The Rascals (or The Young Rascals as they were called for legal reasons early in their career) had one of the most distinctive sounds of the 60s. No other band combined garage rock grit with jazz chops quite the way they did.
Along with Booker T. & The M.G.'s, the band made the Hammond organ a viable instrument for rock & roll. I'd even contend that, without The Rascals paving the way, an organ + guitar-centered band like The Doors probably wouldn't have gotten a recording contract.
The album Groovin' (1967) is a particular standout in the band's catalog. In an era known for albums packed with filler and maybe one or two hits, Groovin' contains exceptionally strong tracks that effortlessly blend an array of influences and styles: San Francisco psychedelia, British pop, East Harlem funk, Uptown jazz, and Motown/Philly-inspired soul.
One of the key songs from Groovin' is "How Can I Be Sure?", a memorable ballad co-written by band members Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati. Despite its optimistic tone, the song was inspired by Cavaliere's growing doubts about his engagement to his girlfriend at the time. (Spoiler: they split soon after this song dropped.)
Along with Booker T. & The M.G.'s, the band made the Hammond organ a viable instrument for rock & roll. I'd even contend that, without The Rascals paving the way, an organ + guitar-centered band like The Doors probably wouldn't have gotten a recording contract.
The album Groovin' (1967) is a particular standout in the band's catalog. In an era known for albums packed with filler and maybe one or two hits, Groovin' contains exceptionally strong tracks that effortlessly blend an array of influences and styles: San Francisco psychedelia, British pop, East Harlem funk, Uptown jazz, and Motown/Philly-inspired soul.
One of the key songs from Groovin' is "How Can I Be Sure?", a memorable ballad co-written by band members Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati. Despite its optimistic tone, the song was inspired by Cavaliere's growing doubts about his engagement to his girlfriend at the time. (Spoiler: they split soon after this song dropped.)
It's worlds apart from the band's earlier output, like the scorching "I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore" or absolutely pentecostal "Good Lovin'." Yet there's still that foundation of New York City R&B that runs deep in its veins. You can hear it in Brigati's lead vocal as he sings about love and uncertainty over the Parisian accordion and lush orchestration.
It's a song that defies easy categorization, but it's unmistakably The Rascals, through and through.
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