Emitt Rhodes - The Four Best Songs from EMITT RHODES 

Criminally under-appreciated talent. RIP Emitt. You deserved better.

Four best? This entire album is great. Not a bad song on it. It's one of my prized possessions.

I was in class with Emitt and Gary in the 12th grade. He was a kick in the ass. A lot of fun. Brock Wilborn

When his eponymous album 'Emitt Rhodes' was released, I ran around proclaiming it as the second coming of the Beatles, and was met by a resounding silence. However, upon further reflection following his untimely departure from this mortal coil, we now all know what kind of true greatness has been forever lost.

all his stuff is wonderful. THIS ALBUM easily makes the top 100 pop albums of all time.

Wow! So much talent! I can't believe I've never heard of him - where was I?

I have all of his records on vinyl, including numerous copies of the original "Merry-Go-Round" release. With the exception of his first album, Emitt recorded all of his music at home in his domestic, self-purchased recording studio, played ALL of the instruments himself, recorded, mixed, and produced it all on his own ( Note: If you look closely at the center, trailing edge of his LP's you can see the words "recorded at home" etched in the vinyl) so needless to say, this guy was (is) a genius.

I got it when it came out, thanks to my friend Mike Green. Hypnotic and delicious.

Had this 8 TRACK tape cruising around in the early 70s with my girlfriend now my wife of 42 years. We are 64 , Emitt is 68 . My wife has same birthday as Emitt, February 25 . I use to let this tape play over and over again. It brings back such great memories. How quick the time went. Emitt should of been more exposed and appreciated.

These aren't my favorites from the first Dunhill LP but since my entire record library was stolen two years ago, I'm grateful to find another Emitt Rhodes fan who has shared his treasures.

He was, and still is, The Beatles musical doppelganger.

OK, me too. As soon as I heard "Fresh as a Daisy" on one of our L.A. stations, I went out and bought this album. I loved it. Sometime during the mid eighties, I discovered that Emitt was the front man with the Merry-Go-Round (Live/You're a Very Lovely Woman) and started looking for this album again. I shared it with a few L.A. friends who were so happy to hear it again. Around that time I read why he never made it big, despite his great talent, but I don't remember all the details. What I remember, or disremember, is that he had one of those one sided contracts with ABC/Dunhill Records, who totally dropped the ball with him. THEY and THEY alone, did almost nothing to promote Emitt and his wonderful music. One more record with them and he moved to A&M, then back to Dunhill for his last one. Nothing happened, and all due to record company neglect...and I think he admitted to some general bad luck. Eventually, he came to the conclusion that stardom wasn't meant to be and quit trying to make it as a recording artist. I think he did something in the background, like owning and operated a recording studio. He was a multi-talented musician and technical wizard, after all.. Forty years later, I'm thinking he made the right decision; popular acclaim just wasn't meant for him. Still, we have nearly fifty songs from him, not including the Merry-Go-Round records...and, this year, 2016, he released his fifth album!!! Eleven wonderful songs. The record is called "Rainbow Ends" and it's all about the end of a relationship...apparently, his marriage. It's sad. It's beautiful. He is bearded, sixty-something and crying on the cover. His voice and writing are mature. It's as good as you might expect from Emitt. Listen to it on RU-vid and buy it if you like it. But be warned, it's not a happy record. That might be what you need to hear right now, or it might put you over the edge. Nonetheless, I recommend it highly.

Glad you folks are digging this. The whole album is a real winner; I think we should lobby the US Congress to get this released again on domestic CD.

I have this album too, and after not hearing about him after it I didn't know if he did anything else and I was too stupid to find out about others. This guy is a genius!!! I'm a songwriter too, and I know from experience that ABC Dunhill was a screwed up record company. The fact that they sued him because they wanted more quantity than quality tells it all. Out of all the bands and songwriters I've ever heard Emitt Rhodes and Arthur Lee and Love deserved success more than almost anyone. A shame

I purchased this album not long after it's release. It was one of my favorite of all time. Too bad not many heard of this album or artist. This is one of those classic records that makes one happy to be around in the early 70's.

I'd have to say "Somebody Made For Me" was the real hit from this album....that's Emitt's best...

Live Til You Die was the song that I heard on the radio. I have it on my jukebox 50 years later. Seems like yesterday.

The entire album is amazing, ask the songs for together as a puzzle. Emitt is a genius.

Imagine if this had been released last week, never having been heard before. The music world would be blown away. Pure genius, amazing compositions, soulful, GREAT voice, beautiful music. Every note in the right place.

Some old hippie working at a small record store in PA (early 80s) called this McCartney's best solo album. Pretty funny.

I was paging thru an old issue of Vintage Guitar and read An interview with Emitt Rhodes. This is the first time I am Hearing his music, right now. This is great stuff. I have never heard about him before.

my mother would play me these records when I was a little kid -2 years old and up. She was a huge fan of his. one of my earliest memories is hearing Emmit Rhodes. What an underrated talent in a sea of crap that came out of that era.

I still have Emitt Rhodes on vinyl but nothing to play it on. Truly an overlooked talent.

Emitt Rhodes... Awesome!!

Heard him in 1970. l think he only had 2 albums? Beautify tuneful. Such talent. Amazing recording on those early recording techniques at home..... many takes and over-dubbing. Have enjoyed all these years. l’m in the U.K. Cheers Emitt.

So sad to learn of his passing in his sleep had this album rip bro thanks for your great music!!!!🥵🇺🇸☮️❤️😹👍

Yes Emmitt is an Icon. I never get tired of listening to him....His music is so beautiful... It would be great if he toured, I'd be the first in line for sure..

Great album. I still have my copy which I bought from E.J. Korvette's in the early '70s. My favorite tune from this collection is "She's Such a Beauty", but the four selected here are a great introduction to ER. Thanks for the memories.

Four best from Emitt? That's a chore. Too many good ones.

Where I lived (DC) in 1971 the rumor was McCartney was tied down with Apple problems, his first solo LP McCartney was not well received, so in '71 he released this under the nom de plume Emmitt Rhodes. And we believed this for a few days, even a week - that's how good Emmitt was. Ironically Paul did release an alias collection that year, covering Ram instrumentally.

Seriously these three songs saved my life when I was real low. Now I am doing a lot better and I love to listen to this still, because it is iconoclastic!

This really brings back memories. The pops and cracks from the LP really send it. I was just a preteen back then and so enjoyed this record. Thank you for putting out there.

Why have I never heard this before??? This guy is BRILLIANT! Thanks for posting!

I love them all; my personal favorite is "You Must Have" Only just discovered Emiit about a couple weeks ago, so I'm still kinda new to him. :P

I'm just amazed that this guy wasn't discovered by the Beatles and put on Apple records, but I guess Apple was over by then.

I have always loved this guy's music. I would play his self titled album over & over. Every song on the album could have been a hit of it's own. Such great memories. But along with that fondness goes some sadness. I am sure that would not have had to do what young artist today are subjected too, so why was he not a major success? He did it all. Singer/SongWriter, played all the instruments, sang back-up & harmony, produced, recorded, . . . And his sound fit right in with the times. And how did Emitt himself feel, knowing that he had it all ? Oh my, I shouldn't dwell on this too long, it reminds me so much of myself.

Thanks for posting. I bought a box set of his about a year or so ago, was very reasonable. It's good to know he's back in the studio again after all these years.

Fresh As A Daisy , best song The Beatles never recorded. This guy was/is a genius. Writes all his own stuff, performs all his own stuff, plays all the instruments . . . Wow !

great album was one of my favorites when it first came out...thanx for putting it on

Four songs? Every track on this album is a 10 out of 10.

I bought the LP at the PX in Germany in 1971, and I play it on the Dual turntable I bought at Ramstein.

I still have this vinyl album from, oh, way back when! Classic 70's music! Thanks for sharing!

A true Talent, Great stuff. Thanks for posting this. Bob

What a truly overlooked and underrated talent! Every bit as creative and melodic as Paul McCartney, IMHO! And, for those who may have noticed, was he ever the cutest hunk to ever hit the airwaves, again, IMHO? Please forgive me if I'm being too unabashedly forward in my praise of Emitt Rhodes...but I truly believe it's all well-deserved!

Love Emitt Rhodes! So great!

Pops and cracks are part of it Emmitt Rhodes did all of the vocals and instruments on this album. A classic!

"Ever Find Yourself Running" is another off this wonderful LP.I have this since 1970(New) and a copy of his next LP "Mirror".Emitt caught my attention with "Live" by his 1967 Merry Go Round tune.A virtual One Man Band.

Emitt was my favorite artist from the early 70's. I hope and pray he is willing to come back from his hiatus to continue sharing his music with his fans.

I was 15 and loved his LP. Lost it over the years…

MRC, thanks, man. I'm hearing this for the first time and I definitely love the first song and can identify with it instantly. So, let me listen to the second song and so on and enjoy....thank you! : )

I just got this LP thanks to you :) I had his LP American Dream but, this one is just as good! Thanks!

Happy 65th Birthday Emitt

Damn difficult to pick 4 songs from this great album.....everything on it is special. I have the One Way CD re-issue from I think the '90's. I would pick probably four different tunes if I had to -- "With My Face On The Floor", "Somebody Made For Me", "Long Time No See", & "You Must Have".....

loved the cover love the music one of the first albums i ever bought

I love this record! He would have been right up there with Jackson Browne and James Taylor if he had continued writing and recording. But, I understand he was crushed by a bad contract.

So glad I found out about this artist on gnoosic, omg! Beauty!

RIP Emitt. And fuck 2020.

played this record over and over in 7th grade- was in love- even wrote a letter to Emitt asking him to come to our school- promised that the auditorium would be full- oh emitt, what you missed!

These 4 are great.... I also just love “Promises I’ve Made."

I have 2 lp's and a CD called Listen, Listen...Best of Emmitt Rhodes. I got the 2 records in a "cut out" bin at a Woolco store in Florida in the 70's. Great stuff, but I don't have a turn table anymore. Thanks for the memories!

Thanx for posting this. I had all my vinyl ripped off in '87 and I had this album and Farewell to Paradise. Can't get them anywhere, like you said. Unless I want to pay a fortune. Which I may end up doing, just to have in my possession again....... ;o)

Rock Hill!! What an album. A masterpiece.

ptowngm: I also bought this when it came out, and also his 2 later albums. He seems to have disappeared after that. Add Philly's WMMR FM to list of stations where he got airplay, but he was unknown then and forgotten now. It's great to hear this again!

Every track on the album 'Emitt Rhodes' is a gem. In time it will eventually establish its true place near the top of the pile, just like Nick Drake did. Is this the right place to be amazed at what a hugely influential band the Beatles were. So many artists built their sound (and careers) around just one of the hundreds of great ideas that the Beatles had.

One of my personal favs.

I have always preferred unknown artist's who sound good, i bought this Album because i had the single Fresh As A Daisy. my intuition has never let me down, The Album still sounds as good now as it did then,

Wonderful album

I was a DJ when "Daisy" came out, and I played it a lot. Picked up his albums and loved them. In the 80s I was at a songwriters event in L.A., standing in a long line to turn in a tape, and there next to me, waiting to do the same, was E.R. He had by this time dropped into near obscurity, and I tried to strike up a conversation, saying I had his albums and admired his work. He wouldn't even give me the time of day. Sad. Hope it was an anomaly; I still enjoy his songs.

I remember this song so well running on the beach.

1) "Live till You Die" 0:00 2) "You Should Be Ashamed" 2:41 3) "Lullaby" 5:17 4) "Fresh as a Daisy" 6:21

I just bought it! Thanks for the info.

Miss you Emitt--you made a DIFFERENCE Brother!!!

thanks to uploader

This album was tracked on an old four track and has layer after layer of tracks. I have his first on vinyl and there is so much tape noise on these songs. These songs are amazing and overall sound is amazing. Love the bass tones and vocals. This album needs a very serious official reissue/remaster.

Well, I'm only dealing with this first album here. These are the four that I wanted to highlight from that album.

Had his vinyl records but finally found him on CD on Amazon.

Oh and another thing I know is he played all the instruments on this album and that's something very few artists have done this, and well of course sir Paul on his first solo record

You take the dark out of the night, you make it day...

I grew up across the country(from CA) in Trenton NJ. My sister an I had 2 Emmit Albums in the 1970's. I had the Mirror Album which I must admit I got from the .99 cent bin at the record store(Hey -I also got the Yes - Tormato album in the .99 cent bin at one time too. lol). It's been a long time since i've heard him. Listening to it now I really appreciate his talent. The songs and melodies are so good. He should have been a big star.

I loved this guy back in the 70's...too bad he never had the recognition he deserved. Beau coup talent.

I am only discovering this artist now, sadly, after hearing of his passing.

i have this album on CD...it is a masterpiece

I was a junior in high school in 1970 when this album and McCartney's first solo album came out, and even then, at 16, it was startlingly clear to me that Emitt's album blew the doors off McCartney's. No comparison possible. I still have the original vinyl for both, but guess which one still gets played?

I was newly in high school..bought this album because he was cute.......loved it.

his music never crossed over into my backwater world!

@popspoptunes - Emitt's Mirror LP came out in 1971 & it was also awesome! - folks just weren't paying attention. I was playing "My Love Is Strong" AND "Birthday Lady" AND "Love Will Stone You" in rotation on my radio show at the Univ. of Maryland during my two years DJ stint, along with earlier cuts from LP #1. "Really Wanted You" & all the other cuts on Mirror are also excellent. His last LP - Farewell To Paradise came out in 1973 after I graduated.

Thanks jan

I used to have his LP with FRESH AS A DAISY on it. Bummer that it's gone now.

Take a look at peter ham ❤️

My favorite Emitt Rhodes song is Promises I've Made

RIP Emitt! 💕🎶💫

Great! My goal of "spreading the word" about this album has officially been accomplished. Fortunately the LP itself isn't terribly rare because it did get pretty high in the album charts; lots of copies were sold. In fact at the store where I found my copy, I was able to choose between two that were there.

Emitt Rhodes...( RIP)🌹

I love Emitt

rest in peace, Emitt... you were a genius

Genius song writer chewed up , spat out by music industry. Seems very bitter but who can blame him for that. Interviews are uncomfortable listening .... Left a great musical legacy.

Great vocalist, instrument player. Don't know why he wasn't a bigger star.

My first instrument was a ( saved from the Nov. 5th bomb-fire ) harmonium reed organ.

Yes, I bought The Emitt Rhodes recordings and for mr it's abSOULutely worth it AS I'm also teaching myself to learn the art of guitar playing.

Love it!! Song writing style similar to McCartney but,his singing reminds me more of someone else,right on the tip of my tongue,maybe Harry Nilsson with someone else thrown in...