Power-Pop Pioneers Raspberries To Release 'Live On Sunset Strip' July 31, 2007

NEW YORK, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Rykodisc) - On July 31, 2007 Rykodisc will release "Live on Sunset Strip," the first live album and first new release in 33 years from the influential power-pop group Raspberries. Recorded live at the Sunset Strip's famed House of Blues in Los Angeles, CA by Grammy award-winning engineer and producer Mark Linett on October 21st, 2005, the performance marks the triumphant return after 30 years of the band's original lineup of Eric Carmen, Wally Bryson, Dave Smalley and Jim Bonfanti.

"As they're running through their hits, and there are quite a few, everything from 'Tonight' to 'Let's Pretend' to 'I Wanna Be With You'... Last night was a religious experience... I've got to tell you 'Overnight Sensation' was the best live performance I've heard all year. It was SENSATIONAL!" - Bob Lefsetz, The Lefsetz Letter, reviewing the Sunset Strip concert.

"Live on Sunset Strip" will be available in two different versions - the first, a deluxe digipak containing 21 live tracks from the concert on two CDs and a bonus five-song DVD. The deluxe set features all of the band's classic radio hits including "Go All The Way," "I Wanna Be With You," and "Let's Pretend," plus Rolling Stone Magazine's 1974 Record of the Year, "Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)," alongside critically acclaimed fan favorites and covers including a scorching version of The Who's "I Can't Explain." The second version contains 13 of the band's best-known songs. Both packages contain rare photos, special liner notes and hard-to-find lyrics to all of the songs.

Raspberries are considered by many to be the prime architects of the power-pop genre, and are well-known for their legendary live performances. Formed in 1970 by Jim Bonfanti (drums), Eric Carmen (rhythm guitar, keyboards), Wally Bryson (lead guitar), and Dave Smalley (bass), the band released four albums from 1972 - 1974: "Raspberries" and "Fresh" (both released in 1972), 1973's follow-up "Side 3," and the final 1974 release "Starting Over."

"Quick: what undersung band has been cited as a crucial influence by Springsteen, Kurt, Courtney, KISS, Joan Jett, Motley Crue and at least two Sex Pistols? It's the Raspberries, arguably the most influential power-pop group ever to emerge from west of the Atlantic..." - Entertainment Weekly