Smokey Robinson / Mira MOTOWN CLASSIC ALBUM

2 LPs on 1 CD: GOING TO A GO-GO (1965)/AWAY WE A GO-GO (1966).
Producers include: Smokey Robinson, Frank Wilson, Brian Holland, Mickey Gentile, Warren "Pete" Moore.
Compilation producer: Harry Weinger.
Includes liner notes by Adam White.
Digitally remastered by Kevin Reeves and Jeff Willens (Universal Mastering Studios-East).
Personnel: Marvin Tarplin (guitar).
Audio Mixer: Kevin Reeves.
Liner Note Author: Adam White.
Recording information: Roostertail's 'Motown Monday', Detroit, MI.
Photographer: Frank Dandridge.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Claudette; Bobby Rodgers; Ronald White .
This pairing of albums originally released in 1965 and 1966 shows what a subtly powerful force Smokey Robinson and the Miracles were. GOING TO A GO-GO opens with one of their biggest and most enduring numbers, "The Tracks of My Tears." As was the working method at Motown, other tracks on the album had their origins in assorted earlier or later sessions. But such was the cohesive identity of Robinson's songs and voice that, taken as a whole, it's a strikingly organic work. By turns soulful, funky, popish and doo-wop-influenced, it represents a time of enormous possibilities for Robinson, Motown and music in general.
AWAY WE GO-GO continues the wining streak with Robinson's songs being joined by Holland-Dozier-Holland and a few other writers, including a pair by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, both of which are a perfect fit. Previously unreleased bonus tracks include the sweeping panorama of "Goin' Out of My Head" and a live version of "A Fork in the Road," where studio precision amazingly springs to perfect life on the stage.

• Format: CD
• Genre: R&B