Search - Rascals :: Very Best of

Top notch collection of an important 1960's group.

Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 04/04/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Over the years I have written ad nauseum about how great it was to be a teen in the 1960's. Top 40 radio was at it's peak in those days and I was glued to my radio for the Top 40 Countdown each and every week! For a few years during the mid-sixties a blued-eyed soul quartet from New York City ran up an impressive string of hit records. Felix Cavaliere, Dino Danelli, Eddie Brigati and Gene Cornish formed the Young Rascals back in 1964. Rock and roll afficianados might recall that all except Danelli had been members of Joey Dee's Starlighters who had several hit records in the early 1960's including the #1 smash "Peppermint Twist" in 1961. This talented new group was soon making lots of noise in the New York City area and several labels were interested in signing them. It was Atlantic that had the great good fortune to sign The Young Rascals in 1965 and just a few months later The Young Rascals released their very first single.

"The Very Best of The Rascals" offers up 16 of the group's biggest and most memorable records. For those over 50, this really is a trip down memory lane.

Over a three year period beginning in early 1966 The Rascals (as they would soon be known) were a dominant force on the Billboard Top 100 Singles chart. During this period the Rascals rattled off a dozen hit records including 6 Top Ten Hits and a trio of #1 tunes. Enjoy them all once again on this impressive 2007 CD collection from the folks at Rhino records. After hearing fabulous tunes like "Good Lovin'", "A Girl Like You" and "How Can I Be Sure" you will understand why many people feel that Felix Cavaliere possesses one of the great voices in the history of rock and roll. "The Very Best of The Rascals" also features some of the groups other big hits including the 1968 hit "A Beautiful Morning",

"Groovin'" and the groups biggest hit of all "People Got To Be Free" which topped the charts for five weeks in the summer of '68. Inexplicably, the Rascals popularity began to wane in the late 60's despite the fact that they were still making great records. In fact, two of my personal favorites on this collection "Carry Me Back" and "A Ray of Hope" were released during this period. After 1971, the Rascals would never appear on the charts again.

As usual, Rhino records has done an exceptional job in assembling this fine collection. The liner notes are excellent and the remastering is first rate. These are all the original Atlantic singles you would remember from the radio. "The Very Best of The Rascals" would be an excellent addition to your music collection. Highly recommended!"