Timeline 2 The Classic Years - The Killer Albums
Drawing on his backlog of song ideas, Trower began preparation for an album with the new band. It was clear from the first day of rehearsals, this unit had the potential to move Trower up a notch in the musical hierarchy of the early 70s.
The albums listed below are considered by most to be Trower's best works. They all share a tough, explosive style mixed with the trademark 'soft psychedelia' that sets Trower apart. This body of music, released between 1973 and 1976, defines perhaps the most distinictive power trio in rock and roll.
Twice Removed From Yesterday
In retrospect, 1973's 'Twice Removed From Yesterday' is one of Trower's most overlooked albums. The first solo work that exposed him to FM listeners, it established Trower as one of the day's premier guitarists. The lead-off track, I Can't Wait Much Longer, along with Hannah and Daydream, epitomize his dreamlike, yet thundering guitar style.
Bridge of Sighs
It is impossible to overstate the impact and power of 1974's 'Bridge of Sighs'. It is literally one of the top 4 or 5 pure guitar albums of all time. 'Bridge of Sighs' was a major seller, placing high in the album charts in both North America and Europe. Too Rolling Stoned (the quintessential Robin Trower song), Day of the Eagle, Little Bit of Sympathy and Lady Love represent his most loved work. If you don't own this album, go out and buy it. Now!
For Earth Below
The 1975 follow-up to Bridge of Sighs, 'For Earth Below' represented the next notch in Trower's belt of acclaim. Lacking the utlra-lush production of its predecessor, 'For Earth Below' still holds as a powerful album that smacks a tad more bluesy. Shame the Devil, Alethea and the swaggering, cocky Gonna Be More Suspicious are among the best. Drummer Bill Lordan replaces Reg Isidore on this release.
Robin Trower Live
Due to his huge popularity, Trower released a live album in 1976. 'Robin Trower Live' features songs taken from a concert in Stockholm on February 3, 1975. A very good all-around album, 'Live' shows, somewhat surprisingly, Trower to be more restrained in the studio than on stage. His blistering, warp-drive solos burn throughout this release; and to many fans, confirms the belief that Trower is among the world's guitar elite.
Long Misty Days
'Long Misty Days', released later in 1976, marks the final work of Trower's classic period. During this time, his power trio line-up sold millions of albums and his tours were prime attractions. Among the gems on 'Long Misty Days' are Same Rain Falls, Caledonia and Messin The Blues, which became a staple concert number.
