Tom Jones International

Tom finished his run at the MGM Wednesday night — with a sold out show! That bodes well for his return. Now, it is only a rumor — and remains a rumor until tickets go on sale and/or it is confirmed on the official site — but lots of people who might know are saying Sir Tom will be back in early November. But, please remember, rumors are not confirmed. If and it is confirmed, a rumor becomes fact. Until then, don’t do anything — like make reservations.

To give everyone who was in Las Vegas a chance to travel home, TJI will ask everyone’s opinion of the Las Vegas experience this time in a few days. Please hold your opinion until then.

At the bottom of this post is a rather refreshing radio interview recorded weeks ago but broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Monday, August 16. Host Janice Long and Sir Tom talk about his new album (of course) and he talks more than usual about his management team — son and daughter-in-law Mark and Donna Woodward. There’s only a little bit but of fun made of Americans and Long does note that older performers are treated somewhat better in the US than in the UK. That was a surprise.

Praise & Blame | Tom Jones
(3.5 out of 5)

by Christopher Toh/05:55 AM Aug 19, 2010/TodayOnline (Singapore)

SO THE dude didn’t get to play in Singapore. But perhaps this album might assuage the fans’ feelings a little. Unlike some of Tom Jones’ recent recordings, this one is actually free of a lot of production pomp.

For one thing, the band plays live – just like in the good old days – and you can’t help but picture Tom and the band just standing or sitting in a circle in the studio, egging each other on with their performances.

Sure, those in the know will probably compare this to Johnny Cash’s latter day American recordings, especially on The Man Comes Around – both have stripped down arrangements, both are filled with gospel-tinged blues-based styles. And on the album opener What Good Am I?, he also lets his bass tone growl menacingly, just like Cash.

But it’s exactly what makes the album more listenable than some of his previous offerings. The raw delivery has Tom Jones giving a gutsy take on all the songs, although it’s on the faster tracks like Don’t Knock, Lord Help and Burning Hell that Jones allows his vocals to shine.

However, this album isn’t for everybody, and, yes, if you’re not in the mood, this album can be a chore to sit through. While there are some gritty performances, some of the other tracks come across as too lightweight, with not enough gravitas to make it work. Nevertheless, it’s still a sign that the dude isn’t about to hang up his mic just yet.

You’ll find the 28+ minute radio interview it in the TJI.com Video Library. Please note that the very end of Burning Hell which comes at the very end of the interview, is cut off. Sorry but, since the song is so readily available, I chose not to take the time to go back and redo it. Surely you understand. BTW: The program is referred to (but left unexplained) in several places as the “Maida Vale,” the section of West London where those studios are located (and where at least one Agatha Christie novel was set).