Crimson & Clover is the sixth album by Tommy James and the Shondells. It features the #1 hit “Crimson and Clover” as well as the #2 hit “Crystal Blue Persuasion”. The album “Crimson & Clover” was released in December 1968 and reached a peak of #8 on the Billboard 200.
Based on suggestions from radio stations the group chose to create an extended five-and-a-half minute long version of the title song for the album. The first two verses were copied without lead vocals, and then overdubbed with guitar solos by Shondells guitarist Ed Gray using steel guitars and fuzz guitars, as well as an extended one-minute wah-wah pedal finish. During tape copying a slight speed error was inadvertently introduced. This resulted in a small drop in pitch during the new guitar solo sections, which went unfixed.
The group had toured with Vice President Hubert Humphrey during his 1968 presidential campaign. Humphrey showed his appreciation by writing the liner notes for the Crimson and Clover album.
- “Crimson and Clover” 5:36
- “Kathleen McArthur” 2:45
- “I’m a Tangerine” 3:38
- “Do Something to Me” 3:22
- “Crystal Blue Persuasion” 4:02
- “Sugar on Sunday” 3:26
- “Breakaway” 2:48
- “Smokey Roads” 2:52
- “I’m Alive” 3:15
- “Crimson and Clover (reprise)” 1:03
Eddie Gray – guitar, background vocals
Tommy James – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, producer
Peter Lucia – drums, percussion, background vocals
Ron Rosman – keyboards, background vocals
Mike Vale – bass, background vocals
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