Ain’t That A Shame and 11 Others
April 23rd, 2007The 4 Seasons third album, “Ain’t That A Shame and 11 Others” is another one of the group’s albums that I didn’t discover until much later. While the “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” albums feature the Number One hits and lots of incredible renditions of other groups’ hits from the ’50s, this album features many originals by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio.
Seven of the cuts from this album actually hit Billboard’s Hot 100 charts: Ain’t That A Shame (#22)/Soon (#77); Candy Girl (#3)/Marlena (#36); New Mexican Rose (#36)/That’s The Only Way (#88); and Stay (#16).
I’ve added this CD to my morning commute ritual. Listening to the Calypso-inspired “Honey Love” in bumper to bumper traffic makes the day so much better. Tommy DeVito’s solo guitar on this song, albeit too short, is one of his best! On the way home, hearing Frankie and Nick sharing the lead vocals on Crewe & Gaudio’s “Dumb Drum” is always a treat!
Listen to samples from this incredible CD and vote for your favorite cut!
Ain’t That a Shame and 11 Others
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I believe “Honey Love” was originally recorded by the Drifters, but please don’t quote me on that. Frankie recorded that song when he was with the Four Lovers, as well. They [The Four Seasons] re-did a lot of songs recorded by the Four Lovers, such as “You’re the Apple of My Eye,” “Honey Love,” among others.
Will you be putting up the “Rag Doll” album anytime soon?
Comment by Michael Lennon — April 23, 2007 @ 12:53 pm
Hi Michael,
Thanks, I forgot about the Four Lovers’ rendition of “Honey Love”–it’s every bit as unique & amazing as the version on this CD.
Yes, we’ll be featuring the “Rag Doll” album within the next several weeks.
Susie
Comment by Administrator — April 23, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
“Long Lonely Nights” is one of my favorite 4 Seasons album cuts and based on the picture sleeve, “Long Lonely Nights” was apparently intended to be the “A” side release and “Alone” the “B” side. It didn’t turn out this way and “Alone” became the hit song. For those who haven’t heard the recording, Frankie hits quite a high note at the end.
Comment by David Cace — April 23, 2007 @ 3:04 pm