― David Allen (David Allen), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:14 (twenty years ago) link
― jody (Jody Beth Rosen), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:17 (twenty years ago) link
― Josh in Chicago (Josh in Chicago), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:17 (twenty years ago) link
― scott seward (scott seward), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:17 (twenty years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:18 (twenty years ago) link
― Tom May (Tom May), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:21 (twenty years ago) link
― scott seward (scott seward), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:24 (twenty years ago) link
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=UIDSUB020402181625592986&sql=A4kqpg44ttv8z
― scott seward (scott seward), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:34 (twenty years ago) link
― jody (Jody Beth Rosen), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:35 (twenty years ago) link
― Fritz Wollner (Fritz), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:36 (twenty years ago) link
― scott seward (scott seward), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:39 (twenty years ago) link
― maypang (maypang), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 21:43 (twenty years ago) link
― fact checking cuz (fcc), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 22:27 (twenty years ago) link
― fact checking cuz (fcc), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 22:29 (twenty years ago) link
Look at the way they don't build directly to the chorus, and they have one weird part where it's just the bass going back and fourth between two notes.
― David Allen (David Allen), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 22:34 (twenty years ago) link
and a lot of great songs of that era had cool little bass or drum or whatever breaks. but that was part of the classic songwriting and arrangement style of the day.
i think it's an absolutely fantastic song. i just don't find it weird.
― fact checking cuz (fcc), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 22:41 (twenty years ago) link
― Ben Boyer (Ben Boyer), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 22:50 (twenty years ago) link
(Did I say that last time? I think someone else did.)
― Rockist Scientist, Wednesday, 18 February 2004 22:53 (twenty years ago) link
― Colin Beckett (Colin Beckett), Wednesday, 18 February 2004 22:56 (twenty years ago) link
― Tom May (Tom May), Thursday, 19 February 2004 00:42 (twenty years ago) link
― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Thursday, 19 February 2004 01:04 (twenty years ago) link
― Rockist Scientist, Thursday, 19 February 2004 01:31 (twenty years ago) link
― cinniblount (James Blount), Thursday, 19 February 2004 01:34 (twenty years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 19 February 2004 01:35 (twenty years ago) link
― cinniblount (James Blount), Thursday, 19 February 2004 01:37 (twenty years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 19 February 2004 01:37 (twenty years ago) link
― cinniblount (James Blount), Thursday, 19 February 2004 01:38 (twenty years ago) link
― Jim Robinson (Original Miscreant), Thursday, 19 February 2004 01:40 (twenty years ago) link
everyone always forgets "Baby baby I can't take it no more" and "Sweet cherry wine."
― billstevejim, Thursday, 19 February 2004 07:00 (twenty years ago) link
― Dadaismus (Dada), Thursday, 19 February 2004 11:51 (twenty years ago) link
― My Huckleberry Friend (Horace Mann), Thursday, 19 February 2004 14:44 (twenty years ago) link
― Burr (Burr), Thursday, 19 February 2004 14:45 (twenty years ago) link
― Fritz Wollner (Fritz), Thursday, 19 February 2004 15:07 (twenty years ago) link
― Dadaismus (Dada), Thursday, 19 February 2004 15:08 (twenty years ago) link
― Fritz Wollner (Fritz), Thursday, 19 February 2004 15:10 (twenty years ago) link
― My Huckleberry Friend (Horace Mann), Thursday, 19 February 2004 18:01 (twenty years ago) link
― Hurlothrumbo (hurlothrumbo), Thursday, 19 February 2004 19:18 (twenty years ago) link
― My Huckleberry Friend (Horace Mann), Thursday, 19 February 2004 19:19 (twenty years ago) link
― Sterling Clover (s_clover), Thursday, 19 February 2004 19:24 (twenty years ago) link
― Broheems (diamond), Thursday, 19 February 2004 19:32 (twenty years ago) link
Of course, "Mirage" is just "I Think We're Alone Now" backwards - so conceptual geniuses into the bargain
― Dadaismus (Dada), Friday, 20 February 2004 14:15 (twenty years ago) link
― Chris V (Chris V), Friday, 20 February 2004 14:17 (twenty years ago) link
― Ned Raggett (Ned), Friday, 20 February 2004 14:26 (twenty years ago) link
― My Huckleberry Friend (Horace Mann), Friday, 20 February 2004 14:46 (twenty years ago) link
Brought an old mix CD to the gym today, found a Tommy James and Shondells triptych at the end:
"Sweet Cherry Wine""Love's Closin' in on Me""Sugar on Sunday"
and my god, they made the elliptical machine almost tolerable. Totally, positively, classic.
― j.e.r.e.m.y (x Jeremy), Monday, 26 July 2004 22:26 (twenty years ago) link
― Rickey Wright (Rrrickey), Monday, 26 July 2004 23:11 (twenty years ago) link
I'm going to download C + C right now.
― derrick (derrick), Monday, 26 July 2004 23:21 (twenty years ago) link
― eddie hurt (ddduncan), Monday, 26 July 2004 23:46 (twenty years ago) link
― Joseph McCombs, Tuesday, 27 July 2004 01:47 (twenty years ago) link
― Myonga Von Bontee (Myonga Von Bontee), Tuesday, 27 July 2004 08:06 (twenty years ago) link
Their narrative is amazing, going from basically being the Kingsmen (who had a similar thing happen with "Louie Louie"), become early Bubblegum kingpins before reaching from (and attaining!) Psych cred with "Crimson and Clover", getting Hubert Humphrey to write liner notes and turning down Woodstock before burning out mightily in '70.
― Making Plans For Sturgill (C. Grisso/McCain), Saturday, 23 June 2018 02:27 (six years ago) link
That Wikipedia article also says
In 2009 James and the surviving Shondells, Gray, Vale and Rosman, reunited to record music for a soundtrack of a proposed film based on James' autobiography, Me, the Mob, and the Music, released in February 2010. The group still gets together from time to time for special video/TV events and nostalgia shows.
― Uncle Redd in the Zingtime (James Redd and the Blecchs), Saturday, 23 June 2018 02:32 (six years ago) link
Aargh. Ron Rosman, one ‘s’
― Uncle Redd in the Zingtime (James Redd and the Blecchs), Saturday, 23 June 2018 02:48 (six years ago) link
finally ordering that autobio
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Saturday, 23 June 2018 15:00 (six years ago) link
You will not regret it
― Uncle Redd in the Zingtime (James Redd and the Blecchs), Saturday, 23 June 2018 19:03 (six years ago) link
and turning down Woodstock before burning out mightily in '70.
We were in Hawaii, and my secretary called and said, ‘Yeah, listen, there’s this pig farmer in upstate New York that wants you to play in his field.’ That’ s how it was put to me. So we passed.”
― Montgomery Burns' Jazz (Tarfumes The Escape Goat), Saturday, 23 June 2018 19:33 (six years ago) link
Thread delivers
― mind how you go (Ross), Sunday, 24 June 2018 14:35 (six years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYhruUQpr7k
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Monday, 25 June 2018 01:58 (six years ago) link
i like this song too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lke1pCmYFCU
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Monday, 25 June 2018 02:29 (six years ago) link
"I like the way you hold my hand, it lets me know that you understand"
this line always sounded so Rolling Stones to me
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Monday, 25 June 2018 02:34 (six years ago) link
I's say classic. Also, anyone else find it weird that three '80s pop stars each had huge hits covering different Tommy James songs?― Josh in Chicago (Josh in Chicago), Wednesday, February 18, 2004 4:17 PM (fourteen years ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Monday, 25 June 2018 02:35 (six years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZvNJ1UnR0I
when Joan Jett and the Cramps cover your songs
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Monday, 25 June 2018 02:40 (six years ago) link
Spotted this at the record show today, passed as it was late and priced like $10 (this is the LP w/"Draggin' The Line"--which was advertised with a large hype sticker still attached)
https://images.eil.com/large_image/TOMMY_JAMES_CHRISTIAN%2BOF%2BTHE%2BWORLD-516301.jpg
― Making Plans For Sturgill (C. Grisso/McCain), Monday, 25 June 2018 02:54 (six years ago) link
waow
― Squeaky Fromage (VegemiteGrrl), Monday, 25 June 2018 03:04 (six years ago) link
I know, right? You can see the sticker HERE. I like how it screams "It's not all xtian gobbledygook! The song you like is on here!"
― Making Plans For Sturgill (C. Grisso/McCain), Monday, 25 June 2018 03:22 (six years ago) link
would kill for a Prince cover of "Crystal Blue Persuasion"
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Monday, 25 June 2018 03:26 (six years ago) link
picked up the "Christian of the World" today. its very much in that mode of back-to-the-roots country rock everyone was doing around then. im halfway through the first side and "Dragging the Line" is definitely the standout. they always nail the arrangements w these singles. there is that palm muted guitar again, and the droney organ.
there is the strong Philly soul reference throughout that is always there w Tommy James, which makes a great fit for this occasionally psychedelic gospel rock. some of the tracks remind me of All Things Must Pass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t9hxTZsv2U
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Saturday, 14 July 2018 21:04 (six years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqmI7_jkqB8
"Light of Day" is pretty cool. another song Prince should cover.
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Saturday, 14 July 2018 21:05 (six years ago) link
might be a little late
― Screamin' Jay Gould (The Yellow Kid), Saturday, 14 July 2018 21:06 (six years ago) link
love the singing in the chorus of "Silk, Satin, Carriage Waiting".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFsVcQNNrac
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Saturday, 14 July 2018 21:26 (six years ago) link
been reading the book. it's an amazing story. i like how the success of the "California Sun" cover by peers the Rivieras prompted him to do their own cover and make "Hanky Panky" theirs. they had only heard "Hanky Panky" as covered by friends of theirs, rather than the original track which they never heard. so when the time came to record it, they had to make up lyrics.
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Tuesday, 17 July 2018 17:20 (six years ago) link
someone finally uploaded one of my faves. the final song on midnight rider, "keep it in the groove." bad rip but gives the idea.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlcuqzjcKdY
― andrew m., Tuesday, 17 July 2018 19:02 (six years ago) link
i finished the book today. wow. that was crazy. im a bit sad it is so short, less than 300 pages and only really covers through the 60s (his post-60s career is a few paragraphs). "One helluva ride" it promises and damn it certainly is that.
it is crazy how his career intersected with these mob wars in New England in the late 60's/early 70's. his manager/label boss/etc Morris Levy was this legendary gangster label boss who never paid anybody but ran like a million rackets, from bootlegging records to inventing cutouts/Greatest Hits with one new song vinyl. there was payola, there was accounting fraud, he knew people in the mob, people that The Godfather and The Sopranos are based on. Fat Tony would hang out at his place. it was the Sopranos running a record label.
Tommy James was basically living week-to-week, every time he had a hit the question was "where's the next song?" it was a single-based strategy. Bo Gentry and Ritchie Cordell (who wrote "I Think We're Alone Now") were his writers (Tommy James kind of being abusive towards them in parts but he is pretty honest in him being a horrible person at times fwiw) the book has some cool stories of them making up songs in their place at 888 Eighth. the Cowsills were friends and would stay there, apparently the father was an alcoholic so Tommy's would be a place they could hang out to escape alcoholic abuse. Tommy did pills and pot and stuff but stayed away from acid and the heavier stuff. he ends up going to rehab, the famous Betty Ford Clinic, and staying sober and productive, finally finding success with a third marriage. then Billy Idol, Tiffany, and Joan Jett find success (1987 is a great 30th anniversary). unfortunately his longtime frenemy Morris Levy gets caught killing a record retailer during an FBI investigation of MCA.
i love reading about them making "Mony Mony", it sounds like a tape editing Frankenstein's monster of a recording, them putting on all these layers and different instruments and copying loops. then they are writing lyrics and looking for something like Bonie Marony or Woolly Bully or Sloopy and go up on the roof for a smoke and they look out and see a neon sign MONY MONY MONY (with the $ in the O) on the Mutual of New York building. he says it was a sign from God.
the long version of "Crimson & Clover" was actually edited together from a first shorter version of it, and part of the song is played at a different speed, and it has always bugged him, cos they were in the middle of mixing and he brought the tape to a radio station, had let them play it, and they ended up taping it and playing it, letting it out into the world early. it seems like he had to deal with that kind of stuff constantly, just no control. one time his label boss had to disappear for 6 months due to mob wars and Tommy James took his lawyer to all the printers they had used for record labels. as in, the labels themselves. all the accountants a the label, all the record plant people, were bought off, and would not divulge any information. they found out he owed them $40 million dollars. i don't think he ever got this but i am not sure. it is definitely an interesting relationship, the guy was clearly using him, yet he also helped him out, he made him a star, got him on tv, promoted the heck out of him, and also been a friend in many ways. at one point he reminds Tommy that his records would be worth more if he was dead, and it's somehow a touching moment. after "Mony Mony" comes out his draft card comes in and Levy gets him out of that, which is like, he just saved his life.
amazing book! i want to get all of the records now.
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Sunday, 5 August 2018 02:20 (six years ago) link
one of the highlights was a party they were having to celebrate Levy's return from that 6 months of hiding out. it was right when "Crystal Blue Persuasion" came out, and Tito Puente (also on Roulette) was covering the song at this crazy party.
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Sunday, 5 August 2018 02:25 (six years ago) link
Lots of people worked with that guy. I seem to recall some story of the Basie band recounting a water pistol fight with that guy whilst on tour, hiding behind the buses.
― Suspicious Hiveminds (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 5 August 2018 06:59 (six years ago) link
Some of the Latin labels were started by George Goldner but then when he had a bad day at the track he had to sell them to Levy.
― Suspicious Hiveminds (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 5 August 2018 07:00 (six years ago) link
There's some good stuff in the Seymour Stein book about Goldner and Levy. The Red Bird label was also handed over by Goldner (after Leiber & Stoller relinquished their interest) to Levy, which effectively ended the label. As Stein was a Red Bird employee, this is essentially what led to Stein forming the Sire label.
― Josefa, Sunday, 5 August 2018 15:50 (six years ago) link
an interesting side story they get into was that Levy was the guy who owned the Chuck Berry copyright who sued John Lennon over "Come Together" and when he won made John cover other songs he owned on the "Rock n Roll" record. and then he printed his own bootleg version of the record called "Roots". LOL this guy was an epic hustler.
― Hazy Maze Cave (Adam Bruneau), Sunday, 5 August 2018 15:52 (six years ago) link
I met somebody about once who I knew was involved in Red Bird and so I mentioned the name of the label and he said “You want to know about THAT?” and that was the end of that line of questioning.
― Suspicious Hiveminds (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 5 August 2018 15:57 (six years ago) link
I thought Leiber and Stoller relinquished only after it was already effectively a done deal.
Don't know the details but it sounds like it was it was all done as one big deal simultaneously. Leiber & Stoller accepted a symbolic $1 to get out of it.
― Josefa, Sunday, 5 August 2018 16:02 (six years ago) link
Think the most detailed version of the story I read was in Josh Alan Friedman’s Tell the Truth Until They Bleed but I don’t have a copy. It’s also discussed in Leiber and Stoller’s Hound Dog.
― Suspicious Hiveminds (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 5 August 2018 16:07 (six years ago) link
At some point there was a merger floated between Atlantic and Red Bird by the two Jerrys Leiber and Wexler but this made Ahmet Ertegun a little suspicious and Goldner as well as Red Bird’s lawyer, Lee Eastman, put the kibosh on it.Thought the eventual new partner in Red Bird was someone like Morris Levy but wasn’t actually him.
― Suspicious Hiveminds (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 5 August 2018 16:26 (six years ago) link
Or maybe he came along a little later, after Jerry and Mike were already gone.
― Suspicious Hiveminds (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 5 August 2018 16:36 (six years ago) link
Ah, I see the story is recounted in a bit more detail in Ken Emerson's Always Magic in the Air. Jerry and Mike had started to get nervous about possible leverage mobsters might have over Goldner and the chance that some unknown mobsters might suddenly become partners in Red Bird through him. They took the initiative and sold out to Goldner for a buck (announced in Billboard April 1966). Doesn't say what happened after Goldner gained total control, just that "Goldner made short work of Red Bird, which quickly collapsed."
The would-be Atlantic merger you mention was basically Jerry and Mike's attempt to "drive out" or "control" Goldner, whom they didn't trust.
― Josefa, Sunday, 5 August 2018 17:28 (six years ago) link
Yes. In Hound Dog Jerry says he was called into a surprise meeting in a deli on Broadway with one of George’s friends ( who is named in that Josh Alan Friedman book) and then discussed the situation with his father-in-law and one of his father-in-law’s friends, a Rothschild, who both hinted that he should sell.
― Suspicious Hiveminds (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 5 August 2018 17:45 (six years ago) link
Sorry to be such a nerd about this. The most detailed version is truly frightening, partly by its nature partly because Jerry Leiber is such a good storyteller.
― Suspicious Hiveminds (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 5 August 2018 19:23 (six years ago) link
lord knows i'm a lazy, unfocused poster, with many unfinished projects and half-assed, un-submitted ballots
but this would be a great discography for a listening thread imo
― budo jeru, Wednesday, 22 June 2022 01:28 (two years ago) link
YES, I would be so down for that. They're one of those "holy shit, they did THAT song too??" bands, like the Isley Brothers or...Manfred Mann comes to mind, but I know there are many better examples out there. But it's definitely worth digging deep beyond the singles for TJ & Shondells
― J. Sam, Wednesday, 22 June 2022 01:47 (two years ago) link
otm
― terminators of endearment (VegemiteGrrl), Wednesday, 22 June 2022 02:12 (two years ago) link
Dragging the Liiiiiiiiine
― Slowzy LOLtidore (Neanderthal), Wednesday, 22 June 2022 02:27 (two years ago) link
in xpost Hound Dog, the Lieber & Stoller joint autobio, they came to treasure Goldner as they realized that he had "the musical taste of a 14-year-old girl," and could always tell them just what a song needed a little more or less of--and if he liked it right away, with no changes needed---! He was a shy, studious-looking fellow, yet always beautifully tailored, like the financial genius with a modest office in an august firm, City of London more than Wall Street. But they also came to realize that he was a zombie gambler in a bottomless pit---realizing it when pulled into that little xpost meeting, and also when they heard two goodfellas moving furniture around in the next room, talkin' 'bout how it would be a nice place for meetin's. So yeah, sold him Redbird for a dollar, got the hell out.
― dow, Wednesday, 22 June 2022 02:33 (two years ago) link
Getting past the most obvious choices, here's Celebration: Complete Roulette Recordings 1966-1973. Don't know this label, Grapefruit, or how it might sound, but 40 bucks for a 6-CD import, so hey George Goldner might we;; be right about a chance worth taking, in this instance:https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71+0Cd-C--L._SL1200_.jpg
etween 1966 and 1973, Tommy James issued thirteen albums on Roulette either as a solo performer or with The Roulettes. All of these recordings now appear on this definitive 6-CD set. This includes "Greatest Hits" or "Best Of" albums which of course duplicated tracks from regular albums. These tracks have been left in their respective original albums. Although these albums have all appeared on CD reissues at various times over the years, this is the first box set to gather together all of the recordings in one set. In addition, there is the bonus of all of the recordings that never featured on the original LPs. Some of these tracks are making their CD debut within this collection. The 141-track box set features 16 tracks that were only ever released on 45s or were previously unissued until earlier compilations were released on CD. Produced by Bob Fisher whose detailed essay covers the entire history of the group with quotes by Tommy James from his biography and the notes to previous reissues. The booklet includes details of all of their chart achievements in the USA and the UK along with numerous reproductions of advertisements, reviews and news stories from music industry magazines. Designed by Michael Robson and mastered by Simon Murphy this is the definitive collection of Tommy James & the Shondells tracing their career from garage and bubblegum pop band through career defining psychedelic albums into Tommy James solo years as an introspective singer/songwriter. Disc One contains the first two albums "Hanky Panky" and "It's Only Love" plus the non- album B-side of the 'Hanky Panky' 45 and six titles previously unissued which made their first and only appearance on a long deleted 1997 CD set. Disc Two contains the albums "I Think We're Alone Now", "Something Special" and "Getting Together". Disc Three features 'Mony, Mony'. Their first and only UK No 1 single and the album titled after that hit alongside their classic psychedelic album, "Crimson & Clover" and the 45 version of the title track. Disc Four presents their second career defining psychedelic album "Cellophane Symphony" including the long version of the title track and a track from the album sessions, 'Contact', only previously released on the aforementioned 1997 compilation. Disc four also features the one track on the album "The Best of Tommy James & The Shondells" that hadn't been on an album before, 'Ball of Fire' and the first seven titles on "Travellin'" the last Tommy James & The Shondells album. Disc Five opens with the continuation of the "Travellin'" album with it's last three tracks before moving on to the first Tommy James solo albums "Tommy James" and "Christian Of the World" which features his last major hit single, 'Draggin' the Line'. Disc Six concludes the box with his last album for Roulette, 1971's "My Head, My Bed and My Red Guitar" his country -rock album co-produced in Nashville with Pete Drake and featuring such legendary country sidemen as Scotty Moore, D. J. Fontana, Charlie McCoy, Buddy Spicer and others.
― dow, Wednesday, 22 June 2022 02:49 (two years ago) link
Seems like Tommy and the ex-Shondells went in pretty much the same musical directions, judging by quotes from Mike Vale and others here---also has YouTube links:
In 1971 the mega-hit group, Tommy James and The Shondells disbanded. The Shondells went on to form Hog Heaven This pg is a tribute to them and their music.
― dow, Wednesday, 22 June 2022 02:58 (two years ago) link
this is still hilarious
and turning down Woodstock before burning out mightily in '70.To be fair, this is how Woodstock was presented to him: We were in Hawaii, and my secretary called and said, ‘Yeah, listen, there’s this pig farmer in upstate New York that wants you to play in his field.’ That’ s how it was put to me. So we passed.”― Montgomery Burns' Jazz (Tarfumes The Escape Goat), Saturday, June 23, 2018 12:33 PM (three years ago) bookmarkflaglink
To be fair, this is how Woodstock was presented to him:
― Montgomery Burns' Jazz (Tarfumes The Escape Goat), Saturday, June 23, 2018 12:33 PM (three years ago) bookmarkflaglink
― that's not my post, Wednesday, 22 June 2022 04:37 (two years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyQiJKY7NpM
― an icon of a worried-looking, long-haired, bespectacled man (C. Grisso/McCain), Wednesday, 22 June 2022 05:01 (two years ago) link
^Immortal masterpiece, perfect 60s primetime psychedelic visuals in that clip. Though as much as I love "Crimson and Clover", "Crystal Blue Persuasion" will always be my #1 TJ song; that main chord progression (Amaj9, Bm7, repeat) is so beautiful, gives me chills. It's the kind of chord progression you hear in soul music of the era way more often than in rock. And since it's just back-and-forth between two chords, it exudes a calm, elegant simplicity.
― J. Sam, Wednesday, 22 June 2022 15:20 (two years ago) link
Also I'm currently hearing TJ's wacky 1995 concept album A Night In Big City (An Audio Movie) for the first time. The liner notes on his official website sum it up better than I can:
Talk about a concept album...Tommy pulled out all the stops on this one - a blend of music and theater reminiscent of an earlier time when the music business had a lot more imagination and fun. On this make believe trip through "Big City" (New York), Tommy and his group, along with the listener, are given the key to the city, a private limousine, and a voluptuous female driver who takes them on the ride of their life.The album, produced by Tommy and long time friend and arranger Jimmy Wisner, contains 11 great new tracks including sparkling remakes of "I Think We're Alone Now" and "Tighter, Tighter" interspersed with dialogue and sound effects and a comic book style, story guide to help follow the action.This is Tommy James at his creative best. From "Give It All", a hard, up-tempo alternative rocker, to the dreamy "Who Do You Love" to "Megamation Man", a chilling glimpse into the demonic New World Order.One would have to go back to the CELLOPHANE SYMPHONY album or perhaps TRAVELIN' to find anything remotely as daring or progressive.
The album, produced by Tommy and long time friend and arranger Jimmy Wisner, contains 11 great new tracks including sparkling remakes of "I Think We're Alone Now" and "Tighter, Tighter" interspersed with dialogue and sound effects and a comic book style, story guide to help follow the action.
This is Tommy James at his creative best. From "Give It All", a hard, up-tempo alternative rocker, to the dreamy "Who Do You Love" to "Megamation Man", a chilling glimpse into the demonic New World Order.
One would have to go back to the CELLOPHANE SYMPHONY album or perhaps TRAVELIN' to find anything remotely as daring or progressive.
First impression is that the between-song dialogue is extremely cringe (maybe approaching so-bad-it's-good territory), but at least a couple of the songs are improbably good--"Baby Tonight" is a legit new jack swing song with a banging chorus, and "Give It All" is some decent power pop/heartland rock. "Megamation Man" is some Styx-tier dystopian cheese. There's also an unnecessary Mellencampified remake of "I Think We're Alone Now". Mostly I'm just appreciating that he conceived and executed such a bizarre and ambitious project in the mid 90s, even if it's deeply flawed.
― J. Sam, Wednesday, 22 June 2022 15:56 (two years ago) link
saw him in coney island this summer and he was kinda great. he was headlining a straight-up oldies bill, and the average age of the crowd was easily over 50. first up, johnny maestro and the brooklyn bridge ("worst that could happen") did their name proud with some nice singing over pedestrian bar-band arrangements. next up, jay black simply can't sing anymore -- i mean, really really really has no vocal skills whatsoever -- and he knows it and he spent 70 percent of his stage time telling stories and cracking jokes, which he's damn good at. dude is hilarious. he too had the pedestrian bar-band oldies lounge thing behind him. then they cleared the stage for tommy & the shondells, who came out with marshall stacks, leather pants, long hair, etc., and who were a mix of old guys and one or two young ringers who look like they play in wooden shjips in their spare time. they turned up the volume from roughly three to roughly 12, scared more than a few 60- and 70-year-olds out of the venue, sang every song you could legitimately expect to hear (i.e. most of their rhino anthology, including "mirage," "ball of fire" and other faves from this thread), and quite legimately rocked. when oasis tour the oldie circuit in 2035, i imagine they will sound similar, and i will be ok with that, though they won't be as good.― fact checking cuz, Saturday, December 29, 2007 6:41 PM (sixteen years ago) bookmarkflaglink
― fact checking cuz, Saturday, December 29, 2007 6:41 PM (sixteen years ago) bookmarkflaglink
― Charlie Hair (C. Grisso/McCain), Monday, 30 September 2024 15:24 (two weeks ago) link
haha ok i was off by 10 years, but i stand by everything else.
― fact checking cuz, Monday, 30 September 2024 16:16 (two weeks ago) link