The Four Tops: Reach Out I'll Be There (1966)

"Reach Out (I'll Be There)" by the Four Tops is the greatest song of all time.  Best believe it, buddy.

Motown is the ideal of capitalism.  Here is a record label motivated by profit, churning out hit after hit after hit, shrewd and ruthless in its marketing schemes... that just happened to make some of the best music ever.  Music that was technically sound, exquisitely produced, and, most importantly, emotionally engaging.  It is this last part that has been forgotten by today's Top 40 folks.  Motown made party songs, a la "Party Rock Anthem" (I'd argue Motown's were a little, umm, better), but they also made melancholy songs, and gorgeous songs, and life affirming songs, and experimental songs.  "Reach Out" is like some freaky amalgam of all these styles-- including the party style-- and it rules mightily.

I was surprised to see that it was released in 1966.  It sounds a little more futuristic than that, doesn't it?  It sounds, to me, like a Motown Altamont jam or something.  It's heavy as fuck, with James Jamerson bringing his signature funk, and it's weird, too.  The verses are a screamed rant-- Levi Stubbs is RELENTLESS...

Now if you feel that you can't go on
Because all of your hope is gone
And your life is filled with much confusion
Until happiness is just an illusion 

It's not exactly "catchy," and yet it's impossible to sit indifferently to... It's a cascade of sound and fury...

But the chorus is totally hopeful...

I'll be there
With a love that will shelter you
And I'll be there
With a love that will see you through...

Love survives the apocalypse!

Who else was making music like this?  Who else can today?  I mean, music that is dark, dark, pitch black... but not cynical.  Music that acknowledges pain and hardship and chaos... but also keeps an eye on the prize.

"Reach Out I'll Be There" is the greatest song of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnDm3qr1Knk