Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where you’ll find TJ photos and stories that don’t fit into any other categories. It is, as its name says, just for fans — and, hopefully, for fun.
Sir Tom On The Arctic Monkeys
Saturday, June 30th, 2007Don’t forget! Tomorrow 11 a.m. EDT, on VH1. And, for once, the usually loathsome Mirror is nice and correct — they call Tom “a legend.” The post below has a link to the Arctic Monkeys’ version. And check the comments below for more cover suggestions.
TOM’S ARCTIC ROLE!
EXCLUSIVE: Veteran crooner Jones to sing Monkeys hit at Princess Diana concert
30/06/2007.The Mirror 3 am
FIRST it was Dame Shirley Bassey raving about how she liked the Arctic Monkeys.
Now fellow Welsh crooner Sir Tom Jones has spoken about how he loves the lads — and is set to wow the Concert for Diana with a cover of one of their hits.
The legend will perform I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor at the Wembley Stadium extravaganza tomorrow.
Speaking exclusively to 3am, he said: “I’m a massive fan of the band and I felt like doing something different with my set.
“It’s a great song and I wanted to do it as a surprise for the Princess Diana concert. I haven’t been in touch with the lads about it but I hope that they like it.”
Ladies’ favourite Tom trialled the song at Sir Elton John’s White Tie & Tiara Ball at his home in Old Windsor, Berks.
We heard it and it was something special indeed, receiving a rapturous reception from the starstudded crowd.
He said afterwards: “I thought it went really well — it’s one of my favourite songs and it got a great reaction.”
The Arctics have a massive young following but news of Dame Shirley’s and Sir Tom’s support could broaden that fanbase. At Glastonbury, Dame Shirley thanked the Arctics for covering her staple Diamonds Are Forever before belting it out herself.
A source close to Tom said: “He has watched with interest as the Arctics’ career has taken off and always wondered about doing a Tom-style I Bet You Look Good…
“At first, he thought it was a gamble but then decided to go for it with a full backing band. He has been over the moon with the feedback so far.”
With millions watching the Wembley bash, Tom will be studying the reaction to the cover.
Our source adds: “Depending on the reaction, Sir Tom may even consider releasing it as a single. It really is a very special cover indeed.” We can’t wait to hear it again.
June 30th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
That cover is going to be interesting for sure. In listening to the original, I would have never imagined Tom selecting it for himself. However, the man does have an uncanny knack for choosing seemingly unlikely songs and making them his own. I hope at some point that he will consider covering the New Radicals’ You Get What You Give and Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy. I can hear TJ in those songs. Looking forward to the concert and seeing him sparkle.
June 30th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Speaking of covers, I was watching Jools Holland interview Jack White of the White Stripes a couple of weeks ago. He said Tom had been in touch to talk about doing a version of their song My Doorbell..
Here’s the interview. Go to 5:40.
Here’s Jack performing a version of the song with Jools on the same show.
I’ve always liked the White Stripes’ version of the song and think Tom would be brilliant doing it.
Cheerz!
June 30th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
mharding: Jack White is brilliant. His concept album with Loretta Lynn (yes! Loretta Lynn!) called Van Lear Rose is terrific. Tom would tear up this song, wouldn’t he?
And, Laura, too, is correct…..there’s something about those songs that sound like Tom would do them beautifully.
But, with what we believe will be a kind of blues-y, R&B orientation in the new CD, there’s so much to choose from — even Grandma’s Hands and Git Me Some.
June 30th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
I agree…TJ would do a bang up job with Crazy & My Doorbell. Good to hear any new of new releases from “The Voice!”
June 30th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
I love that Tom not only will perform at this widely advertised concert, but continues to show the world he has is not just rest on his knighthood, nor his arsenal of well known hits, he continues to dazzle music fans from all walks of life, all generations with his knack for picking songs that show case his gift to defying genres. He’ll be seen by such a huge audience.
The posts here are so informative. I’m going to look up the the post about Jack White and word that a new CD is underway. Do we know the title? Will it be released in US? What music is on it?
Thanks for an awesome website and place to learn more from this well designed comment section.
June 30th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Welcome, Kathy: As we’ve noted before, there’s been no formal announcement about a new CD (see our Rumor or Reality page). We have heard it will focus on blues and R & B……and we’re hoping that the healthy US sales for his DVD set serve to convince the powers-that-be to do a full-scale North American release and publicity tour. He deserves it!