"The Raspberries were an American power pop/pop rock band formed in 1970 from Cleveland, Ohio. They had a run of success in the early 1970s music scene with their pop sound, which Allmusic later described as featuring ""exquisitely crafted melodies and achingly gorgeous harmonies."" The members were known for their clean-cut public image, with short-hair and matching suits, The group drew influence from the British Invasion eraespecially The Beatles, The Who, The Hollies, and Small Facesand its mod sensibility. In both the U.S. and the UK, the Raspberries helped pioneer the power pop music style that took off after the group disbanded. The group's ""classic"" lineup consisted of Eric Carmen (vocalist/guitarist/bassist), Wally Bryson (guitarist), Jim Bonfanti (drummer), and Dave Smalley (guitarist/bassist). Their best known songs include ""Go All the Way"", ""Let's Pretend"", ""I Wanna Be with You"", ""Tonight"", and ""Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)"". This box set contains all the 4 albums the band recorded for Capitol records, they have been re-mastered and the box also contains a20 page booklet with notes by Classic Rocks Malcolm Dome . "
D**R
A great and long wished for collection of albums
I, like a couple of other reviewers here, had hoped to get the four Raspberries albums, but it seemed as though Capitol would never do anything with this music. Lo and behold, this box set shows up on Amazon, as an answer to that wish. I had the original album Greatest Hits in the early 80s, and had replaced it with the CD greatest hits when that was released, but had always wanted the original albums. I came to the Raspberries a little late, after they had burned out, so I had never heard the albums themselves, so I had no real context for the hits that I had on the greatest hits packages. Where were they placed? What surrounded them? Was there some type of overall effect from the albums in terms of what Eric Carmen and company were trying to accomplish?All that said, I had looked at import versions of these albums over the years, but had always decided not to bother. Then this box set appears. If you are a fan of the band, or someone who has come VERY late to the party, this is a great addition to your collection. I am not an audiophile, so I will not comment on what the first reviewer here (one star) writes about the sound quality, but good grief, these tapes were made over 40 years ago! I'm not sure what someone is expecting, but I thought they sounded great! As has also been noted, there is an interesting essay that is in the package, which is overall a high quality packaging job. This is just a great way to collect a band's entire body of work in one fell swoop, and a heck of a body of work it is. If, like me, you had only heard the greatest hits album/cd, the Raspberries delivered so much more than just those songs, and you will not be disappointed in this collection.If you are a fan, or have just heard about these fellows and have an interest in their music. Get this collection. It's great!
C**I
Under rated band
There are definitely Beatles influences, great pop hooks, and dozens of hits in this box set. It is easy to forget how talented The Raspberries were and how tight their sound craft was. While they were panned by the critics as a 'girls' band, they are now being appreciated by rock fans for their great guitar work, drumming, harmonies, and ability to synthesize proto-pop and rock into some great albums. Great sound, but not as well transferred as their greatest hits release.This is the best value for getting introduced to The Raspberries
K**R
collector's dream come true
I'm a Raspberries fan who would LOVE to turn back time to the 70's!!. (Oh, to just see a live performance....) Today's music styles turn me off, but, thanks to an Applebee's commercial... (ala Eric Carmen's Hungry Eyes).. I discovered the songs of Raspberries and Eric Carmen (vintage ----but timeless). This 4-pack of CD's (they look like mini albums) represent the magic of the Raspberries. The tracks are faultlessly performed and fun to hear, with beautiful harmonies, clever lyrics, and top notch musicianship. What is wrong with our music industry??? Their songs should have topped the charts for weeks and months on end. This collection brings them back to those of us who sadly missed out the first time around.
M**N
Every Raspberries album---tons of potential hit singles
After being hooked on Eric Carmen's solo albums, I finally broke down and purchased this wonderful collection of the Raspberries' albums. "Go All the Way" and "Hit Record" are just jumping off points. There are so many great songs here, you'll play these CDs over and over again. Power pop's origins are right here. Then there were the Knack, Shoes, Records, Posies and so many others.
B**X
Great collection
Growing up a was a huge supporter of this band !I told everyone about them. Some people didn't know what to think , Beatlesque, Beach boy like , classical influences yet they could rock. I've searched for years trying to find all of their music on cd. Eric Carmen & Raspberries made 4 albums all of which are here in this box set.straightforward albums as they were first released individual album covers front and back and nice history booklet housed.in a neat box. If you are hoping for outtakes rarities or alternate versions ...you won't find that here just the original albums on cds...very enjoyable ..very happy to have this set in my collection arrived new in perfect condition and plays & sounds great ....you love the raspberries ? Pick this up
A**R
Ripped Off
Entire set skipped thru out! I tried to play them in every device I own and had the same effect! I wiped and cleaned them over and over again hoping that that would help! NOT! Just kiss that money good bye! Don't buy it! Substandard is a compliment! Just Flawed!
S**Y
Great band.
Classic band that gets overlooked. Great melodies and rockin guitars. At first they sounded like a beatles wannabe band with some great talent. As hard rock took over in the early 70's they adopted a more straightforward classic rock sound but still maintained great vocal work and beatle inspired melodies. Some songs are rehashed versions of their singles but all of it is still good.
K**E
Raspberries Geta Real Taste Test
After fifty years, it’s nice to see the boys from Cleveland getting a fair shake! If you like Raspberries music - this is the ONE! If you’re only mildly curious -this will answer all your questions
W**N
Excellent.
A forgotten 60s 70s band , well worth a listen, give it a try you won't be disappointed.
W**E
Five Stars
Very good while they lasted!
O**N
superior packaging
Maybe more Raspberries than you expected in the music end. Songs that I certainly never heard. Most I liked and there were a few I thought the collection could have been better without found on the later lps. The packaging of the cardboard replicas of the vinyl covers is in a SERIOUSLY SUPERIOR CASE. The only cases this good I've gotten are on a Backman Turner Overdrive collection of all their cds and April Wine. These will outlast any handling they are subject to compared to the usual 5 cd collections.
K**K
Raspberries - 70s power pop goodness!
Huge fan of The Raspberries. Super happy to have all 4 albums in one collection. The CD's sound great, just as good as the out of print Capitol Collectors Series compilation disc. If you are a fan, buy it 😊 Delivery was fast and it was a great price.
C**8
Affordable Classic Releases
Eric Carmen and friends the classic albums!! - great value per dollar.
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