The Four Tops Album: “Four Tops Greatest Hits”

Agree 100% with those pointing out that these are not the original recordings but only pale, disappointing imitations. These cuts appear to be made very recently by a much older set of Tops with extremely low budget instrumental and technical support...

There is absolutely no indication on the cover that these are not the original recordings. This is reprehensible to not inform the buyer in advance before the money is spent.

After reading the reviews for this album calling it an imitation, I was a bit confused. The album was published in Germany in 1999. As I don't know much about the laws of public domain for music in Germany, I originally thought that this album was not the Tops themselves, but a totally different group covering the songs. But when another reviewer said it was an older group of Tops, I had to pick it up. It is indeed the real Four Tops. Levi Stubbs' voice is unmistakable, and still very strong. It's very possible these are some of, if not the last recordings of Levi with the Tops (minus the live appearances on the 50th anniversary and Stardust DVDs). I'm stunned that they re-recorded all of these hits, and I'd love to know the musicians on it, and if Theo Peoples was singing background with them, as until Levi retired he was covering Lawrence Payton's parts. Either way, these tracks are some of the last documentation of one of the greatest singers I've ever heard. Definitely pick this up if you're a curious Four Tops fan, or missing Levi's voice.

I received it in a couple of days! I would buy again from this dealer! Came As it was advertised!

I was fourteen years old in 1965 and on my way to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimmaron New Mexico with maybe 20 New York City Boy Scouts ready to hike the deserts and pitch our tents. From a young age I always had a predisposed affinity and ability to play instruments and understand music. On the bus out west the singles on the radio were monumental. Bob Dylan's contribution this time in single offerings has never been duplicated since.I always revered Motown. Marvin Gaye, , Diana, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder who is a prodigy and of course our subject The Four Tops. That 1965 bus ride pumped their most cherished single Can't Help Myself noted for lyrics Sugar Pie Honey Bunch and immediately I was smitten by their immaculate vocals and phenomenal melody, unbelievable rythmn and blues delivery. When I got back to New York I saw them on some variety shows which we really should re invent with groups and recording artists who are professional. Their presentation was fantastic. Powerful and handsome, perfectly groomed and their performances tight and impressive to the max. There was the real deal Motown group. Musicians like Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Sun House, Muddy Waters gave them a little influence to work with and man did they run with it. Groups like the Four Tops had a measured influence on British Invasion Groups.I have heard Mick Jagger say that. I wholeheartedly recommend that you purchase Four Tops music in any format. I have a feeling that the new generation needs to improve their collections. Something interesting. I used to live in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn New York eons ago when we first got married.To record a very unique hit called Don'Walk Away Renee which some fans insist has ties to Sheepshead Bay I think this put the Four Tops in a futuristic mind set musically speaking. Get the MP3 on this title it is an amazing song.RIP Levi Stubbs

Jay Adler Music Critic