Emitt Rhodes: Largely Unknown Pop Genius

If you are a fan of the pop stylings of Alex Chilton, Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson, or Paul McCartney, there's a pretty good chance that you've already heard of Emitt Rhodes. But just in case you haven't, this is your lucky day. The music speaks for itself.

Emitt Rhodes started off as a boy genius in the mid-sixties and has released a pop masterpiece (on which he performed every instrument), but hard luck with the record company killed his career. This article tells the story. His albums are all out of print, but you can find them used or hear them on the web if you look hard enough. It's well worth the effort.

To whet your appetite, here's sample of delicious pop from his self-titled debut masterpiece:

Emitt Rhodes - You Take The Dark Out Of The Night

(try to buy the albums used)

Also, check out this catchy track, which Rhodes composed at the young age of 16:

The Merry Go Round - Live (buy album)

Some of you jangly-eighties fans may remember the Bangles 1984 cover of this tune.