Midnight Ride

FUN record with some great tracks in 'Kicks', 'I'm Not Your Stepping Stone' and 'Take a Look at Yourself'. A good portion of non-memorable tracks and 'Little Girl in the 4th Row' is a bit tedious. For a band who, according to their name, should oppose the British Invasion, they sure do sound a lot like their contemporaries - just almost breaking out into 'Day Tripper' on 'Louie, Go Home'.

"Paul, Revere, Jack and John Raider, thanks for coming to see me. Sit down and I'll cut to the chase. We got your demo, liked it and want you to cut a record. Something in the modern day vernacular that sounds like you made it burning the midnight oil. Something that sounds both a part of and apart from the current generation. You dig? That's what our research says gets the kids off these days. They want to rebel but they also want to be their parents. Don't ask me, I don't understand. My daughter's doing all sorts of... but never mind that. Keep the yowls, we like them, but add more bottom. You know, drama, atmosphere, both ends burning. And don't take it easy on the girls either. Name them, call them out - 'Little girl' this, 'What'cha doin' girl?' that. But don't actually name them. Keep it general. Don't take this the wrong way, but you guys aren't the strongest when it comes to specifics. Leave that to [redacted]. Speaking of which, we picked out a few records for you to listen to, just for a bit of inspiration. One each by [names redacted]. You got it? Good. Now bring me a hit!"

I find the inclusion of this album on the list interesting. I always thought of Paul Revere and the Raiders as a disposable bubble gum band. Perhaps their critical rehabilitation has something to do with Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, which featured their "Hungry" in the soundtrack, and even a discussion of how underrated they were. Well, listening to Midnight Ride, PR&TR seem to be a workmanlike pop band with a decidedly garage-y orientation, and that's true enough. Boyce & Hart's I'm Not Your Stepping Stone fits the group like a pair of stone-washed jeans whereas the Monkees were just playing at (however convincingly) being a garage band. Paul Revere & The Raiders can also whip up a pure pop chorus if the mood strikes them. But they are much more than a poppy garage band. There She Goes and Take A Look At Yourself are convincing takes on the country pop/rock of the Gosdin Brothers. SS 396 and Corvair Baby are expert nods to the Beach Boys. The group even picks up on the then current trend of raga rock here and there. Less compellingly, there is the wan balladry of Little Girl in the 4th Row and the dad schmaltz of Melody for an Unknown Girl, which could almost be a Perry Como cover. Nonetheless, the overall effect is workmanlike rather than inspired, as compared to the Monkees. That's an unfair comparison in that the Monkees had the cream of professional songwriters pumping out tunes for them and were backed by the best studio musicians money could buy, whereas PR&TR mostly relied on the native talent of the group, but the band invites it the comparison with their genre hopping and occasional poppy choruses. I wish PR&TR had shown a little more discipline and toned down their garage band tendencies a little, emphasized the poppy choruses, and jettisoned the ballads and schmaltz. I think they probably had a solid album in them, but this isn't it.

I thought this was a cool album for sure! I liked the vibes and felt that it was quite silly but in a fun way. I really appreciate how it wasn't as serious as a lot of the other albums from this decade that we've gotten (looking at you Bee Gees)

One if by land, Two if by Paul Revere & the Raiders

His has all the right vibes from the period: blues, rock, and whatever we want to consider the beach boys. I feel like if I were a teen during their heyday I could really be a fan girl.

This is a metal album cover. They're gonna play some doom. Whatever this sounds like, I'm listening to Candlemass afterwards. Sure enough, this is rock. Probably as hard as it went in the 60's.

Mostly great fun. Exemplifies the 60s in my mind. I can even excuse the myriad issues with Little Girl in the 4th Row as relics of a bygone age. Ballad of a Useless Man is oddly catchy for a song about an alcoholic living on the streets. And Melody for an Unknown [Woman] could have used even fewer words if you ask me. But overall, this is a good time capsule and just a good time.

PRETTY COOL 60´S SOUND

Stellar classic rock and roll. 12-bar blues. Great melodies, lyrics. Recognized a few songs, even though I’d not heard the name Paul Revere and the Raiders before. Right in my wheelhouse

If I'm going to listen to 60s garage rock, it just needs to be a bit more wild for my taste. I am overwhelmed with 'meh'. 2.5, rounded up for not being too bad.

A perfectly fine album, very garage rock for the time. Can see some modern albums that fit within this framework in some stylistic and sound choices. Best: Kicks Worst: Melody for an Unknown Girl 2.5 Stars

Ild always generally avoided Paul Revere and the Raiders due to their ridiculous revolutionary war garb. “Really? That’s pretty stupid” thought little Johnny when he was 10 or 12 years old. The band is better than the outfits, but nothing spectacular. I like “kicks” and also “I’m not your stepping stone”, but the rest average. 3.5 stars and rounding down for sartorial silliness.

To no one’s surprise… I like the old garage rock Monkees sound.

Kicks

Great, sounds a bit like they're riffing off the Beatles and the Stones at the same time! Very 60s, very British Invasion sounding (but from the US), very very good.

Girl in the 4th row was hella creepy... Maybe I'm missing some context there.

This album kicks ass. I had only heard the hits on the Oldies station but the whole album is solid. I'm a big fan of 60's garage/psychedelic rock and this ticks all the boxes.

1996 US rock n roll

This one just hit the spot!

Quick kicks, all hits. A classic.

That music that you cannot rate with less than 5!

Midnight Ride is the fifth studio album by American rock band Paul Revere & The Raiders, released in 1966. The album is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative albums of the 1960s, as it showcases the band’s versatility, creativity, and experimentation with different genres and styles. The album opens with the iconic “Kicks”, a catchy and upbeat anti-drug anthem that features a prominent organ riff, a driving bass line, and a powerful vocal performance by lead singer Mark Lindsay. The song was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, who also wrote hits for The Righteous Brothers, The Animals, and The Ronettes. “Kicks” was a huge success, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the band’s signature song. The next track, “There’s Always Tomorrow”, is a dramatic ballad that contrasts with the upbeat mood of “Kicks”. The song showcases Lindsay’s vocal range and emotion, as he sings about a failed relationship and the hope of finding love again. The song features a lush orchestral arrangement by Don Costa, who also worked with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Aretha Franklin. The album then shifts gears with “Little Girl in the 4th Row”, a rockabilly-inspired tune that pays tribute to the band’s loyal fans. The song is a fun and energetic romp, with a twangy guitar solo, a honky-tonk piano, and a humorous spoken interlude by Paul Revere. The song captures the band’s live charisma and rapport with their audience. The fourth track, “Ballad of a Useless Man”, is a folk-rock song that tells the story of a disillusioned and cynical man who has wasted his life. The song features a haunting harmonica, a folk guitar, and a melancholic melody. The song was written by Terry Melcher, the band’s producer and son of actress Doris Day. Melcher also wrote and produced songs for The Byrds, The Beach Boys, and The Mamas and the Papas. The album continues with “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone”, a garage rock classic that was later covered by The Monkees, The Sex Pistols, and Minor Threat. The song is a defiant and rebellious statement, as the band rejects being used and manipulated by someone else. The song features a distorted guitar, a pounding drum beat, and a snarling vocal delivery by Lindsay. The sixth track, “There She Goes”, is a soulful and romantic song that expresses the band’s admiration for a beautiful woman. The song features a smooth and groovy bass line, a jazzy saxophone, and a crooning vocal by Lindsay. The song was co-written by Lindsay and Melcher, who also wrote “Hungry”, another hit song by the band. The album then takes a psychedelic turn with “All I Really Need Is You”, a trippy and experimental song that explores the band’s inner feelings and desires. The song features a swirling organ, a fuzz guitar, and a distorted vocal by Lindsay. The song also includes a spoken word segment by Revere, who recites a poem by Lindsay. The song is a precursor to the band’s later psychedelic albums, such as Revolution! and The Spirit of '67. The eighth track, “Get It On”, is a hard rock song that showcases the band’s raw and powerful sound. The song features a heavy guitar riff, a thundering drum solo, and a screaming vocal by Lindsay. The song is a cover of a song by The Chevelles, a garage rock band from Los Angeles. The song was also recorded by The Standells, another garage rock band from Los Angeles. The album then slows down with “Louie, Go Home”, a bluesy and nostalgic song that revisits the band’s early days in Idaho. The song features a slide guitar, a harmonica, and a soulful vocal by Lindsay. The song is a sequel to “Louie Louie”, the band’s first hit song, which was a cover of a song by Richard Berry. The song was also recorded by David Bowie, who was a fan of the band. The album closes with “Take a Look at Yourself”, a folk-pop song that encourages the listener to reflect on their life and actions. The song features a gentle acoustic guitar, a flute, and a harmonious vocal by Lindsay. The song was written by P.F. Sloan, who also wrote songs for The Turtles, The Grass Roots, and Barry McGuire. Midnight Ride is a masterpiece of rock and roll, as it demonstrates the band’s musical diversity, artistic vision, and social awareness. The album is a testament to the band’s talent, creativity, and innovation, as they explore different genres and themes, from rockabilly to psychedelia, from romance to rebellion, from nostalgia to introspection. The album is a timeless and influential work, that has inspired and influenced countless artists and listeners. 🎶

Really enjoyed this. Great diversity and fun

An older and a goodie! It transcends time. I love it!

I felt like I was in an old movie. Vibes vibes vibes.

A peaceful and cozy little listen

That's very good. Most of the tracks are amazing, some are just a bit less, so I was not 100% sure about the 5th star.. but then the little girl in the 4th row (Italian version) happened. I'm Italian. I've never laughed so much. Made my night, I would listen to this album again anytime knowing what's waiting for me at the 13th track

Fun 60s rock

Super classic. I put this on when my father in law visits.

This definitely sounded like a 60s jam and I had a lot of fun listening.

Crazy that I had never even heard of this band before today. Super-into the classic 60s rock'n'roll vibe; miss this kind of music that just doesn't get made anymore. Maybe not a truly "5" album, but it's so refreshing to listen to.

The style is not very unique, but the execution is great. Nice basic rhythms to dance to, but each song is distinct enough that it doesn't get boring. This goes for the lyrics too, they aren't very deep, but each song tells a different story. Listening to the album just made me happy, so five stars.

Classic 60s music. Yea, baby!

No. 280/1001 Kicks 4/5 There's Always Tomorrow 3/5 Little Girl in the 4th Row 3/5 Ballad of a Useless Man 3/5 I'm Not Your Stepping Stone 3/5 There She Goes 3/5 All I Really Need Is You 3/5 Get It On 3/5 Louie, Go Home 3/5 Take A Look At Yourself 3/5 Melody for an Unknown Girl 3/5 Average: 3,09 Average album. The Bestles influence is easy to hear.

Pretty damn good 60's pop. 4.5 bumped up to 5.

I’m at a 4.5 that I’m somehow having to talk my way into bumping one way or the other, though I’m leaning towards a 5. Genuinely, I’m surprised at how varied that was for 1966 – the influences of just about everyone else in the genre is pretty apparent here, especially when it comes to the Beatles, the Beach Boys, & the Doors, but with flashes of the Rolling Stones & Johnny Cash in there. This album jumps from spot to spot, and yet the energy the band brings is pretty consistent, making this whole thing feel like a strong, cohesive record. There’s some big highlights here; “Kicks”, “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone”, “Get It On”, & “Louie, Go Home” are probably my top songs after a first listen. “Get It On” in particular feels well ahead of pace for 1966, even if it’s a cover. Overall, there’s not a bad track here, and for a 29 minute album, this thing is packed pretty damn well, and I enjoyed it a lot. Why the hell am I even considering bumping it down to a 4, then? As always, a bunch of little piling nitpicks for me that just build up. “Little Girl in the 4th Row” is probably the weakest track here, and that “Little” in the title certainly doesn’t help much. The harmony has a nice Beach Boys-y tone to it, but the track feels a little slow & it just doesn’t really go anywhere. “Ballad of a Useless Man” has a great instrumental & good lyrics, but the disconnect with the vocals having a twangier, country tone (especially frustrating with “Steppin’ Stone” right after) just nags at me a little bit. “All I Really Need Is You” is a cool track, especially with the surprise beat switch at the 2 minute mark that feels ahead of pace for the time, but the vocal structure is too loose, too Dylan-y, & loses a lot of coherence by the third verse. It’s a good track, it just probably needed a little more work to really tie it together. Past that, I have the extreme nitpick that some of these tracks should’ve ended on an actual finish instead of a fadeout, but given that my issues boil down to 1 mediocre song, 1 that needed work & some production choices that I just disagreed with, can I really bring myself to bump down an album that I enjoyed this much? No, not really – the floor here is definitely a 3, especially if you’re not into the amalgamation of ‘60s styles present on this thing, or if you just get sort of bored for whatever reason. I’ll bump this up from a 4.5 to a 5; if there was another dud track on here, I’d probably be at a 4, but this is a quick burst of energy that just feels great to listen to for my ears. If anything, I’m still riding the intense percussion from “Get It On”, so maybe in the future this could go down, but right now, I feel inclined to bump it up. Fun stuff for 1966.

Another great album that takes me back to my youth.

loved it! The first song 'Kicks' was a banger! And overall a very nice casual album to listen to

Such a banger album. So nice variations of amazing vibes

Surprised the is album isn't talked about more when discussing 60s music. This is the first time I've heard it, and although it's no Pet Sounds, it's not trying to be. It's just a fun record and should be more known for sure

forgotten hits

Fantastic! Just added to my collection. A mix of the Byrds, the Kinks, the Beatles and the Stones with their own thing added. Fabulous!

fyreee

This album has a lot going for it, especially when you consider the time it was released. While it’s tempting to label it psychedelic rock, at its heart it’s still very much garage rock. Psychedelic elements were just beginning to emerge around this time, and this record was definitely ahead of the curve. The track “All I Really Need Is You” even touches on Indian and Middle Eastern musical influences, making it an underrated and early example of the kind of experimentation that would eventually lead to the 60’s raga rock movement.

Fun album. Didn’t blow me away but full of 60s pop songs that I wouldn’t skip. 4.5 stars.

Loved it. Loved the covers. Huge fan of "Kicks". This makes me happy on so many levels.

Pretty good

5 out of 5 no notes.

Leuke verrassing. Ik vond de nummers heel afwisselend, en erg opgewekt

You just need help, girl.

Y'know, there's no reason why I should take it easy on Paul Revere & The Raiders. Although I've never let it affect my end rating too much, I've never exactly **not** groaned whenever a random 60's psych album or an obscure British album pops up. I see where the people who rate 'em so lowly come from. So my group gets an album from a random 60's bubblegum group — it'd only stand to reason I groan at 'em all the same, huh? I mean, what makes **them** so special, huh? Why should I treat 'em any differently than, I'unno, The Beau Brummels? Simple, sis: because I enjoyed them. I'm sure I'm not the only one who knows about Paul Revere & The Raiders thanks to 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood'. The movie includes three songs from the group, and I tell yah, they're good tunes. Especially "Good Thing"! It's always sounded to me like a KISS song, and, dang, if that don't make the tune that much better to me. Heck, I even went and once listened to the album it came from, 'The Spirit Of '67'. Shame it's not on here, because, again, seriously "Good Thing" **is** a good thing. So is "Hungry", which I think is their bigger hit. And that enjoyment carries over well here. Sure, in the grand scheme of things, besides one song, this music isn't anything very special, or maybe even particularly notable. And that one song might only be notable because a bigger band covered it the following year: The Monkees. But, look, when music is fun, it's damn fun. I don't care how particularly unique it is in their field. Sure, Paul Revere & His Raiders may be one of a dozen or so garage bands that sprung up in the wake of The Beatles, but dang it, they're a **good** garage band. A damn fine piece of Juicy Fruit to chew on, y'know? I mean, honestly, what's wrong with liking bubblegum music? I'm all for "Sugar, Sugar", let me tell you. Not everything has to be "greatest of all time" material. So they ain't actually The Beatles — so what? They sing catchy songs and have a bit of that raw garage energy. I'm completely satisfied. And, y'know, like with similar tangents I've gone on, I'm not advocating to not think about what you listen to. By all means, be critical and dig into the weeds about it. But as far as I'm concerned, if it's fun, that's really all that matters in the end. And 'Midnight Ride' is absolutely fun. Maybe more 60's psych should take a page out of Paul & The Raiders' book. All that Summer Of Love seriousness... Maybe trade your LSD for some Double Bubble! Maybe then I wouldn't groan so much whenever you guys show up. And seriously, reader, go listen to "Good Thing" and "Hungry". Fun stuff, lemme tell you.

Comme si les Beatles n'avait jamais sorti Revolver. Quand même pas mal du coup.

Крепкая четверочка - и открытие нового исполнителя для себя. Отличный альбом, хорошие песни

I'm a big fan of this weird era of pop rock. A bunch of bands trying to ride the wave of success The Beatles found by getting on TV and reaching the hearts of teenage girls across the country. But they had to find their gimmick that set them apart and for Paul Revere & The Raiders it was dressing up like the founding fathers. Bizarre but endearing. As far as this album goes, I really enjoyed it. Plenty of soul and funk influence while being fun and catchy. Maybe not as much soul as The Animals, but also not as cheesy as The Monkees. Just a fun time all around. (Also, I know it's a product of the time, but referring to your crush as "little girl" is just so creepy. So many bands from this era do it and it makes my skin crawl.)

Quintessential 60s. Fun memories of hearing all this on the radio when I was a child.

Sounded similar to a lot of oldies I like

This album has a lot going for it, especially when you consider the time it was released. While it’s tempting to label it psychedelic rock, at its heart it’s still very much garage rock. Psychedelic elements were just beginning to emerge around this time, and this record was definitely ahead of the curve. The track “All I Really Need Is You” even touches on Indian and Middle Eastern musical influences, making it an underrated and early example of the kind of experimentation that would eventually lead to the 60’s raga rock movement.

Heel prima album, beetje country soms

Surprised how much I enjoyed this. Thought it was going to be another mostly skippable bit of 60s rock but there’s some great song writing, fun energy, and nice range in genres in here. Fun time!

brit rock ok

Listening to this album is like listening to a Nuggets or Teenage Shutdown compilation. Garage-y, psychedelic and poppy. Not every song is a winner, but the two first tracks and tracks 6-7 are really strong. Love the Cramps-like solo on track 2

It sounds like everything else released at that time. It seems like all the artists of the time were in pure musical and creative effervescence. Listening to it almost 60 years later, with my ears completely "addicted" to the more distinctive and grandiose sounds that would emerge in the following decades, this album ends up sounding incredibly average, even when compared to its contemporary releases. But it's good music, undeniable.

Good 60s tunes. Goes off the rails with the beach boys homage / parodies at the end but good up to that.

bruh i just rated this and it got rid of it, really really loved it and it’s not even that popular, a mix of the doors and the stooges two of my favs, really on point from the 60s guitarist is extremely talented, all songs have their own thing to it whilst sticking to one main genre, got a LITTLE bit repetitive toward the end but i’m not mad, fav song- there’s always tomorrow

It was pretty good, so intresting ideas excecuted with an old style that I didn't mind like I thought I would

solid 60s psych pop

84% Best: Kicks; There's Always Tomorrow; I'm Not Your Stepping Stone; Get It On Must-Hear? Sure

This was a good album not my favorite but the first half is very good, though I will say it falls off a slight bit in the latter half of the record. Overall a fun album

I utgangspunktet burde ikke dette albumet funke. Her har vi en stor samling låter som sjangermessig tilsynelatende ikke har noe med hverandre å gjøre. Det høres ut som at de har kynisk hoppet på hver eneste «fad» på 60-tallet for å prøve å lage noe populært. Det burde ikke funke, men det gjør det! Hver låt virker autentisk og ærlig av en eller annen grunn. Og med god driv og fantastiske vokalprestasjoner!

This was surprisingly varied

Didn't recognize the band name but I recognized a good number of the songs. There were some really great tracks and the whole album holds together. I enjoyed this one, maybe more than I should have, but definitely a worthy listen.

Today I learned Minor Threat's "Steppin' Stone" is a cover.

reminds me of being a kid. and my dad. that is always a good thing

Some more cool old hippy rock and roll. Some pretty good vibes to jam to.

That was fun, looking forward to this on vinyl next record store day.

As a child of the 60’s have heard a lot of what’s on this album but if you had asked me yesterday would not have heard of the band. Good music made in a time when things were simpler and when I was young. So reminds me of that great time and wish I was back there now instead of this stinking, woke ridden, hell hole we endure now. 4/5 8/8/25

Любопытная пластинка, яркий представитель 60-х. 7 из 10.

I liked it but it felt very de-revere-tive of the Rolling Stones until the penultimate song, SS 396 which is literally just a Beach Boys song.

A pleasant surprise. Incredibly British sounding for a US band, and you can start to see the emergence of something like the stooges or early punk. Stepping Stone is a classic, but there's a handful of other good songs. Drifts into beach boy 'look at how nice my car is' stuff for a bit, but otherwise laudable. A weak 4

Groovy so W great songs. Fun addition to punk play list and a precursor to many bands sound

Didn't know this group at all, but I really liked listening to this album. Loved the harmonising (shades of Beach Boys in places) and the experimenting with the stereo channels with different instruments. Preferred their version of Stepping Stone as well. Definitely worth more listens.

Pretty solid

Always a sucker for mid 60's R&B. Paul Revere & The Raiders was the American answer to the British invasion, although they don't really sound that American besides the name. The nice part about albums from this era is that you can easily compare them to one another, since they all cover each others songs. I'm not your stepping stone was done better by The Flies, but this version is still fun. I like the album, not the best from the era but good nonetheless.

Has everything I want from a mid-60s rock album. It feels a tiny bit dated but considering its age it's remarkably fresh still. Lots of variety.

Przyjemny rock

I was surprised how much I actually enjoyed this album. Sunny, raucous riffs and a consistently bouncy rhythm section make this feel almost proto-punk (helped a long by bona fide punk classic "Stepping Stone"). Even the bits in the middle where the album, admittedly, drags a little, are interesting in a slightly experimental way. Big fan of this album!

Not bad. Solid 60’s rock album with a little splash of surfer/psych. Sounds like something that would be in a Tarantino flick. That album cover photo is lame as shit, tho, and the disinterested dude in the bottom right kind of looks like Dave Coulier. 3.5⭐️ rounding up despite that cover 😒

It was quintessential oldies, it did have a few bangers that I will rotate, but it did not super jam for me. This is not because it was bad, just because I'm not in a super oldies mood yet lol.

enjoyed a lot, nice listen

Really enjoyed. Will listen again for sure.

Good

Dang, instead of playing a 60s mix, I'm just putting this on.

4/5. Just a great mid-60s groove. Good harmonies, fun instrumentals. Surprising edge on some of the lyrics, but shmaltz on others.

They were good musicians! Who knew!

Fun record that's very much of it's time. Clearly influenced by the Beatles earlier output but not to the point of coming off as derivative. There's enough variety between tracks to keep it interesting, but unless you keep this in rotation, you'll likely forget most of it because there's nothing that really stands out beyond the 2 singles and maybe a couple of other tracks, but I enjoyed it all the same.

Very strong start with some quality tracks, mellowed out into slightly less good stuff later into the album.

Some good tunes

Really strong album, never have heard of the band. 8.1/10

I grew up listening to this type of music, but for some weird reason I didn't find this band until much later in life... I want to give this album 4.5 stars, a couple of songs slightly underperformed.