By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 02:44 am:

THEY'RE REALLY STARTING TO HAWK MICHAEL MCDONALDS NEW ALBUM ..."MOTOWN" WITH MICHAEL COVERING SEVERAL MOTOWN RECORD COMPANY"S HITS!!!...THEY DID SLIP IN A DELPHONICS OR STYLISTICS TUNE...BUT IT'S MOSTLY MOTOWN STUFF!!!...NOW...MICHAEL MCDONALD IS GREAT...AND MOTOWN RECORDS WAS GREAT...BUT IS MICHAEL DOING MOTOWN..."GREAT"???...HAS ANYONE HEARD THE CD???...LIKE TO KNOW BEFORE I LAY DOWN MY $18.99 PLUS S&H!!!...STUBASS

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 03:30 am:

Me too...I was going to have my boyfriend download it for me, though :o)

By WaltBaby (64.12.97.7) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 06:52 am:

Michael McDonald not only does Motown, but is signed to Motown. Believe me your money won't be wasted. I'm sure that Marvin would be smiling if he heard Michael's take on "I Want You." He also does a great job on Stevie's "Too High" among others.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.9) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 07:39 am:

UK folks - Did anyone record his appearance with the BBC Big Band, that was broadcast on Radio Two a week last Monday? If so, please contact me URGENTLY. Thanks :o)

By Eli (151.197.181.206) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 09:42 am:

I bought the cd on Friday and it is a MONSTER!!
Every cut is fantastic.
I hope that it becomes the smash that it deserves to be.

By HW (68.37.216.164) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 11:48 am:

FYI, Leon Ware sings backgrounds on Michael's cover of I WANT YOU.

By Eli (151.197.181.206) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 12:01 pm:

Hi Harry..
That cd IS a monster.

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 12:08 pm:

I'M STARTING TO REACH FOR MY CREDIT CARD...ANYONE HEARD IT WHO DOESN'T LIKE THE PROJECT FOR ANY REASON???...STU

By Eli (151.197.181.206) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 12:16 pm:

I'm listening to it again right now and, in my opinion it is simply awesome.

By motownboy (64.170.50.18) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 12:28 pm:

Yeah, but what was Michael McDonald thinking on that horrible version of "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You?" It is obviously an attempt to be "hip" with today's R&B sound - Big Mistake! However, I do like "Too High", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Signed, Sealed, Delivered", and "I Want You" does finally kick into gear after about a minute or so. Overall, I was a bit disappointed. However, I am sure it will grow on me with repeated listening.

By Eli (151.197.181.206) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 12:43 pm:

In my opinion, is is nice to have a great artist put their own spin on a song.
Whats the use of having a singer do a song exactly like the original as Ruben Studdard has done with Superstar.
It has already been done in that manner by Luther almost note for note.

By motownboy (64.170.50.18) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 01:48 pm:

Not only that, but Luther still has one of the best singing voices around, period.....

By motownboy (64.170.50.18) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 01:51 pm:

I would love for Luther to do a Motown covers album. Hopefully, he will make a nice recovery. The last I heard is that he was awake and doing better!

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.3.96) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 03:15 pm:

..well, first of all, Mike McDonald is a very good vocalist, so I believe it when I hear it's a "MONSTER". 'Bout Time someone (else) with talent is recognized...maybe the time has come around 4 a 'Music Makeover'...would B great 2 hear of some more talent..as they call it Old School...makin' a comeback.

By HW (68.37.216.164) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 04:45 pm:

Funny - the unique interpretation of How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), which is different than the straightforward, like-the-original-approach of everything else, makes it one of my favorites on the album.

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.3.96) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 04:59 pm:

No Offense, but....
I don't think Luther needs 2 Lutherize anymore make overs...with a sound like his, he can move on with his own original songs..Glad 2 hear he's recovering, hope he continues and waitng on his next CD. (Very Hopeful)!

By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 06:05 pm:

OK ALL!!!...I'M BUYING!!!...BY THE WAY...MICHAEL MCDONALD AND KENNY LOGGINS ARE APPEARING TOGETHER OUT HERE IN THE NEAR FUTURE!!!...STU

By motownboy (64.170.50.18) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 06:15 pm:

Harry W -

Say not so!!!! This version of HSIITBLBY puts me to sleep after about 30 seconds......! Yikes!

I suppose it is all in what we are used to hearing. I would guess that in the course of your work, you hear a lot of current R&B. I know that you have raved about the latest R. Kelly album - I don't quite get it.....It kind of reminds me of what my parents used to think about Elvis when he first came out....OH MY GOD!! I'VE BECOME MY PARENTS!!! -- (LOL!)

By HW (68.37.216.164) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 07:44 pm:

To my ear - and remember it's only 'my' ear...

Michael gets deep in its groove, avoiding the sing-song-ey vibe to where most covers of this track tend to drift. He has a great ear for background voices and he & his producer use them really well here. I don't hear it as contemporary, it's like a mellow gospel. Listen to it as a church record...

By Eli (141.151.3.90) on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 10:51 pm:

HW, I totally agree with you on How sweet ....
Very creative indeed.

Motownboy..The Marvin version has been already done, so why duplicate it.
What Michael did is pure magic.
Mind you, this is only an opinion.

By motownboy (64.170.50.18) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 01:09 am:

Well, I will give it a closer listen....Sometimes things grow on you......

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 03:13 am:

TRUTH BE TOLD...WE DOWNLOADED A SAMPLE AT WORK...AND I TOO QUESTIONED "HSIITBLBY"!!!...MARVIN AND JR. WALKER HAD A CERTAIN GROOVE...AND GETTING USED TO THE TUNE TWICE...IT IS ADMITTEDLY DIFFICULT TO ADJUST TO AN ENTIRELY NEW GROOVE THE THIRD TIME!!!...BUT WHEN I EVENTUALLY DO GET THE CD...I'LL TRY TO GIVE IT A FAIR APPRAISAL!!!...STUBASS

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 12:22 pm:

Folks:
I heard the Michael McDonald Motown CD at the HMV Record Store where I work part time.

It's a smoker!

The management even bumped up the order for the domestic CD to 60 pieces (the original was 15).

Note to HW - tell whoever signed Michael to Motown that it was the best move the label has made since Kedar Massenburg was named President (a job I still would like to have.... )

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By HW (12.110.192.128) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 12:44 pm:

BTW.. the album originated with Universal International in London and the album was picked up by Motown U.S.

By motownboy (64.170.50.18) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 02:42 pm:

I noticed the CD cover photo was changed for the US edition. Good move, because the UK cover photo makes it look like it's a country album.....

By LG Nilsson (213.89.29.129) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 03:43 pm:

Stubass,

I listened to this album for the first time on the 10th of June. The same day I posted here. Interesting... You were the firs one to react on that! Take a look at the Michael McDonald - Motown thread below... there is also the European cover...

I still think the album is fantastic. Buy it!

Best

Lars

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 04:03 pm:

I REMEMBER YOUR MENTION LARS...AND THEN SAW THE CD BEING ADVERTIZED ON TELEVISION THE OTHER NIGHT!!!...WE DOWNLOADED SEVERAL SAMPLES...AND I REALLY LIKED WHAT I HEARD...WITH THE POSSIBLE EXCEPTION OF "HSIITBLBY"!!!...BUT WHEN I GET THE C.D...AS I SAID...I'LL GIVE THAT TUNE A FAIR HEARING!!!...STU

By Carol R (66.72.195.216) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 10:13 pm:

Being a long time fan of Michael's, I am thrilled by what I'm reading. Eli likin it. Wow! Now that's impressive!

By doobieblood (205.228.12.42) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 10:33 pm:

great cd ! best cuts i heard it throught the grapevine, signed sealed , you are everything. all is fair.
worst cut How sweet it is. annoying backgroud vocals and cheesey keyboard groove.

By HW (68.37.216.164) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 12:17 am:

Well, OK, that's why the world goes 'round but I stand by my post re How Sweet It Is. The cuts mentioned as faves on this thread are the ones that stick to the original arrangement. That's fine; I love Mike's voice and I applaud him loudly and I play this album on my iPod pretty regularly and those arrangements have stood the test of time... but I've GOT the original arrangements already.

Over & out...

By Eli (141.151.23.209) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 12:24 am:

I second that emotion HW!!!

By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 01:02 am:

DAMN!!!...I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR THE ENTIRE CUT!!!...STU(WILL HE OR WON'T HE)BASS

By Peggy J (198.81.26.170) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 02:07 am:

This will be short and sweet---I wrote a much longer review on Amazon.com UK--Michael McDonald has the voice of an angel; the soul and spirit of a musical genius and he is OLD SCHOOL(just like me--53 and proud of it) his ear, his keyboard work and his talent have matured and just gotten better and better since the early 70s.As a black woman who grew up with Motown/ Stax/Jerry Wexler, Ahmet Ertegun, Holland Dozier and Holland and the other greats--producers and artists--Mr. McDonald in my book can not do less than a spectacular job on R& B, gospel, "soul" the blues--any music that has AFrican American roots. Right on Mike and co!!!

By motownboy (64.170.50.18) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 02:34 am:

Well, I will stir the pot in a slightly different direction...Michael McDonald's version of "All In Love Is Fair" is simply BLOWN AWAY by Marc Anthony's on the recent Stevie Wonder tribute CD "Conception." Marc Anthony's vocal on AILIF may equal or dare I say even surpass Stevie's original.....

(Yes - I'm duckin' those tomatoes & bricks!! - But, before you do, have you heard MA's version??)

By Scatman (65.35.194.62) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 08:03 am:

Michael McDonald has said that it was an honor to be asked to do this project... It was that very respect for the material that almost kept him from participating.

The disc is incredible. His take on "How Sweet.." should be given the chance to grow as the conviction of the vocal is all there. The rest of the tracks on the album burst from the speakers with such truth one can't help but testify; IT'S A MONSTER.

You've got to give it up when it's earned people.

By Carol R (66.72.206.239) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 11:00 am:

Scatman, you are so right. His interview on this project was a man so humbled when speaking of the Motown greats. You could hear nothing but reverence when he spoke of Marvin. His heart was speaking on this CD for sure. One of his CD's always remain in my car.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 11:09 am:

motownboy:
No need to duck bricks...I've heard the Stevie Wonder "Conception" tribute and Marc Anthony's rendition of "All In Love Is Fair" is one of the best tracks on the CD.

What makes it good is that Marc, who has a tendendcy of using a little too much power in his vocals, was singing this song very softly from beginning to end - showing a fragility in his singing that he doesn't often show in ballads. He did a fine job with Stevie's tune and should try to do more material of this caliber the next time he records an English-singing album.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By stephanie (64.63.221.90) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 11:10 am:

A friend of mine in Texas got the CD and he said Mike is on the money its getting pretty good reviews I hope this is his quote..unquote comeback!!!! I didnt think he could pull this off but it looks like he is doing something great and the guy who told me this is 22 and so that should tell us something..
Go Michael Go Michael
Stephanie

By Des (81.152.238.63) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 06:03 pm:

Michael McDonald has had the most distinctive and,occasionally,thrilling set of white pipes ever. He peaked creatively with his first solo album but has produced many nuggets of musical gold since then. His back-up guest appearances are innumerable but almost without exception stellar. I would tell anyone to buy and enjoy anything with him singing lead or support. This Motown covers album is v.v.good. I genuinely hope this helps inspire and enervate his own writing -- returning his thoughts and juices towards tighter song structures that place his voice with a good lyric and focussed melody.
Anyone who's heard Mike's cover of "Hey,Girl" from 93's "blink of an eye" cannot possibly be surprised about this Motown album.....oh and Simon Climie?? -- great job,Simon,but how did you get together with Mike-M???

By motownboy (64.170.50.18) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 08:25 pm:

I am pretty sure that Simon Climie is the same "Climie" from "Climie-Fischer" who had a few hits in the UK during the 1980s. I have seen Simon's name pop up as a producer several times over the years.

By Eli (151.197.125.156) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 09:38 pm:

Affirmative on Climie.

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 04:26 am:

...I just heard his version of "I heard it through the Grapevine" from the new CD on the radio, and I really liked it, it had a nice groove to it...so from what I've heard and what I've read about it on this forum, I think I'll go ahead and cop it...

By Kristian (80.63.59.10) on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 07:54 am:

Bought "Motown" on May 5th, the day it was released in Europe (after having listened to samples on www.michaelmcdonald.com for 14 days in a row!). Enjoyed McD's show in Copenhagen on May 8th - and LOVE the CD. McD (aka The Voice) is simply the best "white black singer" around. His version of "All in love is fair" is just beautiful. Billboard Magazine wrote this the other day (review of ...Grapevine, single): "While Motown and Michael McDonald have both been around for more than a generation, the combination of the two is as inventive and relevatory as front-page news. His album of covers�on the Motown label, mind you�opens with \"I Heard It Through the Grapevine,\" and it\'s as soulful and loose as anything the recently MIA singer/songwriter has ever offered. AC radio is already biting, as have fans in the U.K., where the album is a smash. As McDonald sings elsewhere on the disc, ain\'t nothing like the real thing. Mercy, this is good stuff."

By Wonder B (81.51.205.247) on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 08:44 am:

I have loved Michael McDonald's voice too from the Doobie days...
His live DVD 'With Friends' is just awesome and his duets are great including the one with James Ingram (where is he at?)
I can't wait to get that new CD...

Wonder B

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Monday, July 07, 2003 - 12:43 pm:

I haven't heard Michael McDonald's Motown CD but it just popped on the Billboard Hot 100 at #78. Motown must be doing a major push for it and I will definitely go out and buy it.

By Caleb (171.75.80.189) on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 11:16 pm:

This albums on fire!Pick it up today!!Peace

By Vonnie (67.40.203.32) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 12:37 pm:

The album is GREAT!!! My honey(Bobby) bought it for me. I have listened to it about 3 times and it is smoking. I have always loved the voice of Michael McDonald and he gets to sing some of my favorite Motown Classics, kudos to him.

Vonnie

By Lynn Bruce (68.41.106.8) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 02:58 pm:

Damn,I just wanted to check out what's happening on Soulful Detroit and now I have to turn it off and run down to my record store and pick it up.Thanks everyone for the info.

When Bobby,Harry and Kevin say it's a smokin monster,thats good enough for me!!
Lynn

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 07:25 pm:

I remember how I loved "What A Fool Believes", "This Is It", and "On My own."

I just listented to the 5 sound bites on Amazon, and I must stay, Michael has done it again. I liked all five bites, but I really liked "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me." He sounds serious there. I also really liked "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours." Anybody who takes the motown hits of the great Motown artist, knows they had better do it up. And Michael did it. I am going to get that CD. Hats off to Michael for being himself, and for singing with genuine soul.

By Eli (151.197.218.227) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 07:56 pm:

Amen my sista!! Amen.

By Sue (152.163.252.68) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 09:05 pm:

Sis,
I was surprised that I liked Michael's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" too ... I didn't think there was anything new in that song I'd want to hear.

It struck me on one of the songs, that he was smart enough to not do any of them too fast, he locked into a groove.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 09:28 pm:

I played the bites twice. And both times I felt the same. You are right about "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." When I first saw the title on the list, I said "Oh no." But he pulled it off with that groove. Fantastic.

By Sue (152.163.252.68) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 09:39 pm:

So what does the Philly contingent think of Michael's version of "You are Everything"?

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 10:57 am:

Sorry I'm soooo late answering on this thread, but that Michael McDonald-Motown cd is Da Bomb!

Interesting Interpretations of each song...Go MICHAEL!

Handsome

By HW (12.110.192.128) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 12:15 pm:

Old-time DETROITER Leon Ware sang onstage with Michael at the House of Blues in L.A. this past Monday night (July 28). They duetted on "What's Going On." FYI, Leon sings background on Michael's new album, on the song "I Want You," which he co-wrote as most know.

By Eli (172.153.10.92) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 12:19 pm:

I just want to reiterrate my original posting on this subject and exclaim that Mike's album has become one of my all time faves.

A future classic !!

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 12:30 pm:

I concur Eli!

Handsome

By MGBS (66.72.198.164) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 10:13 pm:

No one loves Michael McDonald more than I. (At least that's what I believe). So I am thrilled to read this thread (which I forwarded to Michaels guitar player).
I was especially interested in this "Eli" guy who seemed to know alot about alot of things. So I asked my husband. Well did I get an earful. "Love Won't Let Me Wait". Get out of town! Now that I KNOW about this famous Philly person , I would like to thank you for your wonderful MM support.

By einnod23 aka DF (208.27.111.121) on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 02:58 pm:

I saw him on PBS. Now I'm reading these threads. Looks like I have to get this one.

I remember when the tune "Sweet Freedom" came out. My alltime Michael McD favorite song. For some dumb reason, I didn't know until recently that "Sweet Freedom" is a Rod Temperton composition! Now I know it's my alltime favorite. Peace.

I will get the "Motown" CD. Peace.

By the count (69.14.112.184) on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 03:11 pm:

While in Las Vegas,I went to the sunset station in Henderson Nev. on the 26th. and got a well worth the money of M.M.Aint no mountain high enough blew me away,that voice lets you believe only M.M. should had done the original,but everything he did made me proud to say,he's my home boy.Great voice,,,,Great Show.I dont want to be a critic,but who was the drummer?
Anyone know?
"COUNT"

By HW (65.116.80.10) on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 04:48 pm:

Just recently spoke to Chuck Jackson, who had nothing but wonderful things to say about Michael McDonald, whose first solo hit was Chuck's "I Keep Forgetting."

By MGBS (66.72.205.141) on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 05:19 pm:

Count, the female drummer is Yvette Preyer. She
had toured in the past with Issac Hayes and Miles
Jaye. (Boy I used to love Miles back in the 70's.
He would be a good "where is he now").

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 02:44 am:

"ALL IN LOVE IS FAIR." 5 stars
"HOW SWEET IT IS." 3 stars
"I WANT YOU." 5 stars
"DISTANT LOVER." 5 stars
"I Heard it through the grapevine." 4 stars

By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 03:15 am:

DAMN!!!...BELIEVE IT OR NOT...MY LOCAL BORDERS STILL HASN'T GOTTEN THIS CD INTO STOCK!!!...I WENT OVER THERE THE OTHER DAY TO GET MCDONALD AND RONNIE DYSON'S "ONE MAN BAND" CD (WHICH IS NOT EVEN ON THEIR LIST...ONLY ONE...RONNIE'S GREATEST HITS...AND I WANT "OMB")!!!...WOE IS ME...WOE IS ME!!!...STU(WOEIN)BASS

By Sue (64.12.97.7) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 09:35 am:

Paging Harry Weinger ...get UMG distribution on the job!