The Columbia-era RASCALS

[joerusso]

In 1970, The Rascals moved from Atlantic to Columbia records (sadly, minus EDDIE or GENE) for TWO albums, PEACEFUL WORLD (1971) and THE ISLAND OF REAL (1972) augmented with the great Buzzy Feiten (guitar) Robert Popwell (bass) Annie Sutton & Molly Holt (vocals). Though not very sucessfull commercially at the time of their release, these albums have over the years achieved a kind of "cult" status and are very highly regarded among certain Rascals fans and music afficianados. Though completely different in concept than the sound of the beloved Atlantic recordings, both LPs feature some fantastic songs and musicianship, with outstanding performances by everyone involved. Felix claimed in an 80's interview he felt THE ISLAND OF REAL "was the best album I ever made".-JOE RUSSO (PS. when I read Felix this blurb in '07 he did not agree with his previous comment that ISLAND OF REAL was the best album he ever made)