Another great example of what Rhino does so well, Anthology brings together no less than 27 of Tommy James and the Shondells' nuggets on one disc. Along with good liner notes from Parke Puterbaugh, who interviewed James extensively (James himself contributes a slew of fun and informative anecdotes about many of the songs) and the usual skilled remastering job, it makes for one heck of a collection. James himself sums up his own appeal best of all: "We were really having fun, and you ca...   [ read more ]

CD $13.26

Tommy James & the Shondells had 14 Top Ten hits between 1966-1969, beginning with "Hanky Panky," recorded for Snap Records in 1963, but not a hit until it was reissued on Roulette Records three years later. This brief collection has the hits, but, unfortunately, not in the original versions. These facsimiles by James are certainly competent renditions of the songs, but there is an intangible spark that seems to be missing. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide

CD $5.68

One of the most flexible units in late-'60s rock, Tommy James & the Shondells could go from teen-oriented power pop to way-out psychedelic experimentation without sounding derivative of anyone or allowing their own identity to become obscured. Generously combining two of their classic albums, Cellophane Symphony and Crimson & Clover, on a single CD, this reissue reminds us just how unpredictable the rockers could be. This was a band that managed to appeal to Beach Boys aficionados as w...   [ read more ]

CD $8.51