Live At Rockpalast 1978
MIG, 2025
9/10
Listen to Live At Rockpalast 1978
Jon Rubin, Tommy Dunbar, Royse Ader, and Donn Spindt, i.e. The Rubinoos, tear through 15 of their pop-rock gems on this night in Hamburg, Germany
The playful hand clapping and sing-along fun of “Rockin’ In The Jungle” opens, and “Tonight” follows with Dunbar’s frisky guitar playing guiding the power-pop melodica.
Further into the set, the smooth and groove filled “Hard To Get” makes great use of Ader’s skilled bass, while “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” allows for Spindt’s animated drums to complement the jangly delivery.
The band’s biggest hit, “I Think We’re Alone Now”, arrives late and sure has aged well, where the band’s harmonics are front and center, and “Rock’n’Roll Is Dead” exits with grit and density from The Rubinoos, as Rubin’s firm vocals illustrate how diverse he can get.
The sound quality from this show is superb, and the songs, of course, are some of the best power-pop then or now, as it captures the band on the rise with plenty of spirit and humor.
Travels well with: The Rubinoos- The CBS Tapes; Marshall Crenshaw- From ‘The Hellhole’