Since cutting its first record 50 years ago, Tower of Power has released such classic cuts as "You're Still a Young Man," "So Very Hard to Go," "Don't Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream)" and "What Is Hip?"
Yet, the famed Oakland, Calif., soul-funk act also has many hidden gems, ones that might not be all that familiar even to some longtime listeners.
Thus, we asked Tower of Power bandleader Emilio Castillo to name some of his favorite lesser-known tunes from the band's songbook. Here are his picks and comments:
"Of the Earth" (from "Bump City," 1972)
"I just love the vibe, the vocals, and the message of this tune!"
"Both Sorry Over Nothin'" (from "Tower of Power," 1973)
"To me, this song has the Memphis sound that we always loved with an Oakland bump to it on the ride out. (Vocalist) Lenny Williams kills it!"
"Just When We Start Makin' It" (from "Back to Oakland," 1974)
"To this day still one of my most favorite ballads Tower ever did. Chester Thompson's B3 solo on the ride out is priceless!"
"I Believe In Myself" (from "Urban Renewal," 1975)
"A great positive message, groovin' rhythm track, and soulful vocals!"
"It's So Nice" (from "Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now," 1976)
"Vocally one of my faves. Good song to cruise in your car to on summer night."
"You Can't Fall Up (You Just Fall Down)" (from "Monster on a Leash," 1991)
"I just love the crafty lyrics that Doc (Stephen Kupka) and I came up with for this song and the Greg Adams horn arrangement is world-class!"
"I Like Your Style" (from "T.O.P.," 1993)
"This song took a while to develop but it's one of my favorite songs to play live."
