806: SIDE 3 | RASPBERRIES

The Raspberries were a band from Cleveland, Ohio, that emerged in the late 1960s as part of the power pop movement, a genre that combined the catchy melodies and harmonies of pop music with the energy and attitude of rock and roll. The band consisted of Eric Carmen on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Wally Bryson on lead guitar and vocals, Dave Smalley on bass and vocals, and Jim Bonfanti on drums. The band was influenced by the Beatles, the Who, the Beach Boys, and the Byrds, among others.

Side 3 is the third album by the Raspberries, released in 1973. The album cover is die-cut like a basket of raspberries, with the band’s name placed at the top of the LP sleeve. The album features songs from their previous albums, as well as three new instrumental tracks composed by different members of the band. The album showcases the band’s versatility and talent, as they explore different styles and moods, from hard rock to ballads to funk to country.

The album opens with “Tonight”, a catchy and upbeat song that features a powerful guitar riff and a memorable solo by Carmen. The song is about a guy who wants to spend a night with a girl he likes, but he doesn’t know if she feels the same way. The song has a strong rock and roll vibe, reminiscent of the early Beatles.

The second track is “Last Dance”, a slow and melancholic song that features a tender vocal by Bryson. The song is about a couple who are breaking up, but they decide to have one last dance together before they part ways. The song has a country feel, with acoustic guitars and pedal steel.