Search - Tommy James & Shondells :: Anthology

The Sixties Essential-The Music Version of Required Reading

R. Barnes | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | 07/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Any sixties collection requires this compilation, which next to one import is the best there is for Tommy James and the Shondells, and priced better than many single greatest hits discs ("essentials" for example).This Michigan band started when he recorded "Hanky Panky" back in 1963 and released on the "Snap" label. At the time he was only 15-16 years old and was a local hit. It was finally picked up for national distribution in 1966 and his first release was also his first number one, ( a great summer for music).All the big hits are here, (Crystal Blue Persuasion, Crimson and Clover, I Think We're Alone Now, and of course Mony Mony), but the nice thing is that it also includes great top 40(not top ten) hits like Doe Something To Me, Out Of The Blue, and Say I Am, and B sides . Even the great underrated album "Cellophane Symphony" is represented with "Loved One" and the classic "Sweet Cherry Wine"."Crimson and Clover" is the single mix, as opposed to the longer version , (which was really spliced together and at two different tape speeds), but represents what we remember on the radio.Their affect on todays music is shown by the artists who have covered their tunes, (Billy Idol-Mony Mony, Clique-Sugar On Sunday, Tiffany-I Thing We're Alone Now, Joan Jett-Crimson and Clover, Dragging the Line-R.E.M.). They still perform today and are well worth the ticket. (They play LOUD).Also included are some solo hits, (Dragging the Line), which is also available on his Solo Greatest Hits Package which is a good addition to this if you like the music.If you like the sixties, a collector, or an Oldies DJ, this Rhino Collection is a must have. The quality of the CD is good, and the price is right Definitely some party tunes here!Good Listening!"

Missing a few things

R. Barnes | 06/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very mixed bag album, it has some of the greatest music ever recorded but they could have made better selections.... however, where else are you going to get bootlegs of Crystal Blue Persuasion (with the trumpets at the end), Do something to Me (Tommy's mix), and the unedited version of Sweet Cherry Wine. But they missed some other great songs, like where's the album cut of Crimson & Clover, Smokey Roads, I'm Alive/Crimson & Clover Reprise, Cellophane Symphony, Making Good Time, Changes and Travelin'. So you might want to get this album, the "Very Best Of" album, and Certainly don't forget the Crimson & Clover Cellophane Symphony double play set, that is only really the only way to have all of their great music."

Solid Collection of Infectious Pop

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 12/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Frat Rock? Garage rock? Bubblegum rock? Call it what you will, but Tommy James and the Shondells put out a string of infectious hits during the second half of the Sixties that are mainstays of classic rock radio stations around the country. And for good reason--these are terrific pop songs! James put out a total of fourteen Top 40 hits between 1966 and 1969 and they're all here along with numerous b-sides and failed singles ("Out of the Blue" barely missed at No. 43, "Get Out Now" only made No. 48, "Somebody Cares" stalled at No. 53, and "Gotta Get You Back" peaked at No. 45). In addition you get James' biggest solo single, "Draggin' the Line." [Historical footnote: James was only 13 when he recorded "Hanky Panky." It was a regional hit in 1963, but through a series of fateful events it would be nearly four year before it became a nationwide No. 1, selling more than a million copies along the way!] Unlike many of his Sixties contemporaries, James succesfully transitioned to the psychedelic era and had his second No. 1 hit with the trippy "Crimson and Clover." If you're a fan of Sixties pop, the 27 songs on this generous single-disc anthology is a must-have for your collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"