When Berry Gordy set up Motown Records in 1959 he revolutionised black music. When Marvin Gaye recorded What's Going On in 1971 not only did he completely change his sound but a large part of music changed with him. Volumes 1 and 2 of the Mod Classics in 1979 and 1980 repectively was a collection that pretty well carried the history of Holland–Dozier–Holland, Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Stevie Wonder, Jr Walker and the All Stars, David Ruffin plus a few solo artistes out of the groups plus those I forget. I never had either but plenty of people did, I had too many of the singles (still do actually, they will eventually be digitalised) to want to have the albums. As you say Mark, it was an 'astonishing team of writers, singers, musicians and producers at the height of their collective powers.' It has never been repeated. Some of the artistes are still at the top of their trade though, real durability because they are quality performers, but some of the ones no longer around are remembered. Sadly, Florence Ballard of the Supremes whose solo career never took off but should have and her early death deprived us, not the only one but someone who released a couple of records I have. They are, were and always will be monumental.