They were one of the biggest bands of the late ‘70s, and also one of the most maligned. They broke all sorts of sales records with “My Sharona” and Get The Knack, but the critics hated what they saw as a rip-off of the early Beatles. Other bands hated the unprecedented hype, and possibly the fact they weren’t getting a bit of it themselves. They delivered on the promise of the ‘70s power pop movement, but in the process ensured that the ideal of power pop was non grata for decades to come.
The backlash, a rushed second album and poor choices for singles from that album effectively ended the band’s run, but the band kept on keeping on, releasing one more album – some say their best – before calling it a day, and then coming back and releasing more fine music.
But the Knack’s music has stood the test of time. A core of old fans still love the old stuff, and they’re true icons on the power pop underground. ILYOS has come across this fantastic full show, recorded at the height of the band’s success, at New York’s Carnegie Hall. It’s pretty great, and they even throw out a version of “Hard Day’s Night” to the haters.
Check it out, and don’t forget our GO ALL THE WAY: POWER POP’S GREATEST HITS & MISSES for hours and hours of more great ‘60s inspired rock from the ‘70s and beyond.
- DL
