Most of you that grew up during the 60s know of vocalist Mary Wells from her big hits “My Guy” and “Two Lovers” from the days when Motown was, well, MOTOWN! Whether that’s the limit of your exposure to her, or if she’s never even crossed your mind, you’re going to be sucker punched with this fist of a two cd set. It includes various and sundry material from her career, mostly in the late doo-wop to vintage Motor City soul. That should be tempting enough, and it does include a hit or two that you might remember, such as “When I’m Gone.” What’s going to raise your eyebrows are a handful of other joys.
First, she does a handful of collaborations with The Supremes, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and The Temptations WITH The Supremes. These beauties like “Free From Your Spell” and “I Want You Around” are simply delicious and delectable. Then, to top it off with a cherry, she has a summit meeting with a vintage Marvin Gaye, and the will make you forget about Tammi Terrrell here. The rapport of these two on “All I Got,” “I’m Yours, You’re Mine” and “Oh Lover” will make your head swim. Then, for an encore, she did an obscure session of standards, makes them a bit more attractive to the soul crowd, and pulls it off like Julia Childs, serving a fresh meal on tunes such as “Teach Me Tonight” and “Always.” Then, just for added flavor, the Four Tops bring a plate of sauces and add an extra zest to “I Remember You” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
It’s impossible to appreciate how joyful, innocent, happy and yet artistic this music is. Where did we go wrong?
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