I'm here today to make the case for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame one of the most overlooked, yet covered bands in the history of rock & roll music...Tommy James & The Shondells. Even though they began as a bubble-gum pop band in the early 60's recording the songs of others, by the end of the decade Tommy James had become in his own right one of the top songwriters in the business. James' music underwent a Renaissance Period in the 1980's, being covered by the likes of Joan Jett, Tiffany, & Billy Idol...meaning that he's one rich sumbitch as a result (check that Ritchie Cordell is a rich SOB - read on). Tommy James has the ability to catch your ear in an instant with a catchy hook, and these days no one really knows who the hell he is. Tommy James & The Shondells actually sold more singles in 1968 & 1969 than The Beatles, however. Seriously. That's why we're here at RHT though, so you too can be a know-it-all snob.
1. "Hanky Panky" - 1966. Originally written as a B-Side for another group, The Shondells latched hold as did many garage bands of the day. Interestingly enough, the garage band style erupted as a result of "Hanky Panky's" influence - the song was preceded at #1 by Frank Sinatra's "Strangers In The Night," but followed by "Wild Thing" by The Troggs. The song not only was their first #1 hit, but one of their many iconic tunes. (sorry the video isn't synched well)
2. "I Think We're Alone Now" - 1967. This was during their "bubble-gum" phase, where most of The Shondells songs were written by Ritchie Cordell. You may know the Tiffany version from 1987 better, but I will not show that video on this site lest I have my privileges revoked.
3. "Mony Mony" - 1968. Another Cordell composition, you surely know the Billy Idol version better if you were alive & went to high-school dances during the late 1980's. By the way, nowhere in the Shondells version does "Hey! Hey What? Get laid get f*&#ed!" reverb after every line in the song, I'm quite sure. Another bit of trivia: Idol's version of "Mony Mony" succeed Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now" at #1 in 1987, giving the Shondells two consecutive #1's 20 years after they recorded the originals.
4. "Crimson and Clover" - 1968. The first Tommy James original tune to go to #1...and my personal favorite Shondells song. James experimented in the studio a bit as was all the rage those days of psychedelia, plugging his mic into a guitar amp & flipping the tremelo switch to give the vocals their signature effect. Also covered by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 1981...and I will oblige the video here, because Joan is cool (& smokin' hot).
5. "Crystal Blue Persuasion" - 1969. Another James composition, which is most assuredly about a "medicinal" experience (James claimed he took it from a passage in The Bible), but a very nice, easy melody to just chill out to. I absolutely love it. Covered by Tito Puente, if anyone is still following along...
6. "Draggin' The Line" - 1971. A solo hit for Tommy James, this song just goes to show if you're in doubt as to "who sings that song," guessing Tommy James is always got a better than average shot at being the right answer.
No mention of "Sweet Cherry Wine"? C'MON!!!! Loved TJ & The Shondells, and they should be in the Hall of Fame.
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