Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Supremes - The Supremes Box Set [2000] (5 x CDs)

SUPREMES

Supremes - The Supremes Box Set [2000] (5 x CDs)

The Supremes were an American girl group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959 as the Primettes. A premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s, the Supremes were the most commercially successful of Motown's acts and the most successful American vocal band, with 12 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Most of these hits were written and produced by Motown's main songwriting and production team, Holland–Dozier–Holland. Their breakthrough is considered to have made it possible for future African American R&B and soul musicians to find mainstream success. Billboard ranked the Supremes as the 16th greatest Hot 100 artist of all time.

Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross, and Betty McGlown, the original members, were all from the Brewster-Douglass public housing project in Detroit. Forming as the Primettes, they were the sister act to the Primes (with Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks, who went on to form the Temptations). Barbara Martin replaced McGlown in 1960, and the group signed with Motown the following year as the Supremes. Martin left the group in early 1962, and Ross, Ballard, and Wilson continued as a trio.

During the mid-1960s, the Supremes achieved mainstream success with Ross as lead singer and Holland–Dozier–Holland as its songwriting and production team. In 1967, Motown president Berry Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross & the Supremes, and replaced Ballard with Cindy Birdsong. In 1970, Ross left to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Jean Terrell, and the group's name was reverted to the Supremes. During the mid-1970s, the lineup continued to change with Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene joining until the group, 18 years after its formation, disbanded in 1977 (Wikipedia)

The 2000 release of The Supremes - Box Set is a masterful collection that chronicles the illustrious career of Motown's most iconic girl group, The Supremes. This five-disc set  offers an in-depth exploration of the group's evolution, from their early days as The Primettes in 1960 to their final recordings in 1976. The comprehensive nature of this collection makes it a definitive anthology, capturing the essence of The Supremes' contribution to the music industry and their enduring legacy.

This box set is meticulously curated, featuring a plethora of unreleased tracks, rare gems, and alternate takes that provide a fresh perspective on well-loved classics. The first four discs span the entirety of their studio recordings, showcasing the group's versatility and growth over the years. The fifth disc, titled "An Evening with The Supremes," is a bonus for early collectors and contains mostly unreleased live recordings, giving listeners a glimpse into the energy and charisma that The Supremes brought to their performances.

One of the standout features of this box set is the inclusion of a 76-page booklet. This booklet is not just an accompaniment; it is a comprehensive guide to the music within. It features extensive essays, detailed track annotations, and a full discography, providing context and background that enhances the listening experience. The essays delve into the history and significance of The Supremes, offering insights into the group's journey, the challenges they faced, and the milestones they achieved. The track annotations are particularly valuable for fans and scholars, as they provide detailed information about each song's recording history, personnel, and production notes.

The physical presentation of the box set is as impressive as its content. Housed in a three-panel foldout faux velvet box, it exudes a sense of luxury and reverence for the music it contains. This elegant packaging underscores the importance of The Supremes' legacy and the care taken in preserving it.

Overall, The Supremes - Box Set is a fitting tribute to a group that helped define the sound of Motown and left an indelible mark on popular music. It is a celebration of The Supremes' artistry, a testament to their enduring influence, and a gift to fans who continue to cherish their music. Whether you are a long-time fan or a new listener, this collection offers a rich and rewarding journey through the musical landscape of one of the most beloved groups in history. (B)

An excellent collection that contains a number of alternative takes/mixes of well know hit tracks and out takes and live recordings that sit alongside the iconic hits.

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Track lists

CD1

01 Primettes - Tears of Sorrow (Single Edit) [Mono] 2:35

02 Primettes - Pretty Baby (Single Version) [Mono] 2:01

03 Supremes - After All 2:45

04 Supremes - The Boy That Got Away 2:51

05 Supremes - I Want a Guy (Single Version) [Mono] 3:34

06 Supremes - Buttered Popcorn (2000 Box Set Version) 2:43

07 Supremes - Your Heart Belongs to Me (Single Version) [Mono] 2:38

08 Supremes - Let Me Go the Right Way (2000 Box Set Version) 3:31

09 Supremes - My Heart Can't Take it No More (Single Version) [Mono] 2:58

10 Supremes - A Breath Taking, First Sight Soul Shaking, One Night Love Making, Next Day Breaking Guy (Single Version) [Mono] 2:26

11 Supremes - Run, Run, Run (Single Version) [Mono] 2:21

12 Supremes - When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes (Single Version) [Mono] 3:06

13 Supremes - Where Did Our Love Go (Juke Box) [Single Version] [Stereo] 2:31

14 Supremes - Baby Love (Juke Box) [Single Version] [Stereo] 2:37

15 Supremes - Ask Any Girl (Mono) 2:46

16 Supremes - Come See About Me (Stereo) 2:40

17 Supremes - Ooowee Baby 3:00

18 Supremes - Shake 2:41

19 Supremes - Stop! in the Name of Love 3:24

20 Supremes - Back in My Arms Again (Single Version) [Stereo] 2:56

21 Supremes - It's All Your Fault 2:39

22 Supremes - Nothing But Heartaches (Juke Box) [Single Version] [Stereo] 2:59

23 Supremes - Take Me Where You Go 2:55

24 Supremes - People 4:54


CD2

01 Supremes - I Hear a Symphony (Juke Box) [Single Version] [Stereo] 2:38

02 Supremes - My World is Empty Without You (Juke Box) [Single Version] [Stereo] 2:33

03 Supremes - Everything is Good About You 3:41

04 Supremes - Any Girl in Love (Knows What I'm Going Through) 2:54

05 Supremes - Surfer Boy 2:27

06 Supremes - Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine 2:20

07 Florence Ballard - Love is Like an Itching in My Heart (Stereo) 2:55

08 Supremes - You Can't Hurry Love (Stereo) 2:44

09 Supremes - Mother Dear 2:19

10 Supremes - You Keep Me Hangin' on (Stereo) 2:40

11 Supremes - Going Down for the Third Time (Single Mono) 2:31

12 Supremes - Love is Here and Now You're Gone 2:46

13 Supremes - There's No Stopping Us Now (Single Mono) 3:02

14 Supremes - Come on and See Me 2:10

15 Supremes - My Guy 2:35

16 Supremes - Falling in Love With Love 2:27

17 Supremes - The Happening 2:47

18 Supremes - All I Know About You 2:08

19 Supremes - When You Wish upon a Star 3:10

20 Supremes - Somewhere (Live) 4:29

21 Supremes - Group Introduction (Spoken Words) (Live) 2:39

22 Supremes - You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You (Live) 5:17


CD3

01 Supremes - Reflections (Stereo) 2:50

02 Supremes - In and Out of Love (Juke Box) [Single Version] [Stereo] 2:40

03 Supremes - Heaven Must Have Sent You 3:19

04 Supremes - Forever Came Today (Single Stereo) 3:13

05 Supremes - Some Things You Never Get Used to (Single Stereo) 2:24

06 Supremes - The Beginning of the End of Love 2:50

07 Supremes - Love Child (Stereo) 2:55

08 Supremes - How Long Has That Evening Train Been Gone (Stereo) 2:45

09 Supremes - Does Your Mama Know About Me (Stereo) 2:50

10 Supremes - He's My Sunny Boy (Stereo) 2:20

11 Various Interprets - I'm Gonna Make You Love Me (Stereo) 3:06

12 Various Interprets - I'll Try Something New (Stereo) 2:20

13 Various Interprets - T.C.B. (2000 Box Set Version) 2:53

14 Supremes - I'm Livin' in Shame (Juke Box) [Single Version] [Stereo] 2:58

15 Supremes - The Composer (Single Mono) 2:58

16 Supremes - Are You Sure Love is the Name of this Game 2:37

17 Supremes - No Matter What Sign You Are (It's Happening Version) 2:51

18 Supremes - The Young Folks (Single Mono) 3:14

19 Supremes - Stormy (2000 Box Set Version) 3:03

20 Supremes - Can't Take My Eyes off You 3:13

21 Temptations - The Weight (Single Version) [Stereo] 3:01

22 Supremes - The Beginning of the End (Single Version) [Stereo] 2:28

23 Johnny Bristol - Someday We'll Be Together (Single Version) [Stereo] 3:32


CD4

01 Supremes - Up the Ladder to the Roof (Single Version) [Mono] 3:16

02 Supremes - Bill, When Are You Coming Back (Single Version) [Mono] 4:05

03 Supremes - Everybody's Got the Right to Love 2:37

04 Supremes - The Day Will Come Between Sunday and Monday 2:58

05 Supremes - Stoned Love 4:07

06 Four Tops - River Deep, Mountain High 4:51

07 Four Tops - You Gotta Have Love in Your Heart (Single Version) 2:48

08 Supremes - Touch (Promo) [Single Version] 3:05

09 Supremes - Nathan Jones (Single Version) 3:01

10 Supremes - Floy Joy 2:49

11 Supremes - Automatically Sunshine (Single Version) 2:40

12 Supremes - Your Wonderful, Sweet Sweet Love 3:01

13 Supremes - I Guess I'll Miss the Man (Single Version) 2:38

14 Supremes - 5:30 Plane 3:57

15 Supremes - Bad Weather (Single Version) 3:55

16 Supremes - He's My Man 3:01

17 Supremes - High Energy 5:25

18 Supremes - I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do the Walking (Extended) 4:08

19 Supremes - You're My Driving Wheel (Promo) [Single Version] 3:22

20 Supremes - You Are the Heart of Me 4:13


CD5

01 Supremes - Introduction (Scott Regan)/Where Did Our Love Go? 2:52

02 Supremes - Baby Love 2:23

03 Supremes - Come See About Me 2:55

04 Supremes - Stop! in The Name of Love 2:05

05 Supremes - Back in My Arms Again 2:41

06 Supremes - Nothing But Heartaches 2:52

07 Supremes - I Hear A Symphony 2:36

08 Supremes - Introductions 3:26

09 Supremes - You Can't Hurry Love 2:51

10 Supremes - You Keep Me Hangin' On 1:49

11 Supremes - Reflections 2:27

12 Supremes - Someday We'll Be Together 7:14

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2 comments:

  1. Great collection - it's also worth seeking out a release called Number 1's which feature remixes & cold endings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dr Robert.
      I don't have that one. Pity!
      Cheers.

      Delete