Monday, July 20, 2020

Emmitt Rhodes

Emmitt Rhodes is one of the best loved power pop bubblegum artists in rock history.  With the Merry Go Round, they made a classic album and then they disbanded, Rhodes made the big mistake of going with Dunhill Records, a company that demanded an album every six months.  While some people consider that a ultra classic, I never really warmed up to that album, even traded the CD in for a few bucks later, but his minor hit Fresh As A Daisy is easily the best song he ever recorded.  The follow up, Mirror, more of the same but even that album appears as Rhodes was getting tired by it all. One more album  and he would be gone for 40 years.  Listen Listen, is Varase Vintage's portrait of what Rhodes could do, putting key tracks from his solo years and the Merry Go Round.  In terms of theory, Dunhill/ABC took the fun out of Rhodes's music career and he went behind the scenes, becoming a producer/engineer for Elektra and various labels.

Rhodes was one of a kind and he will be missed.  He passed away at age 70, in his sleep.

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