Excellent
William R. Nicholas | Mahwah, NJ USA | 10/15/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Why these guys were not in the top 40 in 1969 and 1970 is a mystry to me. The Clique does the same melodic pop that Tommy James crafted with the Shondells.
Many call this sunshine pop-but suger comes to my mind. The same light beats, happy melodies and farfissa organ used by Tommy himself.
Hats off to these guys: they stuck to a working formula, and never went too far right like Gary Pucket or to a lesser degree, the Partrige Family. These may be silly little love confections, but the Clique keeps the music sharp and lean, almost proto-new wave for its ecconomical arrangements.
Gimme that sunshine. Gimme that sugar."
If you like Tommy James & the Shondells you'll like this com
Patrick M. Kadas | Portland OR USA | 10/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"SUNSHINE POP BAND REVIEW: The Clique [Beaumont, Texas] 1969-1970.
I picked up this CD today used for $8.50 USD at a local music store in Portland Oregon and hit another winner.
I was familiar with their only hit: Sugar On Sunday - The Clique [Beaumont, Texas] - No.22 on 9/20/1969. 7 weeks Top 40 - "AMG Pick. Their ONLY Top 40 hit. Written by Tommy James. A fine example of Sunshine Pop."
But what suprised me was they had some other songs that were up there with the best from that time period.
Example:
Judy, Judy, Judy - 1969 - "Is PURE Three Dog Night. Another Blue-eyed-soul song by this band."
Soul Mates - 1969 - "Good FIRST impression with this Sunshine Pop song."
Superman - 1969 - "AMG Pick. Superman deserves every bit of its acclaim; it's by far the BEST song on the album."
I'm Alive - 1970 - "A NICE number that almost sounds like a GARAGE song. Written by Tommy James."
BOTTOM LINE: If you like Tommy James & the Shondells you'll like this compilation.
The styles range from AM Pop, Sunshine Pop to Bubblegum and if you like those style you could do a lot worse buying something else.
Tommy James penned 3 of the songs and it shows."
Track Listings (21) - Disc #1