Song #173 - "Poor Side Of Town" - Johnny Rivers

Recorded - July 9, 19 and 22, 1966

Released - September 1966

#1 for week of November 12, 1966. 

     One of the most difficult things a singer can do is completely change their established sound. Some may say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". However, this was 1966, a year when many bands and singers started to showcase a more mature and introspective side of themselves. Out of this maturity, we had Johnny Rivers, known for upbeat rock songs, record a self-composed ballad. The result was his first #1, "Poor Side Of Town". 

     Born John Ramistella, Johnny Rivers actually began his music career in the late 1950's. However, it wasn't until 1964 that he achieved massive success with his upbeat live album, Live At Whisky A Go-Go. For the next year and a half, he would record similar "Live" albums, many of which contained covers, and they were all most likely studio recorded with a live audience dubbed in. He also recorded my favorite song of his, "Secret Agent Man", in early 1966. 

     "Poor Side Of Town" completely exorcises his older "Go-Go" style and comes off as more of a soul and R&B influenced ballad. It was actually co-written by Rivers himself and producer Lou Adler. So already, any sincerity in the vocals is mostly coming from Rivers own emotions. Johnny also has quite a unique voice, so if you're hearing this song for the first time, it doesn't come off as a generic soul ballad sung by a generic singer. 

     Besides Johnny's vocals, which are surprisingly well-suited for this song, I really love the bridge, which includes a key change and sounds musically like one of Roy Orbison's hits. My only downside would be the backing vocals, courtesy of R&B group The Blossoms. These backing vocals can at times get a bit too angelic for my taste. However, this is a minor element and it doesn't spoil the whole song.  

     Following "Poor Side Of Town", Rivers spent quite a bit of time being a producer for other artists, most notably The 5th Dimension. He continued to record songs of his own in the 1970's and still performs to this very day. However, it is his music from 1964 through 1966 that remains his most memorable work. 

Final Verdict - Surprisingly good lyrics and a great vocal performance makes "Poor Side Of Town" one of Johnny Rivers' best songs. Despite a few blemishes in the piece, I'd give it my thumbs up. 

        Coming Up Next - "You Keep Me Hangin' On" - The Supremes. 

     Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock and I'm from the poor side of town -