Before they became power pop legends because of stuff like "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend", and before they recorded for the equally legendary Beserkley Records, The Rubinoos were a young band infused wtih the spark of a burgeoning punk vibe in 1976. Maybe not punk in the Ramones sense, but something equally as unburdened by the shackles of the conventions of mainstream rock. The group recorded a bunch of tunes at CBS studios and they serve as indications of the outfit's furture glories.
What's here isn't a lost classic but, rather, a bunch of talented kids running through fave tunes with a lot of infectious energy. A cover of "Heartbeat (It's a Lovebeat)" by The De Franco Family is a goof but a pretty rockin' one, while a stab at "I Want to Hold Your Head" is playful but still earnest. Better still are attempts at Jonathan Richman ("Government Center") and The Ventures ("Walk Don't Run"), while a misguided stab at "Cissy Strut" by The Meters reveals the limitations of what a power pop band can actually get away with. Still, The CBS Tapes is full of modest joy, and unassuming pleasures. A familiarity with The Rubinoos helps, but the record should also serve as a nice introduction to the band if you've only read about them.
The CBS Tapes is available from Yep Roc now.
More details on The Rubinoos via Rubinoos.com.
[Photo: Yep Roc]