Along with his Shondells, Tommy James made an indelible mark on pop music with such bubblegum classics as "Hanky Panky", "Mony Mony" and "I Think We're Alone Now". Resenting the bubblegum label, James shifted towards the psychedelic side with the group's Crimson & Clover album in 1969, which earned them an invitation to perform at Woodstock, which they ultimately and reluctantly declined. The album's title track went to #1 and the third single "Crystal Blue Persuasion" peaked at #2. After releasing two more albums with the Shondells over the next 18 months, James disbanded the Shondells and began a solo career. His first solo single "Draggin' The Line" is today's Song of Summer. It is a true Summer single in that it was released in the Summer (June 1971), peaked in the Summer (August 1971) and always puts HERC in a super groovy Summer mood when he hears it. There are no specific memories attached to the song though HERC does feel an uncontrollable urge to hug a tree when he hears the song.
Released almost two years to the day prior to "Draggin' The Line", the aforementioned "Crystal Blue Persuasion" is another true Summer single. It might even be groovier than "Draggin' The Line" but on this day "Crystal Blue Persuasion" receives runner-up status.
Read Tommy James autobiography if you get the chance. It's a heckuva read.
No comments:
Post a Comment