Dressing up in American Revolutionary War outfits to fit a name taken from the legendary American patriot was never destined to lend Paul Revere & The Raiders credibility. For a period, however, this onetime instrumental combo from Idaho were rivalled only by The Monkees in terms of hit rate. Or so it says on Hungry For Kicks, a welcome snapshot of the band’s voluminous output for Columbia, drawn from 16 hits and a smattering of album nuggets. It’s not the first-ever UK Raiders compilation as claimed: that privilege lay with Edsel back in the 80s; but that’s not to deride another winner from Rev-Ola.
Kicks sensibly opens proceedings, undeniably The Raiders’ Wild Thing or My Generation, a garage punk classic but for the fact it was a huge hit. Other gems include the Who-like Just Like Me, early single Louie, Go Home (covered by Bowie for his first single) and the dreamy Louise. Singer Mark Lindsay oozed a spirit of teenage lust; producer Terry Melcher captured the energy of their Pacific Northwest garage/frat roots but honed it into pop appeal; and, despite numerous line-up changes, they worked their regular TV appearances with aplomb. With a generous booklet awash with period shots, this is a worthwhile tribute to an oft-overlooked band.
