Amber is so right. Being a child of the 60's and 70's really was a wonderful time to be alive. So much great music and freedom to express with little judgement and just being able to run around without fear was a wonderful thing. We probably won't see it like that again and it makes me sad. Peace!
@@roseblake5803 Yes there were some judement but today has become so mean and hateful and we did had more freedom back then just being children not being little adults not carry adulr burdens on our shoulders like children are having today . And we didn't live in so fear , again like children are having today
@@roseblake5803 We were pretty imformed but of course we didn't have the internet . We had the news the newspaper and hearing about things through the grapevine so of speak and but we didn't know eveything little thing , still we knew enough of what was going on, we were still children through all that
Amber, we hereby declare you an honorary hippie! I really feel blessed to have grown up in those years. It truly was an age of optimism, when it seemed like anything was possible. There were some horrible things happening -- racism, Vietnam, the Cold War -- but for awhile it seemed like the solutions to every problem were within our grasp.
It didn't seem like that. Everyone just had good drugs. The 60s were filled by people pointing at problems, singing about hypothetical solutions...And not solving any of it. Funny neither of them considered the racism in their 'I wanna be in the 60s!' spiel.
I'm sure it's been mentioned, but in case it hasn't... Tommy James did the original version of "Mony Mony", whose cover by Billy Idol you enjoyed so much. Some of his other bangers are "Hanky Panky", "Sweet Cherry Wine", and "I Think We're Alone Now" (again, you've heard this song, but the version done by Tiffany in the 80s). Tommy's songs were covered A LOT. Heck, THIS song was covered wonderfully by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts!!
Ya ever notice how Amber goes into the "Hippie Zone" soooo quickly? Jay's over there trying to figure out the sounds and the instruments while Amber has left the planet. Love you both, but Amber gets to fly the "freak" flag today! ....and that's a good thing!
I'm so glad that you listened to the full-length version...the original radio version cut out ALL the psychedelic greatness that you guys were groovin' on. And yet it STILL became a huge hit.
And...just like that I'm in the sixth grade at Nina Dilello's party -- black lights and donuts. YOU GUYS ARE MAKING the trauma's of our sad current global moment so much more bearable. Smiles and chills.
You must be joking. Two #1 hits, 8 in top ten and 32 songs which charted on Billboards top 100. He had 9 gold or platinum albums and over 100 million albums sold Worldwide. @@st0n3p0ny
Revolutionary song, the Shondells with this song took us on a trippy, psychedelic journey like nothing we had ever heard before this. From the reverb of the guitars to the tremolo voice distortion they opened up whole new doors to electronic sound. And it is so cool watching you crave what we actually lived in that era. Like the old saying goes, “You really had to be there.” Thanks for doing this.
Well said, richardsmith9911! This song introduced and brought together just about everything that was possible in a recording studio at that time. Add a small dose of LSD and it was quite a journey. Those were the days!
You guys, and the reaction channels like yours, are the torchbearers. Keeping the music of the past alive and passing it on to the next generation. The freedom, the love, the joy, the wonder, they’re yours now. Spread these songs far and wide so they’ll never be forgotten and vanish from the face of the Earth.
Y'all surprised me. Playing the longer, album version. Great move. The single is one of the best of the 60s, but the full-length album version is positively otherworldly. I'm hooked on your channel. Keep doing what you're doing. I'm diggin' it.
Amber you spoke with such feelings about this song. Thank you for reminding me of what life was about back then . They were some of my best year's growing up.
Joan Jett's cover of this song became one of her most successful songs. When she was inducted into the Rock Hall Of Fame, she invited Tommy James and they did the song together.
The world WAS filled with music like this - and you had wars, assassination, rhacism, mobsters, drug use, hookers, serial killers, colonialism, night stalkers and many of the same ills of society as today.
What an absolutely nonsense take. Wars happened the decade this song was released. And if anything, technology has actually FILLED the world with music.
I'm turning 70 next month, and I grew up in that era, and on that music. 100 proof hippy music, and I love that you both get it like we did.......JUST like we did.
@@RobSquadReactions . It was a mind blowing time hearing all those songs for the first time - much like what you two are doing, a different time, but the same results.
Heard an interview with Tommy James just recently about this song -- apparently he regrets that the song was never properly mixed. He took the rough mix to a radio DJ friend of his in Chicago (WLS), and the DJ, to Tommy's chagrin, later played it as an "exclusive" on air, and it blew up... so the record company decided to release it as it was. So what we've heard all these decades is effectively a step beyond being a rough demo. Amazing.
Amber....got news for you. You are a child of the 60' and 70's. Your 'music' soul lived during that timeline....yes ma'am. I lived during those time and recognize your Soul Spirit when you hear our songs. You = Flower in your hair band, bell bottom jeans with Peace Symbol Patches, tube top, sandles, leather bracelets and in the front seat of a Volkswagon Van.....pulling into Woodstock. I've seen your 'Spirit' within many young ladies of that time. I believe I saw you dancing when Joe Cocker sang, 'With a Little Help From My Friend' at Woodstock. You were are one groovy girl!!!!😊 Peace!
*OK, I'll admit it; I was alive when this came out. The 60's and 70's songs through my childhood were awesome. I have their "Best of" on CD and I do play it when cruising about. Takes me back to a more peaceful time.*
After my daughter was born when I left the hospital and started the car this song was playing. " I don't hardly know her but I think I could love her". This was played for the father daughter dance at her wedding reception.
It was a special time in the late 60's when the youth had a new way of thinking and the music just amplified it. There was nothing like this song when it came out and there hasn't been anything like it since. One of my all time favorites.
I wish you could have been a part of that time period. I am a Boomer, was a kid of the 60's and 70's. I loved it so much. I grew up with Soul Train and American Bandstand, both amazing shows. Amber it was the hippie times, free love, Music. The clothes! I want you guys to watch HAIR with Treat Williams.
Omg. So glad you did the album version! What a legendary psychedelic song! The short version was one of the biggest hits of the 60s and quite frankly stamped this groups status. They were fire.. Covered so many times, especially in the 80s. Tremendous reaction and still more wonderful songs to go from them
I remember falling asleep as a young boy to this song. Played on a 9 volt transistor AM only radio tucked under my pillow. To me, it is the ultimate " first love" song.
I turned eight about the time this song was released in the US. I couldn't get enough of it, especially the lines at the very end of the song. I just couldn't figure out how they did that with their voices. Also, I grew up hearing the radio edit, which was maybe 3 minutes as I recall. Glad to see you enjoy it also. ✌️❤️
I adore this song! Discovered it in the early 1980's when my bffs older sister told their mom to get rid of her teenage stuff ( she was 10 years older than us, been married & gone for 6 years). Her stack of albums was full of treasures that she collected & inherited from the other older siblings. We spent a year listening to and tape recording mix tapes. We thought we were so cool listening to those oldies😄 but goodies cruising around.
Tommy James and the Shondells were the soundtrack to my 7th and 8th grade years ,with this and Sweet Cherry Wine, Crystal Blue Persuasion and Ball of Fire.
This is a song that had such a distinctive sound, it just commanded attention when it played on the radio. Tommy James and the Shondells were a great band and held their own against some of the best of their time. I'm so glad you are enjoying them and bringing them back to light.
Another blast from my childhood. With this song, 'Mony, Mony,' 'Draggin the Line,' and 'Crystal Blue Persuasion, ' Tommy James & the Shondells were the hottest pop/ro kband during the early 70's.
We would have welcomed you to be part of the “flower children” or “love generation.” Listening to you guys have given me a greater appreciation of the music of my youth. Although I listened to the 60s &70s music, I didn’t really appreciate it as much as I should have. When I listen with ya’ll, I feel like I’m sitting with my friends and hangin out and re loving it Thank you my friends.
This was their follow up song after Mony Mony in 1968. Tommy James was looking for a different direction to go and came up with Crimson and Clover. Named after his favourite colour and favourite plant. Such a sweet song with a little psychedelic overtone and a great instument sound. It was on the charts for 16 weeks and made it to Number 1. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦
Tommy James released this in 1968, I had just graduated from high school and was in the military just getting ready to go to Vietnam. Sure, somewhat psychedelic, definitely 'hippie', if you will, but one of the most iconic songs of the year and the era. Thanks for reacting to it! It's part of the soundtrack of my military experience.
I had just got out of the Army, stationed in Germany as an armor crewman a few months before this came out. I probably lit up my first uknowhat about this time. Great times followed. TY for your service.
Classic late 60’s psychedelia ❤️. So many Tommy James songs were covered and became big hits again for others. This one by Joan Jett, “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany, and “Mony Mony” by Billy Idol.
Of all the couples and other people I see on TH-cam you guys are my favorite. You make me smile every time. You all just seem like genuinely good people. We all need more people in our lives like you guys.
More than any other group, Tommy James and the Shondells captures that feeling, those intense feelings when you were young and in love or infatuated, and alone with your lover for the first time. That intensity. The butterflies in your stomach. Those memories. Those were the songs by this group. And of course with this song, you're alone in a beautiful field of clover, and your girl is wearing crimson, and you're both laying there, entwined and in ecstasy.
Oh the memories. 5 yr old me sneaking down the steps to listen to music on the 8track while mom and dad had parties. I cant tell you how many times daddy carried me to bed. Crimson and clover, hang on sloopy, tommy roe sweet pea (my favorite), down on the corner, sittin on the dock of the bay and love me tender...I'll never forget that is how they lined up. 💙💙💙
My parents were hippies. Well, my mom didn't like labels. She said they were just kids who thought they could change the world with love. My parents were also an interracial couple. My mom was black and my pops was white. This relationship was really frowned upon everywhere except among the counterculture! No judgements! Nothing but love, which seems to be in short supply these days! I also wish I had been older to grasp the concept of what was going on at that time.
"I also wish I had been older to grasp the concept of what was going on at that time." "Nothing but love, which seems to be in short supply these days!" As a member of the hippy generation I would like to say. 💖Thank you. Marveled at the grandchild, graduating HS. He being so proud that his new 'modern' generation is the forward thinking, "accepting generation". Grumpy Grandpa butt's in...👋Hey! ☮ Dude... Let's be clear, your 'modern' forward thinking accepting generation of the 2000's. Hasn't caught up to the 1960's yet.
One of the crazy things about this song is that I have heard numerous different versions they released. Go grab the track again and listen, and I bet you will get a different arrangement. It blows me away, as I don't know any other group or song with so many cool incarnations. I was born in 1951, and I rocked through these years that Amber so loves. It really was a joy ride. 😎❤️
Like many bands of the 60’s did they created a longer version for the album so the single was one song, the album another. They screwed up the recording and the pitches dropped during the taping of the solo’s which is noticeable but they left alone. Later in the 90’s for a compilation record they digitally corrected that pitch drop and basically created a new version all over again
Amber, I knew you would love Crimson and Clover. I've suggested it several times and am so happy you finally got to it. I was in 8th grade when I first heard it and I can remember exactly where I was. It is one of the songs that has stayed with me for the rest of my life and got me into progressive and psychedelic music. If I remember correctly, Neil Young came out with Cinnamon Girl at the same time. I think you should check it out. Merry Christmas to you and your family.🎄⛄🎅
I was born in 1960 and the music back then will never be duplicated. I remember listening to this song when I was younger and you would almost swear you were tripping when you listened to it.
The sound synthesizer and the way that music bounced back and forth in your head was amazing, no drugs needed. Amber would have been an amazing hippie chick.
One of my wife's favorites from back in the day. "My life's such a sweet thing". Ah! The extended version! Go 60s. So cool doing this version . Well, c'mon along! Welcome aboard. Thanks!
Amber I believe you must of been there in your past life because of how much you resonate with that time. Much love and bliss to you.From an old hippie ❤️🌹✌🏻
Jay & Amber, this has to be one of the greatest songs of all time!! To add all those different effects to guitars in the one song is amazing - no keyboards or synths - just guitars. At the end they put their vocals thru a tremolo effect - creating a totally unique sound!!
5 degrees? It's MINUS SIX here in Kansas City right now, and our wind chill was MINUS 30 earlier today. Fortunately, my dog had no patience with it today either; she wasted no time in doing her business each time I had to take her out today. One more trip out, though, before we turn in for the night. By the way, speaking of "freedom," as you were doing in this reaction video, the Saint Bernard I was given as a high school graduation present, I gave him the name "Freedom." You're right -- it *SO* fits the time. So glad you two finally got around to this awesome jam from Tommy James and the Shondells. It was one of the first songs I remember for which there were two versions you might have heard on the radio -- the 'short" version (the radio edit), and the "long" version (the album cut). The long version was absolutely the one to listen to (it's the one you featured). There are a few other Tommy James and the Shondells songs you haven't gotten to that I know you'd enjoy. My favorite was "I Think We're Alone Now" (it was my girlfriend's and my song back in high school). And you've GOT to hear their version (the original) of "Mony, Mony." There are others, but I'll let those two stand. Oh, by the way, Tommy James is still around and, at least a few years ago, was still performing and still sounded great! Stay warm.
Tommy James is from a little town in Michigan where I grew up. In my early 20's I played in a band with one of the original Shandells, and heard lots of stories about the band. My favorite of theirs is Crystal Blue Persuasion.
This was one of my very first favorite songs. It came out just before I turned 7 (end of 1968) and hit number 1 on the billboard charts a little while later in 1969. It also was the first rock album I had ever purchased (with $4.99 of my mother's money). I'm glad you chose the full-length album version and not the shortened single version. Tommy James is a really interesting, humble guy and there are videos on TH-cam of him being interviewed about this song.
I just have to tell the story of when I was in my teens and the little town I lived in had a youth center that I hung out at and one of the directors was a friend of Tommy James. She asked him if he would play a benefit concert for the center (it was called the Underground) and he was happy to do it so we rented the High School gym and they put on a killer show. I still remember shooting pool with Tommy James at the youth center. All the band members were great guys and really helped out the youth center so much.
Thanks for reacting to that song. Takes me back to my teenage years. Can't believe how cold it is there. It's lovely and very warm here in Sydney Australia
Tommy James and the Shondells are in the Michigan Hall of Fame, One of my favorite Michigan bands. Tommy James was a musical genius way ahead of his time. His music is timeless.
This takes me back to being a little kid about 6 around 1970 and being at a family gathering and finding all the big kids (high schoolers) in the backyard smoking and listening to the radio and some cool Rock & Soul music. This song was playing and I wanted so bad to be one of the big kids because everything they were doing seemed so cool. Every time I hear this song it reminds me of that back yard with all the big kids and me trying so hard to one of them. Of course, they didn't want to talk to a little kid so I just stayed in orbit around them, hanging out in the shadows to feel cool.
You made me smile listening to this again. Yes this was a song of the times. The hippies were preaching love, the government was pushing war. These great rock bands were were telling the youth to go your own way, on your own terms. Great music, crazy times, you had to live it to believe it.
More stoner music by Tommy James & The Shondells. Their music was always on the play track in every head shop. Easy to hear why. Thanks for the reaction, hearing them is always a pleasure and a great "trip" down Memory Lane!!
It's so fun to see you kids discovering songs from my youth. The dynamic these days (with streaming, etc.) is so different, back in the day, you could pick up the 45 (with another song on the b-side), or the album, and if you had the album, you play a whole side of music. This sat on my turntable quite a lot back then (I think I got this when I was 12), and the song deeply impressed me.
Jay & Amber, Being a child of the 60s and teen of the 70s lIblove when you both do music from those eras. Takes me back to then and I have fond memories memories of then . I thank you both, a lotal listener from Texas. And I hope your young ones are okay also. ✌️👍🙏❤
Was a whole different vibe. Love was literally in the air. Woodstock, the Jesus movement, the clothes, the cars. I could go on. I had just came back from the Vietnam war and dropped out, let my hair grow and joined the crowd. I am blessed to have had the chance to experience it all. America is not the same anymore. The world needs another era like this. BADLY.
Tommy James and the Shondells are an American pop rock/psychedelic rock band, formed in Niles, Michigan, in 1964. They had 2 #1 hits (of which this was one) and charted 12 other songs.
My older sister would play this over and over (no pun intended). I really like Tommy James. Very 1960s, far-out vibes in his work. Crystal Blue Persuasion and Mony Mony are fun, too.
This was my first favorite song! There was a call in everyday to vote for your favorite song. I remember waiting to hear the count down everyday to hear this song! I knew you would like it!
Amber we would have welcomed you with open arms. I just love your appreciation for the tunes that shaped our lives. It feels new again reliving it with you.
I wore the grooves off this record when I was young. They were and still are one my fav bands. It was also the first concert I attended when I was like 12. They played in a high school gym in my area. Ticket was around $2. That's the way it was in the 60's. Lots more to explore from these guys. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
This was so popular when I was a teen that one day I heard it on 3 popular radio stations back to back to back. Had to love those old transistor radios too. There is a long version too.
I was about 8 years old when this song was released but I remember hearing it on the radio and my older hippie-ish cousins playing it and I loved it even as a little kid. I wanted to be a hippie when I grew up (of course I never told my parents) but by the time I was a teenager in the mid 1970s things were changing.
that song has sooo many memories for me. Soft psychedelia that got a lot of radioplay back in the day. It really reflected, or maybe influenced, the times, when young people cast off the restrictions of conformity and were free to love and experience things in new ways...the Summer of Love was still in the air. I never get tired of hearing it
You also need to listen to Sweet cherry Wine, She, Mirage, Do Something To Me, Hanky Panky, I Think We’re Alone Now, etc. by Tommy James and the Shondells! They had so many great songs!❤
I LOVE your musical taste full on! So fun to see your reactions! Love you! Not only all the heroes on your lovely wall, but HOLY MOLY! This song is such fire. Big deal as a kid listening. I can see my parents in their rockin' life... This is one of my favorite 45's from their collection. I've loved it since early middle school. I'm almost 50 now, but it still kills me X YASS! That "Crimson and Clover Over and Over" is LIFE. I will slay a dragon. No joke.
"Sweet Cherry Wine" will give you the same vibe as "Crimson and Clover". It's another window into the times when this song was recorded, a great anti-war anthem!
Amber I’m 70 years old and graduated high school in 1970. I went to high school just south (40 mins) of San Francisco. I’ve been to the Cow Palace and saw many artists of the time. One of my favorites of my youth was called “Maggie May” by Rod Stewart. It brings back fond memories of the early 1970’s.
@@oldiesgeek454 he has a home here in Daytona Beach and I was a karaoke DJ in this night club on Daytona beachside ! It happened to be the Nightclub he frequented when he was here ! He came in while I was DJ-ing and I had him come up to sing and he asked if I would harmonize so..........I did !
Awesome classic period piece. Tommy James is totally underrated as an artist. Joan Jett faithfully covered this song with more of an electrified sound.
You so get the times. I was a child when this song was popular and it made me envy the older teens and 20-somethings enjoying all the experiences open to them at this moment in time.
Morning kiddies. You're right about things being much more free. The fact is, it was new. Don't forget, Rock n' Roll is a new genre of music. 1955/6, when Elvis appeared. It's only 77 yrs old. People could be creative & new in a way that's just not possible today. Anyway, great to see you two & your family growing & gaining the musical knowledge that will sustain you in the future. Jay, Amber have a great christmas & new year. Peace to you & yours. Love from south london.
Amber is so right. Being a child of the 60's and 70's really was a wonderful time to be alive. So much great music and freedom to express with little judgement and just being able to run around without fear was a wonderful thing. We probably won't see it like that again and it makes me sad. Peace!
Makes me sad too.
Oh the judgment was always there but the music was extraordinary.
@@roseblake5803 Yes there were some judement but today has become so mean and hateful and we did had more freedom back then just being children not being little adults not carry adulr burdens on our shoulders like children are having today . And we didn't live in so fear , again like children are having today
@@marygatteri1491 - It’s because children today are much more informed. We were not.
@@roseblake5803 We were pretty imformed but of course we didn't have the internet . We had the news the newspaper and hearing about things through the grapevine so of speak and but we didn't know eveything little thing , still we knew enough of what was going on, we were still children through all that
Amber, we hereby declare you an honorary hippie! I really feel blessed to have grown up in those years. It truly was an age of optimism, when it seemed like anything was possible. There were some horrible things happening -- racism, Vietnam, the Cold War -- but for awhile it seemed like the solutions to every problem were within our grasp.
Agreed! Amber is an honorary flower child!!!
Someone needs to have a hippie party.
Same!
_#cheers_
It didn't seem like that. Everyone just had good drugs. The 60s were filled by people pointing at problems, singing about hypothetical solutions...And not solving any of it.
Funny neither of them considered the racism in their 'I wanna be in the 60s!' spiel.
I'm sure it's been mentioned, but in case it hasn't... Tommy James did the original version of "Mony Mony", whose cover by Billy Idol you enjoyed so much. Some of his other bangers are "Hanky Panky", "Sweet Cherry Wine", and "I Think We're Alone Now" (again, you've heard this song, but the version done by Tiffany in the 80s). Tommy's songs were covered A LOT. Heck, THIS song was covered wonderfully by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts!!
And Billy Idol and Tiffany both hit #1 back to back
and "Draggin' the Line"!
I heard Joan Jett"s version first. And it was okay. Then I heard this original version, and Wow! Instant 💗!
@@sp33dr4c3r GREAT TUNE!
This song was covered by Prince, too. He mixed it up with Wild Thing.
Ya ever notice how Amber goes into the "Hippie Zone" soooo quickly? Jay's over there trying to figure out the sounds and the instruments while Amber has left the planet. Love you both, but Amber gets to fly the "freak" flag today! ....and that's a good thing!
yup
This was my first time watching these two and I really enjoyed their reaction and take on this Tommy James classic.
I love that at first, Jay seemed to think his headphones might be acting up. His face changes completely when he realizes that it was intentional.
I'm so glad that you listened to the full-length version...the original radio version cut out ALL the psychedelic greatness that you guys were groovin' on. And yet it STILL became a huge hit.
I don't think I ever heard the full version before! Amazing!
Neither have I!
It is really cool!
though, it is that bass the really hits me in soul!
Stay safe, stay sane, stay Strong Happy holidays
Yes, first time for me for this version.
I actually just commented that I'm hearing things that I've never heard before, even though I've heard this song before many times. ✌🏿
Radio stations did play the long version as a rare treat but you had to be lucky to catch it.
You are right. This embodies my generation. I'm 72 years old and I still love this song. We were freer than we are today.
63 and I agree
And...just like that I'm in the sixth grade at Nina Dilello's party -- black lights and donuts. YOU GUYS ARE MAKING the trauma's of our sad current global moment so much more bearable. Smiles and chills.
Blessings!
Black lights with black light posters were the best!
Black lights and donuts, great name for a band 🤣
@@stevebengel1346 Or Black Lights & Lava Lamps 😉😆
I have always thought that this was Tommy James' masterpiece because the song is so experimental and well-composed!
Does he have another song?
You must be joking. Two #1 hits, 8 in top ten and 32 songs which charted on Billboards top 100. He had 9 gold or platinum albums and over 100 million albums sold Worldwide. @@st0n3p0ny
Tommy James and Shondells were SO far ahead of their time! You can't really go wrong if you are looking for something good.
How old were you when this came out?
Indeed Joel, they are "Sweet Cherry Wine"
@@chetcarman3530 Jr. High for me.
@@chetcarman3530 2nd grade or so
They were not ahead of their time. They were on time!
Revolutionary song, the Shondells with this song took us on a trippy, psychedelic journey like nothing we had ever heard before this. From the reverb of the guitars to the tremolo voice distortion they opened up whole new doors to electronic sound. And it is so cool watching you crave what we actually lived in that era. Like the old saying goes, “You really had to be there.” Thanks for doing this.
Well said, richardsmith9911! This song introduced and brought together just about everything that was possible in a recording studio at that time. Add a small dose of LSD and it was quite a journey. Those were the days!
You guys, and the reaction channels like yours, are the torchbearers. Keeping the music of the past alive and passing it on to the next generation. The freedom, the love, the joy, the wonder, they’re yours now. Spread these songs far and wide so they’ll never be forgotten and vanish from the face of the Earth.
💗
truth
well said
That was so beautify said yes
Y'all surprised me. Playing the longer, album version. Great move. The single is one of the best of the 60s, but the full-length album version is positively otherworldly. I'm hooked on your channel. Keep doing what you're doing. I'm diggin' it.
Amber you spoke with such feelings about this song. Thank you for reminding me of what life was about back then . They were some of my best year's growing up.
Aw yes ! Amber has an old soul ! A gift from above.
Don’t ever change.
Joan Jett's cover of this song became one of her most successful songs. When she was inducted into the Rock Hall Of Fame, she invited Tommy James and they did the song together.
That's awesome!
Then Joan should be fighting like hell to get Tommy in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
@@thomastimlin1724 RR hall has become a joke....
@@thomastimlin1724 How the HELL do you know she isn't?? What a goofy reply
@@1calvinfunny1 Maybe YOU are the JOKE
If the world was filled with more beautiful music like this, maybe we’d have less of that division in our lives today
We find this to be true as well
I want to hug you both
The world WAS filled with music like this - and you had wars, assassination, rhacism, mobsters, drug use, hookers, serial killers, colonialism, night stalkers and many of the same ills of society as today.
What an absolutely nonsense take. Wars happened the decade this song was released. And if anything, technology has actually FILLED the world with music.
There is too much $ and power in being able to divide and foment hate.
I'm turning 70 next month, and I grew up in that era, and on that music.
100 proof hippy music, and I love that you both get it like we did.......JUST like we did.
What a time it must have been to be alive
@@RobSquadReactions It was. And then came the Vietnam War
@@RobSquadReactions .
It was a mind blowing time hearing all those songs for the first time - much like what you two are doing, a different time, but the same results.
Heard an interview with Tommy James just recently about this song -- apparently he regrets that the song was never properly mixed. He took the rough mix to a radio DJ friend of his in Chicago (WLS), and the DJ, to Tommy's chagrin, later played it as an "exclusive" on air, and it blew up... so the record company decided to release it as it was. So what we've heard all these decades is effectively a step beyond being a rough demo. Amazing.
Tommy James was legit! So underrated, it's almost criminal! Dive in guy's, lot's of great tunes in their catalog!
Amber....got news for you. You are a child of the 60' and 70's. Your 'music' soul lived during that timeline....yes ma'am. I lived during those time and recognize your Soul Spirit when you hear our songs. You = Flower in your hair band, bell bottom jeans with Peace Symbol Patches, tube top, sandles, leather bracelets and in the front seat of a Volkswagon Van.....pulling into Woodstock. I've seen your 'Spirit' within many young ladies of that time. I believe I saw you dancing when Joe Cocker sang, 'With a Little Help From My Friend' at Woodstock. You were are one groovy girl!!!!😊 Peace!
“I wanna do everything, what a beautiful feeling” is one of my favourite lyrics of all time that sums up happiness perfectly
Not to mention "My mind's such a sweet thing."
@@maryerpenbach9517 - the line is "My, My! Such a sweet thing!" referring to the girl he is singing about.
@@MissAstorDancer dah dah, dah dah, dah dah
The essence of life
I agree
*OK, I'll admit it; I was alive when this came out. The 60's and 70's songs through my childhood were awesome. I have their "Best of" on CD and I do play it when cruising about. Takes me back to a more peaceful time.*
My mom used to listen to this when we were kids, she would put the record on and turn it up…. Great memories… thank you.
I swear they played this tune on the radio every third song, over and over, lol, I was over it.
Same for me. Mom and dad.
I did the same, only as a kid of the 60s/70s
Same 🙂
After my daughter was born when I left the hospital and started the car this song was playing. " I don't hardly know her but I think I could love her". This was played for the father daughter dance at her wedding reception.
It was a special time in the late 60's when the youth had a new way of thinking and the music just amplified it. There was nothing like this song when it came out and there hasn't been anything like it since. One of my all time favorites.
SO glad you picked the extended version. I feel blessed to have been born in the early 60's and lived firsthand through the best music ever.
Tragically under-rated band, they had so many huge hits.
I wish you could have been a part of that time period. I am a Boomer, was a kid of the 60's and 70's. I loved it so much. I grew up with Soul Train and American Bandstand, both amazing shows. Amber it was the hippie times, free love, Music. The clothes! I want you guys to watch HAIR with Treat Williams.
Omg. So glad you did the album version! What a legendary psychedelic song! The short version was one of the biggest hits of the 60s and quite frankly stamped this groups status. They were fire.. Covered so many times, especially in the 80s. Tremendous reaction and still more wonderful songs to go from them
I remember falling asleep as a young boy to this song. Played on a 9 volt transistor AM only radio tucked under my pillow. To me, it is the ultimate " first love" song.
Don’t ya just love the feel? 💙💖🌸 I was there, dancing to this song & many other great songs of the sixties!…oh the memories!👍
I turned eight about the time this song was released in the US. I couldn't get enough of it, especially the lines at the very end of the song. I just couldn't figure out how they did that with their voices. Also, I grew up hearing the radio edit, which was maybe 3 minutes as I recall. Glad to see you enjoy it also. ✌️❤️
You two have a habit of returning me to the days of my youth...
SUPER! SUPER! SUPER! AWESOME SONG! ONE OF THE MOST AWESOME SONGS EVER!🥰😍😘
I adore this song! Discovered it in the early 1980's when my bffs older sister told their mom to get rid of her teenage stuff ( she was 10 years older than us, been married & gone for 6 years). Her stack of albums was full of treasures that she collected & inherited from the other older siblings. We spent a year listening to and tape recording mix tapes. We thought we were so cool listening to those oldies😄 but goodies cruising around.
Donna I thought I was cool listening to this song too. Alas for me it was a brand new song, not an Oldy.
You WERE so cool listening to those oldies!
And .......We were ripped on LSD 😎
@@jeffcooley1861 well yeah, or herbals!
Oh Amber, what a great reaction! You really described the essence of the feeling of this song!
Tommy James and the Shondells were the soundtrack to my 7th and 8th grade years ,with this and Sweet Cherry Wine, Crystal Blue Persuasion and Ball of Fire.
This is a song that had such a distinctive sound, it just commanded attention when it played on the radio. Tommy James and the Shondells were a great band and held their own against some of the best of their time. I'm so glad you are enjoying them and bringing them back to light.
Another blast from my childhood.
With this song, 'Mony, Mony,' 'Draggin the Line,' and 'Crystal Blue Persuasion, ' Tommy James & the Shondells were the hottest pop/ro kband during the early 70's.
I’m begging you to do “Goodbye To Love” by the Carpenters. My favorite Carpenter song… and the guitar solo will blow your mind.. 🙏🏻
We would have welcomed you to be part of the “flower children” or “love generation.” Listening to you guys have given me a greater appreciation of the music of my youth. Although I listened to the 60s &70s music, I didn’t really appreciate it as much as I should have. When I listen with ya’ll, I feel like I’m sitting with my friends and hangin out and re loving it Thank you my friends.
Well Said
I second that!👍👏👏👏
Of course Amber would be in. I can't imagine a less exclusionary group than Hippies!
I haven’t heard the long version in quite awhile. It was so good hearing it again. Loved your reaction to it.
The long version hardly got any airplay. AM radio just didn't have the time. First time I have heard it in many years.
This was their follow up song after Mony Mony in 1968. Tommy James was looking for a different direction to go and came up with Crimson and Clover. Named after his favourite colour and favourite plant.
Such a sweet song with a little psychedelic overtone and a great instument sound.
It was on the charts for 16 weeks and made it to Number 1. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦
first class music...feelings, rythim, message, passion, love.....
Tommy James released this in 1968, I had just graduated from high school and was in the military just getting ready to go to Vietnam. Sure, somewhat psychedelic, definitely 'hippie', if you will, but one of the most iconic songs of the year and the era. Thanks for reacting to it! It's part of the soundtrack of my military experience.
Yeah, man. We were getting ready to take our senior class trip to sunny SouthEast Asia, courtesy of Uncle Sam and Mother Green the Killing Machine...
I had just got out of the Army, stationed in Germany as an armor crewman a few months before this came out. I probably lit up my first uknowhat about this time. Great times followed. TY for your service.
Thank u all for your service 🤗
🗽🇺🇲 ✌️
I went to
Haight-Ashbury in 1965 to check out all the Hippies, in 2 weeks I was in Vietnam.
Classic late 60’s psychedelia ❤️. So many Tommy James songs were covered and became big hits again for others. This one by Joan Jett, “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany, and “Mony Mony” by Billy Idol.
Of all the couples and other people I see on TH-cam you guys are my favorite. You make me smile every time. You all just seem like genuinely good people. We all need more people in our lives like you guys.
More than any other group, Tommy James and the Shondells captures that feeling, those intense feelings when you were young and in love or infatuated, and alone with your lover for the first time. That intensity. The butterflies in your stomach. Those memories. Those were the songs by this group. And of course with this song, you're alone in a beautiful field of clover, and your girl is wearing crimson, and you're both laying there, entwined and in ecstasy.
Oh the memories. 5 yr old me sneaking down the steps to listen to music on the 8track while mom and dad had parties. I cant tell you how many times daddy carried me to bed. Crimson and clover, hang on sloopy, tommy roe sweet pea (my favorite), down on the corner, sittin on the dock of the bay and love me tender...I'll never forget that is how they lined up. 💙💙💙
Tommy Roe - "Sweet Pea", has an amazing drum break.
I loved Sweet Pea too! I was 6 when it came out and I still know the words.
Im 63..grew up with this music..lucky me 😊😊😊
My parents were hippies. Well, my mom didn't like labels. She said they were just kids who thought they could change the world with love. My parents were also an interracial couple. My mom was black and my pops was white. This relationship was really frowned upon everywhere except among the counterculture! No judgements! Nothing but love, which seems to be in short supply these days! I also wish I had been older to grasp the concept of what was going on at that time.
"I also wish I had been older to grasp the concept of what was going on at that time."
"Nothing but love, which seems to be in short supply these days!"
As a member of the hippy generation I would like to say.
💖Thank you.
Marveled at the grandchild, graduating HS.
He being so proud that his new 'modern' generation is the forward thinking, "accepting generation".
Grumpy Grandpa butt's in...👋Hey! ☮ Dude...
Let's be clear, your 'modern' forward thinking accepting generation of the 2000's.
Hasn't caught up to the 1960's yet.
We’ve taught our children well. Now we’re working to teach our grandkids to be loving and tolerant.
@@maryswanson9982we were told to teach them well.
OMG…..I Love people of All color Loving each other…..I was born in 1961…..it’s who we are !!! It’s who God intended us to be 😃☮️❤️🌎
You can be alive and in the 60's anytime that you put the headphones on...Thanks for the long version, which you seldom hear.
This is one of my all time favorite songs! It's very nostalgic
One of the crazy things about this song is that I have heard numerous different versions they released. Go grab the track again and listen, and I bet you will get a different arrangement. It blows me away, as I don't know any other group or song with so many cool incarnations.
I was born in 1951, and I rocked through these years that Amber so loves. It really was a joy ride. 😎❤️
Like many bands of the 60’s did they created a longer version for the album so the single was one song, the album another. They screwed up the recording and the pitches dropped during the taping of the solo’s which is noticeable but they left alone. Later in the 90’s for a compilation record they digitally corrected that pitch drop and basically created a new version all over again
Amber, I knew you would love Crimson and Clover. I've suggested it several times and am so happy you finally got to it. I was in 8th grade when I first heard it and I can remember exactly where I was. It is one of the songs that has stayed with me for the rest of my life and got me into progressive and psychedelic music. If I remember correctly, Neil Young came out with Cinnamon Girl at the same time. I think you should check it out. Merry Christmas to you and your family.🎄⛄🎅
Also not to be forgotten titled song by this band: Sweet Cherry Wine. Give it a taste so to speak.
I was born in 1960 and the music back then will never be duplicated. I remember listening to this song when I was younger and you would almost swear you were tripping when you listened to it.
I'm the same age, Edith. It takes me back to 3rd grade LOL and great childhood music.
Ditto. April ‘60. This music could never be done by today’s artists
Same here…a child of the early 60’s.
The sound synthesizer and the way that music bounced back and forth in your head was amazing, no drugs needed. Amber would have been an amazing hippie chick.
One of my wife's favorites from back in the day. "My life's such a sweet thing". Ah! The extended version! Go 60s. So cool doing this version . Well, c'mon along! Welcome aboard. Thanks!
Amber I believe you must of been there in your past life because of how much you resonate with that time. Much love and bliss to you.From an old hippie ❤️🌹✌🏻
Jay & Amber, this has to be one of the greatest songs of all time!! To add all those different effects to guitars in the one song is amazing - no keyboards or synths - just guitars. At the end they put their vocals thru a tremolo effect - creating a totally unique sound!!
5 degrees? It's MINUS SIX here in Kansas City right now, and our wind chill was MINUS 30 earlier today. Fortunately, my dog had no patience with it today either; she wasted no time in doing her business each time I had to take her out today. One more trip out, though, before we turn in for the night. By the way, speaking of "freedom," as you were doing in this reaction video, the Saint Bernard I was given as a high school graduation present, I gave him the name "Freedom." You're right -- it *SO* fits the time.
So glad you two finally got around to this awesome jam from Tommy James and the Shondells. It was one of the first songs I remember for which there were two versions you might have heard on the radio -- the 'short" version (the radio edit), and the "long" version (the album cut). The long version was absolutely the one to listen to (it's the one you featured). There are a few other Tommy James and the Shondells songs you haven't gotten to that I know you'd enjoy. My favorite was "I Think We're Alone Now" (it was my girlfriend's and my song back in high school). And you've GOT to hear their version (the original) of "Mony, Mony." There are others, but I'll let those two stand.
Oh, by the way, Tommy James is still around and, at least a few years ago, was still performing and still sounded great!
Stay warm.
Tommy James is from a little town in Michigan where I grew up. In my early 20's I played in a band with one of the original Shandells, and heard lots of stories about the band. My favorite of theirs is Crystal Blue Persuasion.
This was one of my very first favorite songs. It came out just before I turned 7 (end of 1968) and hit number 1 on the billboard charts a little while later in 1969. It also was the first rock album I had ever purchased (with $4.99 of my mother's money). I'm glad you chose the full-length album version and not the shortened single version. Tommy James is a really interesting, humble guy and there are videos on TH-cam of him being interviewed about this song.
One of my favorite songs from them. Amber is such a flower child, I love it
I remember well where I was the first time I heard this song! What a trip and it’s still ongoing….still on my playlist and I’m 65! 😝
I just have to tell the story of when I was in my teens and the little town I lived in had a youth center that I hung out at and one of the directors was a friend of Tommy James. She asked him if he would play a benefit concert for the center (it was called the Underground) and he was happy to do it so we rented the High School gym and they put on a killer show. I still remember shooting pool with Tommy James at the youth center. All the band members were great guys and really helped out the youth center so much.
Thanks for reacting to that song. Takes me back to my teenage years. Can't believe how cold it is there. It's lovely and very warm here in Sydney Australia
Tommy James and the Shondells are in the Michigan Hall of Fame, One of my favorite Michigan bands. Tommy James was a musical genius way ahead of his time. His music is timeless.
This takes me back to being a little kid about 6 around 1970 and being at a family gathering and finding all the big kids (high schoolers) in the backyard smoking and listening to the radio and some cool Rock & Soul music. This song was playing and I wanted so bad to be one of the big kids because everything they were doing seemed so cool. Every time I hear this song it reminds me of that back yard with all the big kids and me trying so hard to one of them. Of course, they didn't want to talk to a little kid so I just stayed in orbit around them, hanging out in the shadows to feel cool.
I was 10 at that time and had the same feelings and experience!
One of my Absolute Favorite Songs❤❤❤
You made me smile listening to this again. Yes this was a song of the times. The hippies were preaching love, the government was pushing war. These great rock bands were were telling the youth to go your own way, on your own terms. Great music, crazy times, you had to live it to believe it.
More stoner music by Tommy James & The Shondells. Their music was always on the play track in every head shop. Easy to hear why. Thanks for the reaction, hearing them is always a pleasure and a great "trip" down Memory Lane!!
Been waiting for you guys to do this one! It’s as good as Crystal Blue if not better. LOVE them both!
Nah. Crystal Blue Persuasion is probably my favorite song of all time. ☺️
I like Mony-mony, as well.
It's so fun to see you kids discovering songs from my youth. The dynamic these days (with streaming, etc.) is so different, back in the day, you could pick up the 45 (with another song on the b-side), or the album, and if you had the album, you play a whole side of music. This sat on my turntable quite a lot back then (I think I got this when I was 12), and the song deeply impressed me.
LOVE this song. This is the "first" song I can remember hearing at like age 3-4...driving with my dad in his old blue pick up truck.
Jay & Amber,
Being a child of the 60s and teen of the 70s lIblove when you both do music from those eras. Takes me back to then and I have fond memories memories of then . I thank you both, a lotal listener from Texas. And I hope your young ones are okay also. ✌️👍🙏❤
Was a whole different vibe. Love was literally in the air. Woodstock, the Jesus movement, the clothes, the cars. I could go on. I had just came back from the Vietnam war and dropped out, let my hair grow and joined the crowd. I am blessed to have had the chance to experience it all. America is not the same anymore. The world needs another era like this. BADLY.
Tommy James and the Shondells are an American pop rock/psychedelic rock band, formed in Niles, Michigan, in 1964. They had 2 #1 hits (of which this was one) and charted 12 other songs.
My older sister would play this over and over (no pun intended). I really like Tommy James. Very 1960s, far-out vibes in his work. Crystal Blue Persuasion and Mony Mony are fun, too.
Yes exactly! This music is far-out!
This was my first favorite song! There was a call in everyday to vote for your favorite song. I remember waiting to hear the count down everyday to hear this song! I knew you would like it!
Amber we would have welcomed you with open arms. I just love your appreciation for the tunes that shaped our lives. It feels new again reliving it with you.
I wore the grooves off this record when I was young. They were and still are one my fav bands. It was also the first concert I attended when I was like 12. They played in a high school gym in my area. Ticket was around $2. That's the way it was in the 60's. Lots more to explore from these guys. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
This was so popular when I was a teen that one day I heard it on 3 popular radio stations back to back to back. Had to love those old transistor radios too. There is a long version too.
This IS the long version. When It was originally released the song did not have the instrumental section. That part was added for the album release.
I was about 8 years old when this song was released but I remember hearing it on the radio and my older hippie-ish cousins playing it and I loved it even as a little kid. I wanted to be a hippie when I grew up (of course I never told my parents) but by the time I was a teenager in the mid 1970s things were changing.
“Mony Mony”, “ Hanky Panky” and “ I think we’re alone now” three of the biggest hits from 1966, 1968 and 1969. ❤️
55 years of listening to this song and I still say" Wow".
Take the good of the past and piece it into your today.
that song has sooo many memories for me. Soft psychedelia that got a lot of radioplay back in the day. It really reflected, or maybe influenced, the times, when young people cast off the restrictions of conformity and were free to love and experience things in new ways...the Summer of Love was still in the air. I never get tired of hearing it
You also need to listen to Sweet cherry Wine, She, Mirage, Do Something To Me, Hanky Panky, I Think We’re Alone Now, etc. by Tommy James and the Shondells! They had so many great songs!❤
I LOVE your musical taste full on! So fun to see your reactions! Love you! Not only all the heroes on your lovely wall, but HOLY MOLY! This song is such fire. Big deal as a kid listening. I can see my parents in their rockin' life... This is one of my favorite 45's from their collection. I've loved it since early middle school. I'm almost 50 now, but it still kills me X YASS! That "Crimson and Clover Over and Over" is LIFE. I will slay a dragon. No joke.
"Sweet Cherry Wine" will give you the same vibe as "Crimson and Clover". It's another window into the times when this song was recorded, a great anti-war anthem!
Amber I’m 70 years old and graduated high school in 1970. I went to high school just south (40 mins) of San Francisco. I’ve been to the Cow Palace and saw many artists of the time. One of my favorites of my youth was called “Maggie May” by Rod Stewart. It brings back fond memories of the early 1970’s.
My claim to fame was when I sang this song with Tommy James! It was awesome !
@Anne Please, fill us in on all the details! 😊
@@oldiesgeek454 he has a home here in Daytona Beach and I was a karaoke DJ in this night club on Daytona beachside ! It happened to be the Nightclub he frequented when he was here ! He came in while I was DJ-ing and I had him come up to sing and he asked if I would harmonize so..........I did !
@@annebiebrich9155 That's great, it must've been a thrill. 😊 👍
In '68, I went to see these guys live. My first concert, ever. I was 14 yo, They did each song just like I heard on my GE transistor radio, AM.
Awesome classic period piece. Tommy James is totally underrated as an artist. Joan Jett faithfully covered this song with more of an electrified sound.
You so get the times. I was a child when this song was popular and it made me envy the older teens and 20-somethings enjoying all the experiences open to them at this moment in time.
This was such a treat! And yes, Amber, we would have loved it if you had been with us back then!💖💖💖
This is probably the best song ever made. Been my favorite since I was a kid listening to my parents 45 of this.
Such a cool song. Joan Jett later had a hit with this song but still love this original best! Tommy James & the Shondells were fire 🔥!!
Morning kiddies. You're right about things being much more free. The fact is, it was new. Don't forget, Rock n' Roll is a new genre of music. 1955/6, when Elvis appeared. It's only 77 yrs old. People could be creative & new in a way that's just not possible today. Anyway, great to see you two & your family growing & gaining the musical knowledge that will sustain you in the future. Jay, Amber have a great christmas & new year. Peace to you & yours. Love from south london.