Martha Reeves & The Vandellas – Dancing In The Street

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas – Dancing In The Street

“Martha Reeves & The Vandellas” deliver one of the defining sounds of classic Motown on Dancing In The Street, a vibrant collection of driving Detroit soul, R&B and pop-soul from the group’s breakthrough period. The album is centred around the legendary “Dancing In The Street”, originally recorded in 1964 and released as a single that summer, reaching No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The material here comes from the Vandellas’ classic early-1960s Motown period, with recordings spanning roughly 1962–1964. “There He Is (At My Door)” dates from the group’s earlier Motown recordings, while “Dancing In The Street” was recorded in June 1964 with a stellar Hitsville U.S.A. studio line-up including James Jamerson, Marvin Gaye, Joe Messina, Eddie Willis and Jack Ashford.

Alongside the signature title track, the album showcases the group’s energetic interpretation of Motown soul with “Dancing Slow”, “Nobody'll Care”, “Mickey's Monkey”, “Hitch Hike”, “One Way Out” and “Motoring”. Martha Reeves’ powerful lead vocal sits at the centre of the arrangements, backed by the distinctive rhythm section and production style that helped establish Motown as one of the most important sounds of the 1960s.

A superb choice for fans of classic Motown, Detroit soul, Northern Soul, R&B and 1960s girl-group records, Dancing In The Street captures Martha Reeves & The Vandellas at one of the most exciting points in their career. The group’s contribution to Motown history is substantial, with “Dancing In The Street” remaining their signature recording and one of the label’s most recognisable songs.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Dancing In The Street
2. Dancing Slow
3. Nobody'll Care
4. There He Is (At My Door)
5. Mickey's Monkey
6. Hitch Hike

Side B

1. One Way Out
2. Motoring
3. Happiness Is Guaranteed
4. No More Tearstained Make-up
5. What Am I Going To Do Without Your Love?
6. Tell Me I'll Never Be Alone