More U.K. Obscurities On U.S. Labels: The Riot Squad

THE RIOT SQUAD-Cry Cry Cry/How Is It Done US Reprise 0457 1966

We've previously chronicled prior US single releases by Britain's 60's act The Riot Squad in other entries. Their first US single (their second in England) "I Wanna Talk About My Baby" was discussed here while we wrote about their third and final US single (their fifth in England) here.

Today's entry "Cry Cry Cry", was their second US release issued in April 1966 (it's British counterpart, the band's fourth there, was released in January 1966 as Pye 7N 17041). It holds the distinction of being their first release with the legendary producer Joe Meek at the controls.

Though certainly not the band's strongest release, "Cry Cry Cry" is not so much unlistenable as it is mediocre, especially with The Four Season's like "ieye yei yei's" chorus that's positively grating and the even higher backing vocals. Next!

The flip "How Is It Done"  (titled "How It Is Done" in the UK) kicks off with a heavy Motown influenced bass line and some freaky sax bits that sound Middle Eastern (and much like something Graham Bond was doing at the time).  The key changes and breaks are incredibly soulful but there's something truly freaky in it's delivery that I can't put my finger on.

1966 line up c/o

Both sides are available on the 2003 Sequel records Riot Squad anthology "Jump" as well as Edsel's earlier collection "Anytime".

Hear "Cry Cry Cry":

https://youtu.be/9n6BxIe_Fvo

Hear "How It Is Done":

https://youtu.be/QA0KXPtiri4