Raspberries
The Raspberries: The Power Pop Pioneers Who Influenced Generations of Musicians
The Raspberries were an American pop rock band that emerged from Cleveland, Ohio in the early 1970s. They combined the catchy melodies and harmonies of the British Invasion with the raw energy and attitude of the mod and garage rock scenes. Their sound, which was later dubbed as “power pop”, influenced many artists who followed them, from John Lennon to Bruce Springsteen to Paul Westerberg.
The Raspberries were formed in 1970 by four musicians who had previously played in local bands: Eric Carmen (vocals, guitar, bass, piano), Wally Bryson (guitar), Dave Smalley (guitar, bass), and Jim Bonfanti (drums). They signed with Capitol Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1972, which featured their biggest hit, “Go All the Way”. The song reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies. It also caught the attention of Beatles fans, who noticed its similarity to the Fab Four’s style. In fact, John Lennon himself praised the song and the band, saying, “They’re the new Beatles, man.”
The Raspberries followed up their success with three more albums: Fresh (1972), Side 3 (1973), and Starting Over (1974). Each album showcased the band’s versatility and creativity, as they experimented with different genres and styles, from ballads to rockers, from acoustic to orchestral. Some of their most memorable songs from this period include “Let’s Pretend”, “I Wanna Be with You”, “Tonight”, and “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)”. The band also gained a reputation for their live performances, which were energetic and exciting. They toured extensively, opening for acts like The Who and The Rolling Stones.
However, despite their critical acclaim and cult following, the Raspberries never achieved the commercial success they deserved. They faced several challenges, such as the changing musical trends, the lack of radio support, the negative image of being a “teenybopper” band, and the internal conflicts among the members. Carmen, who was the main songwriter and leader of the band, wanted more artistic control and freedom, while the others wanted more input and collaboration. The tension eventually led to the band’s breakup in 1975, after only five years of existence.
After the split, Carmen embarked on a solo career, scoring hits like “All by Myself” and “Hungry Eyes”. Bryson, Smalley, and Bonfanti continued to play music in various projects, but never achieved the same level of fame as Carmen. The Raspberries’ legacy, however, remained intact, as their music inspired and influenced many artists in the decades that followed. Some of the bands and musicians who have cited the Raspberries as an influence include Cheap Trick, The Knack, Tom Petty, The Romantics, The Cars, Elvis Costello, The Bangles, R.E.M., Teenage Fanclub, Matthew Sweet, The Posies, Fountains of Wayne, and The Foo Fighters.
In 2004, the original lineup of the Raspberries reunited for the first time in 30 years, after being persuaded by a fan and promoter named Bernie Hogya. They played a sold-out show at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, which was attended by celebrities and critics, who gave them rave reviews. The band then embarked on a reunion tour in 2005, playing in several cities across the US. They also released a live album and DVD, titled Live on Sunset Strip, which captured their performance at the House of Blues. The reunion was a success, as the band proved that they still had the magic and the power that made them one of the most influential pop rock bands of all time.
The Raspberries are one of the unsung heroes of rock history, who deserve more recognition and appreciation for their contribution to the music scene. They were the pioneers of power pop, a genre that combines the best elements of pop and rock, creating songs that are catchy, melodic, energetic, and timeless. They were also the precursors of the alternative rock movement, as they challenged the mainstream norms and expectations of their era. They were a band that had it all: talent, charisma, originality, and passion. They were the Raspberries, and they went all the way.
