Timeline 5 New Horizons - Taking Stock and Taking Chances
For fans, the time has come to realize that while Trower is still a great player and may produce many more original works, most of what endears us to him is his past. If the heydays of great guitarists such as Trower, Leslie West, Ronnie Montrose, etc., who did not capture as much of the limelight as Page, Hendrix and Townsend, can inspire us to recall the grand days of rock and roll, then they deserve our attention . . . and our ears. Because, in that era, the roots of modern rock were laid. By looking back and taking stock, we can better look ahead and take chances.
No Stopping Anytime
The first of the Trower compilations, 1989's 'No Stopping Anytime' misses the 90s boat by a hair, but for all intents, it stands as part and parcel of the decade's anthologies. It contains virtually all of the material contained in 'B.L.T.' and 'Truce' (16 of 19 tunes). At first listen, the digital CD medium seems an improvement over the "hissy" vinyl. But, buyers should beware. Sometimes the warmth of vinyl better conveys the tonal range in which the songs were recorded.
In the Line of Fire
1990's 'In the Line of Fire' is an orginal work and for the first time features Trower as a solo artist with a full-time keyboard player. It also includes Davey Pattison returning on vocals. It's difficult to get a solid handle on this release. In places, it sounds a bit over-produced, but all-in-all, it's an interesting piece of work. Pattison shines throughout, and Trower whips out a couple of great solos, particularly in Turn The Volume Up and Sea Of Love.
The Essential Robin Trower
'The Essential Robin Trower', out in 1991, is a must-have for any rock and roll fan. The reproduction is excellent and the choice of songs represents a perfect cross section of his best material. As any defintive Trower collection should, it is top-heavy on standards from his 1973 to 1976 period. But, it also throws in a couple from 'In City Dreams', a live version of Caledonia from 'For Earth Below', and one each from 'Victims of the Fury' and 'B.L.T.'
Robin Trower Anthology
This is another best-of collection, I believe from either 1992 or 93. Although your humble author doesn't own this CD, I happen to know that along with the classic material, it includes Alethea from 'For Earth Below, My Love from 'Caravan to Midnight', What It Is from B.L.T., and Back It Up and Benny Dancer from 'Back It Up'.
The Robin Trower Collection
This compilation, released in 1991 by Castle Records in England, is one of the lesser-known Trower CD titles. It features many of the standards: Day of the Eagle, Too Rolling Stoned, Alethea etc., but also includes a couple of rarer tunes such as Fool from 'Caravan To Midnight' and Time Is Short from 'Back It Up'. I've so far declined to purchase this disk, as the only song it contains that I don't have on CD is Time Is Short. But inevitably, I'll break down!
Portfolio
Yet another collection CD, 'Portfolio' contains a decent cross-section of classic work mixed with various tracks from the 'In City Dreams' period and beyond. Day Of the Eagle, Bridge Of Sighs, Too Rolling Stoned and Shame The Devil are all present as are Bluebird, Caravan To Midnight, Victims Of The Fury, Into Money and even Benny Dancer. Thanks to those who've E-Mailed me the track list as I don't own this CD.
20th Century Blues
Trower's most recent and last (to date) original work, '20th Century Blues' is a welcome return to the tough, gritty Trower of old. Released in 1994, this album once again features a power trio format playing heavy riff-based rock. The new band features Livingston Brown on bass and vocals, and Mayuyu on drums. Especially good are Prisoner of Love, Extermination Blues and Chase the Bone.
BBC Radio One Live
'BBC Radio One Live' is an extraordinary recording. This 1994 release is taken from a performance on January 29, 1975 at the Paris Theatre. IMHO, this is the single best 'live' sound I've ever heard from Trower's guitar. It's tough and punchy, and has that smooth, powerful sustain identical to 'Bridge of Sighs'. I wouldn't be surprised if Trower is using the exact same rig! The incredible rendition of Gonna Be More Suspicious is alone worth the price.
King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents:
Robin Trower In Concert
This 1995 CD is a real treat for all Trower fans. Originally recorded on October 18, 1977 at a show in New Haven, Conneticut, it is beautifully remastered and features the entire uninterrupted concert. As well as staples from the 'Bridge of Sighs' LP it features many rarer numbers. The inclusion of Daydream from 'Twice Removed', Messin The Blues from 'Long Misty Days', and Somebody Calling, Smile and Falling Star from 'In City Dreams' make it a worthwhile addition.
Champions Of Rock: Robin Trower
Released in early 1996, this compilation CD is available from Disky in Holland. For a change, the price is right--here in Canada it lists for only $16.00 (as opposed to the $22 plus for other import collections). Presumedly, because most of Trower's higher-profile tunes have appeared on other compilations, this one laudably sticks to much of his secondary material. IMHO, it's a worthwhile cross-section, especially considering the price. For a track list, click on the CD cover.
Back To Back Hits
This is yet another compilation--released in 1998. It's an odd bird that features RT on 1/2 of the CD and Michael Schenker on the other 1/2. There's only five Trower tunes on it, so this CD is definitely for the rabid collector who just has to have "everything" (well . . like me and you probably :-)
Twice Removed From Yesterday /
Bridge Of Sighs
Trower fans can finally get their mitts on all of Trower's early solo albums with BGO's 1997 double re-issues. The first in the series features 'Twice Removed From Yesterday' and 'Bridge Of Sighs' on one disc. 'Twice Removed' was particularly vexing because it had been deleted since 1995 and so many people still wanted to buy it. Well, the wait is over! BTW--I wouldn't normally profile re-issue titles, but these seem to good to overlook. Let's hope BGO releases the entire catalog!
For Earth Below / Live!
1975's 'For Earth Below' and 1976's 'Robin Trower Live!' are both contained on this double BGO re-issue.
Long Misty Days / In City Dreams
'Long Misty Days', released in 1976, and 'In City Dreams' from 1977 are the titles on this double BGO re-issue. I understand that the BGO re-issues are based on chronology, but from a musical perspective, to me it makes more sense to pair 'In City Dreams' with 'Caravan To Midnight', and 'Long Misty Days' with 'Victims Of The Fury'. Just, MHO again, of course.
Caravan To Midnight / Victims Of The Fury
The next in the series is 'Caravan to Midnight' (1978) and 'Victims Of The Fury' (1980). You can order any of the re-issues on the Web from CD Now for only $14.96 U.S., except the 'Twice Removed' / 'Bridge Of Sighs' combo which is listed as a U.K. import for $22.37 U.S. Another item--apparently the songs on 'Victims' are in a different order than the LP, and Ready For The Taking and The Shout are missing, having been replaced by None But The Brave (from 'Back It Up'), and One In A Million.
B.L.T / Truce
The last offering from BGO is the Trower/Bruce albums, 'B.L.T.' and 'Truce'. 'B.L.T.' is an especially welcome release as it's been deleted on CD for quite some time. Into Money still rates as one of the top ten Trower tunes IMHO.
Someday Blues
This 1997 release is the long-anticpated album of "pure blues" Trower had promised his fans for what seemed like forever! 'Someday Blues' is clean and tasty, with trademark Trower shining throughout. RT handles all the vocal chores and delivers a soulful, remarkably proficient performance.
This Was Now - '74-'98
'This Was Now - 74-98' is a great double CD set released by V-12 Records in 1999 and features two virtually complete concerts from 1974 and 1998. The 1974 set is from a King Biscuit show in Pittsburgh, while the 1998 performance is from the band's May 21 and 22, 1998 dates at the Ballard Firehouse in Seattle. The sound on the Seattle gig is nothing short of remarkable, with today's recording techniques allowing excellent fidelity and great overall quality.
Go My Way
'Go My Way' is a real treat for Trower and blues fans alike. Much "edgier" than 'Someday Blues', this album (released in 2000) is smoking! Killer licks and great grooves abound. The title track has some of the best Wah-Wah playing you'll hear in the "modern era". Fantastic! Cudos to RT for putting out a truly enjoyable and powerful piece of work that has it all--subtle stylings, kick ass rock and that trademark Trower style. A seriously excellent album!
Guitar Legends
I really don't know the scoop on this CD. It was released in 2000, and has the usual range of "Best Of" Trower tunes. I know it's an import, and I do have the track list, but that's about it. I don't know what label it's on or how long it'll be available. Still . . . it's yet another Trower CD to add to the ol' collection!
Living Out Of Time
"LOOT" as it's known already by Trower fans, is a truly amazing new 2003 work! It features a killer lineup of Robin on guitar; and alumni Pete Thompson on drums; Dave Bronze on bass; and the great Davey Pattison returning on vocals! The reviews have been excellent, and the CD and all the info you need are available at TrowerPower.com, the official Robin Trower site.
