The Rivingtons - Papa Oom Mow Mow

Riveting Rivingtons’ Liberty years

The Rivingtons have a rich history in many ways: They had previously recorded as The Lamplighters, The Sharps, The Tenderfoots and The Crenshaws, from as far back as 1954, and were proficient in the R&B styles that grew through the later 50s. This collection, from their tenure at Liberty in 1962/64, is their best known, with manic comedic vocal hits Papa Oom Mow Mow and The Bird’s The Word that followed the novelty of groups such as The Marcels.

Never forgetting they had a rich history to draw upon, their flips often involved some wonderful ballads in either throwback doo wop veins or as emotional outpourings that anticipated later deep soul stylings. Notable with the latter is Deep Water, worth the price of admission alone, the doo wop-ish I’m Losing My Grip, or their great cover of The Jive Bombers’ Cherry. For those who like their blubbering bass voice shenanigans, there are plenty of enjoyable variations on the theme here, but the real lasting gems are in their ballad Bsides, where they show that they were years ahead of their time.

Shout | 35

Reviewed by Kingsley Abbott
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