"rare Earth"

Led by lead singer and drummer Peter Hoorelbeke (a.k.a. Peter Rivera), Rare Earth started out in Detroit as The Sunliners and tore up the Motor City club scene in the mid- to late-’60s before signing to hometown Motown. The platinum album Get Ready (1969) was then followed by the gold Ecology (1970). Attesting to the band’s reputation for live performances, five years later it released what would be its last gold album, Rare Earth In Concert.

This collection is marred by abbreviated versions of "Get Ready," "I Know I'm Losing You," and others. For fans who didn't purchase individual albums, though, this is a good overall view of their work…

Rare Earth is an American rock band affiliated with Motown's Rare Earth record label (named after the band), which prospered from 1970–1972. Although not the first white band signed to Motown, Rare Earth was the first big hit-making act signed by Motown that consisted only of white members…

Rare Earth's Motown debut is as well-oiled as a new V-8, and so are its liner notes: "In this age of ego-tripping freak bands, Rare Earth has stood pretty much alone. Each cat stands handsomely tall as if from a fashion rack at Carnaby…

The first album of new material from the new look Rare Earth features a nice piece of artwork on the front. Beyond the sleeve is a set of new material plus some covers. Of the latter, the band strangely choose to re-visit "Tobacco Road" from their first Get Ready album. The inclusion of Lennon and McCartney's "Lady Madonna" and the Four Tops' "Reach Out I'll Be There" doesn't really do them any favours. Far more interesting are the newer songs…