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.
Tom Sings “Stagger Lee:” One Blogger’s Opinon, The Song & The “Mars Attacks!” Trailer
Saturday, May 30th, 2009
I have to admit, I agree with this blogger about Tom’s version of the song. But, he should definitely see Tom at the MGM….or anywhere.
Check out She’ll Grow Back, a music blog out of Las Vegas. This week the blogger takes on Tom Jones’ version of Lloyd Price’s great classic Stagger Lee.
You can download the song from the blog.
And, as an added bonus, he links to the trailer for Mars Attacks! What’s better than that?
Plus: If you care, Susan Boyle, Shaheen Jafargholi (and a press-made controversy involving Sir Tom) along with the others on Britain’s Got Talent: Now it’s over. For those not in Britain, see the winner here.
May 30th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Oh those sequined bolero days—to me, those were the years that Tom was the most handsome. Even into his 40′s he was one fine looking fella—and he still is, to this day–one more FINE HUNk of huMANity! YUM YUM YUM————-YUM YUM!
May 30th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Sandy B: Yes, he looks great, but this is from that “awful” (Tom’s word, not mine) Canadian TV series and the looks aren’t at issue here. They blogger is right. This version os the song is kind of blah, if not lame, I think. But I love the Mars Attacks! trailer.
May 30th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I know, I know–but that green sequined bolera just caught my attention more than what the blogger had to say–and of course, I think Tom can do no wrong–everything he sings, to me, is wonderful! And I loved “COAST TO COAST” but then of course, so happy to see Tom on anything.
May 30th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Sandy B: Sorry, I am cursed with objectivity. I know I won’t change your way of thinking, but way back when my kids were in elementary school, a school administrator told me she’d never met anyone as objective about her kids as I. I took that as a compliment and work as a journalist where objectivity is kind of a requirement. Being objective doesn’t mean one doesn’t like the object of the objectivity. It’s just a way of thinking — of stepping back — and, as we’ve often said here, reasonable, constructive criticism and a range of opinions are most welcome.
May 30th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Sir Tom can do so much better and he usually does. Thankfully.
May 31st, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Hi, everyone. I’m the blogger linked above.
I wouldn’t call myself a Tom Jones “fan” especially, but his music is generally enjoyable to listen to, and I bought a CD of his stuff many years ago. (Luckily, not the one with “Stagger Lee” on it; it was a greatest hits.)
For the record, this is by no means the worst version of Stagger Lee ever recorded (and if you check my website, you’ll find that I have a sizable collection of them) — that honor probably goes to either Barry Manilow, or Pat Boone. (Elvis’s 1974 drunken rambling version is terrible, but I can’t hold him responsible considering his mental state at the time.)
My brother and I had discussed seeing the show while we were in town, but in the end decided not to spend the hundred-odd bucks for the two of us.
Ellen, thanks for the link, and for clearing up what this was recorded for — I knew in 1981 it was too late for “This is Tom Jones” but in the limited time I had to write up the blogpost, I couldn’t figure out where the recording came from.