By Bob Berry

Confession. The Rascals were, and are, one of my favorite groups.

I loved the songs, love-love-loved their blue-eyed soul sound. Dino twirling the sticks, Gene ripping power chords, Eddie with two tambourines, Felix half-hidden behind the Hammond B-3. They were “Jersey Boys”, with all the attitude (and “hug-ability”, right ladies?), dressed up in a combination of Carnaby Street meets Greenwich Village meets Plus Fours.

Bottom line, when the Rascals came on Keener, my volume knob went to loud. When I got into radio, and a Rascals song came up, it got very loud.

So today (10/23), we celebrate Eddie Brigati’s birthday. Eddie, along with Felix Cavaliere, co-wrote the vast majority of the Rascals’ library, including “A Girl Like You”, “Groovin”, “A Beautiful Morning”, “People Got To Be Free”, and “Lonely Too Long”. Mostly, Felix sang lead, with a notable, wonderful exception late summer of 1967.

Have a great weekend, and enjoy the Friday Song on Keener!

By Bob Berry

Sunday. A favorite day of the week. Usually lazy and slow with an extra cup of coffee. Sometimes with a ridiculous breakfast. Unless, of course, there’s a golf game involved, in which case I’m out the door.

And sadly, over par.

Under any circumstances, there’s one constant: Great tunes. Sometimes, it’s jazz, blues or symphony pops. Or, how about three Keener favorites, beginning with The Rascals’ slow dance/make romance classic!

Here’s a remarkable live performance from Spanky and Our Gang. Her voice goes away, but they finish strong!

And last, but not least, The Monkees, with Mickey on lead vocal of a classic Carole King/Gerry Goffin tune.