Rhino records does a wonderful job in putting together collections and remastered releases of recording artists that need to have their works spotlighted. The Young Rascals gained fame in the mid-60's with the rock and roll classic "Good Lovin'", which is, arguably, one of the most overplayed songs on oldies radio. People who are not familiar with the smooth sound of The Rascals should know that this band had plenty of great songs. What's so attractive about "The Very Best of The Rascals" is the fact that Rhino assembled a great 16 track collection spanning this often over-looked foursome from the New York area. This is a perfect way for a new fan to sample this music, and re-live some of the most inspiring hits from the 60's.
I had to claim ignorance on one particular song on this collection. When I started to hear "You Better Run", I instantly thought about Pat Benatar's version from the early 80's. This was one of her trademark tunes that got her plenty of radio play, but The Rascals version is full of plenty of blues and soul. Felix Cavaliere's organ does a great battle with Gene Cornish's guitar here. "Groovin'", probably The Rascals second biggest hit, maintains all of it's appeal that made this a #1 hit during the 1967 summer of love. The soulful/motown like sound of "Groovin'" was probably a nice change of pace from the hippie and psychedelic sounds coming from the radio during this period. "Come On Up" is a surprisingly heavy song for 1966. Sounding like something Deep Purple would have done in the early 70's, the tight arrangement and blistering guitar solo is an extremely fun and danceable number. The band pulls a full 180 on the ballad "How Can I Be Sure". Released in 1967, Eddie Brigati's softer vocal style takes over from Cavaliere's rougher/blues inspired voice. The band wears their heart on their sleeves on this number; flavored with light piano, trumpet, accordian, and beautiful strings, this track is probably my favorite Rascals tune. It took a lot of guts for these guys to pull off a song that was probably better suited for Frankie Avalon! "A Beautiful Morning" is a nice return to the soulful sound more typical of this band. Great vocal arrangements along with bongos, percussion, and deep drums makes for a nice relaxed feel. The same feel created the #1 hit "People Got To Be Free" in 1968. A true "hippie" hit from the late 60's, the song has just as much meaning today than it did 33 years ago. The horn arrangement here is such a pleasure to listen to; similar to something that James Brown would have on one of his songs. The biggest surprise on this collection would have to be 1969's "See". By this time, The Rascals have matured into quite the heavy rock unit. This "sound" was very popular during this time. I'm reminded of Ten Years After and Blind Faith when I hear this song; wall of sound with plenty of fuzz guitar. But the soul and attitude doesn't make this track sound dated at all. Cavaliere's observation that "love is flowing endlessly" was very much in tune with the year of Woodstock. Some concepts don't seem to go out of style.
Anyone who appreciates quality music of the 60's, but would like to experience more of the American sound during this time should check this collection out. The Rascals blended all popular sounds of the 60's together to create very inspired and beautiful music. I enjoyed watching their "reunion" at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame reception about 4 years ago. They sounded great together; almost like they never went away!
