Formed out of various Oakland-based bands in the early '70s, Tower of Power was the West Coast answer to the various rock horn bands popular during that period. But where their rivals relied on catchy horn charts and bland lyrics (Chicago instantly comes to mind), Tower of Power was funkier, grittier, and a lot greasier than any of their contemporaries. Back to Oakland isn't one of their strongest albums. After two promising openers, "Oakland Stroke" and "Don't Change Horses in the Middle of the Stream," the set slips into more shapeless jams and is hobbled by the band's tendency toward mundane lyrics. Fans can savor the strong horn section work throughout, but this isn't the logical starting point for newcomers to TOP--a better bet is their second album, East Bay Grease.