The Four Tops - Lost and Found: Lost Without You 1963-1970

Levi Stubbs, Obie Benson, Lawrence Payton and Duke Fakir of the Four Tops were jazz singers, the best kind of close four-part harmony heard in the mid-west in the 1950s and nationally, for a time, when they backed up their idol, Billy Eckstine, on tour. The Tops had a few singles in the Fifties and early Sixties, mostly then-contemporary styles of rocking doo-wop that did little to further their career. Berry Gordy at Motown heard them live, loved them for what they did best, and signed them to his fledgling Workshop Jazz label in 1963.After a year recording a jazz album that did not see the light of day for 35 years, the Tops saw the Workshop label close down. But they survived to become one of the icons of the Motown Sound. Their versatility brought more than H-D-H productions to the music stand. Gordy also knew they could perform in any venue, singing show tunes and pop-jazz. Subsequently, their albums were filled with covers of current hits by the likes of The Monkees, and Broadway music such as Fiddler On The Roof.Doesnt mean nearly every Motown producer wasnt in the Snakepit recording like mad for them anyway. Lost Without You surveys those many Motown sessions from the beginning of the Tops label tenure through the end of the decade. Lost... features 41 unreleased and rare tracks, 34 of which have never been heard before anywhere. Several of the released tracks are in new, extended stereo mixes. Of particular note besides the great B-sides is the majestic new mix of Ivy Jo Hunters Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever, which restores the track to the way he intended it be heard. Lonely Lover, once found on a U.K. collection, is given a surprise ending. And Wonderful Baby is not the version known to fans this collection includes alternate versions from two years earlier, providing an exclusive glimpse into the inner workings of Hitsville U.S.A. Product Description

Same-O, Same-O Question

Why, oh, why were these gems not released on any Four Tops album?

Here is more evidence that the Motown Vaults are housing some FANTASTIC music. This collection truly showcases the Four Tops ability to 'rock the joint' with their high-energy, up-tempo songs as well as 'pour on the passion' with their smooth ballads.

A real treat for avid Motown fans are the Four Tops covers of tunes recorded by Marvin Gaye, ('Sweeter as the Days Go By,' 'Gotta Say It,' 'Get My Hands On Some Lovin',' 'Lonely Lover'), and The Temptations ('It's a Lonely World Without Your Love') - also recorded by Marvin Gaye. The Four Tops certainly give these other top-ranking acts a run for their money.

Another point in this collection's favor is that there are no "filler" songs - every song sounds like the singers, musicians and producers gave it their all.
For Four Tops and Motown fans, this Lost & Found collection is a real must-have treasure. April 23, 2006

Hip O Select strikes again!

Here is another example of the Hip O Select Motown stuff. Most of the music here has never been heard by the public at large before, nevertheless they will be pleased. The funk Brothers band always played extra specially well for the Four Tops. They took more risks and stretched out more. Great songs are here along with cool arrangements, super singing and 24 bit stereo remastering. Only 5000 pressed. Hippo Selecto Perfecto. October 19, 2005

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