POP MUSIC REVIEW : Ryder Rolls Along Memory Lane

Most rockers have to be dragged kicking and screaming on to the nostalgia circuit. Mitch Ryder, on the other hand, seemed to be settling prematurely for oldies-icon status during his 45-minute set Sunday at the Palomino. The Detroit vocalist--whose hits with the Detroit Wheels were among the most memorable of the ‘60s for sheer excitement--treated the relatively small audience to a well-selected collection of career highlights.

Ryder had three distinct phases to draw on--the kinetic, R&B-derived; ‘60s hits like “Devil With a Blue Dress/Good Golly Miss Molly,” metal-edged hard rock from the group Detroit (whose one superb album was recently reissued), and the basic, Stones-oriented rock ‘n’ roll that marked his memorable treatment of Prince’s “When You Were Mine.” His version of “Gimme Shelter” built to a thunderous climax after vocalist Marcy Levy jumped on stage to supply wailing high harmonies, and Ryder was backed by a crackling quintet anchored by the ferocious drive of original Detroit Wheels drummer John Badanjek.

So why not more originals and contemporary material? Ryder’s successful handling of “When You Were Mine” indicates he could meet that challenge, and there was sufficient firepower in the band and gritty soul in his voice to generate sparks--given the proper material. But Ryder’s stage patter almost sounded like a Vegas showroom spiel, suggesting that he’s either resigned--or content--to be an oldies attraction. Don’t sell yourself short just yet, Mitch.