Stevie Posted January 14, 2005 Share Posted January 14, 2005 In today's Chicago Reader, which is a very popular local weekly paper, with a large separate section covering music, live theatre, films, etc. there is an absolutely stunning article on the group written by Bob Mehr.The group is first mentioned in "The List-Music" which notes by day the major shows and lists the Raspberries show on Saturday as a "Critics Choice". A few pages later in a section called "The Treatment" which has short articles/comments on the shows by day there is an article about the group below a picture of the lads performing at one of the two Cleveland shows. It is once again noted as a "Critics Choice". I have typed the article below. Some of the comments are just stunning. Enjoy.The recent re-formation of Cleveland pop legends the Raspberries is the most unlikely concert event this side of the Pixies reunion last year ----and, for those who regard power pop as a religion, a moment on par with the Second Coming. The group broke up in 1974, after a postshow fistfight between singer Eric Carmen and guitarist Wally Bryson in a Chicago parking lot; ever since, they’ve been unfairly deemed a lesser contemporary of the likes of Big Star and Badfinger. Their Tiger Beat good looks and early affinity for white leisure suits discouraged critics from taking them seriously; it didn’t help that Carmen pursued solo success in the late 70’s and 80’s as a hairy-chested AOR god, or that Capitol was disinterested in keeping Raspberries albums in print in the U.S. Yet their music remains the gold standard for all power-pop bands: the group’s epochal Who-Beach Boys pastiche “Go All the Way†is untoppable, but each of their four albums, recorded in a remarkable two-year burst between 1972 and 1974, is studded with exquisite highlights. The reunion was originally planned as a one-off hometown gig in November, but the success of the concert ---which sold out in minutes—encouraged the group to consider a tour. (This’ll be their first show outside Cleveland since.) Their set list leans heavily on the hits but also includes songs from the pre-Raspberries combo the Choir and some Beatles and Who chestnuts. The Drysdales open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Nivan Posted January 14, 2005 Share Posted January 14, 2005 "those who regard power pop as a religion" ...Bless me Father, it's gonna be a great night! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvin Posted January 14, 2005 Share Posted January 14, 2005 God bless you Bob Mehr! Finally a critic who 'gets it."Marvin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susana Posted January 14, 2005 Share Posted January 14, 2005 And all of us who worship at that altar of power pop will be testifying tomorrow night till our throats are sore, our arms can no longer be lifted over our heads, and we have to sit because our legs will dance no longer....!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leff'tHome Posted January 14, 2005 Share Posted January 14, 2005 Halleluia! And thanks for the post, Stevie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvin Posted January 14, 2005 Share Posted January 14, 2005 I sent Mr Mehr a message thanking him for his kind and very true words.Marvin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachberry Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 THANKS STEVIE. FROM A CLEVELANDER WHO GOT IT AND GOT HARASSED FOR IT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darlene Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 This is absolutely incredible! He really *does* get it! I have to contact him and praise this piece! Thanks so much for posting it! --Darlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 I love seeing that kind of article. Makes me feel a little more normal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 Just wanted to bump this up... this is great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mymooladi Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 A great article! Way to go guys. It really nice to see them written up so nicely. It's going to be a great night!!!! How exciting.June Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prof. Simon C. Li Posted January 24, 2005 Share Posted January 24, 2005 Justice did come late. True critic finally arises at the 30 years reunion concert of our missed Raspberries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darlene Posted January 24, 2005 Share Posted January 24, 2005 Better late than not at all. Some things are meant to be the way they happen... --D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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