disc 4
1. Angel - The Satintones
2. (I’m Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over - Marvin Gay
3. Witchcraft - Marvin Gay
4. Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide - Marvin Gaye
5. Never Let You Go (Sha Lu Bop) - Marvin Gaye
6. I Don’t Want To Take A Chance - Mary Wells
7. I’m So Sorry - Mary Wells
8. Rosa Lee (Stay Off The Bell) - Andre Williams
9. Shoo-Doo - Andre Williams
10. Misery - Barrett Strong
11. Two Wrongs Don’t Make A Right - Barrett Strong
12. Broken Hearted - The Miracles
13. Mighty Good Lovin’ - The Miracles
14. No Love - Mable John [without strings]
15. Looking For A Man - Mable John
16. Same Thing - Gino Parks
17. That’s No Lie - Gino Parks
18. I Know How It Feels - The Satintones
19. My Kind Of Love - The Satintones
20. No Love - Mable John [with strings]
21. Buttered Popcorn - The Supremes [first version]
22. Who’s Lovin’ You - The Supremes
23. Buttered Popcorn - The Supremes [second version]
24. Oh Mother Of Mine - The Temptations
25. Romance Without Finance - The Temptations
26. I Am Bound - Golden Harmoneers
27. Precious Memories - Golden Harmoneers

Disc 5
1. Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes
2. So Long Baby - The Marvelettes
3. The Stretch - The Contours
4. Funny - The Contours
5. Itsy Bity Pity Love - Debbie Dean
6. But I’m Afraid - Debbie Dean
7. They Shall Be Mine - Rev. Columbus Mann
8. Jesus Loves - Rev. Columbus Mann
9. Someone To Call My Own - The Equadors
10. You’re My Desire - The Equadors
11. Love Me - Pete Hartfield
12. Darling Tonight - Pete Hartfield
13. Everybody’s Gotta Pay Some Dues - The Miracles
14. I Can’t Believe - The Miracles
15. Angel In Blue - Joel Sebastian
16. Blue Cinderella - Joel Sebastian
17. Strange Love - Mary Wells
18. Come To Me - Mary Wells
19. The Day Will Come - Freddie Gorman
20. Just For You - Freddie Gorman
21. Have I The Right - Popcorn And The Mohawks
22. Real Good Lovin’ - Popcorn And The Mohawks
23. Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart - The Satintones
24. Faded Letter - The Satintones

Disc 6
1. Jamie - Eddie Holland
2. Take A Chance On Me - Eddie Holland
3. Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam) - The Valadiers
4. Take A Chance - The Valadiers
5. Actions Speak Louder Than Words - Mable John
6. Take Me - Mable John
7. What Makes You Love Him - Sammy Ward [second version]
8. Don’t Take It Away - Sammy Ward
9. Check Yourself - The Temptations
10. Your Wonderful Love - The Temptations
11. Small Sad Sam - Bob Kayli
12. Tie Me Tight - Bob Kayli
13. Whose Heart (Are You Gonna Break Now) - Don McKenzie
14. I’ll Call You - Don McKenzie
15. Xmas Twist - The Twistin’ Kings
16. White House Twist - The Twistin’ Kings
17. Please Mr. Kennedy - Mickey Woods
18. (They Call Me) Cupid - Mickey Woods
19. Twistin’ Postman - The Marvelettes
20. I Want A Guy - The Marvelettes
21. What’s So Good About Good Bye - The Miracles
22. I’ve Been Good To You - The Miracles
23. Congo (Part 1) - The Twistin’ Kings
24. Congo (Part 2) - The Twistin’ Kings

The Complete Motown Singles, Volume 2 (1962)
Disc 7
1. Mr. Sandman - Marvin Gaye
2. I’m Yours, You’re Mine - Marvin Gaye
3. What Is A Man (Without A Woman) - Henry Lumpkin
4. Don’t Leave Me - Henry Lumpkin
5. The One Who Really Loves You - Mary Wells
6. I’m Gonna Stay - Mary Wells
7. Your Baby’s Back - The Downbeats
8. Request Of A Fool [a.k.a. I Wanna Know Why] - The Downbeats
9. Big Joe Moe - Singin’ Sammy Ward
10. Everybody Knew It But Me - Singin’ Sammy Ward
11. Everybody’s Talking About My Baby - Debbie Dean
12. I Cried All Night - Debbie Dean
13. I Out-Duked The Duke - Little Otis
14. Baby I Need You - Little Otis
15. (You’re My) Dream Come True - The Temptations
16. Isn’t She Pretty - The Temptations
17. You Deserve What You Got - Eddie Holland
18. Last Night I Had A Vision - Eddie Holland
19. I’ll Try Something New - The Miracles
20. You Never Miss A Good Thing - The Miracles
21. Playboy - The Marvelettes
22. All The Love I’ve Got - The Marvelettes
23. Come Into My Palace - Lee & The Leopards
24. Trying To Make It - Lee & The Leopards
25. (If) Cleopatra Took A Chance - Eddie Holland
26. What About Me - Eddie Holland
27. Soldier’s Plea - Marvin Gaye
28. Taking My Time - Marvin Gaye

Disc 8
1. Your Heart Belongs To Me - The Supremes
2. (He’s) Seventeen - The Supremes
3. Your Heart Belongs To Me - The Supremes [second version, w/echo]
4. Exodus - Hank & Carol Diamond
5. I Remember You - Hank & Carol Diamond
6. Opus No. 3 - Earl Washington All Stars
7. March Lightly - Earl Washington All Stars
8. Because I Love Her - The Valadiers
9. While I’m Away - The Valadiers
10. I Call It Pretty Music But The Old People Call It The Blues (Part 1) - Little Stevie Wonder
11. I Call It Pretty Music But The Old People Call It The Blues (Part 2) - Little Stevie Wonder
12. Sleep (Little One) - Herman Griffin
13. Uptight - Herman Griffin & Band
14. Dearest One - Lamont Dozier
15. Fortune Teller (Tell Me) - Lamont Dozier
16. Same Old Story - Mickey McCullers
17. I’ll Cry A Million Tears - Mickey McCullers
18. Do You Love Me - The Contours
19. Move Mr. Man - The Contours
20. Back In My Arms - Hattie Littles
21. Is It True (What They Say About You) - Hattie Littles
22. Fire - Gino Parks
23. For This I Thank You - Gino Parks
24. I Found Myself A Brand New Baby - Mike & The Modifiers
25. It’s Too Bad - Mike & The Modifiers
26. Mojo Hannah - Henry Lumpkin
27. Break Down And Sing - Henry Lumpkin
28. Beechwood 4-5789 - The Marvelettes
29. Someday, Someway - The Marvelettes

Disc 9
1. You Beat Me To The Punch - Mary Wells
2. Old Love (Let’s Try It Again) - Mary Wells [first version]
3. Old Love (Let’s Try It Again) - Mary Wells [second version]
4. This Is Our Night - The Creations
5. You’re My Inspiration - The Creations
6. Camel Walk - Saundra Mallet & The Vandellas
7. It’s Gonna Be Hard Times - Saundra Mallet & The Vandellas
8. Stubborn Kind Of Fellow - Marvin Gaye
9. It Hurt Me Too - Marvin Gaye
10. That’s What He Is To Me - Wright Specials
11. Pilgrim Of Sorrow - Wright Specials
12. If It’s Love (It’s Alright) - Eddie Holland
13. It’s Not Too Late - Eddie Holland
14. If Your Mother Only Knew - The Miracles [first version]
15. If Your Mother Only Knew - The Miracles [second version]
16. Someday Pretty Baby - Singin’ Sammy Ward
17. Part Time Love - Singin’ Sammy Ward
18. Your Love Is Wonderful - Hattie Littles [first version]
19. Here You Come - Hattie Littles
20. Trouble Lover - The Charters
21. Show Me Some Sign - The Charters
22. I’ll Have To Let Him Go - Martha & The Vandellas
23. My Baby Won’t Come Back - Martha & The Vandellas
24. Mind Over Matter (I’m Gonna Make You Mine) - The Pirates
25. I’ll Love You Till I Die - The Pirates
26. Little Water Boy - Little Stevie Wonder & Clarence Paul [promo version]
27. La La La La La - Little Stevie Wonder
28. Little Water Boy - Little Stevie Wonder & Clarence Paul [commercial version]

Disc 10
1. Strange I Know - The Marvelettes
2. Too Strong To Be Strung Along - The Marvelettes [first version]
3. Too Strong To Be Strung Along - The Marvelettes [second version]
4. There He Is (At My Door) - The Vells
5. You’ll Never Cherish A Love So True (’Til You Lose It) - The Vells
6. Paradise - The Temptations
7. Slow Down Heart - The Temptations
8. Your Love Is Wonderful - Hattie Littles [second version]
9. Two Lovers - Mary Wells
10. Operator - Mary Wells
11. Let Me Go The Right Way - The Supremes
12. Time Changes Things - The Supremes
13. Hold On Pearl - Bob Kayli
14. Toodle Loo - Bob Kayli
15. Happy Landing - The Miracles
16. You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me - The Miracles
17. Shake Sherrie - The Contours [commercial version]
18. You Better Get In Line - The Contours
19. Shake Sherrie - The Contours [radio promo version]
20. Camel Walk - LaBrenda Ben & The Beljeans
21. The Chaperone - LaBrenda Ben & The Beljeans
22. Darling, I Hum Our Song - Eddie Holland
23. Just A Few More Days - Eddie Holland
24. Hitch Hike - Marvin Gaye
25. Hello There Angel - Marvin Gaye
26. Contract On Love - Little Stevie Wonder
27. Sunset - Little Stevie Wonder

The Complete Motown Singles, Volume 3 (1963)
Disc 11
1. I Found A Girl - The Valadiers
2. You’ll Be Sorry Someday - The Valadiers
3. Good Bye Cruel Love - Linda Griner
4. Envious - Linda Griner
5. I Want To Talk About You - Paula Greer
6. So In Love - Paula Greer
7. Laughing Boy - Mary Wells
8. Two Wrongs Don’t Make A Right - Mary Wells
9. Sugar Cane Curtain - The Chuck-A-Lucks
10. Dingbat Diller - The Chuck-A-Lucks
11. It Should Have Been Me - Kim Weston
12. Love Me All The Way - Kim Weston
13. Locking Up My Heart - The Marvelettes [1st pressing]
14. Forever - The Marvelettes
15. Come And Get These Memories - Martha & the Vandellas
16. Jealous Lover - Martha & the Vandellas
17. My Heart Can’t Take It No More - The Supremes
18. You Bring Back Memories - The Supremes
19. Late Freight - Dave Hamilton
20. Mellow In Coli - Dave Hamilton
21. I’mi See You Later - Johnny Griffith Trio
22. I Did - Johnny Griffith Trio

Disc 12
1. Bobbie - George Bohannon
2. El Rig - George Bohannon
3. I Did - Paula Greer
4. Falling In Love With Love - Paula Greer
5. The Interview (Summit Chanted Meeting) - ‘Jack’ Haney & ‘Nikiter’ Armstrong
6. Peaceful - ‘Jack’ Haney & ‘Nikiter’ Armstrong
7. My Baby Gave Me Another Chance - Amos Milburn
8. I’ll Make It Up To You Somehow - Amos Milburn
9. Don’t Let Her Be Your Baby - The Contours
10. It Must Be Love - The Contours
11. Oh Freddy - Connie Van Dyke
12. It Hurt Me Too - Connie Van Dyke
13. A Love She Can Count On - The Miracles
14. I Can Take A Hint - The Miracles
15. I Want A Love I Can See - The Temptations
16. The Further You Look, The Less You See - The Temptations
17. Pride And Joy - Marvin Gaye
18. One Of These Days - Marvin Gaye
19. Your Old Stand By - Mary Wells
20. What Love Has Joined Together - Mary Wells
21. Baby Shake - Eddie Holland
22. Brenda - Eddie Holland
23. Locking Up My Heart - The Marvelettes [2nd pressing – alternate mix]
24. Why Go Out Of Your Way - Billy Merritt
25. I’ll Go Anywhere - Billy Merritt

Disc 13
1. Fingertips (Part 1) - Little Stevie Wonder [1st pressing]
2. Fingertips (Part 2) - Little Stevie Wonder [1st pressing]
3. First, You’ve Got To Recognize God - The Burnadettes
4. I’m Going Home - The Burnadettes
5. Fingertips (Part 2) - Little Stevie Wonder [2nd pressing]
6. Fingertips (Part 1) - Little Stevie Wonder [2nd pressing – alternate mix]
7. I’m Hooked - Bunny Paul
8. We’re Only Young Once - Bunny Paul
9. Going Steady Anniversary - The Stylers
10. Pushing Up Daisies - The Stylers
11. Ninety-Nine And A Half Won’t Do - The Wright Specials
12. I Won’t Go Back - The Wright Specials
13. Pa (I Need A Car) - The Contours
14. You Get Ugly - The Contours
15. My Daily Prayer - Amos Milburn
16. A Breath Taking Guy - The Supremes
17. (The Man With The) Rock And Roll Banjo Band - The Supremes
18. What Goes Up Must Come Down - Holland & Dozier
19. Come On Home - Holland & Dozier
20. Who Wouldn’t Love A Man Like That - Mable John
21. Say You’ll Never Let Me Go - Mable John
22. Farewell My Love - The Temptations
23. May I Have This Dance - The Temptations
24. My Daddy Knows Best - The Marvelettes
25. Tie A String Around Your Finger - The Marvelettes

Disc 14
1. Heat Wave - Martha & the Vandellas
2. A Love Like Yours (Don’t Come Knocking Everyday) - Martha & the Vandellas
3. Give God A Chance - The Gospel Stars
4. Have You Any Time For Jesus - The Gospel Stars
5. Mickey’s Monkey - The Miracles
6. Whatever Makes You Happy - The Miracles
7. There He Goes - The Velvelettes
8. That’s The Reason Why - The Velvelettes
9. I Call It Pretty Music But The Old People Call It The Blues (Part 1) - Little Stevie Wonder
10. Back To School Again - The Morrocco Muzik Makers
11. Pig Knuckles - The Morrocco Muzik Makers
12. Just Be Yourself - LaBrenda Ben
13. I Can’t Help It, I Gotta Dance - LaBrenda Ben
14. You Lost The Sweetest Boy - Mary Wells
15. What’s Easy For Two Is Hard For One - Mary Wells
16. Work Out Stevie, Work Out - Little Stevie Wonder
17. Monkey Talk - Little Stevie Wonder
18. Can I Get A Witness - Marvin Gaye
19. I’m Crazy ‘Bout My Baby - Marvin Gaye
20. We Shall Overcome - Liz Lands & the Voices of Salvation
21. Trouble In This Land - Liz Lands
22. As Long As I Know He’s Mine - The Marvelettes
23. He Won’t Be True (Little Girl Blue) - The Marvelettes
24. I’m On The Outside Looking In - Eddie Holland
25. I Couldn’t Cry If I Wanted To - Eddie Holland

Disc 15
1. Just Loving You - Kim Weston
2. l Another Train Coming - Kim Weston
3. Too Hurt To Cry, Too Much In Love To Say Goodbye - The Darnells
4. Come On Home - The Darnells
5. The Big Wheel - Howard Crockett
6. That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine - Howard Crockett
7. Forget About Me - Carolyn Crawford
8. Devil In His Heart - Carolyn Crawford
9. When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes - The Supremes
10. Standing At The Crossroads Of Love - The Supremes
11. I Gotta Dance To Keep From Crying - The Miracles
12. Such Is Love, Such Is Life - The Miracles
13. Quicksand - Martha & the Vandellas [1st pressing]
14. Darling, I Hum Our Song - Martha & the Vandellas
15. Quicksand - Martha & the Vandellas [2nd pressing – alternate mix]
16. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) - The Miracles
17. Christmas Everyday - The Miracles
18. May What He Lived For Live - Liz Lands
19. He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands - Liz Lands
20. Leaving Here - Eddie Holland
21. Stevie - Patrice Holloway
22. (He Is) The Boy Of My Dreams - Patrice Holloway

Categories: (01) Collecting
Tags: CD, mastering, Motown, recommended