Album of the Day

FREEDOM SUITE shows two sides of The Rascals. “It's a double album,” as drummer Dino Danelli explained upon the set's original release. “The first is full of lyrical songs and the second has instrumentals featuring the sort of numbers we play in clubs, and never record. It's beautiful - very jazz orientated.” Though political engagement and gospel influences were more to the fore, the first disc could have passed for one of the quartet's earlier collections as it's packed with catchy tracks like “A Ray of Hope” and the smash “People Got to Be Free,” which topped the chart on this day in 1968. Co-producer Arif Mardin brought in sax greats King Curtis and David Newman to lend a hand, and the extended jams that follow reflect both The Rascals' skillful playing and their growing ambition. The gold-certified FREEDOM SUITE stands as another triumph from the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.