1965 - June: Tom Jones “Along Came Jones”

What the Riff?!?

This week we introduce you to the debut album from a 24 year-old lad from Wales. Thomas John Woodward - today Sir Thomas John Woodward - is better known as Tom Jones. He got his start as the front man for a beat group called Tommy Scott and the Senators, but they really didn't go anywhere beyond South Wales. Gordo Mills became his manager, took him to London, and renamed him Tom Jones after the Academy Award winning film of the same name released in 1963.

Jones' first hit would be the one for which he is always remembered. "It's Not Unusual" went to number 1 in the UK within a month of its release, and it went to number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 when released in America. Mills and Les Reed worked quickely with Jones to get an album out to take advantage of the quick success, and the result is this album - Along Came Jones. Jones would have only moderate success with the rest of the songs on the album, but would see more fame when he recorded songs from movies, including "What's New Pussycat," by Burt Bacharach, and the theme song to the James Bond film "Thunderball."

Tom Jones is synonymous with Las Vegas, and he spend a good bit of time there almost from the beginning. His first stint was at the Flamingo in 1967. He made a lot of money in club performances in Vegas rather than in extensive recording. After moderate success with his first few albums, Mills directed Jones more in the direction of the crooner we know today.

We hope you enjoy this early foray into this iconic singer.

I've Got A Heart
This is the opening track on the album, and a very positive song. The boy is singing about having "a heart that really needs somebody, " and "a mind to keep her, to hold her tight, oh yeah, yeah, yeah." Not the most sophisticated lyrics you will encounter, but it is early in the rock era after all..

Whatcha Gonna Do
The album was a mix of cover songs and songs written for Jones, and this is one of the covers. Originally written by American blues and rock singer Chuck Willis, it cautions against running around on your girl.

The Rose
Gordon Mills wrote this song for Jones. It is basically the knights errand to win his love by finding the rose of love. "For my true love I yearn, but I'll never, ever return till I find where that red lady grows."

It's Not Unusual
This is where it all started for Tom Jones. Gordon Mills and Les Reed wrote this song which was released in February 1965, and it entered the charts the week it was released. It was number 1 on the UK charts a month later, and would define Tom Jones' career.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

What's New Pussycat? by Burt Bacharach (from the motion picture What's New Pussycat?)
Woody Allen's first screenplay would become this comedy film. Peter Sellers and Peter O'Toole starred in this movie. Tom Jones would achieve success from singing this song for the soundtrack as well.

STAFF PICKS:

I'll Keep Holding On by The Marvelettes
Rob starts off our staff picks with this female Motown act. They were the first successful Motown act after The Miracles. This song was written by Mickey Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter, and peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. The original members were Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart Motley, and Wanda Young. Young is on lead for this one.

Help Me Rhonda by The Beach Boys
Brian brings us a well known surfing standard and rebound song. This song has guitarist Al Jardine on lead vocals, and Glen Campbell was playing lead guitar as a session musician. Darryl Dragon (aka The Captain from Captain & Tennille ) is also playing on this track.

Take a Heart by The Sorrows
Wayne's staff pick is the title track off the debut album from “Freakbeat” band The Sorrows. One of the most aggressive R&B bands of their time, The Sorrows were known for their fast guitar solos and thudding drums. They never achieved much success, perhaps because their style of music was just ahead of its time. The song itself cautions against breaking hearts and turnabout.

Feeling Good by Nina Simone
Bruce's staff pick is a song from Broadway recorded by Nina Simone in 1965. It was not released as a single at the time, but has seen a resurgence recently in period pieces and commercials.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In) by the T-Bones
This instrumental drew its inspiration from an Alka-Seltzer commercial and was recorded by Dave Pell and members of The Wrecking Crew.

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