The Young Rascals – Groovin' (2xLP, 45rpm, Mono, MOFI)

The numbered 180g 45RPM 2LP of "Groovin'" was mastered from the original master tapes and pressed on low-noise vinyl at RTI, presenting the album in fully restored mono. In addition, the carefully produced restoration includes "A Beautiful Morning," an early million-dollar hit from 1968 that reached the third spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was the first release under the then-new, shortened Rascals name. Rarely have blue-eyed soul and harmless optimism sounded more infectious than on this audiophile reissue.

The analog set, which expertly renders the quartet's distinctive harmonies, captures the deep-seated personality and effortless melodies seemingly present in every passage. Echoing the playfulness of the cover, the members demonstrate a cohesiveness, good chemistry and charm that is made vivid by the newly discovered details, lightness and timbres. The Mobile Fidelity edition benefits from the focus, immersion and accuracy only possible in mono, and is free of artificial panning or effects, allowing the songs to breathe and expand. Notes bloom and fade, voices rise and fall, and the artistry of the arrangements emerges with revealing clarity. Long overlooked due to the dozens of other milestones released in this pivotal year, "Groovin'" now earns its place in history as a masterpiece.

Consider the opening "A Girl Like You," dominated by Felix Cavaliere's confident vocals and accompanied by a sweeping jazz-rock architecture marked by exuberant horns, buoyant piano lines and sprightly rhythms. Or "How Can I Be Sure," which features Eddie Brigati on lead vocals over a waltz pattern that conveys joy, brooding and the roller coaster rides that accompany the early stages of a relationship. Brigati also does the honors on the pensive, subdued, if optimistic Motown cover "A Place in the Sun," while he and Cavaliere share the lead on "If You Knew," a sauntering ditty underscored by a subtle, fast bass line.

Of course, no track on "Groovin'" is more famous or better known than the title track, which is listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll" collection. As the birds chirp and the congas echo, the Young Rascals paint a picture of bliss, with R&B harmonies and a laid-back harmonica that sends the listener into ecstasy. The original B-side, the Latin-inspired "Sueno," further showcases the foursome's vocal prowess. Sonically and lyrically ("I have been flying high above reality"; "Only thing needed is someone to come along and trip along with me"), it hints at the psychedelic experiments the group would soon employ to their detriment.

Indeed, "Groovin'" steers clear of any indulgence or falseness, wrapping its metaphorical arms around the colors, moods and possibilities of the era. Here, upbeat soul ("I'm So Happy Now") coexists with compelling garage rock ("Find Somebody") and energetic, fuzzy nuggets ("You Better Run") that prove the Young Rascals had their ears to the ground in both the States and England. In virtually every way, the album is 1967 through and through - and an essential part of any music collection.

Reviews

"...a round of quite wonderful pop songs [...] The original mono mixes, spread over four fast-moving LP sides, make for a terrific listen." (Good Times, October/November 2022)