The Raspberries - Live 1973-1974 (2023)

Although the Raspberries lasted merely three years during the early 1970s, in retrospect, they would have a distinctive lasting influence on other bands to follow, including Cheap Trick, The Knack, The Romantics and countless others. While they were ridiculed relentlessly at the time, it is doubtful that the power pop movement of the late 1970s would have developed as it did without them, with fans and accolades from the likes of Bruce Springsteen and John Lennon. These incredible performances capture the band at two junctures in 1973 and 1974, pushing two albums (Side 3 and Starting Over), both containing signature songs of Eric Carmen and Wally Bryson, but distinctly different with the latter bearing a more formidable and heavier approach. The two shows here highlight the power pop charms of the band, all delivered with a salivating bite of the berry.