Judging from the photo gracing the front cover sleeve of “Past Perfect Tense,” one would understandably be inclined to believe the Raves are a Beatles tribute act. Not only does the Atlanta, Georgia band dress the part (we’re talking 1964-1965 here), but the physical resemblances to the lads from Liverpool are uncannily similar as well.
Although the Raves do dwell deep in Beatles country, they write their own material which is so good and strong that it adds a few unique wrinkles to the fabric. A copycat band they are not, but comparisons to the Rutles are not far off the radar. In fact, the Raves even hosted a local television show in the early 80s, “Eh, Wot’s This?” that implanted comedy sketches with music.
Formed in 1971 and originally known as the Nod, the Raves include Chuck Yoakum on vocals, guitar and keyboards, John Yoakum on bass, keyboards and vocals, Ken Kennedy on guitar and Jim Yoakum on drums. In 1981 they unveiled their debut album, “The Color Of Tears,” and some of the cuts from the platter are featured on Past Perfect Tense, which further involves previously unreleased tracks from 1989, the date the band dismantled. But they recently reunited and are preparing to issue a brand new album this year.
Bulging at the seams with chirpy rhythms and sighing harmonies shaped of oohs, ahs and woo woo woos, Past Perfect Tense (Hologramophone Music), would have pierced the airwaves from sea to shining sea had it been recorded a decade and a half earlier. The Raves definitely have the stuff down to a studied science, from the clipped British accents to the swinging guitars to the choppy hooks. And it all sounds so natural. The Raves truly have a solid grasp of the style of music they play.
Numbers such as “Make Up Your Mind,” “Whatever She Says,” “Calling Your Name” and “I Bet You’re Lonely Too” twitch and twinkle with every single factor characterized in classic pop songs, where tunes like “Every Little Bit Hurts,” “Anyway You Can” and “C’est La Vie” are subtly spiked with reggae breaks. “Tonight It’s Gonna Be Great” resurrects the spirit of Buddy Holly with spot on results, and “My, My, My” hops and bops with the kind of hillbilly stuff Ringo gets his rocks off on.
Trends and fads are fleeting, but there will always be an audience for pithy pop ditties, and Past Perfect Tense fulfills the need. Alight with energy and joy, the disc regenerates the enthusiasm and excitement exerted by the mop-topped combos of yore with passion and respect. In view of Past Perfect Tense, the return of the Raves will be most welcome!
The Raves’ ‘Past Perfect Tense’ is available through NotLame.com.
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Well thank you for your brilliant insight. I couldn’t agree more. You know, we couldn’t help three things: the strong influence that the British Invasion had on us as youngsters; the roots influence that proceeded our generation (Buddy Holly, Elvis, et al) and; the way we look(ed). We tried growing beards, got different hair-dos, and a bunch of stuff but, in the end, we just said screw it. We are who we are. And our music stands on its own.
Your words are encouraging and kind and I greatly appreciate the fact that you like our music. I do too as a matter of fact. You’re a nice lady.
What a treat to find someone who has discovered this recording and taken the time to write about it. I’m also glad that you noted the music and not just the pictures. As John mentioned, we have been both fighting and embracing that problem for a long time. We did try wigs, beards and even considered sex change operations, but we still seemed to be comapred to the Jackson Five all the time.
Songwriting was what our group is/was all about, and once people get past the “look”, they usually heard what you heard. We are working on material for a new release, so be on the look out for that soon.
I would also like to send you a copy of “Inside Looking Out” that has more of our music dating from the early 1970s until the mid 1980s.
Thanks again,
Chuck Yoakum