Reviews of Tom's Music, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where all the critical reviews of Tom’s music — the new stuff and, if we can find any — older recordings.
That Private Gig Friday Night: Tom At Apple Computer — 3 Songs Including “Winter Wonderland”; Also, A New Review
Sunday, December 21st, 2008
The private party mentioned on this site Thursday that Tom and some of the band played Friday was at Apple Computer in Cupertino, California. The photo of Tom looking smashing in his silver boa is from that event and was taken by John Vink.(Although it wasn’t for that reason they did the gig, you should know that the computer wizardry used in Tom’s show is all Mac, so Apple is quite appropriate. Also, this site is completely Mac-based.)
They performed stuff from the regular show and some holiday stuff, including Winter Wonderland, Run Run Rudolph and, maybe, I’ll Be Home For Christmas.
The two video clips we’re posting here are not by any means good video. They’re blurry and you can’t really see the performance the way it should be seen. BUT! After looking at the essential sameness and slickness of the TV music performances over the last couple of months, seeing Tom connecting with an audience — seeing and hearing an audience screaming with approval — just has to make you smile. And, no, no one is putting down the TV productions. But this is much more rare and it’s terrific fun. It’s like you’re there at the party with them.
Here’s It’s Not Unusual and here’s I’m Alive. Also, a brief chat and Tom singing Winter Wonderland, lyric errors and all — and he always handles those bloopers very well. They’re just fun to hear.
Clearly, all involved were having a blast.
Thanks, Dre
The new review of 24 Hours is below.
Tom Jones — 24 Hours
(S-Curve ***)
Philadelphia Enquirer/December 21, 2008
For all the studly showmanship of his 1960s pop-idol persona, Tom Jones has always been a more than credible singer of vintage R&B and rock. (Check out the DVDs of his 1969-71 variety show, where he went toe-to-toe with the likes of Aretha and Little Richard, and his excellent 2004 album, Tom Jones and Jools Holland.)
24 Hours shows both sides of the Welshman. The first half pushes toward Jones’ Vegas side, with echoes of his old near-kitsch pop hits. Even here, though, Jones’ charm can shine through, and not just on the tasteful We Got Love. The macho strut of Sugar Daddy verges on the ridiculous, except that the 68-year-old Jones seems to be in on the joke (“The older I get, the better I was”).
The second half takes on a more autumnal air, with the music turning toward classic soul. And Jones, acting his age, is up to this mature material, highlighted by a spectacular, Stax-like take on Springsteen’s The Hitter.
- Nick Cristiano
December 21st, 2008 at 8:57 am
Merry Christmas Mr. Jones – now that’s what I call a party to ring in the Holidays
))
December 21st, 2008 at 9:18 am
A peek at this festive party with Mr. Jones is got to get everyone out of any Bah Humbug moods and brings on the holiday spirit.
SEASONS GREETINGS TJ FANS!!!
December 21st, 2008 at 9:49 am
I bet lots of those people went out and got the new CD..and other TJ music, too. Probably a new audience for Tom.
December 21st, 2008 at 11:13 am
Thanks, Ellen, for the video, and I agree that that there are most probably some new TJ fans in Silicon Valley. How fun!
Hey! Was it the lighting, or the picture, but am I seeing a little soft gray in the goatee and hair? Love it, whether it’s intended or not!
Hmmm, the choice is: Tom Jones, or a White elephant gift exchange—which would YOU want at your holiday party????
December 21st, 2008 at 11:37 am
Loved the party footage but I want to point out the reviewer was right and the moderators here have been saying it all along: “Sugar Daddy verges on the ridiculous, except that the 68-year-old Jones seems to be in on the joke (‘The older I get, the better I was’).” That’s what makes the song so special IMHO.
December 21st, 2008 at 2:31 pm
That reviewer is clearly a fan, it’s a nice surpise to see a US journalist mention the album with Jools Holland (since it wasn’t released in the States)
Great little videos also, what a prviiledge to witness a private concert!
December 21st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Dragonlady: Imagine how much more Tom’s recent works would be known had they been released here. But music fans — of Tom Jones or anyone else, for that matter — are aware of what’s going on. Well before official releases here, for example, Amy Winehouse was well-known. It is sad that some of Tom’s best work didn’t get released in the US which, like it or not, is “prestige central” for music. He really deserved that recognition.
December 21st, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Thanks, Ellen & Dre. I’ve got that big smile on my face right now.
December 22nd, 2008 at 8:05 am
I think this pic shows that we might be guilty of overlooking how very handsome the talented Mr. Frank Strauss is at the keyboards!