Midnight Ride

"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!"

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'.

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)

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

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.

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.

One if by land, Two if by…Fuck it, I can’t come up with any clever garage rock puns for that Paul Revere joke.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

This one just hit the spot!

Quick kicks, all hits. A classic.

That music that you cannot rate with less than 5!

Pretty good

5 out of 5 no notes.

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.

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

Enjoyed, especially stepping stone. It's basic but it's good pop

Not bad at all. I don't think it's essential. There's better similar music on the list. It holds up better than, say, the byrds or the rolling stones' 60s work. Especially because there's only good songs on this album. Favorite song: stepping stone.

A real diverse range of styles / sounds throughout the album. Individually tracks range from good to fantastic. I'm surprised this band isn't talked about more and held in higher esteem.

Some of these were legit! 3.6.

Classic - what could have been!

Magic :) I know it's a little mid-road 60s, but I enjoyed the vibe and learning about the band! :) enjoyed this more than I expected to!

Some really good songs on this. Sort of garage band pop. Still holds up really well.

Fun 60's garage rock. Most of this was average in quality but "I'm not your stepping stone" was the highlight for me. It packed a serious groove. My God was Ss396 a bad Beach Boys soundalike.

# Playlist track - Kicks # Notes - Never heard of those folks before. - Very fun. Kind of blows my mind that this came out in 1966. They sound a fair bit more modern. - The ballads are not as good, tho. - Still, worth the listen!

It was FUN! Not more and not less. I dig it.

Kicks and Not Your Steppin' Stone were cool songs. (I like the Monkees version of the latter a bit better though.) Some was cringe, like Little Girl in the 4th Row. I liked the horns in one of the tracks - can't remember which one. Some of the sounds on this album were too shrill and I had to turn down the volume.

Sounds like early Beach Boys, fun songs, great melodies.

I love these guys. Some might say they are knockoffs, but they captured a popular sound and produced fun music. This is not their best album, but it’s still solid.

This THIS is the what I rate albums for. A cracking album that I’ve never heard of and will absolutely listen to after. It had the perfect mix of sauce and substance - genuinely no complaints but perhaps not stardust. Well done Paul Revere and the Raiders!

I recognized the first song, though I didn't know the name.

I enjoyed this more than I expected. There's a lot of cool ideas here which would be used to good effect by other bands. It's a cool stepping stone between eras.

Stepping Stone is just a great tune. The rest of the record is good 60’s garage rock.

I really enjoyed listening to this one. Nothing groundbreaking, but just good late 60s rock and roll. Will listen again.

No sé cómo evaluar un álbum de un género que no entiendo bien. Pude terminarlo hasta el final, es agradable de escuchar.

Old rock and roll. Correcto. Un 4.

Rock and roll, 1966. Un poco country rock&roll.

Love discovering a '60s band I've not heard before. Fav tracks: 'Little Girl in the 4th Row', 'All I Really Need Is You' and 'Melody for an Unknown Girl.'

Jangly rock

3.5

This was a great album very mid 60s!!

Classic 60s album. I never knew of this band until I watched Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood. Interesting stuff.

Nøøj nogen af numrene støjer på den helt rigtige måde for mig, og lyden af garage skramler igennem på "I'm not your stepping stone", "Get it on", og "Shake it up" er røget direkte på playlisten med ting som jeg kan nyde igen og igen. Tilgengæl var der også noget skrald på albummet, som gør den ikke kan få 5. Især "Melody for an unknown girl" var ret pisset....

Et meget blandet album der stikker i mange 60er retninger. Positivt: Kicks - Fedt riff på vers Ballard of a Useless Man - Lækkert orgel I’m Not Your Stepping Stone - Groovy Baby! Total Austin Powers vibes Louie, Go Home - Udgivet samme år som Paperback Writer. Gad vide hvem der plankede riffet fra hvem 🤔

Really quite decent

I this is one of my most liked albums of this era. "Kicks" is a dope song and gets things rolling nicely. From there it's just variety, "There's Always Tomorrow" has a country vibe to, followed by the ballad "Little Girl in the 4th Row" (suspect title there thought). "Ballad of a Useless Man" has a surf rock vibe to it. The rest of the album continues along this path of variety which I really enjoy. Sometimes it feels like they're poking fun at other bands ("SS 396" sounds like they're going at The Beach Boys)

very 60s and I love it brilliant throughout although does drop towards end of the record but this band and album is exactly why I'm doing this new music to me and great music too

Tänkte först "nej inte ett till dussinband från 60-talet, snaark". Men redan i första låten så hör jag att det är bättre än vanligt. Känna mer modernt än annat från denna tid. Gillar i princip hela skivan. Skön överraskning!

Aldrig hört talas om dessa och blev positivt överraskad. Catchy rock n roll med melodier och refränger som är lätta att tycka om redan vid första lyssningen. Sen är det inte särskilt nyskapande eller unikt och oklart om det håller i längden, så får bli en svag fyra.

Glorious 60s rock album, it is giving me life today. Reminds me of oldies radio. Of my dad. Of his parents and their home on a large plot of farm land tucked away from civilization where my childhood was unfettered and free. Of summer days outside, barefoot always, with the radio blasting the Psychedelic Sundays program he listened to every week on Q107. It’s the sound of being young and spending time with family. Helping my Opa in the garden, putting away the groceries for my Oma. Laughing with my uncles while we played silly games and retold favourite family stories. I had a more charmed childhood than I ever realized. This is the music that transports me back there in my mind, makes me feel wistful. A sonic time capsule.

Pretty good album overall. A lot of the songs I was bobbing my head along to. Some of the songs were skippable, but a good showing from Paul Revere & The Raiders. One if by cock, two if by balls. If you're a Brit and you're reading this, how'd the American War of Independence go for you? Take that L

Amazing they had the sound in the '60s. Sort of a alt Rock sound that stands out as unique to me. Lots of recognizable songs in this album. stepping stone is a banger. There are also some misses. I don't like the girl in the fourth row song at all.

Really fun 60s rock album. It does struggle a bit with a lack of variety, but it's Paul Rever & the Raiders. They have a sound, they stay loyal to it, and they do it well.

can’t go wrong with some classic 60s rock! a nice easy listen with some great tunes, and simple yet effective riffs. this album is by no means groundbreaking, but it fits its genre nicely, and isn’t trying to be anything different. nothing much more to say. solid album!

Forever a sucker for psychy garage rock from the 60s, and this bad boy has got me reaching for the lava lamp

Nice to listen to but pretty forgettable

Kickass Garage Rock. "Kicks", "Hungry" and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" still sparkle.

Classic 60s garage psch rock. Good stuff.

Very much enjoyed this one.

This was a fun little album and much more "hard hitting" than I expected. I feel it is also much more substantial in regards to the history of rock than I thought. Still "Beatles-esque" in a way but has some Rolling Stones and some American heaviness as well.

Mix of styles, but good.

The band name and album cover made me assume some kind of dark post-punk thing, although that wouldn't have matched the album's release date. Instead this is some pretty standard, jingely 60's rock with psychedelic elements, reminiscent of bands like The Beatles, The Monkees, The Beach Boys, etc. Nothing new, but definitely nothing bad either.

"Midnight Ride" is the fifth studio album by American rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders. Considered early "Rock and roll," this album has a strong grasp on the guitar-and-vocal-dominated driving rock beat and left a legacy in music. Their songs, "Kicks" and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" are considerably well known (considering the almost 60 years since these songs came out) and several notable covers. From this album, it sounds as if Paul Revere & the Raiders strived to emulate the sounds of other famous groups including the Beatles, the Animals, and the Beach Boys.

Bubblegum 60s pop but honestly not the worst of them

Without this record -and records like it - modern rock and roll as we know it would not exist

Better than most things RYM sucks off. Ez 4

Solid 60s 70s soundding album

For a 60s album, I thought this was really good! Variety in songs, good rock sound, I was happy to listen to this. Listens: 1 Fave Track: I’m Not Your Stepping Stone Rating: 4

Just a solid rock record. It's probably a 3.5 but I'm giving a 4 since that option doesn't exist.

Take a ride with this album

This is one of those classics that I was always aware of, and had heard the singles, but haven’t given the full record a spin. I was pleasantly surprised by this one and how much I enjoyed it. Super simple poppy rock songs but done well. They were also known for wearing silly costumes a la Paul Revere on a horse but what’s a little gimmick to set you apart? The first track Kicks reminded me of listening to oldies (lol) with my mom and grandfather. We’d put a record on the turntable and I’d always tune into the very small sounds coming off the needle. The rest of the album is fun! There are some slow jams like Little Girl In The 4th Row (I’ll always be weirded out how in the 60’s women were pretty much only ever called Girls but whatever) and I’m a sucker for a good organ/ early synth with a touch of Mod Sensibility sound so I liked it a lot.

Wild ride (no pun intended) on this album. Opens up straight into Kicks. I love the energy here, a little garage rock, a little psych. A similar formula is used throughout at least half of the album and it just works. There's Always Tomorrow takes on a weird trip into twangy upbeat country, but somehow works in a chorus that is pure '60's pop. Weird, but it works. The only times they really lose me are on the slow burners; Little Girl in The Fourth Row and Melody for an Unknown Girl. Im just not a ballad guy.

Great 60s sound. I'm not your stepping stone was the only song I knew going in but it's a good album

It just sounds cool in an indefinable way. A real pleasure of an album. Loose and groove based in a very cool way.

Better than expected!

If you would have told me that this was a 60s tribute band, I would have believed you. That said, I like 60s pop rock so I enjoyed this.

Enjoyable listen actually... 3.5 stars.

I don’t know why people don’t like this record. For me it’s almost perfect. It has got melody and some grit to it which I like.

Groovy, old-school, not great, but good with a few weaker songs

The stereo on this album is really cool. Bass on left side, rhythm guitar on the right. Pretty good.

my favorite thing about this record is they sound like they are having fun. but it was a good.album and.i didnt realize I had heard the song Kicks before- always liked it and now i know who does it.

These guys sound like The Doors, or Sgt. Pepper era Beatles. Pretty solid 60's synth pop/psychadelic rock. Apparently these guys used to dress as civil war reenactors on stage during their shows. Favourite songs: SS 396, I'm Not Your Stepping Stone, There's Always Tomorrow, Ballad of a Useless Man, "Louis, Go Home", Get It On, Shake It Up, Kicks Least favourite songs: Melody For An Unknown Girl 4/5

Tydligt sent 60-tals sound men med mindre tydliga psykadeliska element. En hel del bra låtar och inget fel överlag.