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| 1. Crimson & Clover: Crimson & Clover |
| 2. Crimson & Clover: Kathleen McArthur |
| 3. Crimson & Clover: I Am A Tangerine |
| 4. Crimson & Clover: Do Something To Me |
| 5. Crimson & Clover: Crystal Blue Persuasion |
| 6. Crimson & Clover: Sugar On Sunday |
| 7. Crimson & Clover: Breakaway |
| 8. Crimson & Clover: Smokey Roads |
| 9. Crimson & Clover: I'm Alive |
| 10. Crimson & Clover: Crimson & Clover (Reprise) |
| 11. Cellophane Symphony: Cellophane Symphony |
| 12. Cellophane Symphony: Makin' Good Time |
| 13. Cellophane Symphony: Evergreen |
| 14. Cellophane Symphony: Sweet Cherry Wine |
| 15. Cellophane Symphony: Papa Rolled His Own |
| 16. Cellophane Symphony: Changes |
| 17. Cellophane Symphony: Loved One |
| 18. Cellophane Symphony: I Know Who I Am |
| 19. Cellophane Symphony: The Love Of A Woman |
| 20. Cellophane Symphony: On Behalf Of The Entire Staff & Management |
Ironically, "Crimson And Clover" is not just more commercial, but also contains the more inventive music. The title track, a US number one, is a gorgeous harmony and effects-drenched piece. Indeed, melodies abound on this disc and harmonies are one of the band's strengths. Some of the songs are presented without resort to production tricks. "Do Something To Me" is an earthier song while the mellow "Kathleen McArthur" is a straight love song. Other stand-outs are "Sugar On Sunday", a superbly crafted song, and the lush "Crystal Blue Persuasion". Throughout, there is clarity and a sensitive balance between all elements of the music. Nothing dominates, but every voice and instrument is audible.
On "Cellophane Symphony", only the ten-minute title track, which comes across as an attempt to emulate Pink Floyd, aspires to genuine experimentation. Lyrically, however, James and his band venture out of their routine love song approach for more thought-provoking material. Unfortunately, their efforts are pretty ordinary. The wry, loping "I Know Who I Am" is impressive and the last track is quite amusing, but there's not much else to enthuse about.
Nevertheless, the first disc is superb. This is mellow rather than subversive fare, but it's all written by the band and carried off with a flourish. For devotees of colourful, late 1960s pop, this is extremely good value.
The title cut is pretty much known by all. It is actually a splice of two master tapes at different speeds, (if you listen you can tell!) This was and is one of the greatest singles of this generation, and is timeless. Who doesn't know it? "Crystal Blue Persuasion" was another big one, known by all, and today would be MOR. Top 5 all the way, another major classic.
"Do Something To Me" was recorder earlier, and was released before "Crimson and Clover" and shows its "Mony Mony" roots. "Sugar on Sunday" could have been another single, but a group called "CLIQUE" jumped on it. "Breakaway" and the others are filler, but unlike most of his albums, this was his first 33 1/3rd lp to be listened to in its entirety. All the songs are rather good.
The best part is getting "Cellophane Symphony" on the same CD. "Sweet Cherry Wine" is his anti-war ode, and another hit. "Changes" attempts the mold of "Crimson" a great song. "Loved One" has been and has always been on of my favorites. The remainder are also easy to listen to, and are not Bubblegum, but the beginnings of FM rock. He tried and at last found the formula.
IF YOU ARE A FAN, YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH THIS ALBUM. If a collector or a lover of the 60's, this is a true artifact I think you will enjoy. For the value, your risk is low.
On "Cellophane Symphony," however, things get downright weird. The opening title track is an extended slow jam with none of the "Crimson" tunefulness to alieviate the "In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida" heaviness. Beyond that comes the pot worshipping relic "Papa Rolled His Own," the awful Ed Sullivan and Elvis imitations on "I Know Who I Am," and the truly annoying mock going away party of "On Behalf of the Entire Staff and Management." The hippie humor represented by all of this has not aged well. Nevertheless, "Cellophane" does have its strong points, notably the ballad "Evergreen," "Making Good Time," and the aforementioned "Sweet Cherry Wine."
Overall, this collection will mostly be of interest to ardent fans of Tommy James's music. Casual fans should stick to his excellent Greatest Hits collection.
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