Search - Four Tops :: Keepers of the Castle - Their Best 1972-78

Good retrospective of immediate post-Motown years

James E. Bagley | Sanatoga, PA USA | 04/03/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"From 1971 through most of 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. Most of the Tops' best recordings from their Dunhill/ABC tenure are found here. They include early 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)" - all produced by the stellar Lambert & Potter writing/production team. Also included is the Tops' funkiest recording ever "One Chain Don't Make No Prison," the stupid "Catfish," and the ultra smooth "I Just Can't Get You Out Of My Mind." The only significant single missing here is their 1978 disco hit "H.E.L.P." (the only decent track from their unrepresented 1977 and 1978 albums). Some significant album cuts are also included, most notably the harmonic anthem "Love Music" and the sweet "Put A Little Love Away (Save It For A Rainy Day)," the bank commercial which was also popularized around the same time by the Emotions. I would have included the title cut from "Main Street People" too. You can get that one on the Tops box set FOUREVER."

Keepers Of Classic Soul

David Hugaert | Honolulu, HI United States | 09/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Four Tops Greatest Hits Collection chronicles the group's Dunhill/ABC years. The standout tracks here are "Ain't No Woman", "One Chain Don't Make No Prison" and "Keeper Of The Castle". Let's not forget "Catfish", which contains the sexually explicit lyric "makes my nature rise". "We All Gotta Stick Together" somewhat explains the foursome's staying power, which has lasted for more than three decades. The songs in this greatest hits collection rivals the hits the group had in the Motown era. Levi Stubbs' rough, powerful vocals are enough reason to add this Four Tops collection to your CD library."

Very Essential

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 05/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great Talent can last thru anything&time period.The Four Tops Prove that point with this Must Have Set.Catfish&Ain't No Woman are the Stand Out Tracks.Their Voices are as Strong as ever.Very Essential Harmony."