Tamla Motown Gold is testament to Berry Gordy's assembly line approach to making records which stunned competing labels with its incredibly consistent rate of hits throughout the 60s. As the introductory notes exclaim, talent would literally line up outside the self-proclaimed "Hitsville USA" Motown offices. Its founder was so focused on success he would even test records through the worst kind of equipment listeners might use at home--just to check the sound was exactly right. Specially selected for the UK, there are a few songs here that are still big on the northern soul circuit. Edwin Starr's "25 Miles" and Stevie Wonder's "Uptight" stand out in particular as perfect examples of the danceable sound of Motown records that still have that irresistible pull. But the majority of tracks simply showcase the best that the flipside to Beatlemania had to offer. And what a fantastic offering it is, from the teen-inspired ballads of heartbreak, longing and adoration to simple innocent pop, Motown knew how to tap into the hopes and dramas of its fans. Classic tracks from the world's biggest all girl act The Supremes plus early recordings by a teenage Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye are just a few of the gems that appear here from their huge roster of stars. Ordered according to their date of publication, this three-CD set brings together all the Motown hits from the 60s--the essential collection for any fan of 60s pop, soul and R&B. --Caroline Butler