Search - Rascals :: Essentials

Hardly essential in this form

R. Riis | NY | 08/12/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rhino's "Very Best of..." has 16 tracks to this collection's 12 for the same price. Too much is left out to consider this CD a true package of "essentials". Stick with the Rhino CD, or spring for the 2-CD "Anthology" (also from Rhino) for a better-rounded Rascals collection."

Classic Blue-Eyed Soul

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 08/09/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The (Young) Rascals were the best blue-eyed soul group of the Sixties. They hit the Top 40 a total of 13 times during a four-year run from 1966 through 1969. This collection gives you 11 of those hits along with their first charting single "I Ain't Gonna Eat My Heart Out Anymore" (#52). The songs are presented in chronological order, including: "I Ain't Gonna Eat My Heart Out Anymore," "Good Lovin'," "You Better Run," "I've Been Lonely Too Long," "Groovin'," "A Girl Like You," "How Can I Be Sure," "It's Wonderful," "A Beautiful Morning," "People Got To Be Free," "A Ray of Hope" and "See." What keeps this from being a 5-star rating is that it is simply a condensed version of 1994's superior The Very Best of the Rascals, which adds "Come On Up" (#43), "Heaven" (#39), "Carry Me Back" (#26) and "Glory Glory" (#58). This is essential music, but this is not the best Rascals' collection available."

Charming

G. J Wiener | Westchester, NY USA | 09/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Rascals are truly an overlooked group in the annals of rock n roll. The group featured superb vocal harmonies, steady rhythm guitar and drumming, excellent keyboard touches, and stunning arrangements that appealed to many listeners. Oh what great songs: I've Been Lonely Too Long, How Can I Be Sure, See, I Aint Gonna Eat Out Of My Heart Anymore, and my all time favorite People Got To Be Free.



It seems as if record companeis are competing withe ach other to put out the best and most essential greatest hits package for a particular group. Whether this is the best collection for your money, I must say its hard for me to decide as of this juncture. However, these twelve songs are all very good and if you do not choose to go the Box Set route, you will be pleased."