Draggin' The Line - Tommy James and the Shondells | Andy & Alex FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@rghilino6734]

Tommy James should be in the Rock Hall of Fame....period.

[@lisaschulze7980]

Absolutely!!

[@cyndiguillory320]

He's in MY Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

[@ZJ-ne9kn]

100 PERCENT saw him last year and knocked it out of the park..

[@kenharness1417]

I was 6 years old when this song came out. One of my older brothers played it all the time. He passed away in 2014 and I'm 59 now, but whenever i hear this song i can still picture me and my brother dancing around the house while he sang the low dragging the line. Thanks for the memories. RIP bro.

[@pattyliedel6485]

What music does.

[@dottiegillespie8067]

How lucky we are to be 59! The fabulous music we got to hear! Enjoy your day!

[@hereforit170]

I love this memory for you ❤ virtual hug from way over here ❤

[@nancy9478]

Summer of 71, I just turned 12. This song blaring on the transistor radio while we were in the pool. One of my fave memories.

[@thetannaree]

I was 5 but I was by the water with this one too ☺️

[@kathystammen8774]

I was 10❤

[@markcourson3151]

Same here, I turned 12 in the fall of '71! Had this on a 45! Blew me away!!!

[@TaraJean-kb4yn]

I was 13 and have the same shared memories. 🤗 Little did we know what was to come during the 1970’s. We were sooo spoiled. ☺️☮️💟

[@kurtw176]

Tommy sang all voices and played every instrument to make this song. Tommy was the king of pop before there was one.

[@grantbaechler3529]

The bass player does the deeper dragging the line part

[@josephbishop3590]

I think Tommy was on the leading edge of experimental pop. The extreme echo and delay distortions are played to great effect. A real pioneer!

[@kurtw176]

@@grantbaechler3529 Ok. Thanks for the info

[@amb2745]

Tommy James sang and played guitar, his songwriting partner Bob King played bass guitar, and Russ Leslie played drums.

[@amb2745]

Not true. Tommy James played guitar and sang. Bob King (who co-wrote the song) is on bass guitar, Russ Leslie plays drums. Draggin' The Line was the B-side to the single "Church Street Soul Revival" released in 1970. After revisiting the song and adding horns, it was re-released as an A-sided single in 1971.

[@RicoCosta317]

Actually, this was recorded after James split with the Shondells. Massive solo hit.

[@kaybee4143]

Indeed. Good call.

[@moniphil]

Those darned Shondells … always trying to grab credit for this one.

[@tjtampa214]

I just shorten the name just like I don't always say The Rolling Stones sometimes I just say The Stones. Or when I'm referring to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band I just say Bob Seger or I say Aeger.

[@howardosden3112]

No Shondells on this one, guys, just Tommy James as a solo artist.

[@tjtampa214]

Yeah, I was gonna say I always heard it announced as Tommy James (I would say The Shondells sometimes but not everytime). Haha. Love this song. 💙

[@scottspeer]

It's on my Tommy James and the Shondells greatest hits album, so 🤷‍♂️

[@DerekDominoes]

True although, when you get right down to it, Tommy James and the Shondells is basically Tommy James.

[@gerrym.9354]

Believed to be the origin of the term "tree hugger"

[@pjg58x]

The Shondells broke up in 1970. Tommy James released this song as a solo artist in 1971. I have a few albums that include both solo work and group work from the leader of the group.

[@shinethelight01]

"I Think We're Alone Now" is a tasty little gem!

[@emilyflotilla931]

100!

[@kak2tnt]

I am 58 now. I remember Mama putting this song on the record player in the zenith console stereo. We danced together. I will hold that memory in my heart forever. ❤ I appreciate the simple repetitive groove that makes this song so cool. Crystal Blue Persuasion is another all time favorite.

[@emilyflotilla931]

What a great memory!

[@rebeccastout5041]

I am 64 this song brings me to tears because back when I was 10 my dad danced with me in the kitchen to this song I was doing dishes and mad about it and this song came on the radio and he took my hand and started dancing with me, what a memory ❤️

[@maceomaceo11]

'Sweet Cherry Wine' is a very underappreciated cut from Tommy

[@nancy9478]

That came on in the car yesterday, this 65 year old was singing it loud!

[@soapytiger]

Oh yeah!

[@Anaj-us4eo]

Mony Mony

[@hippiechic723]

Image being in the 1960’s in the car and your parents are singing to each other 💞💞💞. RIP Mom and Dad ❤

[@theodoreritola7641]

This song came out un 1972 though

[@hippiechic723]

@@theodoreritola7641 I am wrong on the year but clear as a bell on the memory 💖💖

[@Shovel-om7kn]

“Huggin’ a tree when you get near it.” One of my favorite lyrics since the 3rd grade when I purchased this 45 record new for 50¢ at the Base Exchange. Semper Fi

[@emilyflotilla931]

Thanks for your service!

[@jtf2dan]

I remember when this song came out in 1971....I took part in a 20 mile walk-a-thon late that summer...and about 3/4 the way through, a radio station float passed us on the highway and they were blaring this song from massive speakers on the float....and it picked everybody up and energized everyone......so it takes me back to that walk every time I hear it. Such a cool tune!

[@justinestes6400]

1971 was an epic year for rock n roll!!

[@AjaxCaper]

I love that story.

[@jstpshply79]

I LOVED walk-a-thons! Today's kids have NO idea 😉 ✌️❤️😎

[@markmatthews7345]

Did my first 20 mile walk a thon in 1971 too

[@kimberly3131]

And such a cool story. It paints a picture to think of when I hear this song in years to come. Thanks for sharing.

[@davids130]

Their songs were so great that everyone covers them and has success...Crimson & Clover - Joan Jett, I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany, MONY, MONY - Billy Idol. Tommy James is Iconic!

[@Grizazzle]

Gotta say NOPE to Mony, Mony. Idol's worst IMHO.

[@mirandak3273]

@@GrizazzleTommy’s is better.

[@davids130]

​@@mirandak3273 I agree! And love the story behind the name of the song "Mutual of New York" acronym MONY sign outside his apartment building was how he came up with the name

[@lynnschnekenburger7270]

Prince also did a cover of Crimson & Clover

[@m.y.o.b.724]

​@Grizazze My money is on Tiffany. Doesn't get much worse than that.

[@michaelligue3842]

My cousin Johnny came back from serving overseas in the sixties , he returned home with new stereo system and a reel to reel player . He played this song for me on that system , wow I felt like I was listening to the band playing it live .

[@andyman58]

I've seen Tommy 3 times. He always takes time at the end of his concerts to talk to his fans. Really nice guy and great talent.

[@cyndiguillory320]

Next one by them should be, 'Sweet Cherry Wine'. Think you'd like it. One of my favorites.

[@bedazzled64]

I was in 6th grade when this came out and our teacher had 45 Friday's, where we could bring in a 45 for her to play. I brought this one in and I remember everyone loving this. Thank you Mrs Greene for letting us learn about and explore our music!

[@rayeckert242]

Teachers were pretty cool in the seventies. Your story is very similar to my sixth grade experience. 45 day was the best! Edwin Starr’s “War” was a class favorite.

[@nelliejewell2665]

@@rayeckert242. I have a vivid memory of 45 day in 6th grade. Two girls almost duked it out over Puppy Love vs School’s Out. Never forget that day, or Mrs. Podesva, who had to break up the fight.

[@adrianstevens2146]

We had a "Bring your music" day, too...I brought Cosmo's Factory by CCR, played "Run Through the Jungle". The boys had a new respect for this mousy girl then, LOL

[@ABlastfromthePast]

Tommy James co-produced a one hit wonder "Tighter,tighter " for the band Alive and Kicking, which is a classic feel good summer song

[@lila10P]

I freakin' LOVE that song.

[@memorylane7068]

TJ also wrote Tighter, Tighter.

[@joannemoyer5525]

Love that song!!

[@jackempson3044]

"Mony, Mony", and "Think we're Alone" were monster hits of theirs and then covered by many others.

[@debztribe5]

They were so popular in the 60's. So many memories of family members listing to them when I was a kid. Love them!

[@keninboulder76]

This came out when I was 13 and was instantly one of my favorite songs on the radio

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

First song I ever heard in the jukebox, my birthday at bar.when 18.which was allowed in 71😊.never forget it 15 cent beers,drunk on a dollar.

[@grangerjung4129]

@@RobertSmith-iw2kb Beats getting a burger, fries and drink for under a dollar at McDonald's back then. 😄

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

@@grangerjung4129 your,right.i remember those McDonald's trips like they were yesterday. Different world.before the crooks took over.

[@jemogan]

The man is now 76 and still out there performing. And sounding pretty good if I say so myself. Just do a youtube search for him 'live 2024' and prepare to be surprised. He's been opening his shows for years with this great song. We do it in my band and it goes over very well, even with those who weren't around for Tommy back in the day.

[@joelhahn2501]

One of the few times I've seen the video title and shouted out "Finally!"

[@Deborahtunes]

I did that when I saw a reaction channel play the studio version of Styx's "Miss America". I've requested it so many times, and FINALLY, someone listened...

[@dwinkleman]

For me it was REO Speedwagon Roll with the Changes, though I kinda did it for Ridin' the Storm Out until I realized it was the studio version. LOL

[@williamscoggin1509]

When I was a kid back in the 60s I had this on a 45 RPM and the flip side was "Dizzy". It was one of my favorite records!

[@KarenLWhiting]

You're confusing 2 Tommys. Dizzy was Tommy Roe. The flip side was Bits & Pieces.

[@Deborahtunes]

This version of "Draggin' The Line" wasn't released until 1971...

[@williamscoggin1509]

I stand corrected, lol 👍🏻👴

[@theodoreritola7641]

YOU could not Have this song came out in 1971

[@soapytiger]

My head is spinnin’

[@moniphil]

I bet Tommy James is the only artist who had a cover of one of his songs displace another cover of one of his songs at the top of Billboard’s US Hot 100 pop chart. Billy Idol’s live cover of “Mony Mony” displaced Tiffany’s cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now” at #1 in 1987. They also finished #18 and #19 in the year-end Billboard chart for 1987.

[@baileyride]

How freaking cool is that!

[@Partstim]

I remember that summer well. I was 13 and loved the Tiffany song, and that was my introduction to Tommy James and the Shondells.

[@tomtortolani8082]

Yes! An overlooked gem. Now we need to get more Rascals, aka Young Rascals, on their radar!

[@betseyr.9081]

And they can start that band off with "How Can I Be Sure"

[@tomtortolani8082]

"Good Lovin' ", "Groovin' ", "How Can I Be Sure" for starters...

[@ShayAnnCan]

❤ I absolutely LOVE "How Can I Be Sure".

[@seanflynn00]

I love this song. Such a great band.

[@thomasflynn5366]

For Tommy James do Sweet Cherry Wine. For a song with a ' at the end Wet Willie - Keep On Smilin' . That's a Southern Rock staple.

[@TheSoloAsylum]

This song is on my lifetime favorites list. It's a permanent one. Loved this one my whole life.

[@Cheryl_Haydon]

Same! It never grows old.

[@Elephant2024-wi2li]

This is a song that stays with you and gets stuck in your head. That is a good thing.

[@allanrose3661]

In The Year 2525 (1969) by Zager and Evans is a hauntingly prophetic song that I think you would enjoy.

[@AjaxCaper]

GREAT suggestion.

[@tonihammes33]

I agree! I hope they take you up on it.

[@christinaford1801]

We used to roller skate to this song on Saturday afternoons as a kid in the 70’s. Really cool song 😎 What memories. Can’t believe I still remember the lyrics !

[@theodoreritola7641]

Same time as Long tall woman in a black dress Hollies early 1970s

[@catbutte4770]

I'm glad Andy was able to appreciate "Crimson & Clover" after more listens to it. "Draggin' The Line" is pretty cool.

[@Shadowrider1872]

Morning 🐈🌹

[@denpea-mm8zr]

Summer of '71, amazing time, amazing AM radio hit. ✌

[@beverlyoyarzun3326]

✌🏻🤟🏻🤘🏻

[@Martin.Wilson]

This was one of those songs that instantly made you reach for the volume knob back in the day. Who am I kidding....it still makes me reach for the volume knob!

[@827dusty]

No bigger name in music than Tommy James from the mid 1960s to the early 70s. So many huge hit songs. Thanks guys, for these Golden Oldies!

[@waynethera2712]

Elvis?

[@BadErnest]

Sweet Cherry Wine

[@fredhall6525]

That's the one.

[@josephwalker5577]

That’s good one too. I would suggest “Hanky Panky”. Probably my favorite of his.

[@rghilino6734]

Absolutely.

[@Chrisrw2023]

Tommy James and the Tommy James. He was everything on this song

[@MySherry10]

I loved this song so much as a kid and love it still , such a happy feel good song

[@HiramLoki]

This song was a huge crossover hit making the the top ten on several different charts. Rock, Pop and Soul.

[@memorylane7068]

"I Think We're Alone Now" is also upbeat.

[@dwinkleman]

WOW!!! This is great! The bass is killer. Thanks for this.

[@jenniferjensen8538]

I love this song! In the late 70s and early 80s we found my parents old 45 records from the 60s and 70s and played them on our little portable record player. I played this song over and over and over. 😂

[@lisapisa3662]

Listened to this 45 so many times!!! I miss Summer 1971.😢

[@jollyrodgers7272]

That's Tommy solo. Great tune on the radio at the beach- and watchin' a trawler offshore draggin' the line. Good memories.

[@radar0412]

Have to admit, i Haven't heard this song in probably 40 years! And that's why I love your channel! Cheers from the Rock and Roll Past!

[@betseyr.9081]

You have to hear their first radio hit, "I Think Were Alone Now” released in 1967. This song went to #4 on the US Hot 100 and #12 on Billboad’s top singles of the year and was featured in the horror film Mother's Day (1980) and the science-fiction thriller 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016).

[@joco5486]

As a pre-teen, my mother and I would play this loudly on the console stereo system. It was one of her favorites. That said, it will always be associated with my mother and fun times. Oh, and I still have the 45-vinyl record.

[@kimberlinibambini1968]

Always loved this song! I will humming it now for at least 24 hours now.🤦🏻‍♀️😁 Great song! 👍✌️

[@Cheryl_Haydon]

This is among my very favorite songs as a young child. Had the 45 and played the hell out of it. It's still an absolute favorite!

[@Kimberliss42]

My older brothers turned me on to all these greats when I was a little girl.. The third oldest played guitar and sang them.. They're my Playlist..

[@lindseybrewer888]

I came across you guys a couple weeks ago. Yall really seem to appreciate the music from my childhood. The only downfall to living thru it, is being so damn old now! Keep up the good job and I'll be listening Thanks

[@dcramblermusic317]

My dog Sam eats purple flowers... best lyric ever !

[@schmindy7791]

This song never gets old for me 💜💜

[@martharobison3184]

❤❤❤ Love Tommy & the Shondells❣️❣️ Love y’all!! Gotta listen to my 2 favs you guys mentioned. They are a cool band. I was raised on them. 😊

[@genorp]

I had been looking for this song for years. At least 10 years! I couldn't remember the lyrics. The only part of the tune I could remember was the "Draggin' the line (Draggin' the line)", but without the words, plus what I remembered as two pulses.. So no one knew what I trying to find with those 10 notes. Then one day, I was driving and it came on the radio. I had never felt that level of relief before or since.

[@betsyduane3461]

I saw Tommy James in the80's at a old club called Mother's in NJ, he was 10 feet away from me and he was great. He must have been in his late 30's.

[@CrowTRobot-ni7zu]

I was hoping you guys were going to do this one. My favourite of Tommy’s many great songs!

[@stephenhuber1219]

I Think We're Alone Now "Mirage" was recorded for the I Think We're Alone Now album. During a songwriting session producer Bo Gentry accidentally inserted a master copy of the "I Think We're Alone Now" song backwards in his reel-to-reel tape player.

[@dougmcvean884]

I named my dog Sam because of this song

[@scottboswell6406]

I love it when artists who never really get their due a little past their popularity high point get recognized again! Tommy James definitely fits! He, with and without the Shondells, are creative and original, not just sounding like what's popular to get along. Well earned A+!!

[@jeffking4176]

I’m glad you have been expanding your musical horizons. Y’all have a great Channel. This is one of my favorites. 📻🙂

[@evangeline3152]

I grew up next door to a hippie commune so I love that this song takes me back to riding my blue bicycle with the banana seat past their place on my way to wherever I saw any kid out playing. 😂

[@Gordy63]

To my ears, this by far the best output you’ve sampled from Tommy James, with or without the Shondells 🤘

[@jeffschielka7845]

Great song! Used to be my go to song every Sunday morning.

[@davidschecter5247]

Thanks for returning to Tommy. Tremendous talent -- songwriting and singing. Kept making great music through the seventies, eighties, nineties, up to the future. One of the best pop/rock voices we've ever had. You should interview him. Easily belongs in the Rock Hall of Fame.

[@thunderbolts2438]

So many groovy memories come to mind hearing this again. Thanks for getting to this one finally!

[@Jude_196]

Have ALWAYS loved this song - SUCH A VIBE!!! :) SCREAMS summer to me!! :) TOMMY JAMES was "everything" on this one!! :) All voices - all instruments...SO GOOD!! ENJOY, FELLAS!!!

[@joecalabria3472]

Always liked this song. R.E.M. also has a great cover version that appeared in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

[@cog4life]

Aww such a great song!!!! The beat. The song. The group. All Awesome!!! 😊❤

[@Bacchus69]

One of my favorite songs as a kid.

[@garysunshine9643]

So ahead of his/their time, and very under the radar for such great music that's been covered so many times and featured in TV and movies.

[@alansmith7626]

I got to see TJ and the Shondells live, at the Waikki Shell, I was 14 or 15, around 69 or 70...was a Great show! I Also saw Spirit at same venue...sometimes pays to be air force brat, was a wonderful, crazy time...keep on y'all

[@marilyndurham738]

I haven't heard this song since I was in my early twenties😮 thankU so much for playing it🎉❤

[@Mr05Chuck]

Ain’t heard this in 40 years. Good vibe.

[@Bluzmn]

Going to really date myself here, but back in the long ago, we used to hang out at the roller rink. Being able to skate well would get you girls. The rink used to play this song for two-step backwards. Hearing it I am instantly transported to Skateland and flying around the rink backwards, holding my long hair out of my eyes to see where I was going. Thanks for the memory!

[@schrodingerszombie2401]

One of my all-time faves, from day one. VERY cool song.

[@kellypickle]

Tommy James was a huge influence on so many artists. His influence cannot be overstated This sound was so unique. They played this song on the radio forever. And if radio was still the way it used to be they’d still be playing it. It’s one of those songs you just gotta turn it up.

[@catserver8577]

You guys....I can't get this ear worm out of my head, couldn't get to sleep for it playing nonstop. Thanks.

[@valelavidavivir5842]

Tommy James was highly underrated. This is another good one. Huggin' a tree when you get near it. Go out and hug a tree now boys 🙂since you will be hangin' out in the park. Hopin' you like the apostrophes as much as I liked your reaction. A+ is a pretty good one for this. Thanks for listenin' to it and ratin' it.

[@msfoodiediva]

My favorite by tommy james..luv it

[@rogerpaquette109]

SO nice. Can't believe you guys found this one. It's been a long time since I've heard this song. It brings back the innocence of my youth ... Thankyou!

[@leetroy3129]

This is such a happy song! Brings back sweet teenage summer memories.✌️❤️

[@smffeb58]

I love watching A&A especially, but all young reactors. Because of the fact that us old geezers so enjoy watching what we now take for granted as how awesome the music we grew up on. It’s a mirror reflection of how we reacted the first time we heard it. It’s been years since I’ve heard, or even thought of Dragging the Line, but it’s still awesome.

[@surlechapeau]

A&A, you'll love their "Mony Mony" and "Hanky Panky" !!

[@Sparks_Alive]

They reacted to Mony Mony by Billy Idol. Folks let them now it was a great cover.🙂

[@kevinburnson]

"I think we're Alone Now" is also quite easy on the ears!!

[@jdw5678]

The original "Mony Mony" was one of the all-time party tunes of the '60s.

[@ColetteMalette1]

You guys were Head Boppin’ in Unison 😂 @64 I grew up with best 🎶 60’s-70’s

[@steveandtammyb]

About 3 years ahead of you but it’s the same sentiment for me!! 😊

[@cherylrickertu262]

Tommy has a radio show. Talkin' all things music and life in the time.

[@sundayze]

A roller skating favorite there, lots of memories!

[@AjaxCaper]

Oh, I'll bet that was great song for the rink! (We didn't go to a rink.)

[@robt7199]

Tommy still sounds great! Check out Joan Jetts induction to the RRHOF. She played Crimson and Clover and had Tommy come out and play as a bit of a middle finger to the Hall for not inducting Tommy James.

[@neilsmith9066]

It’s freaking time it’s been 35 years now which is absolutely ridiculous

[@halhortonsworld5870]

This song came out when I was a little kid. It was instantly my mother's favorite song. She played the record all the time at home, and the 8-track tape in the car every day going to school, the store, wherever. I think this may be the reason I became a bass player. hahaha

[@jflago]

These guys were so ahead of their time! On that low voice “draggin’ the line..”part, I always pictured it was one dude who just waited around to sing THAT part.

[@ednieto05]

Lost gem from the 1960s!! Thanks for reminding me about this classic!

[@robertburke5354]

Great song by Tommy James (without The Shondells). Has such a cool vibe. Strong A+

[@kathyrizzi8754]

I loved Tommy & The Shondells together, then Tommy James went on his own. Crimson & Clover was popular in the 60’s, which I loved, the 60’s were great!👍💙💙

[@robertbootier8223]

🤙It's the drummer. He's a genius.

[@wesleiribeiro7816]

I thought for sure this would've been an S tier song for you, at least one of you. Awesome song. 😊😊😊😊

[@stevenmix3723]

Jesse Colin Young, "Ridgetop," for another wonderful nature appreciation song. You know him from the Youngbloods, "Get Together."

[@rbodee]

"Lovin' the free and feelin' spirit Of huggin' a tree when you get near it" This is where the term "Tree Hugger" comes from.

[@Sharkman1963]

Everything about this song is perfect.