The CBS Tapes
Yep Roc, 2021
8/10
A power pop outfit who had a 15 year run starting in 1970 and then got back together in the late ‘90s, The Rubinoos bring us back to 1976 on this release, where we’re treated to a studio session that took place just before their breakout self-titled album.
The aptly titled “All Excited” starts the listen with thumping drums, upbeat guitar and 4 voices converging in a power-pop meets jangly rock delivery, and “Sugar Sugar” follows with a raw, playful version of the traditional, where the familiar melodies are still intact, even if a little rough around the edges.
Approaching the middle, “Nooshna Kavolta” offers a sturdy rock’n’roll flavor that’s even a bit cultured amid its charged climate, while “She Loves You” offers both grit and tunefulness in the band’s frisky version of the classic. “Heartbeat It’s A Lovebeat”, one of the album’s best, then mixes both pop and rock with a modern indie-rock appeal as well as classic rock stabs.
Towards the end, “Cissy Strut” inject some soul and plenty of bouncy musicianship into The Meters tune, and “Government Center” exits the listen and builds into a furious pace of chaotic drumming, repetitive backing vocals, eccentric lead vocals and swirling guitars.
Although they only had one chart topping tune (a cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now”), The Rubinoos made fans far and wide, penned the theme song to Revenge Of The Nerds, and proved to be a very important band in the area of ‘70s power-pop. Recorded when everyone in the band was still a teenager, The CBS Tapes captures their energy, humor and, of course, clever and timeless brand of retro-rock that sounds as great today as it did 45 years ago.
Travels well with: The Krayolas- Savage Young Krayolas; The Fleshtones- Face Of The Screaming Werewolf