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From Amazon.com:
Those only familiar with the Tops' 1960s Motown heyday may be surprised at just how prolific the foursome remained after leaving the mother ship in 1972. While this four-disc set does include 53 tracks from their peak Motown tenure, it also offers a much more comprehensive look at their entire career, reaching all the way back to a 1956 Chess single and continuing into the 1990s. Of particular note are a number of topflight selections from their years on Dunhill and ABC (1972-1979), when hits such as "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)" and "Keeper of the Castle" as well as a few lesser-known gems successfully updated their trademark sound to include elements of funk and disco while still remaining true to their defining trait: the balance of Levi Stubbs's robust growl and the ethereal harmonies of his mates. Their early-1980s Casablanca period also yielded notable additions to their repertoire, such as the buoyant "When She Was My Girl" and the ballad "I Believe in You and Me," which would become a wedding staple. Still, nothing can compare to their Motown classics, when the songs of the Holland-Dozier-Holland hit machine joined forces with the Tops' appealing style to the delight of a generation. Fans content with the Motown hits are advised to pick up the single-disc Ultimate Collection, but those looking for a deeper investigation will enjoy this thorough survey. --Marc Greilsamer

Great Summation of One of the Greatest Groups Ever:
The original Four Tops (Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton, Duke Fakir, Obie Benson) performed together for 43 years and recorded over 30 albums. As a long-time Tops' collector, I was psyched by the arrival of this new four-disc, career-spanning (1956-1992) box set. Amid the 85 tracks, 40 are making their debut on CD. Amongst those, ten were previously unreleased, four were previously unreleased in the U.S., and four more were never released on an album. While it's not perfect (what is?), it's obvious that a lot of effort went into the compiling of this deluxe retrospective. The first disc leads off with samples of the Tops' pre-Motown work. The 1956 Chess single "Could It Be You" presents a higher-pitched Stubbs fronting a prime slice of doo-wap. Less impressive are the follow-ups: the 1960 Columbia single "Ain't That Love" and a 1962 uptempo rendition of "Pennies From Heaven" on Riverside. The Tops signed with Motown in 1963, and their first album, the cancelled jazz set Breaking Through (finally released in 1999), is represented by the ultra-smooth "Until I Met You." It's fine, but the magic doesn't begin until track five. That recording, 1964's "Baby I Need your Loving," was the Tops' first collaboration with the songwriting-production team of Holland-Dozier-Holland. It established a winning formula: lyrics that entail Levi yearning for or proclaiming his love for a girl he has lost or can't have; pulsating music cut in a (high) key out of Stubbs' regular vocal range, the subsequent strain causing his pleas to sound even more dramatic; background vocals with a full, almost Spectorian resonance, thanks to the addition of Motown's resident session singers, the Andantes. (...) Disc two opens with the Tops at their commercial peak (late 1966 to early 1967), leading off with the huge hits "Reach Out ("I'll Be There)," "Standing In The Shadows Of Love," and "Bernadette." A live version of "I'll Turn To Stone" follows, marred by poor sound quality. In late 1967, Holland-Dozier-Holland abruptly left Motown in a dispute over financial compensation. This prompted the label to release year-old remakes of "Walk Away Renee" and "If I Were A Carpenter" as follow-up Tops' singles. They are proof that the Tops could make a hit out of practically anything. In 1968 and 1969, other Motown writer-producers like Ivy Jo Hunter (the poignant "Yesterday's Dreams"), Johnny Bristol (the haunting "What Is A Man"), and Norman Whitfield (the blah "Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me") attempted to fill the void left by Holland-Dozier-Holland's exit. None of their work with the Tops, however, penetrated the pop or r & b top 20. Besides the aforementioned singles and some assorted album tracks from 1966-1969, disc two also includes a pair of unique, previously unreleased collaborations: "Oh, I've Been Blessed" by Levi and the Vandellas (with Stubbs recording over a track that once featured Martha Reeves) and "Stranded On The Road of Love" with Edwin Starr (the Tops and Starr made separate recordings - which were later merged - on the same backing tracks). Neither rises above mediocrity. As disc three and the seventies begin, Frank Wilson had taken over as the Tops' producer for the landmark Still Waters concept album. Wilson ditched the Andantes from the background and put more emphasis on the Tops harmonies. Payton was given more solo parts as well. As evidenced by the tracks "It's All In the Game" and "Still Water (Peace)/"Still Water (Love)" - the latter recording combined as originally intended for the first time - the Tops had risen to new melodic heights. Next up is a pair of duets with the Supremes: the soaring hit "River Deep, Mountain High" that easily surpasses the over-rated Phil Spector-produced Tina Turner version, and the so-so "I'm Glad About It" (the latter's glorious a-side, "You Gotta Have Love In Your Heart" should have been included instead - it's available on The Four Tops Anthology as well as the Supremes box set). They are followed by more of Frank Wilson's well-crafted but (now) underachieving singles like "In These Changing Times" and "(It's The Way) Nature Planned It," plus a couple of tracks recorded in England with the Moody Blues, led by the awesome "A Simple Game" (found here in its inferior original unedited mix). During 1971-1972, the Tops received little promotional support from Motown and struggled on the charts. Frustrated, they left the label in late 1972 and signed with ABC subsidiary Dunhill Records. Some of the Tops' best recordings from their first two Dunhill albums - produced by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter - make up the last third of disc three. They include hits like the urban message song "Keeper Of The Castle," the Shaft in Africa theme "Are You Man Enough," and the multi-format smash "Ain't No Woman (Like The One I've Got)," as well as stellar album tracks such as "Love Music" and "Main Street People." Disc four starts off with the Tops' remaining r & b hits at ABC/Dunhill (1974 - 1976), including their funkiest recording ever "One Chain Don't Make No Prison," the stupid "Catfish," and a lively live version of "Midnight Flower" that easily tops the original. Missing is their 1978 disco hit "H.E.L.P." (the only decent track from their unrepresented 1977 and 1978 albums). Compensation comes, however, from the previously unreleased (in the U.S.) 1979 dance version of the Yardbird's "For Your Love." It's smokin'! In 1981 the Tops signed with Casablanca and released two of their strongest albums ever. Unfortunately, we only get three tracks from this period: their 1981 retro smash "When She Was My Girl," a live version of the follow-up single "Tonight I'm Gonna Love You All Over," and the wedding staple "I Believe In You And Me" (Levi's performance buries Whitney Houston's hit version). Among the many choice recordings left off are the sassy Grease 2 theme "Back To School Again" (the only redeeming component of that film), and the buoyant "Nobody's Gonna Love You Like I Do." (They're available on the Tops' great Polygram compilation When She Was My Girl). The Tops performed a scorching medley with the Temptations on the 1983 Motown 25 reunion special - included here - which was one of the evening's highlights. This led to the Tops re-signing with Motown for two unexciting albums represented here by their singles "I Just Can't Walk Away" and "Sexy Ways." Also contained here are two tracks previously unreleased from their cancelled 1986 Motown album Hot Nights (they weren't worth the wait). A much stronger effort was their 1988 Arista album Indestructible, the singles of which are found here. Its defiant title track - a duet with Smokey Robinson - returned the Tops to the pop top 40 for the first time since "When She Was My Girl" and was used as a theme for the Olympics in Seoul, Korea. The reflective Aretha Franklin duet "If Ever A Love There Was" went on to make a dent on the r & b charts, while the festive "Loco In Acapulco" hit the top ten in the U.K. A classy collaboration with Grover Washington Jr. from 1992 - "Till You Return To Me" - and the Lawrence Payton-written "The Four Of Us" (adopted by the Tops as their theme song) conclude the set on a high note. Payton's death in 1997 ended the recording legacy of the original Four Tops. This collection serves as an outstanding tribute to the unparalleled harmony they shared, in and out of the recording studio.

Fitting Tribute to a Great Group:
OK, it's impossible to please everyone. And Motown box sets have always been inconsistent. There is always a favorite song that is left out or alternate version that makes you cry, "Why??" Or Motown plays it too safe with only the hits. I am one of these hard to please fans, yet I find this box set nearly perfect! It bridges four decades of work, highlighting the group's harmonies and the passionate and truely unique lead vocals of Levi Stubbs. Most fans of the Four Tops will prefer only the Motown hits. Though the hits are strong, in my opinion only three songs are classics: "Baby I Need Your Lovin'," "Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch," "Reach Out, I'll Be There." Each hit was followed by one or more nearly identical tunes of lesser quality. To sum up the Motown hits, "It's The Same Old Song." It's interesting to see the chart ratings on the follow up hits, gradually sliding off the charts until the next new sound! It is a special treat, therefore, to listen to the non-hits. Such as the lush and beatiful "Is There Anything I Can Do," and "Just As Long As You Need Me," "What Is A Man," "I Believe In You and Me." There are many more such jewels scattered throughout this collection. Also, lesser known hits "Just Seven Numbers," and "River Deep, Mountain High" with the post Diana Ross Supremes. The alternate version of "Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch" is an inspired inclusion, as well as the unedited "Still Water." The Post-Motown days are well represented here, with more Top 10 classics such as "Ain't No Woman Like The One I Got," "Keeper of the Castle," and "When She Was My Girl." The group's success after Motown proves they were more than just a cog in the Motown hit machine. The box set itself is beatiful, with an informative booklet. Did you know the wonderful harmonies of the Four Tops were underplayed to focus on the soaring voice of Levi Stubbs? Also, Motown's studio female group the Andantes backed up most of the groups hits as well? Growing up, I always assumed the four tops had a couple male sopranos in the ranks! To nit pick, some of the selections have poor sound qaulity and some songs just don't work. Also, the live inclusion of "I'll Turn To Stone" is unfortunate. It reeks of Motown's Vegas "supper club" aspirations of the '60s and is inferior to the studio version. Even so, the clunkers are few and far between. This is a fitting tribute to one of America's greatest musical groups and Levi Stubbs. A feast for true Four Tops fans and a must have collection to their musical library.

Best ever box set:
This is a must for all tops fans and truely is magnificant, it brings out the best from these four familiar guys, wonderfully put together and deserves every tops fan, s attention if you want to levi and the guys giving there best this does just that , what an exellent compilation.

Best ever box set:
This is a must for all tops fans and truely is magnificant, it brings out the best from these four familiar guys, wonderfully put together and deserves every tops fan, s attention if you want to hear levi and the guys giving there best this does just that , what an exellent compilation.

AT LONG LAST:
At last we have a box set for the very gifted and often overlooked TOPS. The Tops were together longer than any other Motown group. Yet they tended to be overshadowed by the other acts from the same stable. This set stands as a testimony to how great they really were. All the hits, plus some rarities, all of them true gems. Their music continues to stand the test of time. I have been a fan from the beginning and, thanks to this collection, can continue to spread their legacy to future generations.

• Could It Be You (Single Only Release, U.S.)
• Ain't That Love (Single Only Release, U.S.)
• Pennies From Heaven (Single Only Release, U.S.)
• Until I Met You - Alternate Mix (Previously Unreleased)
• Baby I Need Your Loving - Single Mix
• Where Did You Go - Single Mix
• Without The One You Love (Life's Not Worth While) - Single Mix
• Left With A Broken Heart - Original Lp Mix
• Ask The Lonely - Alternate Stereo Mix
• Just A Little Love (Before My Life Is Gone) (Previously Unreleased)
• My Heart Is Calling You (Previously Unreleased)
• I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) - Alternate Mix(Previously Unreleased)
• It's The Same Old Song - Alternate Berry Gordy Single
• Is There Anything That I Can Do - Original Lp Mix
• Something About You - Single Mix
• No Good Without You (Previously Unreleased)
• Just As Long As You Need Me - Single Mix
• Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over) - Single Mix
• Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever - Single Mix
• Brenda - Alternate Lawrence Payton Vocal (Previously Unreleased)
• For Once In My Life - Single Mix
• Reach Out I'll Be There - Single Mix
• Standing In The Shadows Of Love - Single Mix
• Bernadette - Single Mix
• 7-Rooms Of Gloom - Alternate Mix(Previously Unreleased)
• I'll Turn To Stone (Live At The Roostertail ) - Original
• You Keep Running Away - Single Mix
• Walk Away Renee - Single Mix
• Your Love Is Wonderful - Single Mix (Single Only Release, U.S.)
• If I Were A Carpenter - Single Mix
• Just Another Lonely Night - With The Temptations (Previously Unreleased)
• Oh, I've Been Blessed - 'Levi & The Vandellas' (Previously Unreleased)
• Yesterday's Dreams - Single Mix
• Can't Seem To Get You Out Of My Mind - Single Mix
• I'm In A Different World - Single Mix
• What Is A Man - Single Mix
• So Far (Previously Unreleased)
• Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me - Single Mix
• Do What You Gotta Do - Original Lp Mix
• Macarthur Park - Original Lp Mix
• I'll Pay Double (Previously Unreleased)
• Nothing - Original Lp Mix
• Barbara's Boy - Original Lp Mix
• Stranded On The Road Of Love - With Edwin Starr (Previously Unreleased)
• Its All In The Game - Single Mix
• Love (Is The Answer) - Single Mix
• Still Water (Peace) / Still Water (Love) - Unedited Version (Previously Unreleased)
• Ballad To: The One I Love (Previously Unreleased)
• River Deep - Mountain High - The Supremes & Four Tops - Original Lp Mix
• I'm Glad About It - The Supremes & Four Tops - Original Lp Mix
• Just Seven Numbers (Can Straighten Out My Life) - Single Mix
• In These Changing Times - Single Version
• A Simple Game - Original Unedited Mix (Previously Unreleased)
• You Stole My Love - Single Mix (Single Only Release, Previously Unreleased In The U.S.)
• So Deep Within You - Single Mix (Single Only Release, Previously Unreleased In The U.S.)
• I Can't Quit Your Love - Single Mix
• (It's The Way) Nature Planned It - Single Mix
• Keeper Of The Castle - Original Lp Mix
• Ain't No Woman (Like The One I've Got) - Original Lp Mix
• Love Music - Original Lp Mix
• Remember What I Told You To Forget - Original Lp Mix
• Are You Man Enough - Soundtrack Version
• Sweet Understanding Love - Original Lp Mix
• I Just Can't Get You Out Of My Mind - Original Lp Mix
• One Woman Man - Original Lp Mix
• Main Street People (Intro) / Main Street People - Original Lp Mix
• One Chain Don't Make No Prison - Original Lp Mix
• Midnight Flower (Live) - Original Lp Mix
• Seven Lonely Nights - Original Lp Mix
• We All Gotta Stick Together - Original Lp Mix
• Catfish - Original Lp Mix
• For Your Love - 12-Inch Version (Single Only Release, Previously Unreleased In The U.S.)
• When She Was My Girl - Original Lp Mix
• Tonight I'm Gonna Love You All Over (Live) (Previously Unreleased)
• I Believe In You And Me - Original Lp Mix
• The Temptations And Four Tops Medley (Live) - Original 12-Inch
• I Just Can't Walk Away - Original Lp Mix
• Sexy Ways - Single Mix
• Hot Nights (Single Only Release, U.S.)
• Red Hot Love (Previously Unreleased)
• Indestructible - 12-Inch Edit With Smokey Robinson
• Loco In Acapulco - Original Lp Mix
• If Ever A Love There Was - The Four Tops Featuring Aretha Franklin & Kenny G
• Till You Return To Me - Grover Washington, Jr.
• The Four Of Us (Single Only Release, Previously Unreleased In The U.S.)