WWTBAM Bored

8. GO ALL THE WAY-THE RASPBERRIES (1972)
Album: Raspberries

Eric Carmen has often stated that his three primary influences were The Who, The Beatles, and especially Brian Wilson/The Beach Boys. Look
(or listen as the case may be) no further than his group's first and biggest hit to hear all three of those influences rather prominently. The
opening riff and intro is pure Pete Townshend and The Who. When the verses, and especially the chorus, kick in, there is no doubt that Mr.
Carmen spent a significant amount of time listening to Beach Boys records. For the bridge, we're back to the Who for the first part, but if
the second part (the "come on/come on" call and response) doesn't remind you of The Beatles, then I'm guessing you've never heard "Please
Please Me". After the last chorus, we've got some chiming guitars that once again call to mind the Fab Four, before those riffing guitars
bring us back to where we began to wrap things up. By melding the styles of three of the very best, The Raspberries gave us a perfect car
radio song, Power Pop at its very best. I NEVER get tired of this gem.

I'm surprised at this one. Just as I'd be surprised by some famous food critic putting a Whataburger in their top ten. But you know what? I love Whataburger. Sometimes its not about the fancy and artistic qualities, its just about the enjoyment. Good choice!

BackInTex wrote:Sometimes its not about the fancy and artistic qualities, its just about the enjoyment. Good choice!

Exactly right. I can try to be all high falutin' about musical taste, but truth be told, I am one gigantic sucker for a sweet spot melody. I may admire complicated compositions and superb musicianship, but if there's no memorable melody, it's not going to get a second listen from me.

This song in particular combines the best tricks of three of my all=time favorite groups: The Who, The Beach Boys, and of course, The Beatles. No way I would NOT love it.

Now that you've called it to my attention, I can easily see -- OK, hear -- everything you just pointed out. Well done!