In an attempt to try and appreciate a genre of music I have never been formally introduced to, I dedided to plug some of the gaps in my collection. I could have gone and purchased yet another compilation, but I have two or three in this style already, as well as the Mastermix 70 minute continuous mix.

So, after reading through some previous threads and posting a question or two myself, I had some solid background to work on.

I purchased CD's from the main stars of this genre and began to listen to all the popular tracks - which grew on me considerably. I got a few more, I think it was Ian Stewart and Eskie who then explained how other types of music had spawned from this genre.

I am currently researching those areas as well.

What genre am I referring to? I guess it's obvious - Motown.

I dance all night when I go out, but as soon as the Motown set starts I tend to get a drink, nip to the loo, mop my brow, etc. After a few short weeks research I was able to put together my first properly worked Motown section at Friday's 18th - not the best party to use Motown at, but it had been requested.

My intention? To demonstrate to people that classic Motown made some bloody good records. I wanted to make people who would ordinarily sit down at this stage of the proceedings, stand-up and dance.

Enter Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Jackson 5 and The Four Tops.

I enjoyed playing all of these songs - Uptight and The Happenning are especially great tracks; Jackson 5 hits and just about anything by The Tops are all top draw songs.

The floor was my judge and it got a tremendous reception - far better than I would have expected.

So thank you to everyone who helped and guided me - Ian, Eskie and Paula, who provided a superb website Classic Motown as well.

Many of you know how good this music is and play it weekly; I was just going through the motions before - now I feel like I am beginning to understand it.

I think I'll take a leaf out of your book and broaden my horizons this year. I've never really been into punk music and during the late 70s when it was popular I would leave it to the other DJs to put into their sets and avoid it like the plague. Recently I've listened to, and even played, the odd song so who knows I might expand this and other genres as well - I've even been listening to a bit of classical music - well it makes a nice change from the everyday pap we have to play.

Paul Snr

Same here, I am listening to RadioAid today, usually listen to Radio 4 or 5