Customer Reviews

Revolution

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I lived for singles radio in the late 60's, and the Raiders were #1 on my list...I loved EVERY hit. One day I picked up a copy of REVOLUTION for 25 cents at a flea market, and it has been on my Top 10 all-time albums from that day on....I was overjoyed when it was released on CD....nice bonus to get "Ups and Downs" on the disc, too! This album shows the Raiders doing EVERYTHING... rock, blues, ballads, psychedelia, pop, and even novelty songs, and every track clicks.....I don't know of a better 1:59 song than "Tighter"..... the Raiders were my favorite 60's band, and they were never showcased better than this album. Five stars all the way!

Although this fine album contains one authentic "Paul Revere & The Raiders" cut("Ain't Nobody Who Can Do It Like Leslie Can",a 1966 B-side featuring a rare lead vocal from Revere),the rest of the album is performed by Mark Lindsay & producer/co-writer Terry Melcher(Melcher even does much of the lead vocal on the song "Tighter").The instruments are by Terry Melcher & Van Dyke Parks(keyboards),Jerry Kole,Ry Cooder & ex-Raider Drake Levin(guitars),Hal Blaine & Jim Gordon(drums),and an unidentified bassist.The techniques used during recording(live during mixdown overdubs) means that half of the songs can be presented only in mono,though the stereo remix of "Him or Me-What's it Gonna Be?" that debuted on the "Essential Ride" CD is included,as are several good bonus tracks,including an extended/unedited version of "The Legend of Paul Revere".Too bad that Sundazed couldn't give us liner notes with complete details about who played what.Paul Revere's involvement in the studio obviously ended in late 1966.Mark Lindsay would,from this point onwards,make the records with whomever he wished,whether that meant sessionmen or a combination of sessionmen and some Raiders(but not Revere himself)

I normally don't write any reviews, partly for fear of being included with these internet-critic-wannabe-freaks of nature. However, I noticed that one pseudo reviewer rated this classic with less than 5 stars. So, here is my 5 stars in hopes of raising the overall rating ever so slightly. Anyway, this is the Raiders (mainly Mark Lindsay & Terry Melcher) at their creative peak. Although it's mixed in fake stereo, it has lots of punch and clarity. This is one of the greatest mid-sixties american pop records and my favorite Raiders' album.

Revolution is what I consider to be a highly enjoyable collection of short little pop songs. While the creative juices were running high for the band on this album, it's the way the melodies roll off so enjoyably that makes the music on this record so great. The album kicks off with an almost Beach Boys-like "Him or Me- What's It Gonna Be?" It's of course, very melodic, just like the rest of side one.

Am I crazy, or does the song "Make It With Me" feature a guitar riff very similar to the Black Sabbath song "Tomorrow's Dream?" Okay, I understand Paul Revere fans and Sabbath fans are quite different and probaby wouldn't know if there's any truth to Sabbath possibly ripping off that riff for their 1972 album Volume 4. I LOVE the way this album closes with a song called "I Hear a Voice" (sorry, I don't have this album on CD with the bonus tracks, I have the original record). The song has such a heavenly calm feeling to it. GREAT way to end a very good album.

Anyway, for a collection of short songs (and a short album overall) you really have to hear how GOOD this baby is.

There's a variety of styles and sounds on this CD, but it all works as a cohesive whole, and it's fun from start to finish.
It's one of those CD's that's great for driving, doing housework, or any task that needs a cheerful soundtrack to make it easier...I find myself singing "Oh ! Mo'reeeen !" ...the energy of that terrific song is irresistible.

All the vocals are by Mark, except for the hilarious "Ain't nobody who can do it like Leslie can" which features "Uncle" Paul. From 1967, the line-up at this stage of the long and influential life of the Raiders was, along with Mark and Paul, Freddy Weller (guitar), Joe Correro Jr. (drums), and Charlie Coe (bass).
With 3 bonus tracks (the previously unissued "Take some of mine" is marvelous) added to the original 11 track LP, this one's a blast, and out of my dozen Raider CDs, one of my favorites.

The height of Raidermania! Him or ME boogies on! Then a sexy riff called Reno. Then Upon Your Leaving followed by Mo'Reen(anti drug). Mark's Wanting You "rap" then Gone Movin' On. Side 2 starts with I Had A Dream!
Then Tighter & Make it With Me. Paul's a hoot with Ain't Nobody Who Can Do It Like Leslie Can(PR's 1st wife)& finally: the erie I Hear A Voice.
CD Extra: the 45 version of Ups & Downs/the Legend of Paul Revere & a tune called Try Some Of Mine. GROOVY!!! FAR OUT!!! COOL!!!

This album will shake the walls down

It would appear that superficially,they were too cute and silly to have lasting impact on future musicians.The uniforms and predictable humor;still....the Raiders from 65-69 made some of the most influential power pop tunes of that time.The original lineup was raw with energy but, proficient as a band.Comparing them to other American bands of the era,only the Beach Boys held their status with future power pop enthusiaists.Although this album is somewhat lacking in total artistic statement,several of the cuts found their way to the charts and into the hearts of future American power pop ravers. Basically a show band,in the studio it was mainly the lead vocalist and guitarist that performed their duties.The show however,was a rowdy fraternity party that could outplay most other bands of their day.(and did they ever put on a show!) They never really became cool,still...if I could get Fang,Smitty,Drake,Harpo,Freddy,Paul,Mark,Charlie, Joe and Keith (did I forget any Raider of the era?)together,I'd want to get their autograph and ask a thousand questions.Questions about their wonderful music and times that had so much influence on my power pop development.I'd put those autographs next to The Flamin' Groovies and Big Star's;how'bout it Fang?

I get tired of getting ripped off when supply is low.This is not oop so quit ripping people off.Thats why nobodys buying from you.You can get it on Paul Revere's web site for 16.00

Side One
1 Him or Me (What's It Gonna Be?) Lindsay, Melcher 2:50
2 Reno Lindsay, Melcher 2:24
3 Upon Your Leaving Lindsay, Melcher 3:12
4 Mo'reen Lindsay, Melcher 2:30
5 Wanting You Lindsay, Melcher 2:52
6 Gone - Movin' On Lindsay, Melcher 2:34
Side Two
7 I Had a Dream Hayes, Lindsay, Melcher, Porter 2:20
8 Tighter Lindsay, Melcher 1:59
9 Make It With Me Lindsay, Melcher 3:07
10 Ain't Nobody Who Can Do It Like Leslie Can Lindsay, Melcher 2:19
11 I Hear a Voice Lindsay, Melcher 2:49