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.

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.

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

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.

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

I’ve always been into slightly psychedelic jangly guitar bands ca 1966/67 and this is no different.

The kick - крутой трек, но весь остальной альбом будто слегка репетативен

All in all I would say I enjoyed this album. It's some good 60s fun. I feel like I hear a lot of influence from other bands of the era, but admittedly the downside of listening to this list in random order means I don't know which came first. I could research it but, eh. However "Little Girl In the 4th Row" loses it a half star, and "Melody For An Unknown Girl"....oof that's a full star off just for that. I think that fairly puts it at a 3.5 but because I really like the 60s sound I'll round up.

I didn't know much about them before listening to this album, but it seems like maybe they don't the credit they deserve? The album was a pleasant surprise--seemed ahead of its time--but based on their low number of listeners on Spotify (only about 175k) they don't appear to have nearly the following some of their contemporaries still do. The first three tracks were my favorite, but there were quality tracks throughout the album.

es muy clásico sesenton pero me gustó. Lo he escuchado otras veces en otras bandas? si. Me entretiene? también

I have a soft spot for mid 60s pop songs. Probably from all the "oldies radio" I listened to as a kid. This is nothing groundbreaking, but catchy 3 minute ditties will always get a good review from me.

That B3 makes my heart happy. Really enjoyed this album

This is actually pretty good. It definitely feels like the inspiration for Ming Tea's stuff in the Austin Powers movies. It's pretty loose and maybe borderline campy at times. It's a lot better than I expected. I'd give this a solid 3.5 stars, and I'm fine rounding up to 4 here.

Really enjoyed this one, just a lot of fun. Probably more of a 3.5 but getting a bump for the surprise factor and not overstaying its welcome.

Always liked this group. Enjoyed this album very much.

This was a pretty fun album. I feel like I’ve heard of Paul Revere before but I’m not sure why. This album reminded me very much of the Beach Boys which is never a bad thing. A special shoutout to SS396 which I was humming for the rest of the day. It made a nice soundtrack for the drive to a woodland walk, which is exactly what we did. It’s an all around fun album. Probably nothing mind blowing, but not everything needs to be.

first listen so many recognizable and classic songs

The BBMAK of the 60s. N*sync and Backstreet Boys get top accolades but plenty of snowclones were just as good

Sehr gutes und in sich geschlossenes Album

Pretty good band, enjoy the album

I had to look up whether these guys were some kind of parody or novelty act, as some of the songs really felt like they were spoofing specific other acts, but reading up on them The Monkees had a hit covering them, so I guess this kind of biting of style was the custom at the time? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Anyway, yeah, a fun mid sixties album - referenced a lot of the trends I like about music at this time. Fave tracks - "Kicks", "I'm Not Your Stepping Stone" from the original album. Also enjoyed the bonus track "SS 396" - they obviously felt the Beach Boys included insufficient tech specs when singing about cars! 😆

I liked this! Catchy and just my sort of thing 4 ⭐️

Rather enjoyed this beastie Hadn't heard of them till now

I'd never heard of this band before, and being typical 60's fare as they are, I wasn't expecting too much. However, the album is better than I expected. I wouldn't want to put it in my library, but I might give it a listen again sometime. Hence it gets four stars.

A good fun 60s record with enough roughness to make it interesting- hadn’t heard most of this before although some of these tracks are classics. Had a good time with it.

They remind me of The Beach Boys, Monkees, and Everly Brothers; so of course I liked this album. Nice melodies and solid instrumental play.

For a few years in the mid 1960s, Paul Revere & the Raiders were one of the biggest bands in the US. In 1966, the band released three studio albums. Midnight Ride was the second of those, and is regarded as the band's best work. The band made R&B based, guitar driven rock songs. The album features "Kicks," which is one of the band's biggest singles, and "(I'm not your) Stepping Stone," which was covered by the Monkees. Some of the songs are goofy enough that they could be the Monkees, like "Melody for an Unknown Girl." Other songs could be Booker T., like "Shake it Up."

Just straight up catchy pop. Extra points for electric organ! Even a fun Beach Boys "cover".

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.

All in all a solid album. The love songs are crap and cost them a 5 star.

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

Good fun!

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.