Not many people my age routinely deploy an appreciation for the band Rare Earth, but I have always, always, always loved the song "Hey, Big Brother". This live version, recorded during 1974's California Jam concert (which also counted Deep Purple, the Eagles, and Black Sabbath in the lineup) does a pretty effective job of demonstrating why, even through the thicket of handlebar moustaches and ubiquitous helicopter shots of the sprawling crowd (now alleged to have been several hundred thousand strong.)
Rare Earth, in case you don't know, were among the first all-white acts signed to the Motown label. At their best, they were a funk-rock act that tread smoother, more accessible waters than the James Gang. They had a string of hits in the early 70s, but are probably best remembered for their cover of "Get Ready", which is OK, but doesn't hold a candle to this one. It's nice to see they haven't faded entirely from modern consciousness, as this recent and rather blazin' remix of "I Just Want to Celebrate" from Soundcloud demonstrates.
Watch the video all the way to the end for a short appearance by legendary broadcasting blowhard Don Imus, who strolls through the crowd with the local California police chief.
Imus: "Do you like rock & roll?"
Chief: "Some of it."
Very insightful, Don. Than you for your ongoing commitment to broadcasting excellence.
Yeah, that's a hell of a groove. A missing link between heavy early 70's Santana and Motown (as if such a thing were needed).
Posted by: SKM | February 08, 2011 at 01:26 PM