Search - Rare Earth :: Earth Tones: Essential

Great Classic Must Own

vtpilot@msn.com (vtpilot@msn.com) | Vermont | 10/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"About the long version of Get Ready. It's on the Rare Earth In Concert Album. Motown records, the lable said "DJ Only" 2 LP set. The one packaged to look like a back pack. Wow I wish the would put that one out on CD. Email me if you know how to get that one on CD. Vtpilot@msn.com"

"Born to Wander" wander off?

Oscar H | Kansas City, Missouri United States | 08/25/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Great collection of a much overlooked group. It leaves out one of Rare Earth's great songs however. If "Born to Wander" had been included, it would have been a solid no questions asked 5-star recording."

Rare Earth - Rare collection... Good Find!!!

NDBx | New York, NY United States | 11/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This group was rather an unusual addition to the Motown back in 1969. They were given their own label and label design which at the time was quite hip.



The group featured probably the quintessential versions of "I'm Losing You" and "Get Ready". As empassioned as the original but more expansive than the originals. Get Ready is a long, rocking vehicle for improvisation and soloing while remaining somewhat true to the original spirit of the piece.



I'm Losing You becoming a plaintive but spacey version of the song with classic rock guitar lines and percussion breaks.



Each version redefined and re-shaped to a harder edge equal importance given to the instrumental as well as the vocal.



Pete Hoorelbeke ("Pete Rivera") is a powerful vocalist and an underrated, very inventive drummer. If you listen to "Get Ready" you can hear how he mixes it up and provides very inventive and propulsive drive to the piece. He really makes the most of his ability.



The instrumental solos are very good. This was a band that is so seldom given and deserving more props. The forgotten band of the Motown stable. Probably due to it not being typical of it's sound. The closest to it is the very well done, R&B based "Satisfaction Guaranteed".



Actually it doesn't matter if they weren't pure Motown. This was an exceptional addition to their stable of artists. When Rare Earth first appeared Motown was expanding it's sound and embracing much more varied elements.



Rare Earth combined different elements into something rock-based on the edge of R&B along with some jazz, funk and some understated latin influences.



The band represented here is the best of the various incarnations. Why only four stars? There were a few cuts that were left out that should've been included and one ("Warm Ride") which should've been left out. "Get Ready", "I'm Losing You" and the very soulful and driving "Satisfaction Guaranteed" are true high points.



I recommend this one highly."