The Boney 500: Song #5

[T_Bone0806]

Friday we finished off the album list. Today we begin the final week of the song list.

Today's song is by an artist who has only made one other appearance on either of my lists (although I do like many of their hits). However, this one is and always has been a huge favorite.


5. CRIMSON & CLOVER-TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS (1969)
Album: Crimson & Clover

I first heard this song on my transistor radio in very late 1968. The song grabbed my attention pretty solidly, but the deal was completely sealed
when the part near the end came up. My 11 year-old mind was blown when I heard that weird, otherworldly voice singing "Crimson and Clover, over
and over" (the effect, as I was to learn much later, was created by running a microphone through a guitar amp with the tremelo effect turned up..
the same effect used on the guitar that opens the song). Anyway, as I recall, I immediately bundled up and walked the few blocks to the record
store downtown, purchased it, and scooted back home. For the next couple of hours I proceeded to play that 45 "over and over", undoubtedly driving
anyone else in the house completely mad. To this day it is extremely rare that I will listen to a song TWICE in a row, no matter how much I like it,
so I was obviously obsessed with it. For proof, all you need do is look at that 45, which I still have. It is no longer black vinyl, it is 51 Shades
of Grey, the result of being subjected to a needle more often than Lydia the Tattooed Lady. I still think this song is cool, although I admit that,
contrary to the way I usually feel about edited recordings, I FAR prefer the shorter hit version to the 5 1/2 minute album track. The longer take
just doesn't sound right to me...not surprising, since I probably listened to that 45 about 524,322 times. Hey, it's hard enough to get used to
hearing it without all the snaps, crackles, and pops of my beloved single......

[BackInTex]

Good choice! So much in this song.

[Vandal]

I had this on 45, too! What a great song.

[littlebeast13]

That must be the album version they play on Mecca Radio, because it's also too long and just doesn't sound right.... it takes forever to get to the good part...

I do like this song (Probably my second fave TJ song to "Draggin the Line"), but that didn't stop me from putting the Joan Jett version at #16 on my cover song countdown last year....

lb13

[SportsFan68]

I think Tommy James is great, and my favorite is Mony Mony. I should say MonyMony!!

One of the local bands made a signature song out of it.

[BackInTex]

I think Tommy James is great, and my favorite is Mony Mony. I should say MonyMony!!

My favorite TJ song is Ball of Fire.

[T_Bone0806]

I think Tommy James is great, and my favorite is Mony Mony. I should say MonyMony!!

My favorite TJ song is Ball of Fire.

Ooh that's a good one, too..could've made the list if I expanded it to 400.