The Rascals: Collections

Collections is a sometimes overlooked album by Rock n Roll Hall of Famers "The Rascals" then known as The Young Rascals. The first single off the album "Lonely Too Long" unfortunately shortened for radio airplay was a marvel of rhythmic inventiveness. From Felix percussive opening chords to Dino Danelli's snare on snare backbeat this tune just keeps getting better. A perfect gem of a tune. Not to mention an incredible vocal performance by song composer Felix Cavaliere. "Love is a Beautiful Thing" may have the seeds of what later became identified as Steely Dan music. Jazz chords to rockin' rhythms. Chuck Rainey would play on their next 4 or 5 albums well before The Royal Scam or Pretzel Logic. There is even a song Pat Benetar successfully covered in "You Better Run" though the Rascals rocked it harder if you ask me. Their cover of "More" was a misstep back to supperclub roots on Long Island but all around a strong effort with the original tunes the ones that hold up best. A must have for any Rascals or Steely Dan officianado.