10 Forgotten 60s Rock Bands Worth Rediscovering
3. The Rascals
That New Jersey's The Young Rascals remain so under-heard is a mystery. They have made it into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, but how many out there can name one of their hits today? Hits they certainly did have, with their 1966 self-titled debut album, in particular, enjoying plenty of commercial and critical success.
Eddie Brigati provided lead, vocals, backing vocals and percussion, Felix Cavaliere, vocals and keyboards, Gene Cornish vocals, guitars and Dino Danelli, drums. Together, they recorded some of the best blue-eyed soul from the '60s or any other decade.
Not only that, but The Young Rascals were not a band who were content to stand still. They released nine albums, stretching from the mid-'60s to the early '70s, and were not afraid to experiment. The Rascals' were always easy on the ear, with beautiful harmonies and exemplary song-writing, but they sacrificed nothing to easy commercialism. Listen to their 1969 proto-concept double-album, Freedom Suite for a good insight into the band's skill and ambition.