S.O.D. "Get Ready" by Rare Earth

10/23/2015     I'm going with the Rare Earth version simply because it rocks harder.  Written by Smokey Robinson (check out his accomplished career), a producing and song writing force for Motown in the early to mid 60s, it was first recorded and released as a single in 1966 by The Temptations.  This version topped out at #29 on the U.S. R&B Singles chart.  It was then covered by a number of artists including The Supremes, Dusty Springfield, and Ella Fitzgerald of which was her last charting single.

     Rare Earth decided to give it a go in 1969 with a hard rock/blues rock edge.  This rendition ranked at #20 on the R&B chart and shot to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  It was their first recording for Motown and released in 1970.  It was certified Gold and takes up a whole side of their album of the same name.  In concert, each member performs a solo, taking around 20-22 minutes to complete.

     Detroit, Michigan is the band's origin, beginning in 1960 as The Sunliners and changing to Rare Earth in 1968.  They were a 5 piece group in 1970 when "Get Ready" was released.  In all they have released 34 albums and 19 singles, with many in the Top 40.  Their first record label, Rare Earth, was named after the band.