West Grand Records has unveiled a treasure trove of Motown’s unreleased 1960s tracks with their latest compilation, A Cellarful of Motown! – A Northern Soul Love Affair. This 16-track vinyl LP marks the first Motown various artists album released worldwide in 40 years. Under a license deal with Universal Music, West Grand delves deep into the iconic Hitsville U.S.A. studio’s archives, spotlighting rare gems that never saw the light of day upon their initial recording.
Motown, renowned for its hit-making prowess, often produced tracks that, despite their quality, were shelved due to various reasons. The Northern Soul movement, emerging in the UK, became a sanctuary for these overlooked masterpieces. DJs and collectors scoured for these elusive tracks, many of which were found on discarded acetates or cassette tapes, preserving them for future generations.
The compilation features tracks from legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Brenda Holloway, Jimmy Ruffin, and Gladys Knight & The Pips. Notably, “Tears at the End of a Love Affair” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, previously available only as a download, makes its debut on vinyl. Additionally, “Think It Over (Before You Break My Heart)” by Brenda Holloway, paired with the instrumental “Tell Me It’s Just a Rumour Baby” by The Funk Brothers, offers fresh Detroit mixes.
Compiled by Motown authority Adam White, the album’s sleeve notes shed light on the prolific nature of the Hitsville studio, which operated around the clock, producing an extensive catalog of music. Many of these tracks, though never officially released, showcase the unparalleled talent of Motown’s in-house musicians and producers.
For enthusiasts and collectors, A Cellarful of Motown! – A Northern Soul Love Affair is more than just a compilation; it’s a celebration of Motown’s rich legacy and the enduring spirit of the Northern Soul movement in preserving and celebrating these tracks.
Track Listing:
Side A:
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Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – Tears at the End of a Love Affair
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Brenda Holloway – Think It Over (Before You Break My Heart)
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Jimmy Ruffin – He Who Picks a Rose
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Gladys Knight & The Pips – If You Ever Get Your Hands on Love
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The Originals – Suspicion
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Barbara McNair – Baby A Go-Go
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J.J. Barnes – (Tell Me) Ain’t It the Truth
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The Funk Brothers – Tell Me It’s Just a Rumour Baby
Side B:
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Marvin Gaye – This Love Starved Heart of Mine (It’s Killing Me)
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The Monitors – Crying in the Night
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Kim Weston – You Hit Me Where It Hurt Me
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Carolyn Crawford – Keep Stepping (Never Look Back)
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The Contours – Baby Hit and Run (Alternate Vocal)
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Tammi Terrell – I Gotta Find a Way to Get You Back
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The Spinners – Memories of Her Love Keep Haunting Me
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Chris Clark – Come On and See Me
This limited edition LP is available for pre-order and is scheduled for release on June 27, 2025.