since Sept. 23, 2004."It's just like me/to say to you/love me do/and I'll be true/what I'd like/for you to say/is you'll come home/to me each day. . ."
Of course, this article doesn’t do justice for "Just Like Me"'s opening lyrics. Without sultry-voiced lead singer/songwriter Mark Lindsay, the Raiders' discography would represent, at best, a second-rate attempt at the rock stardom the band achieved.
Founded by Idaho native Paul Revere, the group rented and recorded in a small Portland, Ore., studio in the early 1960s. Their first album, titled Here They Come!, contained cuts that included a unique cover of Top 40 staple "Louie Louie." Following was 1965's Just Like Us!, which contained the subtle yet determined "Just Like Me" and its B-side "Steppin’ Out." That release locked a top-billing performance on television’s "Where the Action Is" and helped sell out arenas across the country and in Canada.
Smash album Midnight Ride showcased "Louie, Go Home," the hit single "Kicks" and Lindsay’s haunting "Melody for an Unknown Girl," featuring the talented musician’s poetry and saxophone prowess.
The Spirit of '67 boasted hits "Good Thing" and "Hungry" – minus the original suggestive lyrics. "Ups and Downs" and "Legend of Paul Revere" (ala the Mamas and Papas' "Creeque Alley") soon followed, as well as the Raiders' most successful hit "Indian Reservation." Aside from a few lineup changes, their popularity and success seemed undaunting.
Yet, Lindsay left the band in the early 1970s to pursue a solo career that garnered hits "Arizona" and "Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon." While the band continued performing, it lacked the original breadth of talent as well as fame, achieved during its heyday. Lindsay publicly retired in 2003 with a live performance celebration in Portland.
Even today, Paul Revere and the Raiders' music endures, products of a successful rock group that strived to be unique. Though their sound has invoked a legion of copycats, they will be remembered as more than a group that exhibited colonial dress but as one who’s music, style and sound will forever live on throughout rock history.
"Good, Good, Good, Good thing/such a good thing, girl. . ."
Copyright © 2004, Talia M. Wilson
posted: Sept. 23, 2004
since Sept. 23, 2004.