Saturday, February 7, 2009

LEVI STUBBS



Sadly, last year the music world lost one of it's most distinctive, powerful voices in Levi Stubbs. The Four Tops would help define the sound of Motown. At a time when soul music had an abundance of distinctive male vocalists. Stubbs stunning baritone was as unique and expressive as anything contempories, Marvin, Smokey and Stevie, had to offer. The Four Tops "Reach Out I'll Be There" with Stubbs aching pleas would see Motown's popularity explode into world wide domination.
The Groups success would continue for another 15 years. The loss of Levi Stubbs leaves only one original member, Abdul Fakir, who continues to perform with a version of the group.

FOUR TOPS ON CD: The Ultimate Collection

Cramming 25 songs onto a single CD, this set captures the Tops during their peak 1960s years, when they rode the pens of Holland, Dozier, and Holland to the top of the charts. Combining the writers' pop melodies, a gentle Motown groove, and Levi Stubbs' earthy lead vocals, the group landed 11 Top 40 singles by 1967, all of which are included on this compilation. Unfortunately, The Ultimate Collection omits later gems such as "Keeper of the Castle," "Ain't No Woman," and "When She Was My Girl," but that leaves room to delve into the unique partnership between the Tops and their songwriting triumvirate.

FOUR TOPS ON DVD: Reach Out


FOR THE FIRST TIME ON DVD, 22 legendary full length performances by the hit-making Motown group. From rare local television clips to celebrated appearances on the national stage, this collection offers a stunning array of classic Motown music, with remastered sound and video--including the option to experience the Four Tops like never before, and hear unreleased a cappella mixes of such songs as "Reach Out I'll Be There," "Baby I Need Your Loving" and nine more, taken directly from their original Motown sessions reels. As an extra special bonus, newly shot interviews with Duke Fakir, Roquel Payton, Smokey Robinson and Mickey Stevenson, as well as vintage interviews with the rest of the group are highlighted throughout, documenting the oneof-a-kind story of this Motown supergroup. This DVD boasts an 80-minute documentary and more than 35 minutes of extras, including more exclusive interviews and bonus performances featuring post-Motown hits. All in digitally remastered 5.1 surround and stereo!