CLASSIC!| FIRST TIME HEARING Tommy James & The Shondells - Sweet Cherry Wine REACTION

[@robinfra52]

Amber got it. Tommy is a devout Catholic. This is also an antiwar song about Vietnam.

[@shyman99]

Christian Of The World

[@ronheyduk1864]

I LOVED the compliment that Jordan gave to Amber for her lyrics analysis...she IS THE BEST!

[@TheGreatGig73]

He is spot on!

[@jhood758]

She always seems to gets them right. Years after hearing some songs, she’s even made me think about certain lyrics.

[@leisastalnaker3790]

I love Tommy James and the Shondells….

[@Pushindazees]

You said it Jay! I've loved how Amber focuses on the lyrics while you focus on the indtrumentation. That's what makes you the perfect team!

[@josephmilitello647]

Part of the "Jesus rock" phenomenon of that era. Amber is consistently incredibly quick at deciphering lyrics.

[@brianherrington7226]

It’s criminal that Tommy James isn’t in the HOF.

[@RabbiSteve]

I’ll say!

[@kylieadkins3108]

I totally agree!!

[@jdw5678]

He was practically the inventor of the pop psyche sound, he and the Shondells have definitely earned a spot in the R&RHOF.

[@shyman99]

Not too many people take the HOF seriously anymore. You shouldn't either.

[@brokl26]

Tommy James and the Shondells are better not being part of the Hall of Fame. Nothing about being Christian or not, but the very nature of Rock-n-Roll is non conforming. The fact a Hall of Fame was created, that awards are given, pretty much goes against the nature of Rock. Status quo is not supposed to be the home of Rock.

[@BrianBrewer-bv1fg]

Tommy James and the Shondells were a great band to listen to back in the day. Thank you. ❤😊

[@Jude_196]

Just cannot beat clever lyrics that actually MEAN something and are POSITIVE!!

[@stevenblock9712]

Tommy is now a DJ on the 60's station on Sirius radio, and he tells lots of great stories. The Shondells' first big hit was I Think We're Alone Now and another early hit was Hanky Panky. It's very unsophisticated but it might put a smile on your faces.

Fully invested in the journey you two are on. "Music can change the world because it can change people" - Beethoven

[@neilsmith9066]

What a Great Band! Legends!

[@jeanstrickland2445]

Even though this is an old song it’s still got funk in it, and the lyrics are just pure perfection 😊

[@surlechapeau]

Jay & Amber, you'll love their "Mony Mony", "Hanky Panky" and "I Think We're Alone Now"!!!

[@samuelvaldez4963]

You are right on Jay! Amber is so good at it.

[@bscott7822]

I think we're alone ... Love it

[@KenRoerden]

Three great songs. I will add Do Something To Me, Bits And Pieces and Nothing To Hide. Jay and Amber have already done my favorite, Draggin' The Line. I loved to watch the Roulette Records roulette wheel logo spinning around at 45rpm. Then I would flip it over and watch it while listening to Bits And Pieces. Still have it and still listen to it, but I can't watch the wheel go 'round anymore.

[@betsylocario6453]

I always had wondered about what Mony, Mony was. Then I read that he composed Mony, Mony in a hotel room, looking out a window, and he saw a sign for Mutual of New York. 😊

[@user-tr9de6gm8k]

...and Crystal Blue Persuasion.

[@lauripettit1879]

OMG THE MEMORIES THAT COME FLOODING BACK! GOSH I MISS THESE TIMES!

[@kathyrizzi8754]

I love this band, yes…Sweet Cherry Wine! “ 🍾🍷🍾 👍👏👏👏💛💛

[@Howdyall]

I bought some cherry wine recently because of this song. I had never tasted it before because l seldom drink any alcohol, but l had to try it once, and it wasn't too bad.

[@user-tq9wi2nw7i]

Surprised everyone mentioned so many of their songs without mentioning their biggest hit "Crystal Blue Persuasion"

[@shyman99]

Biggest hit? I don't know what book you are referencing but it is not their biggest hit. Also, they announced at the start of this video that they already covered the song, so why would people mention it when it was already done?

[@melisagingrich6543]

She said Crystal Blue Persuasion in the beginning of the video.

[@user-tq9wi2nw7i]

@@shyman99When released as a single in 1969 it became one of the biggest hits for the group peaking at #2 on Billboards top 100 behind Zagar and Evans for 3 consecutive weeks from July through Aug.9th. and spending 12 weeks in the Top 100.

[@shyman99]

@@user-tq9wi2nw7i - So now you conveniently change your original comment of "their biggest hit" to "one of their biggest hits". Good grief. Just admit you were wrong and move on for crying out loud.

[@letitiakearney2423]

I don’t think Americans really conquered Rock at all in the sixties

[@tmr626]

It's always nice to hear Tommy James And The Shondells. For anyone new to the RSR channel I'd like to list their whole catalog of awesome songs. Many of you long time Tommy James fans may not have ever listened to some of these following tunes: 1) Out Of The Blue 2) Hanky Panky 3) Run Run Baby Run 4) Somebody Cares 5) I Like The Way 6) Gettin' Together 7) Real Girl 8) Mony Mony 9) Mirage 10) I Think We're Alone Now 11) Balls Of Fire 12) She 13) Draggin' The Line 14) Do Something To Me 15) Crimson And Clover 16) I'm Alive 17) Crystal Blue Persuasion 18) Loved One 19) Three Times In Love (Tommy James last big hit from '79) (Great song!) Enjoy people!

[@donnadubyak6504]

Hanky panky is the very first song I remember singing as a kid, that and wild thing.

[@gregorysmith4077]

Another great Tommy James and the Shondells song with a different twist is “Mirage”. Another great voice and group from that time is Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. Their songs include “Young Girl”, “Woman, Woman”, “Lady Willpower”, “Reverend Posey”, “Let’s Give Adam and Eve Another Chance”, “Over You”, “Don’t Give In To Him”. You really need to give them a listen.

[@cherylfahnert6798]

Over you is gary at his best!

[@dandankovic3827]

Man you hit the nail on the head when you said Amber is good at picking up the meaning of the lyrics of these songs. I've been listening to some of this music for over 40 years and it takes Amber to open my eyes as to what they are about. Thank you guys for getting me to see music that I've heard for so many years in a new way. Youdabest!

[@db4982]

Jay is so right about Amber's ability to decipher song lyrics. I think she'd like another song from Tommy James & The Shondells called 'Ball of Fire.' It's more somber but also has a message of hope. It's one of my favorites...a little bit of psychedelia wrapped in a beautiful melody.

[@jeffreyflint6286]

Excellent song by Tommy and the guys. Dragging The Line for sure!!!! Great t shirt Amber! I love Thin Lizzy. In my top 5 bands all time

[@MS-ro9dm]

Was the term "tree-hugger" from Draggin' The line?

[@surlechapeau]

they reacted to Dragging The Line Jan 29, 2022

[@jeffreyflint6286]

@surlechapeau yes they did. I just used that as it's my favourite by them. My parents didn't dig it when it came out and I bought it lol.

[@surlechapeau]

@@jeffreyflint6286 ok

[@KenRoerden]

@@MS-ro9dm "Lovin' the free and feelin' spirit, of huggin' a tree when you get near it, diggin' the snow and rain and the bright sunshine."

[@williamschrom1584]

It's got to be at least fifty years since I've heard this... thank you for bringing it back.

[@DrHenry1987]

Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill was the best in my 70s days.

[@richardkint6531]

I think there was an apple flavor Boon's Farm also.🍷

[@brianherrington7226]

Maybe going down but coming up not so fun. It’s wine. Goes right to the blood.

[@user-tn1hd4de5y]

Amber's expression at 2:12 is priceless. She knew instantly sweet cherry wine was the blood of Jesus . That was Tommys exact description of why he wrote this song . Jesus saved him and in this song he is preaching the gospel. Well done. Keep your heart and ears open .

[@tylerhackner9731]

Love this song

[@rextrek]

7th awe man - the late 60's ...and 8yr old me with my AM RADIO in the kitchen ...those were The Wonder Years as a kid growing up 60's/70's

[@PaintingandExercise]

Tommy James is still with us! This was a great band. Thank you.

[@stevehatton-bw3bo]

One of the most prolific hit makers of the late 1960s!👍👍Agree with others suggesting “Mony, Mony “ & “I Think We’re Alone Now”. Another power group of the same era, that you haven’t done yet, is Gary Puckett & The Union Gap; check out “Young Girl” and “Woman”.👍👍👍👍

[@user-eh8zq1vi4e]

I have to say. Nothing like a morning coffee and a drift back in time. Live instrumental movements can't be overstated and lyricism. However; I had a horrible experience with Cherry Brandy when I was younger, so this song conjures those memories. The tambourine back in this era was such a great addition to any song. Can't wait for your next reactions. Always a great start to my day. Canadian Grandma Lori. C

[@MrSteveLoucks]

Amber and Jay, I have a huge appreciation for how Amber deciphers lyrics. So many people don’t pay attention the way you do. Kudos!!! Now, have you listened to their seminal hit, Hanky Panky yet? Or perhaps Tommy James last top 20 hit from 1979: Three Times In Love? One song you should definitely check out is Tighter, Tighter by the group Alive 'N Kickin' … Tommy James produced and co-wrote this gorgeous song.

[@jrox6091]

1969 thru 1971 was a great time for pop music. I love so much about this song. The organ at the beginning, the background girls, the flute at the end. I read they used a Moog (pronounced MOHG) synthesizer which was rather new at the time, and very innovative. Blessings! ❤❤

[@duaneford8875]

Outstanding!!!

[@StevenW1958]

I remember, when I was 7 years old in the Summer of 1966, and my day camp counselor taught our whole group the song, Hanky Panky. Our counselor went through n to teach us kiddies many other great 1960’s rock and roll songs. Imagine the camp bus, driving us home, filled with kids singing these great songs.

[@JulieConkle]

I got this album when I was probably 12. Played it to death. This has always been one of my favorite songs of theirs.

[@dennislegan3013]

I also agree with Jay, Amber has great interpretations of these older songs. As a young man listening to these songs, I only appreciated the sound but now I appreciated the meaning more. Great job you two.

[@susanliltz3875]

Glad to hear you say you love the “Classics”!!

[@robynfedalen1777]

OMG! I totally forgot about this song! Isn’t it GROOVY?! ❤️🎶

[@timmiszkowski9222]

This is whe he found the Lord and became BORN AGAIN 🙏

[@leisastalnaker3790]

Crystal Blue Persuasion. A favorite.❤❤❤❤

[@Wordsmyth8]

I think they’ve already reacted to that one.

[@surlechapeau]

they did May 2, 2022 @@Wordsmyth8

[@michellecasey5752]

I was so young when this song came out. I remember it, but now I understand it. This was fun. Thank you!

[@RobertoSantana61]

60' Classic & New artists: the band is Classics IV - and the song "Traces". Here's two more 60's classics: Spiral Staircase - "I Love You More Today Than Yesterday" THE UNION GAP - "YOUNG GIRL"

[@shyman99]

They already covered "More Today Than Yesterday".

[@RobertoSantana61]

@@shyman99 - Thanks, I must've forgot that one.

[@geoffglotfelty6709]

Sweet cherry wine was the song that made me a huge fan of Tommy James and the Shondells

[@haroldbrown1062]

Tommy’s solo singles “Nothing To Hide” and “Ball Of Fire” are awesome also.

[@db-gb5xi]

You should definitely react to their Mony, Mony. Also, some 50s song requests like Big Joe Turner and his song Shake, Rattle and Roll. Ruth Brown and the song, Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean. Laverne Baker and her song Tweedlee Dee.

[@Earcandy73]

Like this song, you both are beautiful. I have listened to this song my whole life but I never made the wine connection. Thank you so much Amber! It seems like a whole new song now. 😀

[@vanessa4u4evr]

This is my favorite song by these guys. Like Amber, I'm a lyric person also. And I use to sit next to our radio waiting for this song to be played back in 1969. I was 13 at the time. The good ol' days.

[@christarpley6861]

My favorite song by them is Draggin The Line

[@johnniekight1879]

Gotta rock out with "Mony Mony or "I Think We're Alone Now"

[@proudliberal605]

"I Think Were Alone Now" is the second best tune after "Draggin' the Line"

[@Kimberliss42]

Draggin' the Line is definitely my favorite.. Always has been.. My grandson was raised on this stuff .. Because.. ☺

[@jennyklat2745]

Just love your show!!!

[@glorialara8439]

Tommy James and the Shondels bring back hood memories. Crystal Blue Persuasion is one of my all time favorite songs.

[@kylieadkins3108]

This song brings back great memories!! I love this group!!❤❤

[@tjerwin1]

Tommy James is an amazing talent he and the Shondells had so many hits that still live on today thanks to you and others that react to these classics. I really can't pick out any that are my favorites but I do like "Mony Mony" and " Mirage" just so many great songs from this talent.

[@stormy8207]

Yes. I remember, long ago now, doing english literature classes where we would analyze books and poetry. Also pulled apart Simon and Garfunkel, who were massively popular at the time. Amber is absolutely right in her assessment. There is often so much that is lost by not digging under the surface. She nailed it.

[@KimSimful]

We also discussed Cat Steven’s songs in my class.

[@stormy8207]

@@KimSimful Yes I think the teachers were hoping that using our music would give us a little bit more motivation:) In hindsight, it probably worked. I remember one english class where the tutor spent the whole hour talking about Get Smart and the comedic value. Needless to say she was a fan:)

[@BrianBrewer-bv1fg]

You need to listen to Crimson and Clover 🍀 it is really good. 😊

[@surlechapeau]

they did already Dec 22, 2022

[@shaunharris7299]

I love the family atmosphere you provide on your wonderful channel ❤️

[@twoheart7813]

My fave song by them. I have the original LP, More than an anti war song, it has a powerful meaning resonates even more today.

[@danielbritton8588]

Melodies & techniques employed in those years are all the magic in songs from the 60's & 70's. Subject matter was strong then also. Many songs were of the times.

[@randallstevenson1973]

I read that Tommy got taken to the cleaners by the record company.

[@platterjockey]

The Roulette label was owned by a known mobster. It's only been a decade since the last of the family died so he somewhat feels safe to talk about it.

[@aarongoldstein7614]

​@@platterjockeyThe mobster was the late Morris Levy. James wrote a book about his life and times with "Me, The Mob and The Music".

[@sourisvoleur4854]

AGREE 100% That Amber's analysis of the lyrics is top-notch among the reactor channels I subscribe to. You bring out some insights that even someone like me who grew up with this song from my preteens can learn something from you! You have a fresh view on it I really appreciate.

[@gdoggatl]

More proof Amber was on point..."James, in an interview on the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in 2010 stated that the song "was about the blood of Jesus" and acknowledged that many fans and peers assumed it was drug related" Good job, Amber!! Thanks!

[@Ray-1960]

Gosh Amber you hit the nail right on the head. I saw an interview where Tommy was saying that exact thing. Sweet cherry wine is a metaphor for the blood of Christ. I grew up listening to this song and never made the connection until I was an adult. Amazing!!

[@dennisflury6942]

His daddy was Baptist minister, the music and lyrics reflect this often in their songs...Deep rabbit hole!

[@1960BobD]

Draggin the Line - my favorite Tommy James and the shondells song

[@technomikelyons]

Once you've had a chance to react to some more of Tommy James and the Shondells, I would highly recommend checking out the live performance at The Bitter End, where Tommy and the band perform many of their most beloved classic hits. Fantastic performance. Some other great songs: "Sugar On Sunday", "Mirage", "Ball Of Fire", "I Can't Take It No More", "I Think We're Alone Now", and of course, "Mony Mony" And as a bonus suggestion, the song "Tighter, Tighter" by Alive N Kicking was actually originally going to be a Tommy James song. He later did record a version.

[@gailhare790]

I saw them in concert a few years back. They are awesome.

[@KenOtwell]

Yes, Jordon - we all appreciate how much Amber has grown but even in the very beginning her intelligence and musical/lyrical insight has shown through.

[@fantasycamp4000]

Had an album with this on it when I was 13. Unique music from the times.

[@peakayharris8707]

Y'all got around to one of my favorite Tommy James songs ever!!! One of the best combo of lyrics & harmonies I've ever heard. And to think that it is an anti-war song too. Someday you need to get around to his original version of "Mony, Mony" (I see you guys did Billy Idol's version 2 years ago) When I was youngster, I was not ever the first one to get up and dance at a party or in the club, but if this song ever came on (Tommy's & Billy's), Id put down that drink, kick off the high heels, and get to stompin'. Addendum: I also want to say that his life story will make one of the greatest movie biopics if they can get it filmed without anybody getting killed. Anybody that reads his autobiography will know what I mean.

[@dlewis5631]

Actually a religious song. Absolutely beautiful!!!

[@johnsilva9139]

Never heard this one. You need to react to what are probably his two best known songs "I Think We're Alone Now" and "Mony, Mony", two classic sixties hits.

[@kst357]

I remember suggesting this song a year or so ago. Maybe this time next year we can hear the songs "I Think We're Alone Now" or "Mirage". I think you guys will love either one.

[@carlaharrington5120]

The 60's were such a groovy time to be young!!

[@Sandra-vg1jn]

A year or two ago I heard Tommy Shondell on the radio talking about this song. His come to Jesus experience was when he saw televangelist Billy Graham on TV. Then he said “of course I was high at the time”. Made me wonder just how serious he was about becoming a Christian!

[@daddyguerrero]

One of my biggest knocks that I have against modern music is the lack of depth in the lyrics. Yesterday’s songs were simple but yet they seemed to carry a profound message. Amber is really good at finding the meaning behind many of the classics from the past. One of the reasons I love this channel.

[@josephadiaz8343]

I was a little guy (10 years old) great song, by a great band. 👍♥️🙏✝️✌️😎

[@randyallbee1173]

By the way, this quote is for Amber and all poetry lovers-a title of a poetry collection, and from one of his poems, Charles Bukowski (not a Christian, but a gifted writer), given to me by a lifelong friend (and Buddhist)….the days run away like wild horses over the hills…a line I find more profound as I grow older. Peace out to all of you!

[@richardkint6531]

Nice to hear Tommy James & The Shondells again! Pass it all around !🍾React to "Gettin' Together" or Tommy's 80's comeback hit "Three Times In Love" next. Thanks. 😎

[@niccoarcadia4179]

I've been waiting for someone to reaction this song! Thanks Guys!

[@namesameasu]

I agree: top notch diciphering from Amber, and btw: James voice to this day sounds the same. I just saw him live last year. Excellent show, and he went out mid performance to greet everybody personally in the small venue.

[@memorast]

❤ thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you❤❤❤❤❤

[@1coolbreeze]

Tommy James wrote "Tighter, Tighter" - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5uqaqqBYqihY9Esi=C_j9DBLYMeTrr7xl for Alive 'N Kickin'. Also covered it as a solo.

[@timme2844]

Possibly the first what we now call contemporary Christian music! Wether you're a Christian or not the sentiment behind the song is universal and I'm here for it!

[@user-pp4ss6fc7c]

One of the best songs … EVER!

[@nativetexan9776]

Since you have become part of Beatlemania, this is one of my favorite classic Beatles "For You Blue" - The Beatles, with George Harrison lead singing. Very unique sound by the Fave Four. A must react song.

[@curtiscolwell1572]

It really does warm my heart to see and hear you two truly enjoying music that I grew up with .....I had a young guy just a few days ago who was in his early 20's and he was saying he was so envious of the music that I grew up with ( and my parents too lol ) .....he said that the music that is being put out today is at best just sad and soulless and at worst pathetic and they don't have heart ......I asked him if he ever listened to Elvis or the Beatles and he said no but he had heard about them and he was interested in trying them out .....I asked him if he had heard of Bob Dylan and he said who is that ?? I told him go forth young man and check him out and come back and let me know if you have experienced anything that would open up your mind , eyes , and ears .....my daughter has been around my music when she was a kid and I don't think she digs it but she does understand the importance of it's influence on culture ..... please keep up the great work you do here ..... I'm sure many people who are in your generation can relate to it better if they know the two of you are here.

[@petegallegos827]

I used to be just like you, Jay! If the song had a beat and rhythm, I couldn't care less about the lyrics. This song came out while I was still in high school and never realized that it was a anti war song. A few years later I was drafted in the army. Great song!! Thanks for your reactions. Don't forget I requested " don't you wish it were true" by John Fogerty. Thanks

[@Jerzeeguy35]

The flute at the end kind of reminds me of "The Pied Piper" saying Follow Me to happiness!

[@scottrbloom]

One of about a dozen very good groups with excellent musicianship who could write a good hook. What sets Tommy James had above the rest was aspirations to do something different. They managed to incorporate some psychedelic sounds with their otherwise bubblegum pop music. I appreciated that the lyrics were always clear and well articulated, as well as making sense in their way. Just a better than average 60s band.

[@randyallbee1173]

Good morning guys! Listening to this the day after it was posted, after my prayers and Bible reading, and wishing you all a very happy Easter! Great choice!

[@donnasingh5326]

Love their music, they had so many great songs. Sweet Cherry Wine Mony Mony Sugar on Sunday I Think We're Alone now Ball of Fire Crimson and Clover Crystal Blue Persuasion Hanky Panky Draggin' the Line

[@brentosuna2088]

Right On!! That was Groovy! Pass the Wine Brothers and Sisters!😊

[@waltw4537]

A favorite band of my wife. Great tune. Great lyrics. Heh. Yep, y'all would have fit right in the 60s scene. Nice reaction. Thanks.

[@deannamerritt493]

Amazing song. I don’t know how I got to be almost 62 and have never heard it.

[@anjoleeeickhoff6800]

All their music is good! ❤❤❤

[@kathyrizzi8754]

Please keep those classic songs coming… takes us older ones back to our young lives with great memories like Bell bottom pants, the hippy days, life was fun for so many of us oldies back then. Thanks, Amber & Jordon ♥️💖💞💕🌸🌸

[@aarongoldstein7614]

Some great deep cuts from Tommy James and The Shondells include "She" & "Adrienne".

[@jeff2333]

Love you guys! Watched you now for a couple years. I grew up in CA, and graduated in 1986. So the 70,80s,and 90s,2000s, ive listened to most everything but Country. A lot of this isnt relatable now. Stuff that alot of us didnt listen to then.Metal,New Wave,Rockabilly Punk, Ska, Mod,House Music,Break Beats,Techno,Jungle,Acid House,Trip Hop,Trance,Dub, nu metal,Old Hip hop,Reggae..Im 55 years so I been around. Jane's Addiction was pivotal in the late 80's right before Grunge in killing that stupid hair metal crap.There out of LA and Navarro was the guitarist,Perry Farrell was lead Singer and is the Brains behind Lallaploosa which created a resurgence of music festivals, look at the Bands who've plaid there. Plz some Jane's Addiction Nothing Shocking songs. Ocean size is a banger,Mountain Song, Jane Says!

[@kristiulin5124]

Since I was 8 loved these guys! First kiss to Crimson and Clover.

[@debrafischer807]

This was one of my favorite songs back in the day…..I think it’s been years since I’ve heard this song. We’re in our 70’s now.