Direct (Tower of Power album)

Direct is a live album by the American soul/funk band Tower of Power, released in 1981. Recorded at the Keystone in Berkeley, California, it captures the band in a high-energy performance. Unlike most of their studio albums featuring a broader range of styles, Direct focuses primarily on their signature funk sound, showcasing their instrumental prowess and tight arrangements. The album is named for its direct-to-disc recording method, a technique aimed at capturing the purest possible sound quality by minimizing the stages of audio processing. This method required the band to perform the entire album live, without overdubs or edits, adding to the intensity and authenticity of the recording. Direct is considered by many fans and critics to be a highlight of Tower of Power's discography and a prime example of their live performance capabilities. Key tracks include energized versions of staples like "What is Hip?" and "Soul Vaccination," demonstrating the band’s enduring power and appeal.