This album of original recordings has recently been digitally re-mastered as of 06/01/07. All 17 songs are available at Apple iTunes (see links below) Based out of Tampa Florida, The Tropics began as a seven piece horn band featuring Mel Dryer on lead vocals, Buddy Pendergrass on guitar and Spencer Hinkle on drums, with Wayne Guida on Trumpet and Ronnie Ferrer on sax. In 1965, the band changed styles, and became a Beatle type band, adding Eric Turner on guitar and Charlie Souza on Bass, dropping the horns and hiring a new drummer, Bobby Shea, They took on manager Margie Sexton, owner of the famous "SURFER'S CLUB," at Madeira Beach, Florida, a teen-age night club in the mid 60's. In 1966, The Tropics, AKA "The Bitchin' Red Band" when playing on the Pier in Cocoa Beach, Florida, won The International Battle of the Bands held at the famous McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. The Band took first place over more than 1000 bands, which included such names as Chicago and Tommy James & The Shondells. Out of that came a recording contract with Columbia Records in New York and the single "Take the Time," produced by Teo Macero, which made it to the top of the charts and got a 92 on Dick Clark's American Bandstand! The origional recording of "Time" is on this CD. The Tropics Documentary Video is available at the Tropics Website. www.charliesouza.com ~~~~~~~~~~ On this 17 song CD The Tropics Anthology 1965 - 1969, you'll find most all of the origional recordings of the records made by the band, some on Major labels like Columbia Records and Laurie Records in New York, and Malaco Records in Jackson Mississippi, and some on local Florida labels such as Thames Records. A well known pop rock band in the South East from Chicago to New Orleans! All songs are the ORIGIONAL RECORDINGS of Florida's number one Show Band in 1965 through 1972, The Fabulous Tropics! ~~~~~~~~~~