Back in “what Frank is listening to #119″ I said this in relation to The Raiders album “Spirit of ’67”: “It’s only in the last few years I have been really getting into Paul Revere and the Raiders. Back in the 80s I got their two greatest hits compilations ( yes, two – they had a truck load of hits) after foolishly selling some of their earlier albums off at a record fair. Cest la vie … What I like most about PRR is the fact that though they have been influenced and inspired – sometimes clearly with an eye on sales – by other bands they managed to incorporate other styles and trends into their own sound without affecting that sound greatly. Though not always great their work sounds individual and when they get it right they are magnificent.
From allmusic: “One of the most popular and entertaining groups of the 1960s, Paul Revere & the Raiders enjoyed seven years of serious chart action, and during their three biggest years (1966-1969), sold records in numbers second only to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. And their hits “Steppin’ Out,” “Just Like Me,” “Hungry,” “Him or Me-What’s It Gonna Be,” and “Kicks,” in particular, are now seen by compilers as bold, unpretentious pieces of ’60s rock & roll with a defiant, punk edge. Paul Revere was born on January 7, 1938 in Harvard, NE. He learned to play the piano as a boy, and developed a keen appreciation for the work of Spike Jones & His City Slickers. He joined his first real band while in his teens, and was later joined by 16-year-old Mark Lindsay (b. March 9, 1942), a singer/saxman who ended up replacing the group’s vocalist. Called the Downbeats, they were popular at local dances, and cut a demo for Gardena Records in Los Angeles, where the company’s owner was interested in issuing a record, but only if they changed their name. Revere’s given name was such a natural as a gimmick that they became Paul Revere & the Raiders”.
All this remains the case for this album which immediately preceded “Spirit of 67”.
The sound is crisp and clear as you would expect from producer Terry Melcher who had a gift for bringing out the melody and “pop” in a song but retaining the grit.
The band kicks all the right goals, and had many hits. Oddly though they didn’t fare well outside the US so they are almost seen as an underground act by us. However, in the States they were mainstream and rivalled The Rolling Stones in terms of popularity. It may have been short lived but it was glorious.
- Kicks – Mann, Weil – 2:28 – A magnificent song … regardless of what it’s about. Said generally to be a statement on drugs it seems to me to be a statement on anyone looking for hedonistic opportunities … a highlight and one of the key songs of the sixties. Many times revived the only version that comes close is the Flamin Groovies version from the 1980s.
- There’s Always Tomorrow – Levin, Smith – 2:39 – A nice piece of pulsating garage rock with some Dylanesque phrasing … one of the album high lights. Sung by drummer Mark Smith.
- Little Girl in the 4th Row – Lindsay, Revere – 2:58 – a piece that looks forward to Lindsay’s solo balladry … not bad but not especially memorable on first listen but it grows on you.
- Ballad of a Useless Man – Levin – 2:08 – a nod to the vocal delivery of Mick Jagger though it’s arguable that Mick was doing Mark Lindsay. This social comment song about a homeless man (or a down and out drunkard) is surprisingly free of sticky emotion.
- I’m Not Your Stepping Stone– Boyce, Hart- 2:31 – the classic most identified as a Monkees song … this version rocks harder and is more angrier. And if there ever was a statement of defiance in the refusal to be put “under the thumb”, be “pussy whipped” or be made into a “manbag” this is it. A no compromise song.
- There She Goes – Lindsay, Revere -1:47 – an interesting song – an upbeat melody but about a broken heart. Producer Melcher is on backing vocals.
- All I Really Need Is You – Lindsay, Revere – 3:27 – a slight Eastern feel melts into a impassioned song about a singular love.
- Get It On – Levin, Volk – 3:12 – sung by bass player Phil “Fang” Volk with some more Stones stylings. The electric guitar solo by Levin is very tasty.
- Louie, Go Home – Lindsay, Revere – 2:41 – A self written follow up to Richard Berry’s “Louie Louie” which the Raiders had had a hit with. Again some eastern stylings and Lindsay’s screams make this a winner, though it’s no “Louie Louie”.
- Take a Look at Yourself – Lindsay, Revere – 1:48 – a “clean up your own backyard” type of song … the message is the raison d’etre of the song.
- Melody for an Unknown Girl – Lindsay, Revere – 1:59 – wtf … this could have come from a Rod McKuen album. A romantic song with narration which is decidedly un-rock. A lot of people bag this song, but does it work ?… yes … I like this type of crap and I like albums which throw unexpected things at you. And this is totally unexpected. I don’t know what the story behind this song is but the band were thinking outside the box.
Someone on Amazon wrote: “1966 was possibly the greatest year in rock & roll history. The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds”, Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde”, “Revolver” by the Beatles, and “Face to Face” by the Kinks were all released in 1966. I add to that list”Midnight Ride” by Paul Revere & the Raiders”.
I would have to agree.
A great album and a keeper.
Chart Action
Singles
#9 1966
Singles
what Frank is listening to #183 – PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS – Midnight Ride – (Columbia) – 1966
