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Me, The Mob, And The Music: One Helluva Ride With Tommy James & The Shondells (2010)

by Tommy James(Favorite Author)

3.62 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1439128650 (ISBN13: 9781439128657)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Scribner

review 1: I have loved Tommy James' music since I first began listening to the radio, around 1969. With my parents' help, I searched record shops until I had compiled quite a collection of his albums. I think he has probably the best voice in music, and while I love all the big hit records he has done, many of my favorites are obscure album cuts. So when the book came out, I had to buy a copy. Quickly. I love it, and have read it several times. It's not just your typical autobiography (which I'm sure I would have liked anyway); it is a fascinating account of what went on in the record industry, particularly Roulette, in the 60's. I thought I knew a lot about Tommy James, but this was an eye opener and VERY interesting. I also thought it was extremely well-written, and I, unl... moreike some of the other reviewers, enjoyed the (sometimes subtle) humor. This is a very talented man with a very interesting story to tell.
review 2: I enjoyed many of Tommy James songs growing up. But, what interested me about this book was as the title suggest, his relationship with Morris Levy and Roulette Records. I was somewhat familiar with Roulette label since my parents had many Ronnie Hawkins records when he was signed to the label. I also know of the story of how Morris Levy sued John Lennon for using a line or two from a Chuck Berry song that Levy owned the rights to. I'm also fascinated from stories around this era of music. But I have to say that Tommy comes across as kind of a jerk just worried about his own success when dealing with the song writers. It seems like every time someone had a song that they didn't want to give to Tommy because they really weren't getting paid, Tommy would run to Morris to get the hit instead of understanding that the songwriters were going through the same type of situation as himself. So, this read is not for everyone and Tommy is not an author, but it's a good read and I enjoyed it. less

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