Very tough choice.
I don't think I can choose between the two. The Motown style puts me off mainly because of it's prevalence over other soul labels and it's conveyor belt approach to churning out mainstream pop soul doesn't suit my personal tastes.
It's subsidiary labels are far more attractive to me with their more, or should I say less, sugar sweet sound. (Martha & the Vendetta's sound like the act they should have been boo boo.)
Even with that, there's no denying the quality of The Funk Brothers with their world class musicians, including the greatest bass player that ever lived in James Jamerson.
It's songwriters were easily the best, but controlled far too much by Gordy.
asshat's comment of too polished is spot on...add too packaged as well.
And then there's Stax with Booker T & The MGs...incomparable.
If the Chess label was an option here that'd get my vote, but it isn't, so I'm sitting on the fence.
|