Album of the Day

Tower of Power followed its 1973 self-titled album with BACK TO OAKLAND a year later, and the Warner Bros. collection might be even better than its breakthrough predecessor. Of course the Bay Area band's justly legendary horn section performs superbly, but the rhythm section kicks out some pretty tough grooves as well, and vocalist Lenny Williams really comes into his own here. Bookended by the wonderful “Oakland Stroke,” the gritty, soulful originals include such highlights as “Time Will Tell,” instrumental favorite “Squib Cakes” and Top 40 single “Don't Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream).” Released 45 years ago and still mighty funky, BACK TO OAKLAND captures Tower of Power in its prime.