Album Review:

The Rivieras have the distinction of having what is widely regarded as the last pre-Beatles American rock song that charted on the Billboard Top 100. ‘California Sun’ was actually a cover of a 1960 Joe Jones song.

Surprisingly not named after its hit, the Let's Have A Party album is a Midwest take on Surf music by a pre-British Invasion garage band with some nice moments. ‘Church Key’ and ‘Rockin Robin’ are especially enjoyable. Everything here is played just about the same - similar groove, similar drum opening, similar staccato organ riff. Obviously, the musical limitations of the band barred the group from achieving any further success. Nevertheless, the Rivieras' 'sound' is distinct and instantly identifiable, thanks to their hit tune.

It’s not all very interesting on its own, but together, Let's Have A Party is an album that’s stronger than the sum of its parts.