MOTOWN REMIXED

**DISCODISK** · April 16th, 2005, 05:34 PM

'motown remixed' c.d Amazon-US / Amazon-UK
Motown Remixed is Motown reborn - The hottest Producer/remixers in the World revisit classic Motown on a landmark album that brings new grooves to a new generation.
have heard two tracks, marvin gayes .lets get it on' which is really great 8) the temptations 'just my imagination is good too but we're on sacred ground here

and heres one for you MARKY ....'stoned love' A TOM MOULTON MIX! cant wait! :P
due may/june

**K-Bee** · April 17th, 2005, 01:54 AM

Who else is featured on that set ?(remixers I mean). Stuff like that could go either way I suppose. Hopefully they won't go all euro-trance. Marvin Gaye remixed by Paul Van Dyk anyone? :lol:

**olskinflint** · April 17th, 2005, 05:06 AM

I've heard a few of the recently released "remix" recordings (specifically, remixes of Madonna and Isley Brothers tracks) and I have a hard time figuring out who remixes are supposed to appeal to....They seem to only reflect the taste of whomever remixed them...I am a little bit curious about the new remix of classic Curtis Mayfield songs...but I'll only check out the ones in the bargain bins. Won't pay full price for any recording I haven't heard and liked

**Art Figueroa** · April 17th, 2005, 05:41 AM

The remix of Superfly has charted in the top 20 Billboard dance chart. The only review I read of the album was on All Music.com, it was brutal!

Those Motown Remixes though sound like they might be interesting.

Art

**DISCODISK** · April 17th, 2005, 01:45 PM

sorry to put this topic in the wrong place :oops:
heres a bit of a review i just picked up....

I've got a promo and really enjoyed it " Neither one of us " -Gladys Knight is awesome , and all of the tracks have been shown the respect they deserve , " My world is empty " -Diana Ross is a revelation , transformed from" on the 4's Northern " to a quality stepper - great !!

but a warning it looks like theres gonna be two versions of this c.d one for the u.s and an international one,on the u.s tracklisting theres no tom moulton :o and its looking slightly more 'bling' and the u.s will release 10 ltd 12" singles so all fingers seem to point to the international version,e.mail me for two samples

**DonaldCleveland** · April 19th, 2005, 12:04 AM

Originally Written by DISCODISK

sorry to put this topic in the wrong place :oops:
heres a bit of a review i just picked up....

I've got a promo and really enjoyed it " Neither one of us " -Gladys Knight is awesome , and all of the tracks have been shown the respect they deserve , " My world is empty " -Diana Ross is a revelation , transformed from" on the 4's Northern " to a quality stepper - great !!

but a warning it looks like theres gonna be two versions of this c.d one for the u.s and an international one,on the u.s tracklisting theres no tom moulton :o and its looking slightly more 'bling' and the u.s will release 10 ltd 12" singles so all fingers seem to point to the international version,e.mail me for two samples

Discodisk,
I am a producer on the disc. Get the UK version. (Amazon-US / Amazon-UK} That's the one I prefer. Cant say anymore. Your instincts are correct though, I can say THAT.
And to commend the UK department the UK version LOOKS far far better ALSO than the US version. Guess I cant get in trouble for saying THAT......
And be a GOOD GUY....dont encourage downloading (aka "samples") on a site that CLEARLY asks you NOT to. If you dont respect Universal/Motown...fine. At least repect Bernie? At the end of the day HE would get in trouble because of YOU...sad, but true.

**QUINNY** · April 19th, 2005, 03:40 AM

And DD should know all about copyright and its implications.

Why the different CDs I wonder? Isn't it strange to think that Motown had universal appeal BITD, but Universal are now doing this?

**DonaldCleveland** · April 19th, 2005, 06:25 AM

Originally Written by QUINNY

And DD should know all about copyright and its implications.

Why the different CDs I wonder? Isn't it strange to think that Motown had universal appeal BITD, but Universal are now doing this?

At the end of the day, there were a LOT of mixes, More than for ONE disc. It was decided to do something special for the different territories. Thus, the 2 song (or 15 minutes difference) between discs.
Motown DOES have Universal appeal, but perhaps REMIXERS and their styles do not. Personally, the ONLY Man with a Universal style is Tom Moulton. I can only say I outright HATE one of the mixes (On the US version). And since some had opinions....before they listened.... :evil:

A LOT of modern producers prefer to just use the lead vocal and build ANOTHER instrumental track AROUND it. That was not the Motown Remixed mandate. The talent was asked to use as MUCH of the original instrumentation and vocals as possible. Keep the vocals intact-no chipmunk style speeding up or "sample" type mixes. We wanted this to be a true MEETING of the old and new styles.
I know because I recommended a lot of the talent that made it and either argued against or agreed on the rest.....
Whether it will be good depends on personal taste.........AND a bit of knowledge of what remixing is and WAS.
The QUALITY of a remix ultimately determines whether we like it or not. Not that it was DONE. Not that the IDEA of it being done is wrong.

Because of the amount of quality tracks, volume 2 is already 30 percent DONE. So PLEASE buy THIS one so the next one can come out?? :D :D :D

**Noman** · April 19th, 2005, 06:51 AM

This sounds like the kind of approach that I might like, a lot.

I'm too bored of all the mush ups and amateurish house remixes of old material, and most modern soul and R&B are even more boring. (Do I sound as an really old whiny man now?)

So if I preorder on amazon.co.uk do I get the "recommended" UK version? Amazon-US / Amazon-UK

(google, google...) I found some sample clips just now. I like it!! My expectations are way up now.

**markydefad** · April 19th, 2005, 02:02 PM

It's just tooooooooo telling and soooooo sad that the US gets the "bling" version of MOTOWN REMIXED (geez, will there be guest rappers on every track??? P. Diddley, maybe????)
:evil: :evil: :evil: and the UK gets a Tom Moulton remix of "Stoned Love." :-? :o :x

Can I GET A PASSPORT?

**DonaldCleveland** · April 20th, 2005, 06:37 PM

Originally Written by markydefad

It's just tooooooooo telling and soooooo sad that the US gets the "bling" version of MOTOWN REMIXED (geez, will there be guest rappers on every track??? P. Diddley, maybe????)
:evil: :evil: :evil: and the UK gets a Tom Moulton remix of "Stoned Love." :-? :o :x

Can I GET A PASSPORT?

Get that Passport for Japan and Germany as well. As of today it's official...it's coming out in those territories as well. Guess it can't be TOO "bling" as those territories ASKED for it....and each will have a slightly (probably one track) differing version from those already announced.

**Noman** · June 2nd, 2005, 04:41 AM

http://www.amazon.co.uk/

"This item will be released on June 6, 2005"

Time to order :P

**Nano** · June 2nd, 2005, 11:45 AM

I just read the AllMusic.com review and they trashed the whole record! Probably the lowest rating I saw for a new release reviewed on the site.
Basically it says the project goes the same way recent label-remix work (Atlantic, Verve, Blue Note) went recently, with very poor results.
Have any of you (other than Donald) listened to it yet?

**kaliffen** · June 3rd, 2005, 04:08 AM

I just received the promo - ehemm make up your own mind

Clips are found on www.motownremixed.co.uk

Incl Tom Moulton mix of stoned love by the supremes.

**Noman** · June 3rd, 2005, 04:47 AM

The allmusic.com review is very biased. Of what I don't know. Ultra conservatism maybe.

I like it a lot :)

**DonaldCleveland** · June 3rd, 2005, 08:27 AM

Originally Written by Noman

The allmusic.com review is very biased. Of what I don't know. Ultra conservatism maybe.

I like it a lot :)

I thought the ALLMUSIC.COM review was hilarious~!! I mean the reviewer worked himself up into such a froth that he identified one mixer incorrectly as doing a track he hated the most (thus slandering an innocent guy), and turning really personal, questioned the mental health of all involved. WOW~!!
That was so F'N cool. It reminded me of that moment in Spinal Tap when they read the two word review: "SH*T SANDWICH"-"Can they write that??"
Really though, it's lazy work to lump in all of the remix projects and then review them all through the same filter. It's like saying OK, we have a White Stripes and a Bruce Springsteen CD out at the same time...so we will either hate or love them for the SAME reasons...it's just lazy reviewing. I dont mind someone not liking the project...as I have pointed out I don't even like everything on it.....Rolling Stone magazine gave it a 3 (out of 4) star review. About.com gave it a 5 star(out of 5) review. Who cares? Listen and make up your OWN mind. From the production side, we tried to be sensitive to the original material, and tried really hard to succeed. We dont fall into the "chipmunk vocal" or "speed/slow/sample" trap that remix projects tend to do. Why? Because behind the scenes we knew what we loved about those classic original performances and if remixing meant changing elements of those songs, you dont mess with those glorious vocals....and HARRY WEINGER as the exec and the LEAD man involved knew how to steer and edit where neccesary, the talent involved. Harry has a STELLAR track record as many of you know.
In short, you will either like it...or not. But listen first.
I prefer the UK version...so far. Seems as though ITALY is getting in on the action and MAY be doing a lot MORE NEW mixes....stay tuned.....

**Bernie** · June 4th, 2005, 08:29 AM

Hi Donald,
Thanks for all the background and insight you have given us on this project. Haven't heard it as I haven't received a copy, but I can appreciate your candor. All the best.

**QUINNY** · June 4th, 2005, 09:17 AM

I got as far as listening to Edwin Starr's War when I couldn't take any more. :cry: :cry: :cry:

Sorry, Donald, but I really don't get the point of changing what was one of the biggest protest songs ever made, into a two step, South African good time groove. The whole focus of the song is completely nullified. If that's sensitive remixing, I'd like to hear one that's had a sledgehammer wielded at it!!!

This was music of a certain time, of a certain place that appealed to the whole world. What this project does is reverse that process 100%.

**originalbigm** · June 4th, 2005, 10:40 AM

I Want You Back :cry:
I Heard It Through The Grapevine :D
Let's Get Ot On :-?
Keep On Truckin' :x
War :x
Papa Was A Rolling Stone :x
Stoned Love :P
Signed Sealed Delivered :-?
I Just Want To Celebrate :cry:
Smiling Faces Sometimes :)
Neither One Of Us :evil:
My World Is Empty Without You :(
Just My Imagination :)
Quiet Storm :)

The original melodies have been brutalized on some songs while some have been sapped of their energy.I haven't read the Allmusic review but based on my quick listen to the samples I'd have a hard time forking out money for this CD. Neither One Of Us just can't connect at the emotional level of the original play them side by side and see for yourself.I Want You Back is cute but does it hit you like the original?The hard punchy edge of the original War that conveyed the anger of the day is completely ignored on the remix.Some things are best left alone.Others I'm ambivalent about. Stoned Love is the only standout I can see here as Tom Moulton did keep the spirit of the original and maybe bettered it.Five stars out of Five for this song .2 1/2 stars for the entire CD

**remicks** · June 4th, 2005, 10:58 AM

****

Gosh Quinny .... you mean a song with lines like : " WAR .... Its got one friend , that's the undertaker. " doesn't make you want to dash out onto the dance floor and spin your partner all night long!!!??? :P :P

....Maybe they've altered the lyrics so it's more happy dance party ......."War ! What is it good for? ....Absolutely thumpin' "

:P :P :P

****

**NickNack** · June 4th, 2005, 06:35 PM

Haven't heard these yet so I'll hold judgement but as far as "War" is concerned, well, it wasn't written for the dancefloor. At least not for me. As a Vietnam-era soldier, this was the song you wanted everyone to be aware. I found it's placement in the compilation strange.

**DonaldCleveland** · June 4th, 2005, 11:30 PM

Originally Written by NickNack

Haven't heard these yet so I'll hold judgement but as far as "War" is concerned, well, it wasn't written for the dancefloor. At least not for me. As a Vietnam-era soldier, this was the song you wanted everyone to be aware. I found it's placement in the compilation strange.

That is because you (less) and others (much more) are equating REMIX with DANCE. Smokeys "Quiet Storm" WAS and IS ANYTHING other than dance. The Supremes "My World is empty without you" WAS and IS anything but dance.
Dance is not the point-it never was. The project is not called "Motown Dance Remixes". It is called "Motown Remixed". There are quite obviously songs of many styles and tempos here.
I did not understand the "WAR" mix at first myself either. I am 43 years old (as a point of reference). So I know the time and placement of the song very well in political (and racial) America. And, it is EXACTLY the "South African Good Time Groove" that Quinny used as an example, that made me revise my initial opinion. After all, the "good time groove" of South Africa was analogous to the spirited singing of the old slaves. A coded rebellious "insider" style of music designed in many cases to use a false appearance of happiness to hide the underlying bitterness and anger. Once I realized how subversive the mix was with the juxtaposition of music to lyrics...MAN~!! I was completely seduced.
Some things, Quinny will not come to you (or me) EASILY. But once you do the work and DISCOVER what is "between the notes" well then, the music has done part of its job.......

A couple of people here (Quinny, remicks) seem to not know just what the project IS. And in the grand scheme of things...that's OK.
You are GOOD GUYS. :D
You don't like it? Fine. But just give us reasons that are consistent and sensible. That is not too much to ask for is it? Open your minds: These are REMIXES in the larger spectrum of remixes, the grand scheme of what a remix is- not ONLY Dance remixes. Once you expand YOUR understanding I think you may reassess your opinions not just of THIS, but of OTHER things you may have heard.

Bernie- Where do I send a copy? I can give you US and UK versions.
Originalbigm- Thanks for your opinions. :D :P :D
Nick Nack- war vet= F'N HERO ('nuff said)

**remicks** · June 5th, 2005, 03:01 AM

:oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :D :D
*****

I finally was able to get that provided link to perform for me ( I even went to the library during my lunch to see if their computers would work.... but they did not either ) so I could hear this stuff.

Well tonight when the connection worked ..... as soon as I heard the clarity of that Jackson Five guitar ..I thought "oh oh .........I think I really like this " and the more I listened the more I did ....

I say "oh oh" because I was prepared not to like it ..at all...like Donald says ..I misunderstood this project and expected it to be hippity hop or.... over thumped trance dance stuff ....and it is not ...and I figured the "try it " advise actually meant more like "buy it" .... and I'm not too keen on folks cashing in on dead Motown artists . I love the original recordings ...and believe they already are what they were intended to be ..and anything else is less.

--------- Especially if someone was just going to loop a few bars and endlessly repeat half a verse while gibber jabbering about ho's and bitches over it !!! :evil: :P -----

This project doesn't do that. If anything it seems to be about respecting the originals and just reworking them in ways that allows the listener to appreciate them from a different angle .They sound like labours of love to me .

Even the deliciously tasteful cover suggests some promise for the care given toward the content waiting inside . If you want to actually hear some of the ingredients that comprise the Motown sound .. this is a great opportunity to do so ..... one thing about the Motown sound .. it has always been mashed & muddled ..the sound intentionally was mixed to sound good on AM radio. I once read that Stevie Wonder used to work on a song .... then go out and listen to it in the garage on his car radio , then go back and work on it some more until he had fine tuned it for that medium. He knew it needed to sound good on that car radio to be a hit . .
So what would happen if those songs were reworked to sound good on today's systems?
Well, now with these mixes you can hear with clarity the wonderful voices of Gladys Knight and Marvin Gaye etc. ..brought way up front ..crisp and clear .. The thinning out of the instrumentation allows you to appreciate what ones were decisive in creating that record's particular groove ... Its really nice tobe able to hear these instruments and these voices ( & lyrics) with so much presence.

Thanks to the samples offered .. I've heard enough to decide .....I WANT THIS COLLECTION !!! I won't comment too much more on each song . I hope they'll hold my interest as much as these snippets of them do....

Already I think I'm ready to add this "NEITHER ONE OF US " remix to my saddest songs of all time list ....

AND ..... "WAR" ..whataya know ..it's probably the most dancable rework on here !!??!!! ..but ...it works . I think a person can move to the groove without losing the meaning of the text ..this surprised me .... ......well .... just listen for yourself .... this may turn out to be my favorite cut on here.

Anyways .....I AM pleasantly surprised and have already e-mailed a couple of people that this is one they might want to check out .....

.....remicks

...... :D

*****

**DonaldCleveland** · June 5th, 2005, 04:58 AM

My favorite thing about the project is:

IT'S ON VINYL~!!
(let that sink in for a moment)

3 separate discs (US version), and a Monster 3 lp set (UK).

I'm giving the nod (In appearance) to the US versions of the vinyl since they are grouped by mood (Yes Alice, there is a hip hop disc...but hip hop closer in style to A Tribe Called Quest than 50 Cent) and color...and pressed on nice heavy virgin vinyl....so beautiful. I felt 15 again looking at them.......

Word on the street (In NYC using Vinylmania and Disc-O-Rama as my guides) is that stores CANT GET ANYMORE??!! (I know Vinylmania blew through a FEW boxes of them) So if you see them GET THEM NOW~!! PLEASE~!!

....andremicks.wow.thanks.idunnowhattosayandiwonte ventry.gosh,thatwascool.

As even handed as I am about the whole opinion thing...It does feel good to hear someone say "That aint half bad". Not ego feeding, just validation that all the second and third guessing and arguements and theories may just have paid off and become something to be proud of......
(But that allmusic.com review STILL ROCKS to be honest. NEVER has a brutal beeyotch-slapping beating felt so good~!!)

A personal aside...
give it up to the TALENT: FIRST THE ORIGINAL ARTISTS WHERE IT ALL BEGAN~!!

and now: SIMPSON, SPINNA, SMASH, QUESTLOVE, JAZZY JEFF TOWNES, Z-TRIP, RAFE GOMEZ, MOULTON, SALAAM REMI, KING BRITT, EASY MO BEE, ADAM DORN, HANK SHOCKLEE, KENNY DOPE, TRANZITION, HOTSNAX and DJ GREEN LANTERN.
What the guys did and the way they did it is a wonder to behold. I certainly cant do it.......yet. I am in AWE.

CAPTAIN AYCH DUB your place at the podium is waiting..........

**QUINNY** · June 5th, 2005, 10:21 AM

Let's be clear on two things.
1) I'm not against songs being reworked by true artists.

2)This CD is an attempt to squeeze some more dollars out of material that has been totally sold to its natural market.

I just don't like the premise that you can take any old track, mess around with it, totally change its character, its form, its very being, just 'cos today's generation can't get into the originals. That's like taking a classsic painting and completely changing the hue of the colours, just because today's generation can't appreciate it for what it is. That may be done in photoshop on home computers, but has anyone had the audacity to offer up anything like that as a new 'piece of art'? There's nothing particularly new or original here so far as I can make out. The re-workings have all been done to fairly bog standard blueprints that were worked out years ago.

Where does that show any respect to the craft of the original artists, engineers and producers? In some ways it's worse than sampling.

If you like it...fair enough, but I could never like it as a remix. As a remake, that would be a different proposition, so long as it involved some live instruments and riffs and figures weren't copied wholesale.