What’s Your Preference?

Digidave · #1 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 06:44 AM

This week we are going to get away from the "Dead Rockstar" theme that I've been on for the last 2 weeks. This week I bring to you an album that you may not recognize right away. "Christian of the World" by Tommy James. When Tommy played with his band, The Shondells, he wrote many hits like "Hanky Panky", "I THINK WE'RE ALONE NOW", "Mony, Mony", "Crystal Blue Persuasion", & "Crimson & Clover". "Christian of the World" was Tommy's 2nd solo LP & included his biggest selling single, "Draggin' the Line". I recently rediscovered this LP & it truely is what I like to call, feel-good music. If you're an old rocker like myself you can't help but feel good when you play the songs on this album, no matter what mood you are in.

I had a chance to meet Tommy James back in the summer of 1974. This was my first brush with someone famous & boy was it an eye opener for me! I lived in a small community of about 2,500 people. I was 15 years old & worked part-time in a bar that had a dance hall upstairs. I ran around stocking all the coolers & kept the cow tanks that they had upstairs in the dance hall, full of beer, pop, & ice. This was going to be the biggest event they ever had at this place & I was assigned to greet Tommy & his band when they arrived. They pulled up in a big Limo & when he got out I just stood there staring at him! I finally came to my senses & asked him to follow me. I showed them to their dressing room & asked them if they would like anything to drink or eat. They didn't seem to be to awfully interested in food but they sure wanted something to drink! And boy could they drink!! When I brought them their 3rd case of beer, there was a mysterious aroma in the air. Hmmm, what could that be, I thought to myself. They asked me to join them, but of course I declined.

Well, the show went on without a hitch & I did get to take a few breaks to catch some of the music. After the show is where I got a real eye-opener! The entire band came downstairs to the bar & I was in charge of making all the drinks for everyone. I was the only sober person there. I asked Tommy what he would like to drink. Anything he wanted & it was his!! I couldn't believe my ears when he ordered. First he wanted a 10oz. glass filled to the brim with Bacardi 151 Ginger Brandy extra sharp. Then next to that I filled a 12oz. mug with Vodka. Next to that I filled a 7oz. highball glass with 7-up. Now, I don't know if you've ever drank Bacardi 151 Ginger brandy extra sharp, but let me tell you, that is some wicked nasty stuff!! He chugged one right after the other without stopping! Everyone one in the bar just stood there with their eyes popping out & jaws hanging down. He drank it down like it was Kool-Aid! Well, I locked the doors & we spent the rest of the night playing Euchre(spelling?) with the band members. That's where I really made my money! Playing cards with a bunch of drunks. It's like shooting fish in a barrel!

Hope you didn't mind me rambling on like that, but that is one childhood memory that I'll never forget!! Now, back to the album. If you ever get a chance to listen to this entire album, do it! It really is a great album.

Tracks:
1) Christian Of The World
2) Rings And Things
3) I'm Comin' Home
4) Sing, Sing, Sing
5) Draggin' The Line
6) Sail A Happy Ship
7) Light Of Day
8) Bits And Pieces
9) I Believe In People
10) Church St. Soul Revival
11) Another Hill To Climb
12) Adrienne
13) Silk, Satin, Carriage Waiting