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Tower Of Power - Dinosaur Tracks [2000]

"The Lost Years" might be a fitting subtitle to this 14-track compilation of unissued sides by the legendary Bay Area band. Although nearly a decade passed between the release of Back on the Streets (1979) and Direct (1988), Tower of Power continued to be a fixture on the road. However, due to the fickle nature of the industry at the time, the band could not get a record deal. Dinosaur Tracks gathers the best from the various fits and starts that were documented -- mostly in the early '80s -- and that on the whole have remained unreleased. Although continuing true to its funk-based roots, artistically and musically the vapid nature of post-disco soul music left the band a long way from the fresh and dynamic sound first heard on its debut, East Bay Grease. Tower of Power was no different from the multitudes of other musical units that were stylistically swayed in order to maintain a seemingly relevant sound. In fact, at times the high-gloss productions simply appear to be showcases for synthesizers and horns. "Why Do You Do My Heart Like That," "I Think You'll Like It," and "Can't You Feel It" recall Prince protégés the Time during their reign with Morris Day -- sans the clever lyrics and presumably matching stage outfits. Indeed, there are moments of magic that draw upon the band's formidable skills as a horn-driven rather than horn-riddled unit. "Move You Lose" is a mid-tempo number that features hot solos from Marc Russo (tenor/alto sax), as well as a nice vocal arrangement that leans heavily toward the Philly style associated with the productions of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. "I Want to Love You More (Than Words Will Ever Say)" is another standout track, as Tower of Power's old-school funk is once again refined into smooth R&B grooves. Emilio Castillo (second tenor sax/background vocals) compiled and produced this collection. Dinosaur Tracks is limited to an edition of 10,000 copies and is exclusively available via the Rhino Handmade Internet audio salon.
















Tower Of Power - Soul Vaccination: Live [1999]

Recorded live in 1998 as Tower of Power celebrated its 30th anniversary, Soul Vaccination displays the band's strengths as well as its weaknesses. The strengths are many, starting with one of the finest horn sections in the business. After all their years together, the three saxes and two trumpets have achieved a blend that gives them the power of a much larger section, and yet they have a tightness that even a smaller horn section would be lucky to achieve. And with the recent return of original drummer David Garibaldi and with the continued presence of bassist Francis Rocco Prestia, the band benefits from one of the great funk/soul rhythm teams of all time. But much of the album lacks a sense of purpose. Rather than using the funky licks and syncopated grooves to bring out the meaning of the song itself - which is the true power behind the type of soul music to which Tower of Power aspires - songs such as "Soul With a Capital S," "Soul Vaccination," "You Got to Funkifize," "What Is Hip?," and "So I Got to Groove" are funk for the sake of funk. And as heartfelt as "Diggin' on James Brown" may be, it's the surface attitude without the inner essence of the Godfather of Soul. Much more successful are tracks such as "Down to the Night Club," where the music combines with the lyrics to create a sense of place, and the ballads "Willin' to Learn" and "You're Still a Young Man," in which the musicians serve the song's emotion.
















Tower Of Power - Souled Out [1995]

Legendary in th 70s for its tight, funky grooves, unbeatable group of horn players, and having the great Lenny Williams as lead vocalist, some people might agree that 1995 was probably not the best year for TOP to be making an album, especially with all of the personnel changes up to that point. That being said, this may actually be one of the best funk albums not made during the genre's glory period. The horn section is as fierce as ever (especially on the gritty instrumental "Undercurrent"), and with his muscular yet smooth voice, Brent Carter makes a highly respectable substitute for Lenny Williams, and he shines brightly throughout, especially on the soothing ballad "Soothe You."


All track info is in the comment section..