Pencil Storm received this post from Jim Johnson - drummer extraordinaire of Willie Phoenix, The League Bowlers and The Beatdowns fame, among others - and decided it is perfect to serve as an adjunct to our coverage of the passing of Eric Carmen.

This was a tough one. For me, right up there with Lennon and Petty. Eric Carmen passed away over the weekend. He was 74. I loved Raspberries. For me, they had the perfect blend of Beatles, Beach Boys, and The Who. The could rock with the best of them, yet still write a love song. Man, they had the songs. “Go All The Way,” “Ecstasy,” “I Wanna Be With You,” “Tonight,” “Let's Pretend.”

The teenage boys knew what “Go All The Way” was about. I think the girls did too, but wouldn't admit it. “Let's Pretend,” “Ecstasy,” they weren't about just a little teenage kiss. This was serious make-out music. Believe me, it worked. When I first started playing in Willie Phoenix's band, we both loved Raspberries. If we got to practice early, Willie & I would jam out on Raspberries tunes, just the two of us. Willie knew the power of a good pop song. I got to see two of their reunion shows in 2004. They were soooo great. They could sound just like their records. Not just a close rendition, a note for note exact rendition.

Eric had the voice. The girls loved him, and the songs. And he always had a great haircut. Anyone in a band knows, if you can get the girls to your show, the boys will follow. The Raspberries got them all. They could cover the Beatles better than any Beatles tribute band could hope to do. I saw them do “Ticket To Ride” during their reunion shows, and it was perfect. Rest in Peace, Eric. You were one of the greats.