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Monday, September 16, 2013

Tommy James – ”Tommy James” (1970)

Today's theme is a pretty fun album. Many of you probably know Tommy James and the Shondells, a band which produced many hits in the late 60's. Who doesn’t remember Crimson And Clover? Excellent pop psychedelia. 1970 Tommy James released his first solo album which feels like a natural extension of the Shondells time, semi psychedelic pop not too inaccessible. If I didn’t know about it, it would be difficult to guess that the second half of the band name was gone, as it sounds pretty much like the creations from the 60s. In this case, it’s not something negative.

Actually, there are really no weak tracks on the album, and the A-side is a string of great songs. The record’s highlight is the opening track on side B, Come To Me. Here, Tommy is joined by a female choir that takes the music to even greater heights, in a chorus that you can’t help but sing along in. The listener is invited to some soulful, fast paced and danceable songs, some slower and more druggy creations and finally, the punky Quicksilver. But Tommy stays constantly within the frame of easy access, groovy songs with nice hooks and a healthy touch of psychedelia.

The album was released on Roulette Records. Apparently it was a front the Mafia used, not least for money laundering. According to Tommy James himself he never got royalties for a sum up to 30-40 million dollars, and at one point he had to leave New York and instead record in Nashville because of an ongoing mob conflict. Tommy didn’t want a bullet in his head, or a resting place in the East River. 2010 he released his autobiography Me, the Mob and the Music, a book Tommy didn’t dare to write until everyone who was deeply involved in Roulette Records were dead.

In any case, this album can be recommended, a fun mix of songs with a distinct Tommy James touch. Of course it's a pretty commercial record, Tommy James and the Shondells were one of the bands that sold most records in the late 60's, and Tommy continues on the same path. Nevertheless, the album is really enjoyable. All the songs clock in at between 3-4 minutes, except Come To Me which is 4 seconds short of the magic 3-minute limit. No mind bending, radio hostile long jams on this record.