BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S FAVORITE PLAYLIST
(This Week...)
"Motown Mania!" (50-minute Ride)
Recently I had a sub for one of my classes who played nothing by Diana Ross and Supremes music for the entire hour. While they were a little tired of the “single artist” playlist—they mentioned how much fun it was to hear Motown for a change. (Guess I am playing my Alt Rock a wee bit too much...)
I used to love Motown music. One of my favorite albums when I was a young lass was the soundtrack to The Big Chill which was chock-full of 60s soul music with a little Creedence Clearwater Revival thrown in for good measure. It was such a popular soundtrack that the movie studio created a second album in short time.
The problem for me was that because of the popularity of the movie (and especially the music)—60s soul was played everywhere on TV and in the movies throughout the 80s after that. (Anyone else remember the California raisin’s commercial? Oy!)
It got to the point that songs I used to love and play endlessly such as Respect, I Feel Good, and The Locomotion started to make my teeth itch. It was just a case of too many repeated listenings to the same type of beat and the same sugary lyrics turned my love into dread.
But I was challenged by my students to come up with a fun playlist of songs that are not overplayed and will put everyone in a good mood for the rest of the day. So I bring you my “Motown Mania” ride today.
Interesting fact, many popular soul artists you would assume would be on the Motown label including Aretha Franklin, James Brown and solo Michael Jackson are in fact NOT Motown artists. But I think you will like this playlist just the same.
If nothing else, I hope it puts a smile on your face today.
- Dancing in the Street: Martha Reeves & the Vandellas
If this doesn’t make you clap your hands and tap your toes, have someone check your pulse right away! Van Halen does a really fun version of this as well. Mick Jagger & David Bowie's version should be tossed into the Hudson River.
- The Tears of a Clown: Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
I never really paid attention to the lyrics before adding it on my list and it is one the saddest songs ever. (Aw, poor Smokey.)
- Uptight: Stevie Wonder
One of my favorite artists of all time is featured twice during this ride.
- Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone: The Temptations
Most Motown songs clock in under three minutes time but this one rolls on for seven groovy ones. I normally don’t tell you what to do with the songs but if you are curious—for this song we climb rolling hills for one minute at a time.
- Love Man: Otis Redding
My favorite use of this song is from the movie Grumpy Old Men. (Couldn't find that clip, dammit.)
- I’m Coming Out: Diana Ross
Women and gay men especially love this song.
- You Keep Me Hangin’ On: Diana Ross & The Supremes
Don’t be fooled into buying the “disco” version from iTunes like I was.
- Superfreak: Rick James
RIP Rick James. You were apparently freakier than any of us realized.
- Superstition: Stevie Wonder
One of his best songs ever—period. Stevie Ray Vaughn does a pretty killer version of this as well.
- Reach Out, I’ll Be There: The Four Tops
Very sad and romantic at the same time.
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
This song always reminds me of the movie Remember the Titans which I feel compelled to watch every single time it is on TV.
- The Love You Save: Jackson 5
Aw, Michael. I envy every single person in the TV audience who got to see them live!
- Heard it Through the Grapevine: Gladys Knight & The Pips
If you are going to do remake a song—make sure it kicks ass. Like this little ditty here.
- Never Can Say Goodbye: Jackson 5
Just because I love it so much. (This is a cool down song by the way.)
That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs. I am always looking for good tunes.
Until next time…
Ox Ox,
Brooklyn Fit Chick
Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)
