20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Martha Reeves and The Vandellas

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Martha and the Vandellas

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After Diana Ross and the Supremes, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas were Motown's biggest female stars. But whereas the Supremes offered listeners sophistication the music of Reeves was more in the gospel tradition. Reeves got her big break when she was a secretary at Motown and Mary Wells failed to show up for a recording session. The song, "I'll Have to Let Him Go," which is not included in this collection, was the first song credited to the suddenly created Martha & the Vandellas. The original Vandellas were Annette Sterling and Rosalind Holmes, although the lineup changed over the years; the name came from combining a couple of Detroit favorites, Van Dyke Street and local singer Della Reese). The group's second single "Come and Get These Memories" made the Top 5 of the R&B charts and the girls were on their way. Other Top 5 hits included "Dancing in the Street," ""Nowhere to Run," "Jimmy Mack," "I'm Ready for Love," "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave," and "Honey Chile." These danceable R&B hits made Martha & the Vandellas the chief rivals to the Supremes until 1968, when Reeves had a nervous breakdown after a bad acid trip. The group disbanded after a farewell concert in Detroit in 1973 and after an undistinguished solo career away from Motown, Reeves was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Class of 1995. This Millennium Collection offers up all of the group's hits, but is limited to only 11 cuts. Consequently, while this album certainly covers the basics there is more of Martha & the Vandellas out there for you to enjoy.

Great introduction to Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. But QUICKSAND has some audio problems...I returned the original copy I purchased ...exhanging if for another. The problem still exists....kind of hard to describe but during one part of the song the speakers in my car sound like they are going to pop. It's not as noticeable when played on my home stereo but it's still there. Also the version found here is not mixed properly.

Although HEATWAVE is played over and over again on the radio and included in so many compilation discs...the version found on this disc includes one with a longer instrumental break during the middle of the song. I've only heard this on the radio ...I assume it was a "radio cut" sent to DJ's. However, by adding the longer instrumental break the producer of this disc sacrifices the classic ending to the song. Bummer. The collection also features the alternate version to JIMMY MACK without the forceful drum intro. Not my favorite but still a good cut.