Remix songs are usually a crapshoot, so to speak. They’re either a nice change of pace that enhances the playability of the originals. Or the remixes somehow become a complete bastardization of the source material and the listener will try to rip off their ears rather than listen to them again. So, listening to a whole CD full of remixes might be considered musical suicide or harmonic bliss. That being said, Motown Remixed can be said that it is little of both.

Similar to the Verve Remixed series (which remixed old Jazz tunes) or last year’s release, What Is Hip? Remix Volume 1 (which remixed old Warner Brothers hits from the 70’s and one hit from the 80’s), Motown Remixed takes the master tapes of the original R&B gems from the Motown Archives and asks some of the biggest names in turntablism to bring a new perspective on the tunes. And on more than half of the tracks, the perspective is fresh and very listenable.

Some top-shelf tracks include The Temptations’ “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” (DJ Jazzy Jeff & Pete Kuzma Solefull Remix) which marries the original vocal track with a killer disco beat and trumpet solo; Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” (Da Producers MPG Groove Mix) that blends a cruising hip hop feel with Marvin’s sexy verses; Gladys Knight & The Pips’ “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (Sympathy for the Grapes Mix by The Randy Watson Experience) which places a “The Payback”-style percussion rhythm with the original soulful crooning by Ms. Knight and her men; and Rick James’ “Mary Jane” (DJ Green Lantern Evil Genius Remix) that kicks a vicious back beat while Mr. Superfreak himself waxes poetically about his favorite herbal inhalant.

Unfortunately, there were some tracks that didn’t sound up to snuff. The Tranzition remix of Diana Ross and the Supremes’ “My World is Empty Without You” sounded a beat or two off. Easy Mo Bee’s remix of The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination” didn’t seem all that dissimilar from the original. And the Groove Boutique remix of Smokey’s “Quiet Storm” just seems rather bland instead of being a laid back slow jam.

Now, Motown purists and the “Big Chill” generation may find this CD a direct affront to their life history. And the kids who are into smashups will probably dismiss this CD as lame (if they still say that nowadays). But if you put in this CD, sit back and listen to it with an open mind, you might just be surprised at the strength of the collaboration.

You can buy the CD reviewed here at Amazon.com by clicking the link below.

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