The Rubinoos – LIVE and in person
Bring Pop back to the common man! Tonight in Healdsburg, CA.
With some nudging from me, this year The Rubinoos released an old new album The CBS Tapes on Yep Roc. I asked Tommy to tell us about the single "I Want Her So Bad." Here is the story:
But wait, there’s more: The Rubes are playing tonight in Healdsburg, CA. FREE! OUTSIDE! 6 PM – 8 PM! Healdsburg Plaza!
A little background. A couple years back, I produced the Rubinoos’ LP "From Home” for Yep Roc Records. My friends know I’m cuckoo-for-cocoa-puffs when it comes to “the Rubes.” I probably saw them like 25 times in high school.
You’ve probably heard me go on about ‘em. And no, I’m not exactly a power pop nerd or bubblegum ‘60s geek or whatever. But I love bands that are true to their school and the Rubes hold a special place in my heart. They knew what they loved. And wore it on their sleeves. And with their grab bag of covers along the way, they taught me about Spaghetti Western soundtrack music, the Archies, the Beach Boys, the DeFranco Family, the Jackson 5. Not to mention the Stooges, the Sonics, and the Troggs. I don’t know if the magnetic poles somehow got inverted, but Berkeley, CA was always out of wack with the world. It left its mark on me. The Beserkley Records scene wasn’t well known, but Jonathan Richman for one always loomed large for me and my friends. Still does.
When I was producing the Rubinoos, we had a lot of living room rehearsals where they would work on their four-part harmonies. I didn’t have much to contribute in that department. But, I did attend the rehearsals and loved every second of them. Even that time on the BART ride home when I started to overheat, pulled up my shirt and I discovered hives over 80% of my body (Another story for another time!). But mostly I sat in a chair and held a yellow legal pad on my lap, and any time they made a musical reference I’d write it down. Eventually I created this playlist of the songs and groups and artists that go into their musical Cuisinart.
After the first couple stone cold classic LPs, The Rubinoos were unceremoniously let go from the label they helped build. And yeah, took the hero's journey. It wasn’t all glorious. Before too long Tommy and Jon moved to LA, and Donno and Al took other gigs.
Jon went on to appear as the Doo Wop singing/pizza delivery boy on a number of sitcoms. Tommy eventually got a tux and the Real Fake Book and played his share of society gigs. Tommy and Jon did ghost vocal sessions with Kim Fowley for drag queen records. (Or "Fowl Kimley" as Jon calls him.) There were new Rubinoos records with session drummers. Along the way they sang the demo for the Revenge of the Nerds theme song and it was so good it ended up in the movie which just further confused people. A lot went wrong along the way. Other records like The CBS Tapes were ragged but right.
But now they're back. Getting all the original guys back together to make that new record was a big deal to me.
With some input from yours truly, Warren Zanes (Del Fuego, solo artist, and Tom Petty biographer) worked up this list. A list of things-that-went-right, in no particular order:
Appeared on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand
Did 56 dates opening for Elvis Costello during the Armed Forces tour (playing encores at 55 of those shows--they were still “figuring it out” during the first show).
Appeared multiple times in Tiger Beat.
Were at one point produced by Todd Rundgren.
Had to sue Avril Lavigne for lifting their song “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend,” eventually settling out of court.
Acted as Jonathan Richman’s backing band, The Modern Lovers, on classics including “The New Teller” and “Government Center.”
Completed more than 15 tours of Spain . . . since 2000.
Had a top fifty hit in the U.S. covering “I Think We’re Alone Now,” originally by Tommy James and the Shondells.
Had a hit in the U.K. with “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.”
Recorded the theme for Revenge of the Nerds and lived through the experience, their dignity intact . . . for the most part.
Had a band member who made demos for Holland-Dozier-Holland and another who wrote for Modern English.
Recorded their second album at The Who’s Rampart Studios, finding themselves frustrated that a singer down the hall was wasting studio time beating up the vocal line, “Whooooo are you? Hoo hoo, hoo hoo,” causing one Rubinoo to say, “When are these old guys gonna be done so we can record?”
Opened for Jefferson Starship and while covering the Archies “Sugar, Sugar” were booed off the stage at Winterland (yes, this is on the things-that-went-right list).
Responded favorably to Chuck Prophet (the Alan Lomax of San Francisco pop?). when he suggested in 2018 that they record a new album.
Actually continued to enjoy one another’s company through five decades.
Recorded a live album or two in Japan.
I could go on, but I think you get the point.
I can only recommend – not insist – how you spend your entertainment dollar. But if you’re anything like me, you’re gonna be taking in the sights and the sounds of the Rubes tonight. Dare I say it: for unfettered excellence, it’s the safest bet in showbiz.
Here’s those details again:
FREE! OUTSIDE! 6 PM – 8 PM! Healdsburg Plaza!
Onward,
– CP
I really love how CP enriches my life. Whatever he says, every time he fills me with positive energy, the man is living wisdom and fun – his musical knowledge and input is incredible. Thanks a lot, Sir Chuck!
Aw, I love the Del Fuegos and I wish I still had my Beserkley 45 of ITWAN!