Download    Ever wonder why all Motown records sound remarkably alike?  Several reasons, actually.  The drum track uses a snare on every beat instead of just on 2 and 4.  So, you end up with a snare hit 4 times a measure instead of the customary 2 times (I find this mildly irritating and overdone – much like a ribeye that’s been on the grill too long).  And quite often they would use two drummers on the same track (talk about overdone).  Two guys, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, oversaw the production of every recording – so you’ve got the same musical tastes over and over again.  Add to this the always present “call and response” singing style that female groups were so adept at doing (men don’t pull that off very well).  Oh, and into the mix goes the fact that the same band, “The Funk Brothers”, was the backup band on every recording.  No wonder Motown is so easily recognizable…

“Motown” is a portmanteau of motor and town and some great music came out of Detroit from 1959 to 1971.  “Baby Love” is certainly one of them.  It was recorded by The Supremes in 1964 and is ranked #324 on the Rolling Stone list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.  Instead of using a snare four times in a measure, it uses a “clap” track, but you can ignore that after a while.  It’s a terrific song nonetheless and should be in your repertoire..  We’re working up a Motown set for an upcoming party and this one will certainly be in it.  Check the Pop/Rock list to download the backup midi track.

Watch The Supremes do it on the link below: