Customer Reviews

The Four Tops

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Another in Kultur's growing line of pop music documents. I popped this one in my player and sat down, thinking it was gonna be another of those 'greatest hits in concert' videos that are a dime a dozen for popular artists like the Four Tops, and, frankly, tend to be just processed tripe for the Philistine masses. This ain't that, so prepare to be disappointed if that's what you're looking for. As this one started playing, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's not just another slick production piece, but instead is a behind the scenes look at a vocal group at the top of their game. Filmed on a soundstage near Paris without an audience, we see here Levi Stubbs, Obie Benson, Duke Fakir, and Lawrence Payton rehearsing ten songs, along with a backing group of French session musicians and a handful of American players. The songs are some of the ones that made the Four Tops great, and a few more that you might not expect in a compilation like this. A brief introduction from the narrator as we see the artists filing into the studio and getting ready for the session. Then it's right into the songs, and fine ones they are. The production values of the video are good, and the dolby stereo sound is adequate. This was filmed in 1970, but it looks and sounds great more than three decades later, running about 45 minutes or so. If you're a fan of the Four Tops, you definitely need to see this. If you've got only a casual interest in pop music, this is not as essential, but definitely worth your time and attention. I recommend it.

OK - this is not a performance by The Four Tops, but it shows the viewer/concert goer all that is/was involved with touring. This was produced before The Pieces of the Puzzle were formed and who now accompany the Four Tops on tour. And while the camera work is not the greatest, it is good being that it is over 30 years old. The songs being performed include more than just the hits The Tops had up to that time. The person who attends a live concert probably does not even think about what is involved and the rehearsals the artists have to do before a performance when the musicians are local talent and do not travel with the artist(s). This is just a hint at that.

As a long time (39 years) Four Tops fan, I would recommend this video to anyone hungry for footage of The Four Tops, and it is sure to become a collector's item.

Can we get some more stuff like this as well as concert performances????

Margie

I love the Four Tops, so seeing this DVD for sale was a dream. It is the funniest behind the scenes look at a Motown group the public has been allowed to see. The Four Tops are the goofiest group of men I've seen and I loved watching them perform. They perform some of their hits like "Reach Out, I'll Be There" and "Shake Me, Wake Me." They also perform other songs like "Little Green Apples" and "Mack the Knife." I think they do this very very well. Overall, a very interesting look at a legendary group. No, this is not their greatest hits DVD compilation or a concert, but it's a good behind-the-scenes look at the group.

Very bad sound and video quality! Don't buy this dvd !

Being a huge 4 tops fan I pre-ordered this a few weeks ago. It isn't what I expected. I thought it was concert footage like their 40 year anniversary DVD, but instead it is footage of what appears to be rehearsals for a tv performance. The video is choppy and the cameraman, yes one camera, probably an old 16mm movie camera, is constantly moving around. Sometimes you find yourself looking at the back of their heads. It does contain a lead by both Lawrence and Duke, which is nice. This appears to be the making of the making of a 4 tops tv appearance.

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS CRAP. I was very disappointed in the whole thing,the quality the sound, and where they were performing. They were at rehersal singing these songs. It was a waste of time and money for me. Take this review seriously Please DON'T spend your money on this.

The Four Tops

I wish I had read these reviews seriously before purchasing this DVD. The sound quality is so bad that you can't even hear the words of the songs and worse yet, the outstanding voice of Levi Stubbs.

The filming angles, etc were not a concern to me since I really bought the DVD for the music.

I am very disappointed and, of course, cannot return the item.

Don't make the same mistake I did in buying this DVD; it is most definitely not worth the $17.99!

This is the Four Tops at their best in 1971, okay the camera angles may not be the best, but that was the era, the colour is just superb and the sound in most parts.

Here in the UK we would refer to it as being "in the raw" - but if only some big name young singers these days could sing like LEVI STUBBS JR does in this French TV Recording Studio, What a True Talent LEVI is.

The rhythm musicians are from the USA and the brass section are French, and they sound Good!

It is also so good to see OBIE take lead for once on the first verse of "Mack The Knife" some of the choices of tunes reflect French Soul tastes in the 70's and perhaps still today to Jazz.

This is well worthwhile having in your collection it is a True Collector's Piece, it makes you wonder how many other GEMS of film footage are in the vaults, get that door open and let us have more of MOTOWN from the 60's and 70's!

John

This DVD has been thrown together with very little technical involvement, almost no sound mixing, and very little if any vidio direction. The highlight is the unmentioned appearance of James Jamerson on bass.

My error in expecting a compilation of greatest hits on a CD...compounded by very poor performances in a questionable recording situation. A really bad piece of work! Wish I could return the item...will probably place it in a future White Elephant sale. And these gentlemen are really top notch...perhaps one could look at it as a piece of history to justify the purchase.