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.
Post Updated February 10: Tom’s New Single, “Evil,” Unveiled — Listen Here; Accurate Release Dates
Thursday, February 9th, 2012Update: February 10 — From Spin comes the review by Mark Horgan, below, complete with wrong info about Jezebel and a lame attempt at sarcasm and/or humor that comes off flat:
Jack White’s collaboration with 71-year-old crooner Tom Jones could have gone one of two ways. Jones’ entry in Third Man Records’ Blue Series of 7-inch singles could have ended up as a stripped-down bid for world-weary gravitas, in the style of Rick Rubin’s productions for Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond. Or White and Jones could have stuck to a rough ‘n’ ready garage-rock format not unlike the series’ previous installments involving Stephen Colbert, John C. Reilly, and the, um, Insane Clown Posse.
Happily, White and Jones chose Door No. 2. Jones’ White-produced cover of Howlin’ Wolf’s Evil aired on BBC Radio yesterday (via Consequence of Sound), and it’s a brawny, horn-smacked garage-soul stomper. Jones’ full-throated vocal has not a hint of cheese, and the backing band swaggers with enough cigarettes and whiskey to re-open some long-lost Southern dive bar. With a new version of Jones’ own 2002 cut “Jezebel” on the flip, the single arrives on March 5. Time to revisit Jones’ back catalog? Well, we’d really rather make fun of his chest hair.
Whitney Matheson writes in in USA Today:
If I weren’t fully awake before I heard Tom Jones’ new single, I certainly am now.
Next month the 71-year-old crooner/sex bomb will issue a Jack White-produced track on White’s label, Third Man Records.
Jones’ version of Howlin’ Wolf’s Evil features The Raconteurs’ Patrick Keeler and Jack Lawrence and My Morning Jacket’s Carl Broemel.
Post Update: February 9 — 2 Items:
1. Because the quality of the sound on the recording I posted isn’t good, and Third Man Records has posted it, you can listen here: 2.RELEASE DATES & AVAILABILITY: re-sales for Tom Jones Evil b/w Jezebel will be available on the Third Man website starting Monday Feb. 13th.
100 limited edition Tri Color 7”s will be available at Spillers in Cardiff, Wales (“The Oldest Record Shop In The World”) on the UK release date of Saturday, March 3rd. Check their site for location, hours, etc…
50 Tri Color 7”s will be inserted in random mail orders, per TMR standard practice..
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Sir Tom in the BBC Radio 1 studio with Huw Stephens.
[What I don't understand is why they posted they "will post the Radio Player tomorrow, however we can’t guarantee that residents outside of the UK will be able to listen back to the show." The BBC keeps shows available for one week and Management knows — I am positive — that it's the video player that's only available in the UK. Radio shows can be played anywhere in the universe where there's an internet capability.]
Please note, this photo in color is so badly lit that it’s all yellow (after all, the light in a radio studio is not the same as light in a photo studio) so I converted it to grayscale. Still not really good, but it’ll do.
Stephens said the record will be released on vinyl and digitally (in the UK) more than one week after the originally announced release date. We’ll try to clear that up.
Here are the lyrics:
If you’re a long way from home, Can’t sleep at night.Grab your telephone, Something just ain’t right.
That’s evil, Evil is goin on wrong. I am warnin ya brother, You better watch your happy home.
Well, long way from home and,Can’t sleep at all. You know another mule, Is kickin in your stall.
That’s evil, Evil is goin on wrong. I am warnin ya brother, You better watch your happy home.
You better catch him, Cause somethin wrong, In your home.
Well, if ya call her on the telephone, And she answers awful slow, Grab the first train smokin, If you have to hobo.
That’s evil, Evil is goin on wrong. I am warnin ya brother, You better watch your happy home.
If you make it to your house, Knock on the front door, Run around to the back, You’ll catch him just before he go. That’s evil,Evil is goin on. I am warnin ya brother, You better watch your happy home.
Please bear in mind, this song (and Jezebel) are from what OFFICIAL Tom Jones dismissively called “a side project.” It is NOT from his new album with Ethan Johns but, even so, doesn’t deserve to be thus dismissed.
(Moderator’s Opinion (you knew I’d have one, didn’t you?) I love it! Jack White and his musicians are genius. I didn’t like Burning Hell, at all and, even though comparisons are odious, I believe this one’s league’s better, even though it’s kind of in the same vein.)
What do you think?
New York Magazine, — your moderator’s favorite — has the following on their Vulture Blog:
(CAPTION FOR PHOTO AT LEFT) GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND – JUNE 26: Jack White from ‘The Dead Weather’ performs live on the Pyramid Stage during Day 3 of the Glastonbury Festival on June 26, 2010 in Glastonbury, England. This year sees the 40th anniversary of the festival which was started by a dairy farmer, Michael Evis in 1970 and has grown into the largest music festival in Europe. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 17: ***EXCLUSIVE*** Sir Tom Jones performs at The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala 2010 supported by Novae at the Royal Albert Hall on November 17, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
When Jack White recently announced plans for his very first solo album, it offered several historically inclined bloggers an opportunity to reflect on just how many collaborations Mr. White has taken on over the years. Jack White likes new and unexpected friends! And that enthusiasm has not abated in advance of his upcoming Blunderbuss, which is due April 24. Tom Jones recently contributed a track to “Third Man Records Blue Series,” a collection of singles produced at White’s Nashville studios (by the man himself), and as he sometimes does, White hopped onto the recording himself. The result, a rowdy cover of Howlin Wolf’s “Evil,” is a very solid argument for making friends and then inviting a giant horn section to come play while you hang out with said friends. Enjoy!
When Jack White recently announced plans for his very first solo album, it offered several historically inclined bloggers an opportunity to reflect on just how many collaborations Mr. White has taken on over the years. Jack White likes new and unexpected friends! And that enthusiasm has not abated in advance of his upcoming Blunderbuss, which is due April 24. Tom Jones recently contributed a track to “Third Man Records Blue Series,” a collection of singles produced at White’s Nashville studios (by the man himself), and as he sometimes does, White hopped onto the recording himself. The result, a rowdy cover of Howlin Wolf’s “Evil,” is a very solid argument for making friends and then inviting a giant horn section to come play while you hang out with said friends. Enjoy!
February 9th, 2012 at 1:11 am
I think i like it,its a grower!!!
February 9th, 2012 at 1:16 am
Wow! What an amnazing version of the Howlin’ Wolf song! Tom is getting better and better every year! Looking forward to his new CD!!! Greetings from Germany, Shelvis
February 9th, 2012 at 1:55 am
I don’t like this new song at all.It’s like bits of different songs all stuck together to make one. It’s definitely not good. Tom’s voice isn’t the problem on it. The music itself is annoying.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:19 am
horribly bad- burning hell was 10 times better.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:56 am
I agree with Vince and Adam – - the song is not worth to be heard a second time – - i am totally disappointed
February 9th, 2012 at 4:25 am
The new song is too rocky. After the first hearing, I do not like this song. The great voice of TOM is very distorted on this song, not a good idea. TOM should find back to his earlier style. The last acceptable album of his was “24 Hours”. I love him for that sound ♥
February 9th, 2012 at 5:10 am
I agree with Brian that this one is a grower. I think if I hear it several times then It’ll grow on me! Excited for Tom to be listed to play for the Queen’s Anniversary of her reign. What an honor.
February 9th, 2012 at 5:12 am
Its damn good yay, very strong, real music is coming BACK!
February 9th, 2012 at 5:30 am
When I heard it first,I thought Tom’s voice was’ent clear,and I think the music gets in the way,or is it suppose to be like that-like heavy rock,I think I’ll get to like it.
February 9th, 2012 at 6:14 am
Wow! I loved it, the music is great, the voice is great!
February 9th, 2012 at 6:49 am
Overall C-. Please understand this grade is not because of Tom (Tom sounded great). I just think the arrangement is horribly confused and is the closest thing to G.A.D.D., otherwise known genre attention deficit disorder. The biggest dislike was that Tom’s voice was not the center of the song, but was a mere instrument in it. With a voice like Tom’s, Tom should always be the center.
February 9th, 2012 at 6:55 am
[...] Tom Jones International points out, Jones’ version of “Wolf” was premiered on BBC Radio yesterday, and [...]
February 9th, 2012 at 7:19 am
Maybe I’m just not hip enough to “get” this song. To me it was really weird and hard to listen to. Tom can usually make a bad song sound good, but this one was a real challenge. The thumping in the background was very annoying. What a waste of a great voice.
February 9th, 2012 at 7:57 am
I totally love ‘Burning Hell’ and I think ‘Evil’ displays the same musical genius. I can’t wait to hear the finished CD version on a CD player as the version on this website probabaly does not really convey a reliable impression. (At the same time: Thanks VERY much for posting it!). I think Tom Jones is taking the right steps towards yet another style of his own and so far his renditions of ANYTHING have been incomparable. Three cheers to a true artist!
February 9th, 2012 at 8:27 am
I just hope Tom’s new album is not full of stuff like this. He is capable of doing so much better. And I agree with Birgit…24 Hours was his last great album…(for me)…24 Hours was full of the type of songs that I’ve always felt Tom was born to sing. Just the opinion of an old fan who just doesn’t want Tom to change…sorry.
February 9th, 2012 at 8:48 am
I also think that “Evil” sounds badly evil. I don’t like it,too heavy for me and Tom is not often in the song. What a waste, now he will be in the picture with “The Voice”. I feel sad about that.
February 9th, 2012 at 8:56 am
You are all entitled to your opinions and I have learned from this reaction that too many people don’t read. Comments indicate a lack of awareness that this is not from his new album (even though that’s been stated repeatedly on this site and others) and that what is posted isn’t a digital recording, but a recording from internet radio. I’m surprised that people don’t like the band. These are (like most Nashville musicians) first-rate players and, perhaps, we haven’t listened carefully enough. A rush to judgement isn’t necessary. Maybe I’ll change my mind later but for now it’s very good. As for 24 Hours being his “last good album,” I don’t agree. I don’t listen to Praise and Blame the way I do/did, say, the album with Jools Holland or Reload, but musically it is outstanding. Tom did that, and this, probably, because he wanted to. As Mr. Nelson truthfully and eloquently said, “ya can’t please everyone, so you got to please yourself.” Everyone — even the mighty Tom Jones —is entitled to do that.
February 9th, 2012 at 10:04 am
WOW ~ I love it…Tom’s voice, the music, the way it fades at the end and then builds up again. This is the Tom I love, singing about sex and not religion.
February 9th, 2012 at 10:40 am
This is wonderfull!!!! The only thing I don’t like is the false fade out towards the end. Those have always annoyed me! Otherwise really great!! Listening to the link Peter posted you also get a bit of promo from Tom himself. Thanks Peter!
February 9th, 2012 at 11:52 am
He sings it…I like it!
February 9th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Like always the combination, song, lyrics, voice and music has to fit.. To make a hit.
To me, ethan, like sullivan in the past, knows exactly what to do with that amazing voice and make right combinations.
This is overproduced. I do admire tom for trying all kinds of material, cant wait to hear the new album he did with ethan.
February 9th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Listened to it a vew times, one thing i know for sure, if you open youre concert with this song, you’ll get everybody’s attention…on the bbc link it sounds better.
Maybe it is like brian says “a grower”.
February 9th, 2012 at 6:57 pm
Really great
February 9th, 2012 at 9:34 pm
It pains me to say this, but I don’t like this one. To start with, I don’t like the song…I’ve never liked hard rock or heavy metal. In addition, I don’t like the arrangement, the band, or the special effects that give an almost echo to Tom voice. It all comes off sounding gimmicky. I was not a fan of “Burning Hell”, although I do love the Praise & Blame album. However, I much prefer Burning Hell to this one.
February 10th, 2012 at 5:36 am
I think it’s one I’ll have to listen to a few times before I’m sure . But it is similiar to “Burning Hell” and I wasnt keen on that . As always his voice is great, really strong . So I’ll keep listening.
February 10th, 2012 at 7:32 am
I have listened to this song repeatedly and I still don’t “get it.” The music seems to have little direction and the only thing constant is that nothing is constant. Look, Tom is a musical giant who has reached a stage in his career in which he can do whatever he wants. He has earned that right. If he likes this music, good deal. I, however, see something else at play. I think Tom’s management is in a struggle to please the “critics” and, in doing so, is pushing Tom to this type of music. Let’s be honest, Tom would most likely still be in the pubs if he started out, and remained, singing this stuff and the world would have missed out on one of the strongest voices in music. Tom is at a crossroads. He can continue doing this bluesy stuff in an attempt to appease a fickle bunch of critics whose opinions are a dime a dozen or he can continue to do what he does best – adapt his amazing voice to today’s music, reinvent himself along the way and grow his loyal legion of fans. The problem with songs like “Evil” is it requires Tom’s musical career to look backwards instead of forwards.
February 10th, 2012 at 7:44 am
this is not the Tom we know, this is not the music we like, its bad, horribly bad
February 10th, 2012 at 8:03 am
I, for one, am not under the misconception that this song is from the new album as yet to be released or even made for that matter…I was just saying that I hope the new album will not be along these lines…but I am afraid it will be…and to me that will be a shame. The critics may like this new stuff…I don’t. I agree 100 percent with every word in Joe Murray’s comment.
February 10th, 2012 at 9:55 am
Again, everyone’s entitled to an opinion. But to put this song in the category of “heavy metal” is a big bowlful of wrong. This is Howlin’ Wolf, for heaven’s sake! It’s blues music.
I must confess that, knowing Tom Jones did songs like Burning Hell — a song I find loud, impossible to listen to and just plain ugly — because he loves the music, made me feel slightly guilty about loathing it. I understand that’s what he wants to do and, after 48 years of giving the public what it wants, I know he’s entitled to do what he wants. If I don’t like it, too bad. Plenty of people do like — no, love! — it. I believe the musicians on Evil do an outstanding job. Love to see them play with Tom.
As for Joe’s comment, I respectfully disagree. Tom’s pleasing a lot of fans with blues. And, since the newer music on, say, 24 Hours didn’t sell, although it did, as Joe said, ‘please the ‘critics,’” I’d guess that Tom finally singing for himself is what he should do. Why not? We still have his recordings so we can listen to whatever we wish whenever we wish. His music isn’t going backwards. It’s carrying on a tradition that earned him kudos early on for his ability as a “blue-eyed soul” singer. This is who he is and we cannot argue that or, apparently, talk him out of it. He really never did this stuff he so clearly loves before, unless you count the wonderful material on Red, White and Blues or, even, his adaptation of Howlin’ Wolf’s song that he called 200 Pounds of Joy. I believe we should give the guy a break.
February 10th, 2012 at 11:28 am
Tom’s voice is made for blues, soul and rock no question about that. after hearing the song serveral times i understand what they had in mind and think it’s all right. expect a lot from “i gotta a feeling” wich tom recorded with jessie j, danny and will i am.
Love to hear tom on songs like clocks, viva la vida, or paradise from coldplay, or songs from Green Day.
February 10th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Ellen, you are correct that there are a number of fans that appreciate Tom’s new bluesy direction. My point is that they are not a majority. Just like Ricky Nelson, if Tom was to tour the US and do nothing but Praise & Blame and Evil type songs, I imagine many fans would be upset (especially those that don’t follow him the way many of us do). When I saw Tom last year in Atlanta, a number of people in the audience called for his more popular hits. Funny that Garden Party was Nelson’s last commercial hit.
Every singer has the right to do what they see fit and I don’t knock Tom for it. I am just sadly disappointed because this is not the Tom Jones I was introduced to. The Tom I was introduced to was the Tom of Reload. I was about 22 when Reload came out and I loved it. So it was the Tom of the 1990-2000 that I was first introduced to. I guess many of us best relate to the Tom we first heard. Sexbomb, Burning Down the House, If I Only Knew, Black Betty … these are the songs I relate to. I remember I could not wait for Mr. Jones to be released and while many were not thrilled with that album, it remains one of my favorites. Even 200lbs was a song that was made commercially viable with a “pop” sound. It was a great song, and Jools was one of his best albums because it still appealed to the mainstream. And while I know it is not a fair comparison, Jools knocks White’s crew out of the park.
Tom’s decision to go blues – whether out of personal choice or a desire to receive critic approval – is just is out of step with my musical tastes. I am not a coffee house/jazz house kind of guy. When I think Tom Jones, I think of something much bigger than song like Evil can deliver. I will buy this song and support Tom in concert (if he opts to tour the US again), but cannot say the song is his best work. Tom Jones’ career was defined by giving his audience, and his fans, what they wanted. I am not sure that songs like Evil satisfy those desires. Nonetheless, Tom has given me over a decade of music and concerts I will never forget, so I guess he is not asking too much for me to support his new direction
February 10th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
You know, Joe, I just cannot believe that Tom Jones would do anything just to please any critics. Is it his best work? No, but it’s not his worst. (What is his best?) His set list is a good mix and, hopefully, we’ll see it in person again in the latter half of this year. It’s all a matter of taste. I don’t care for Burning Down the House, Black Betty or, as you know, She’s A Lady. I believe he’s rarely if ever recorded music he didn’t like, but now he’s earned the right to record some thing that are in keeping with his own musical taste. The coming recording of his version of Frankie Laine’s Jezebel is proof of that. Laine was a big influence. Certainly the Jools Holland album was a giant step toward the blues. It’s probably something that makes him happy, even if it is considered a minor “side project” by his people.
February 10th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
I agree with Joe…not the Tom Jones I fell in love with so many years ago…I almost couldn’t recognize his voice…too dark for me.
February 10th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
I respect everyone’s opinion but I really don’t understand what Tom Jones owes any of us. And while I’m sort of indifferent to his latest single, I have 48 years worth of albums, 45s and CDs to choose my favorite TJ music. I agree with Joe’s comment in that many of us relate to the music that first introduced us to TJ. For me, it was the TJ sound of the “B” sides from the late ’60s. You know, the fast-paced exciting songs that typically ended TITJ every week. If R&B and Blues are what TJ wants to record nowadays, so be it. I’m sure if you’re fortunate enough to see him in concert, you’ll get a bagful of just about every musical genre. This is what TJ has showcased his entire career-versatility. He’s smart enough to keep the big hits and fan favorites in the shows. If you like the new stuff, great… and if not, that’s fine too. Just let the man sing what he wants.
February 10th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Thanks, Jim. Well put.
February 10th, 2012 at 8:03 pm
I totally agree with Jim A., and I prefer Tom’s earlier music as well (60s and 70s). Only hope I am fortunate enough to see him in concert again!
February 11th, 2012 at 2:39 am
I think this one is going to make big waves in the music world,it was on the 7am radio Wales News,and the music critic said it was fantastic.I have listened to it several times since my first post,and although i like it,i don’t think i could listen to it too often as the heavy music would get on my nerves,never the less i will be buying it.
February 11th, 2012 at 8:20 am
Hey people the Jools Holland album shows Tom’s voice at its best, i mean blues and soul is his thing.. I honestly think Reload was good album, but it was to sell good, i mean pretty commericial and with other artists, so their fans also bought that.. Now he is selling records alone, like Praise&Blame etc..And i dont know but many blues, soul etc fans are now listening Tom after Praise&Blame etc , and before they said he was a joke, so he is doing something right IMO.. and i first started listening Tom when i was 6-8 years old, and it was his stuff from the 60s 70s and i loved it, and this new stuff too!…
February 11th, 2012 at 11:28 am
I agree Ellen. This one is much better. I totally disliked the whole last album. Chalk it up to not being a blues fan or not being religious, but hey that’s why they make chocolate and vanilla right?
February 11th, 2012 at 11:31 am
I should add though, that it’s much better but not what I like to hear Tom singing.
February 11th, 2012 at 5:55 pm
Ellen, Is Tom touring the states later this year?
February 12th, 2012 at 6:24 am
He is 71, still has his voice, still records and still tours. God is good. Whether I like this song or not is irrelevant.
February 12th, 2012 at 7:55 am
From a fan who first discovered Tom on telvision in the mid 60′s singing It’s Not Unusual to dancers in zoo cages to now i have to say this tom has changed his genre so to speak several times from pop to country to Reload and what you seem to be missing is if you want the music industry to notice you is you have to take gambles with what you record.I like this song and have noticed on my google alerst Tom is getting noticed greatly amongst the many music crtitics and the music industry in general,and like ellen I love the alblum he did with Jools Holland as well as Reload, Tom has stated many many times he never wants to be remembered as a pop singer
February 12th, 2012 at 9:14 am
Correction, Edwin. What Tom dislikes is being called a “crooner.” He has referred to himself repeatedly as a “pop” singer. Many of the previous comments have gone into involved discussions of Tom’s motives, intentions and what’s going on in his mind, when all we were asked to do is give our opinions on this recording.
February 12th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
OMG I LOVED “Evil”. I cannot believe that Tom is 71 and can still sing like this. He has a young thinking attitude too, picking these songs. He’s sexy and anything he sings I love!!!
February 15th, 2012 at 6:43 am
Sorry Tom, but this ist the baddest song I´ver ever heard of you ! I´m very disappointed what you did the last years. A lot of your fans went away.
I hope that you come back to the roots.
Kind regards from Germany Marion
March 9th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
Those of you here who don’t like Tom’s new direction and divergence from mainstream pop music and his “Evil” collaboration with Jack White are just showing your age. If you are offended by this statement that these comments are likely true. It’s probably a fact that despite Tom’s cross-generational appeal his older fans (50+) won’t like his new style of music. As a 29-year-old I can say this track and Tom’s new direction is AWESOME!!!!