Sparks Present Motown Made To Measure

Press release: SPARKS PRESENT MOTOWN MADE TO MEASURE RELEASE DATE: MOTOWN MONDAY 19th JUNE 2006 Label: Motown / Universal Format: CD Catalogue Number: 9840015 MOTOWN MADE TO MEASURE is new series of compilations that will highlight the very special relationship people have had with the Motown label over the years. By inviting a select group of actors, musicians and DJs to select their favourite tracks, MOTOWN MADE TO MEASURE will be a very different way to enjoy the world’s favourite record label. Each CD will feature an extensive interview with the compiler by renowned journalist Paolo Hewitt. Following on from the critical success of Martin Freeman’s selection this February, Motown UK is delighted to have groundbreaking avant-pop duo SPARKS as the next compilers. The brothers Russell and Ron Mael were born and raised in Los Angeles. They started their first band, Halfnelson, in 1970 and released an eponymously titled debut album in 1972. Under manager Albert Grossman’s insistence they then changed their name to Sparks, a pun on the ‘Sparks Brothers’ as in ‘Marx Brothers’. In 1974, they hit the No. 2 slot in the UK with their classic single, ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Us.’ A succession of albums followed, characterised by the brothers high musical and lyrical intelligence. These works include Kimono My House, Indiscreet, Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat, Gratuitous Sax and Senseless Violins, Lil’ Beethoven and their recent, highly acclaimed Hello Young Lovers. The brothers first heard Motown music back in the 60s on KHJ and Boss Radio. At the time they were not into black music per se but for them Motown transcended all categories and set them on an unforgettable musical journey. Hear the soundtrack to that journey here. Tracklisting: 1. Jr. Walker and the Allstars “Cleo’s Back” 2. Little Stevie Wonder “Workout, Stevie, Workout 3. Marvin Gaye “Can I Get A Witness” 4. The Commodores “Brick House” 5. Temptations “Get Ready” 6. Thelma Houston “Don’t Leave Me This Way” 7. Miracles “Mickey’s Monkey” 8. Martha and the Vandellas “Dancing In The Street’ 9. Undisputed Truth “Smiling Faces” 10. Barret Strong “Money” 11. Gladys Knight and the Pips “The Nitty Gritty” 12. Kim Weston “Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)” 13. Jackson 5 “ABC” 14. Eddie Kendricks “Keep On Truckin'” 15. The Supremes “Back In My Arms Again” 16. Jimmy Ruffin “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted” 17. Edwin Starr “Agent Double O Soul” 18. Mary Wells “You Beat Me To The Punch” 19. Contours “First I Look At The Purse” 20. Michael Jackson “Ben”