TJ Questions, What's New, Pussycat?
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September Question of the Month: That Song? Those Lyrics?
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009We all have our favorite Tom Jones songs. We also have songs — some by Tom — which we could do without or, as Tangobaby said in the blog posted here yesterday, “I have decided that if I never hear What’s New Pussycat one more time, it won’t be too soon…”
The song I really dislike is She’s A Lady. The song is by Paul Anka, that man who brought us the completely loathsome (You’re) Having My Baby and speaks to a 1950s ideal that, in my view of the real world today — and, even, when Lady was recorded in 1971 — is impractical and, perhaps, insulting. (Yet, to be fair, I do know women who regard that song as their personal TJ song; who fancy he’s singing it directly to them. And, if that’s what one thinks, then I guess there’s nothing wrong with it.) But I wish he’d drop it.
What’s small to me or you may be monumental to others.For example, there’s that lyric in Kiss. One person I know of — who talked of it ceaselessly whenever the subject of Tom’s version of the song come up or whenever she saw it performed — haughtily informed Sir Tom one evening that “even Prince now says, Desperate Housewives instead of Dynasty.” A person with her was absolutely appalled at this and for several months after spoke of the “utter rudeness” of the comment. Sir Tom, to his credit, was totally cool in light of the harshness of the delivery. He just looked at the speaker and said, “So?” She (wisely and correctly) kept quiet from that point on, but that lyric clearly bothers her.
Songs I love include Tom’s rendition of At This Moment; stuff from Matador (A Boy From Nowhere, Dance of Death, particularly); Love Me Tonight, The Anniversary Song; Seasons….well, like anyone reading this site, I could go on and on. I like these because of the grand delivery, the emotions, the fun…..lots of reasons because, thankfully, everything Tom Jones sings doesn’t sound like everything else he sings.
At any rate, the September Question of the Month is: What Tom Jones song or specific lyric do you really like? And/or really dislike? And why? Is it silly? Does it mean something special to you? Have you heard it too often? And so on…..
September 1st, 2009 at 2:58 am
Foe me there is a toss up for the song I like best! The Midnight Hour because that was the first song I heard him sing the first time I saw him back in 1963. I (Who Have Nothing) because I think this is the way Tom started out-with very little.Nothing, comes to mind regarding the song I dislike!
September 1st, 2009 at 5:30 am
For me, I (Who Have Nothing) was always really high on the list for its emotion and the way it was delivered. What’s New Pussycat was always low on the list for its silliness and melody. Plus the silly make believe dance Tom does on stage with it never helped me liked it better. I’m not surprised Tom didn’t care for it the first time it was played for him. The other low ones for me are anything from the Letter To Lucillle, Young New Mexican Puppeter, Somethin Bout You Baby I Like stage.
September 1st, 2009 at 5:40 am
I love the song ‘Style And Rythym’ from the album 24 Hours. It’s so refreshing and I like the opening sounds of it. It gives us what we got in the past and also there’s something new and fresh about it. And the lyrics are great too. It’s like I can picture a really good music video in my head when I listen to it.As for a song I dislike, well I never liked ‘Leave Your Hat on’. Also I really think ‘Kiss’ should be dropped from the set list or at least sang early in the show. Having it always at the end of the show definitely needs to change asap. Ive seen Tom six times and every show ends with Kiss. My next concert is in Belfast this October. I’d love him to surprise us with finishing the show with a song he hasn’t sang in years. Hit us with something like Daughter Of Darkness or The ‘Young New Mexican Puppeter’ or Even ‘Chills And Fever’. Anything, but my main point is move ‘Kiss’ to early or middle of the show or drop it. It has ran its course always being placed at the end of the show. So that’s my humble opinion lol…
September 1st, 2009 at 5:43 am
The song I like best is ”I Who have nothing” for the deepness and for the vocalism in the end of the song, It takes me inside! It’s explosive!! I cannot listen to ”Sex Bomb” song anymore…I’ve heard it to much and Tom Jones International song to!!
September 1st, 2009 at 7:13 am
It’s so hard to pick 1 favorite – but for me it’s “With These Hands” – just beautiful. The song I will not listen to because it is so damn sad is “Motherless Child”.
I just read on TomJones.com there is a change in his Dec. tour dates – MGM is gone. Oh well!
September 1st, 2009 at 8:40 am
Having recently discovered Sir Tom, I have not yet heard all his songs from over the years to pick an absolute favorite. I definitly can do without ‘Sex Bomb’,a bit too crass.
September 1st, 2009 at 10:08 am
Carol:: TJI is always quite certain of info posted — especially if it is not posted under the “Rumor or Reality” category and we posted the non-appearance at the MGM in December for sure August 19 and 20; the first hint two weeks earlier.
Please, please, if you are planning to travel to any show that involves great expense, wait to make plans until tickets are on sale.
September 1st, 2009 at 10:14 am
there are too many songs… maybe TILL
September 1st, 2009 at 10:26 am
I agree with Gill and Vince I (Who Have Nothing) is my all time favorite. Not for any personal reason but just because it is a heart wrenching ballad that only TJ can belt out. I could never picture any other artist (and I can’t recall anyone who has tried) performing that song…it would be sacrilege!
Tangobaby, I’m with you. If I never hear “Pussycat” again it will be too soon. The song is lame with a bad melody and stupid lyrics. I dread when it comes up in a show because usually it is the signal for the panties to start flying toward the stage.
September 1st, 2009 at 10:32 am
SusannePDX: Shirley Bassey did I (Who Have Nothing) and had a hit with it….rare for a TJ song, but not unheard of. There were all those versions of Green Green Grass. Even Delilah spawned some covers.
September 1st, 2009 at 10:51 am
Thanks Moderator…you’re an endless source of information!
September 1st, 2009 at 11:48 am
I (Who Have Nothing) is also one of my favourites.
The original Ben E. King version was released in 1963 and reached #29 on the Billboard charts. Shirley Bassey released the song (produced by George Martin) in September 1963, reaching #6 on the UK charts.
The most popular version in the US was by Tom, peaking at #14 in 1970.
September 1st, 2009 at 1:19 pm
After all these years, “It’s Not Unusual” still floats my boat.
September 1st, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I love “Till” and I absolutely loved Tom’s version of “The Reason”. I so wish he would record it. New stuff,I like “Style & Rythym”. Why the problem some have with “She’s A Lady”? I think it is very sweet & loving rather than sexist; and no, I do not think Tom is singing it to me, but I have loved it since I was 10 years old in 1971. It is the first time I heard him sing and I was hooked. All time worst thing Tom has ever let come out of his mouth, “What’s New Pussycat”. It is so utterly stupid and silly that it makes me hurt to listen to it. I will never know why he even sang it once! That song would never inspire me to throw my panties at him!!
September 1st, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Gieret: Lots of people get a kick out of Pussycat. It’s silly and makes no pretense of being anything but silly. It’s fun (but not as much fun as the way he used to sing it) and nothing more, nothing less. I find She’s A Lady dated (but not in a good way like some standards) and offensive. We are each entitled to an opinion.
September 1st, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Definitely, Young New Mexican Puppeter. With all of the beautiful songs out there, why that? Was it in a musical or something?
September 1st, 2009 at 6:38 pm
My very favorite song sung by TOM is ‘TILL’. I can still,in my mind, see and hear Tom singing that song in Harrah’s in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, many years ago. He entered the stage high on top of a platform singing as he made his was down. It was breath taking. He looked so elegant, too!!!!!!! I so wish Tom would come back to Tahoe – it’s so beautiful, making the combination of Lake Tahoe and Tom Jones singing a most perfect evening!!!! Tom,s Management, please take note.
September 1st, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Dislike: What’s New Pussycat & She’s a Lady (used to be cute but not anymore); Kiss and Sex Bomb (both are past their expiration dates now). With Tom’s magnificent voice and repertoire, he should rid his set list of some of these clunkers and add some fresh material either from 24 HOURS or brand new entirely.
As for favorite: I’ll Never Fall In Love Again. When I heard Tom sing this several years ago, I rediscovered him. It was like the first time I ever heard his voice. Magic.
September 1st, 2009 at 7:22 pm
I believe the contents of any set list for any performer are based upon a variety of factors: What the audience demands (usually the hits); what the artist’s voice can do; new product. Sadly, I have believed Tom could have dumped the standards a long time ago. It’d be great to hear some of the stuff he does at festivals at other venues. I also believe they underestimate the audience. When I saw Engelbert and Petula Clark the audience was much, much older than Tom’s is. Whomever makes his set list decisions should do a demographic survey of his audience and ask what they’d like. We’ll never stop hearing She’s A Lady because it was a big hit and is expected. But, although he does it very well, why is Fly Me To The Moon in the show?
September 1st, 2009 at 8:23 pm
It’s so hard to pick on or two favorites, but I love Tom singing Till, as well as I Couldn’t Say Goodbye and A Boy From Nowhere. For upbeat songs, I enjoy Resurrection Shuffle and Daughter of Darkness. For some reason, and I’m not sure why, I don’t like Move Closer.
September 1st, 2009 at 9:53 pm
I find it impossible to pick only one or two favorites, but I will say “I (Who Have Nothing) and “Till”, because although there are so many that I love equally, there are none that I love any more, and I think they both were good for his career. As far as the least favorite, I, too, will pick “What’s New Pussycat?”, but perhaps for a different reason than others. I like it (although I don’t love it and I am tired of it), but although it was a major hit for Tom back in 1965, I think over the long run it has hurt his career. Several times I have heard someone start to sing “What’s New Pussycat?” after hearing the mention of Tom Jones, and in each case their follow up comments about him were unflattering. The song seems to represent to these people the negative image so many in the U.S. unfairly have of him. For them, the song goes hand-in-hand with the throwing of underwear at Tom, and is symbolic of Tom just being a joke. And unfortunately, their negative comments coupled with the sillyness of this song, often influences others who barely have heard of Tom. So, although I find the song silly, but fun, I at the same time have come to resent it, because it has contributed to this very wrong impression by so many (including many critics). It’s a shame, because the people who have this wrong impression don’t have a clue as to the great vocalist/artist Tom is, and his unmatched versatility.
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:22 am
I love so many of Tom’s songs that to make it easy, I will make my choice in his latest CD : 24 Hours.
So, my big favourite is by far ” In style and rythm”. Wouaw !! what a song !! I could play it over and over without getting bored and it gives me so much energy ! Tom’s deep sensuality and his so virile voice flows deliciously through the different rythms of this music.
Now for the one I don’t like, I will say without hesitation : “I’m alive”. Apart from Tom’s voice, I can’t stand that song. It is yelling and listening to it gives me the same feeling as when I drink a bad champagne !
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Songs I liked seeing on the set list
Hair
Walking in Memphis
The Letter (his duet with Sharon always brought down the house)
Sing a Simple Song
He Stopped Loving Her Today
High Heel Sneakers
It’s Cold Outside
Song that never stirred anything in me, even enough to dislike it
Help Yourself
Song I wish I could forget
Pussycat
Lampie
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
I very much like “I Who Have Nothing” and “Delilah” because they are both high-powered ballads that showcase Tom’s incredible vocal range. Plus, Tom has that rare and unique ability to interpret a song that makes it entirely his own. That ability shines through in these two songs, in part, because the lyrics and arrangements are solid. As for my dislikes, I can do without the ’80s country albums (lots of filler material) as well as the Coast to Coast TV recordings.
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:57 am
I guess that goes to show how immensely versatile Tom is. Everyone can find something good and something “less” good. I for one would be so very sad if he didn’t do the standards when I finally see him, I adore these!
Otherwise I prefer the old rock songs, boogie and blues. And contrary to many here I love “Pussycat”. It reminds me of my childhood and I love it.
September 4th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
i wish people wouldn’t put op video’s of Tom on youtube from the 1981 Coast To Coast series, the musical arrangements are absolutely terrible..
September 4th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
To complete my comment; this is why i think even tom jones needs good musicians and md around him!
September 6th, 2009 at 9:31 am
There are so many Tom songs, its very hard to pick one I like the best. After 40 years I prefer ballads best, but also like blues. I just love Tom singing.
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I narrowed my favorites down to the following (know some of them are obscure, but I love them):
I Wanna Get Back With You
Never Tear Us Apart (duet with Natalie Imbruglia)
The Letter (duet with Sharon)
All Mine (with The Divine Comedy (Portishead)- this should be a James Bond Theme Song!)
With You I’m Born Again (duet with Lynda Carter)
Stoned in Love (not the video but the version he sang live on TOTP for the shear strength of his voice)
No One Gave Me Love (from the album “What a Night”)
The Hitter (from “24″)
Some of my least favorites are “Venus”, “Kiss” although the shirt lift and dance make it WELL worth watching, and anything “country” – even “Green Green Grass of Home is played with more of a twang in the last few years.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:19 am
I think Tom should bring back some of the old songs he used to sing in the 70′s. Too many to mention here, but you all remember some of those great ones. I agree with others that I Who Have Nothing is one of the best. I know other people have recorded it, but when I hear it, I always think of Tom Jones.
I enjoy the ballads and bluesy stuff and I will be brave enough to say I really enjoy the country side of Tom Jones. Not necessarily the 80′s stuff, but new material. Maybe he should team up with an unlikely country singer and sing a duet or record something. George Strait has a new song out called “Living For the Night” that Tom could definitely sing.
One song I really dispise is, “If I Only Knew”. Too much screaming and rapping, how about, “Chills and Fever”? Instead of “Kiss”, how about “Back in Love Again” the old L. T. D. song Tom used to sing. I think he should put “Never” in his show if he hasn’t already.
I agree with Dre, those Coast to Coast videos, do Tom no justice after watching “This Is Tom Jones’ and the fabulous orchestra he had on that show, it was awful and those dancers!. Guess I am old school, but Tom to me,is wonderful with a full orchestra.