Search - Tower of Power :: Direct

Funk and Horn Fan's Delight

John R. Jones Jr. | United States | 03/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK - I got it - this is not a cheap disc - you'll probably have to fork over for it. But, if you like Tower Of Power (or Blood, Sweat, and Tears, or any other horn-driven honk/blues/funk/soul band), this is prime stuff, for sure. There are actually two Sheffield Lab recordings - Direct, and Direct Plus!, with the "Plus" ("the audiophile reference series") edition adding four additional takes on the titles already contained - Squibcakes, Fanfare/You Know It, That's Why I Sing, and What Is Hip. If horns really turn your prop, then either version of this disc is worth owning; if you have the chance to choose and nothing to lose, go for both. If the budget is limited, then my recommendation is to go for the Plus! version, simply because of the added value of ten cuts vs six. Direct/Direct Plus! offers steaming hot versions of Back on the Street's cut of "And You Know it" that cooks like a Mickey D's kitchen during the lunchtime rush - it alone would be worth the price of admission, but rest assured, all tunes are primetime TOP. Additionally, the meticulous mastering on both Direct and Direct Plus! is every bit the equal (or maybe even a cut above) to the gold master recordings put out by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab - crisp, sharp, clean music that will thrill to the bone, bring on the goosebumps, and if cranked high enough, flat push your face against the wall. Highly recommended."