The Rationals
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Defunct | 1970 |
| Headquarters | Ann Arbor, Michigan , United States |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
The Rationals were a rock group originating from Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States.
History
Established in 1964, The Rationals made their initial recording in 1965 with a single released on the local A2 Records label. Following regional success with "Gave My Love," they produced a cover of Otis Redding's "Respect," which earned them national distribution through Cameo/Parkway. This single peaked at #92 on the Billboard Hot 100, although its uneven regional popularity hindered widespread national impact. Later singles such as "I Need You" and "Hold On Baby" found success within Michigan but did not achieve national chart positions. Lead vocalist Scott Morgan turned down an invitation to join Blood, Sweat & Tears. Their only full album was issued by Crewe Records in early 1970, shortly before the group disbanded. Morgan went on to perform with Detroit-based ensembles like Sonic's Rendezvous Band and pursued solo endeavors.
The 1980 song "Get Up And Get Out" by Iggy Pop draws significant inspiration from The Rationals' 1967 single "Leavin' Here," originally written by Eddie Holland and included on the 2009 Goldenlane Records compilation 60s Garage Nuggets.
In 1995, John Sinclair released a live recording from a 1968 benefit concert featuring The Rationals, titled Temptation 'bout to Get Me, and took the title of his book Guitar Army from one of their songs.
The band’s rendition of The Kinks' "I Need You" was featured on the notable compilation Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era, 1965–1968.
Big Beat Records released Think Rational!, a two-disc anthology showcasing The Rationals' mid-1960s output, in July 2009.
In 2010, The Rationals received induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends online Hall of Fame.
Members
- Steve Correll – lead guitar, vocals
- Bill Figg – drums
- Scott Morgan – guitar, vocals
- Terry Trabandt – bass guitar, vocals
Discography
Albums
- The Rationals, 1970
- Temptation 'bout to Get Me, 1995
- Think Rational!, 2009
- The Rationals (Deluxe Edition), 2018
Singles
| Release date | Title | US release | Billboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | "Look What You're Doing (To Me Baby)"/"Gave My Love" | A² 101 | Template:Center |
| 1966 | "Feelin' Lost"/"Little Girls Cry" | A² 103 | Template:Center |
| 1966 | "Respect"/"Leavin' Here" [Version 1] | A² 104 | Template:Center |
| 1966 | "Respect"/"Feelin' Lost" | Cameo 437 | Template:Center |
| 1967 | "Hold On Baby"/"Sing" | A² 105 | Template:Center |
| 1967 | "Hold On Baby"/"Sing" | Cameo 455 | Template:Center |
| 1967 | "I Need You"/"Get The Picture" | A² 402 'B'-side by SRC |
Template:Center |
| 1967 | "Turn On"/"Irrational" | Danby's 125850/1 Promotional copy |
Template:Center |
| 1967 | "Leavin' Here" [Version 2]/"Not Like It Is" | A² 106 | Template:Center |
| 1967 | "Leavin' Here" [Version 2]/"Not Like It Is" | Cameo 481 | Template:Center |
| 1968 | "I Need You"/"Out In The Streets" | A² 107 | Template:Center |
| 1968 | "I Need You"/"Out In The Streets" | Capitol 2124 | Template:Center |
| 1969 | "Guitar Army"/"Sunset" | Genesis No. 1 | Template:Center |
| 1969 | "Handbags And Gladrags"/"Guitar Army" | Crewe 340 | Template:Center |