Today’s classic song of the day is a nice little slice of late-60s psychedelia. The song is “Crimson and Clover” by Tommy James and the Shondells and it was released as a single on Roulette Records in November of 1968. The song went all the way to #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100.
Tommy James wrote the tune, along with Shondells drummer Peter Lucia Jr., and also produced it. The song was inspired by Mr. James’ desire to change the group’s sound and start producing his own material. Mr. James says the title of the tune comes from his favorite color (crimson) and favorite flower (clover). Co-writer Peter Lucia disputes this, saying it came to him while watching a New Jersey high school football game between the Morristown Crimson (his high school) and rival Hopatcong High, which wore green (clover) uniforms. Believe who you will.
“Crimson and Clover” was one of the first songs to utilize a 16-track tape recorder. It’s notable for its use of a heavily tremoloed guitar; the same effect was applied to the vocals at the end of the song. It’s all very trippy, as were many things at the time.
Fifteen or so years later, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts recorded a much heavier version of “Crimson and Clover.” Their cover, released in April of 1982, peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100, and it’s today’s daily bonus track of the day.
Michael, Love the information that you give us on these songs. Very educational!
Also, I believe the drummer. Tommy, his favorite flower, clover. That’s a weed. Come on Tommy.