In Concert

Like every other band of the 1970s, Rare Earth released a double live LP. Theirs opens with their biggest hit, “I Just Want To Celebrate,” but also includes several covers: a six-and-a-half-minute take on Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say” and a nearly 15-minute version of the Temptations’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You” are both great in a psychedelic funk sort of way, but their version of the Temptations’ “Get Ready” is the album’s mind-blowing centerpiece, lasting nearly 24 minutes. (Legend has it the actual performance lasted nearly an hour.) Yes, there’s an extended rhythm section breakdown, and it’s red-hot, a blend of R&B and Latin grooves on a par with Santana in 1969. On “(I Know) I’m Losing You,” lead vocalist (and drummer) Pete Rivera’s voice is heavily echoed, as guitarist Ray Monette takes an extended, Eddie Hazel-esque solo over dubbed-out bass from John Persh and Mark Olson’s pumping organ.