Song#: 0027
Date: 01/26/1980
Debut: 82
Peak: 19
Weeks: 16
Genre: Pop
Pop Bits: Tommy James & the Shondells were a hot group in the 60s with major hits like "Hanky Panky" and "Crimson and Clover," but by 1970 the hits stopped and they called it a day. James soldiered on as a solo act and secured at #4 hit with "Draggin' the Line" in 1971. His second biggest solo hit was this one that just made it into the Top 20.
ReduxReview: This was one of those breezy, So-Cal easy rock-country songs that were still hitting the chart. It's a nice enough song, but really quite ordinary. When compared to the Shondell hits or even "Draggin' the Line," this song gets lost.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: The original Shondells broke up soon after their initial recording of "Hanky Panky" only got local attention and nothing more. Later on in 1965 the record was unearthed by a Pittsburgh promoter who had it played at dance parties and on the radio. Black market copies sold all over and the Shondells were in demand. Unfortunately, Tommy James was the sole member left and when he failed to get the rest of the original band together, he quickly hired a local Pittsburgh band, The Raconteurs, to be the new Shondells. They signed to Roulette Records and their hit streak began.
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My mom and dad had a Tommy James and the Shondells record in their (huge) console stereo and we wore it out playing it when we were kids. I am still made very happy when I hear 'Crystal Blue Persuasion' and 'Crimson and Clover.' My mom and I and one of my sisters went to hear him at a casino in Manistee two years ago and it was really a treat. But this song is pretty bad. I give it an 'ugh.'
ReplyDeleteChart Run: 82 - 73 - 62 - 54 - 38 - 34 - 30 - 22 - 20 - 19 - 19 - 21 - 38 - 44 - 91 - 99
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