Search - Rubinoos :: Garage Sale

Rubinoos odds 'n' sods collection #2

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 08/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Rubinoos second "Odds 'n' Sods" volume (complemented by the earlier "Basement Tapes" release) collects demos, unreleased masters and alternate takes from the Rubinoos early years through the mid-80s (and on the expanded Japanese reissue through the 90s for "Paleophonic" era material). The Rubes typically brilliant harmonies and melodies are heard across many previously unreleased originals, well-picked covers, and a sprinkle of radio station ID jingles.There's many fine moments here, including the euphoric "The Girl" (covered by no less than Gary Lewis!), the unrequited emotion of "Emerald Eyes" and "Fires Die," the new-wavey "Facts of Love," the Mersey influenced "Alright Without You," the Elvis Costello-styled organ of "Double Trouble," and the stunning wall-of-sound "Rendezvous" (written by Andy Paley, and borrowing an opening riff from the Beach Boys "Girl Don't Tell Me"). Al Chan shines on lead for "Party 'Till We Die," and Jon and Tommy build a 10cc-styled vocal backing for the demo of "Crash Landing" (which appeared in re-worked form on the duo's "Party of Two" album).The earliest recordings date back to the band's first multitrack recordings, laid down at the tender age of 15 in the early '70s. Both "Make it Easy" and "Cats and Dogs" were eventually re-rerecorded and released (the first on the band's first album, the second as a B-side), but these original versions show just how good the band was early on - especially on vocals. The album's closer, "Rock and Roll is Dead," finds the 16-year-old Rubinoos recreating The Who in a living-room studio.There have been two releases of this album. The original twenty-track edition on the Big Deal label includes song-by-song notes by the band. The Japanese reissue (retitled "Garage Sale - Deluxe Edition") updates the band notes and adds lyrics. The Big Deal release includes "Make It Easy" and "Cats and Dogs," while the Japanese edition drops that pair of tracks in favor of a fine cover of The Raspberries "Cruisin' Music," along with "Everybody's Got Somebody But Me" "Home To You" "Destination Love" and "Audities Theme."If you have to pick one version of this album (that is, if you can actually live without owning both), it's worth shelling out for the Japanese edition, if only to get the Raspberries cover and the fine '90s tracks."

Worth 3 1/2 but considering these are just "throwaways"...

Perry M. Koons | Crownsville, MD United States | 09/19/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Rubinoos released two collections of leftovers that never made it on to official albums, and while the Basement Tapes is an absolutely essential necessity of life to any pop fan, this collection is merely good (occasionally great). Worth buying for "Rendezvous", the early demos, and a few other tracks, the Rubinoos have put together a stunningly diverse collection of pop rockers that still outshines many of their contemporaries. I have only heard the American edition, but supposedly the Japanese edition is the definitive edition - good luck tracking it down.Best Tracks:
"Over You" - One of a few tracks that begins with a silly radio jingle, this opener is a great rolling ballad with soaring chorus vocals. Should have been on an official album.
"Emerald Eyes" - More beautiful vocals, another awesome ballad. Pure songcraft and emotion, a keeper!
"Party 'Til We Die" - A goofball party chant with a hair metal chorus and even more hair metal shout out for the guitar solo. Great novelty tune.
"Rendezvous" - Written by Andy Paley, this may be one of the best Rubinoos songs of all time. A clock-chiming riff leads into the totally Phil Spector, early 60's girl group drumbeat and production. This would have been all over AM radio in the 60's - vocals that have to be heard to be believed. I can't rave enough about this song.
"Make It Easy" - A demo of one of the many delights on the 'Noos debut, this recording done at age 15 reaffirms their awesome talent."