"More popular in the UK than here in the States, the EP (extended play) gave you four songs on a record the size of a 2-song 45. Initially, economics drove sales of the EP vs. an album in the UK. YouTube Content Creator "British B Movies and More" was kind enough to give me a great rundown of this vinyl format (here are a few of those comments:)
"... in the UK quite a few Motown EPs were issued between 1961 and 1967. This started with a Miracles album issued on Decca's London label in 1961. This was followed by a selection of EPs released by EMI on their Stateside label during 1963/64. When EMI introduced the Tamla Motown label in the UK in 1965 a total of 19 EPs were issued between 1965 & 1967.
These included 2 by Kim Weston who never had a solo album released by Motown in the 60s.
These British Tamla Motown EPs were compiled specially for the UK market.
EPs were a very popular medium in the UK...and were much more affordable to the average wage earner in the UK."
Presented here is not an official Motown EP, but in the same spirit, here are four tracks by Marvin Gaye from his 1968 album, "MPG," for your listening pleasure.
All recording info from the site "Don't Forget The Motor City" http://www.dftmc.info/
1. Too Busy Thinking About My Baby (Norman Whitfield-Janie Bradford-Barrett Strong) published Jobete 15-Jul-66
[alt lyrics to "I Know How To Love Her", "Smooth Sailing (From Now On)"]
Marvin Gaye; recorded Hitsville-GW, completed 15-Mar-69 ; produced by Norman Whitfield
02-Apr-69; 45 (M): Tamla T 54181 A
30-Apr-69; LP (S): Tamla S292 M.P.G.
2. Seek And You Shall Find (Ivy Jo Hunter-William Stevenson) published Jobete 15-Mar-66
alt title: Right Around The Corner
Marvin Gaye; recorded Hitsville-GW, completed 11-Apr-68 ; produced by Ivy Jo Hunter ; [v2]
3. Try My True Love (Henry Cosby-Stevie Wonder-James Dean) published Jobete 15-Feb-67
Marvin Gaye; recorded Hitsville-GW, completed 17-Feb-67 ; produced by Henry Cosby
4. It Don't Take Much To Keep Me (Brian Holland-Lamont Dozier-Edward Holland Jr) published Jobete 15-Mar-67
Marvin Gaye; recorded Hitsville-GW, completed 29-Mar-67 ; produced by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier"