The Essentials

by Tommy James & the Shondells

Overview

The Essentials is a fine 11-track introduction to the music of Tommy James & the Shondells. Starting off with the song that made them stars -- the good-time oldies staple "Hanky Panky" -- and ending up with Tommy James' first solo hit, "Dragging the Line," this 12-track collection rounds up the group's hits and spotlights the dual nature of their career. The disc is pretty much split between the good-time frat rock staples that the band began their career with (the dramatic "I Think We're Alone Now," "Mirage," and the guaranteed dancefloor-filler "Mony Mony") and the slightly more psychedelic pop sounds they experimented with (the amazing "Crimson and Clover," "Sweet Cherry Wine," and "Crystal Blue Persuasion"). The cool thing about the band was that their attempts to broaden their sound were just as popular as their simple party songs. That is a rare occurrence in rock; James managed to pull it off by always finding killer hooks and melodies. Just try getting the chorus of "Crystal Blue Persuasion" or "Dragging the Line" out of your head after hearing them. Due to the lack of rarities or unusual tracks, devoted fans of Tommy James & the Shondells don't really need this disc. It is aimed at the casual music fan who wants the hits and only the hits, and on that count it certainly succeeds. ~ Tim Sendra

Product Details

Release Date:	06/04/2002
Label:	Rhino
UPC:	0081227603922
Rank:	2949

Tracks

1. Hanky Panky
2. Say I Am (What I Am)
3. I Think We're Alone Now
4. Mirage
5. Gettin' Together
6. Mony Mony
7. Crimson and Clover
8. Sweet Cherry Wine
9. Crystal Blue Persuasion
10. Ball of Fire
11. She
12. Draggin' the Line

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Tommy James & the Shondells   Primary Artist
Tommy James   Primary Artist,Vocals
Peter Lucia   Drums
Mike Vale   Bass
The Shondells   Vocals
George Magura   Bass,Piano,Vibraphone,Sax (Tenor)
Eddie Gray   Guitar
Ron Rosman   Organ,Piano
Vincent Pietropaoli   Drums,Clarinet,Saxophone

Technical Credits

David McLees   Compilation Producer
Bo Gentry   Producer,Composer,Lyricist,Musician
Steven Chean   Liner Notes
Bob Mack   Composer
Bob King   Composer,Composer
Bill Inglot   Remastering
Karen Ahmed   A&R
Ellie Greenwich   Composer
Ritchie Cordell   Composer,Lyricist,Producer
Jeff Katz   Composer
Gene Krupa   Composer
Jeff Kasenetz   Composer
Hugh Brown   Art Direction
Robert L. King   Composer
Peter Lucia   Composer
Roy Eldridge   Composer
Art Pepper   Composer
Tommy James   Composer,Lyricist
Bruce Sudano   Composer
Bobby Bloom   Composer,Lyricist
Jeff Barry   Composer
Mike Vale   Composer
Naumann   Composer
Paul Naumann   Composer
Eddie Gray   Composer
Thane Tierney   Concept,Project Concept
Sheryl Farber   Editorial Supervision
Richard Grasso   Composer
Steven P. Gorman   Photo Research
W. Wilson   Composer
Jerry Kasenetz   Composer
John Heiden   Design,Art Direction
Marc Salata   Product Manager
Glen Nakasako   Design
Woody Wilson   Composer
Sonny Boy Williamson II   Composer