The Tammys

The Tammys, a Pa girl group where sisters Margaret Owens and Catherine Owens sang with Linda Jones, did three obscure singles in 1963 for the Ascot, United Performers, and Veep brands. They are many remembered for their association with Lou Christie, who helped have them authorized, and who (with songwriting partner Twyla Herbert) made up a few of their materials. “Egyptian Shumba,” their second solitary, is among the weirder woman group novelties, using its ludicrously savage vocals and wavering Middle Eastern melody, a few of which is performed by what appears like a distorted acoustic guitar (though it has been related to a clarinet). Their additional tracks had been in an even more regular, dippy pop/rock and roll style, which range from passable to lackluster. Both edges of most three singles, alongside three unreleased paths, are included on the compilation Egyptian Shumba, which also offers almost twelve Lou Christie tracks through the same era.