Fan Fare, Rumor or Reality?, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where you’ll find TJ photos and stories that don’t fit into any other categories. It is, as its name says, just for fans — and, hopefully, for fun.
From The New Tom Jones CD “Gemini,” Here’s “If He Should Ever Leave You” & — Rumor Or Reality? — Some Tour News
Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
Wearing a new burgundy suit with black velvet lapels and a black turtleneck, Sir Tom unveiled the first single from his new CD which will be called Gemini.
The song, If He Should Ever Leave You, was well-received by the audience. It is to be the first single release from his new CD which he characterized as having a “retro” feel. We think it’d be great if he added it to his setlist on Thursday, don’t you?
In other news, falling into the “Rumor or Reality” category: We hear Git Me Some is not on the new CD. Also, Tom is not playing Westbury, but will be in Atlantic City this winter. He will, we hear, be touring Europe to promote the CD and will be making the talk show rounds — daytime and late night — here in the USA. Remember, nothing is official until it’s announced on tomjones.com.
Please let us know what you think of the song.
Now a report from Fay, our correspondent on the scene: “You could Tom was really anxious to get out and sing. I was looking for him, I could see him champing at the bit to get out and sing. He came out and sang It’s Not Unusual and did his dance moves — jumping up, swiveling his hips. The audience was going cra-ZA-zy! You can see the judges standing up and dancing.
When the new song was on, there’s a lyric that says, “The curve of your waist” and everyone flipped out. I was amazed that people were listening to the lyrics. The crowd ranged in age from a two-and-a-half year old in a stroller to the elderly parents of a producer who looked to have a backstage meet-and-greet.
In person, Tom looked like a million bucks. He’s trim and seemed so happy. And, as far as the audience was concerned Sir Tom could do no wrong.
Here’s video of Tom on Canadian Idol last night and tonight. (Listen for that great laugh during the interview.)
©Photos courtesy CTV
August 5th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
To be honest, I’m torn between loving the simple fact that there is something new and the other fact. That is, I wish the song were different. It’s very pleasant and “retro” like he said but it sounds like something off an early album. But I still hope the song and the CD are huge hits!!!
August 5th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Gorgeous suit, gorgeous turtle neck, he looks amazing!
The song is nothing new for him. I don’t mean to be harsh, but I honestly don’t see it as a smash hit like Leona Lewis is having with Bleeding Love or like Duffy is experiencing with Mercy where you hear it on every station and played in every store. It’s a little “crooner”/pop. OF COURSE WE LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it, but will it bring aboard newcomers? Not so much.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I liked the song. I think it sounds a little like what we call beach music in the NC/SC area. It also puts me in mind of the 70’s music when we had some of the best ever. It’s different, but I think thats a positive thing. Don’t get me wrong, I will always love his old songs, but its time for change in his songs.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I like it, but I’m not blown away. It sounded a little safe, as the judges on American Idol might say. Maybe Tom’s just trying to appeal to the largest audience. I don’t think it’s realistic at this point to expect Tom to have hits like Leona Lewis’ Bleeding Love or Duffy’s Mercy. That’s comparing apples and oranges. Though a duet with Tom and Duffy might be great.
I’ll be interested to see what the REST of the CD sounds like… I’ll reserve judgment until then. I’m sure I’ll be buying it and playing it regardless. It’ll be NEW Tom music at least.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
The song suits his voice well and is a bit “retro” but I like it. Parts of this new song sound like a track from the A-Tom-Ic Jones album called I’ll Never Let You Go. What do you think?
August 5th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Lou: We do think it’s realistic to hope for a huge hit. Tom wouldn’t be the first — Bennett and Sinatra, for example, weren’t kids when they had hits. The Bennett duets CD hit #1 when we was 80. We believe there’s no such thing as false hope and, in this case, the hope is well-grounded in possibility.
Jim A: We called a friend in California to ask if she was really “Jim A.” who posts on our site. (Joking, we knew she wasn’t.) But not an hour before she’d opined over the phone, “It reminds me of a song from A-TOM-ic Jones. We listened and you’re both right. But it is a nice tune. And if the CD includes songs like this and I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor, it will be very interesting and could have very broad appeal. We know no one can be all things to all people, but Tom Jones’ music could come close.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
I think it’s extremely realistic to expect smash hits from a SUPERSTAR the caliber of Tom Jones!!! There is no excuse why he hasn’t had more of them over the years. That’s like saying you don’t expect any more smash hits from the Rolling Stones or Elton John.
P.S. Are you the same Lou I had cognac with after seeing Tom at Nokia on Valentine’s Day a few years back ’cause that was some afterparty!
August 5th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Wow, what a night! I rushed to get down to the show and then rushed home in a rainstorm to get the news, audio and video uploaded. Thank you, Ellen, for coordinating all of this amazing Tom excitement for me with Canadian Idol!
Not that I have to say this, but, Canada LOVES Tom Jones. The great thing too was, he was so happy to do the show! His sincerity and enthusiasm with the young Idols, and the entire show, was very endearing over the last two nights.
Having heard the new song live, I have to say that I loved it! The audience was really enthusiastic in general, but when the host Ben Mulroney introduced him to sing his new song, the crowd was really digging it! Yes, it is retro. No, it’s not a one-dimensional pop tune with a catchy hook.
I saw Duffy on Saturday at the Phoenix Concert Hall in Toronto and, while cute and young, she has a LONG way to go compared to our Tom. So long, I wonder if the poor wee lassie, being a mere mortal and all, in spite of being Welsh, will make with such longevity as TJ ; )) The new song, If He Should Ever Leave You, reminded me of a contemporary version of I (Who Have Nothing), where he sang…”But I can only watch you with my nose pressed up against the window pane…” Now, instead of the younger, poorer guy, he is the best friend of the guy with the gorgeous wife he’s crushing on!
Call me sentimental, and I’m not that old….a stellar and youthful 45, if I do say so myself ; ))… in these times of so much global and local financial and societal unrest (come on, you’re feeling it, admit it!!), not to mention the insane gas prices and the dismal stock market and all that entails… I think a song like this is very sweet and likable.
Will it make it to the top of the Pop 40 Charts? We’ll see. Tom ain’t kissin’ no boys & liking their Cherry Chapstick. (Is that really such a crime? LOL) On a serious note, I do believe that we will be listening to it far past September, unlike some of the bubblegum that’s floating on the airwaves right now. This is what I LOVE about Tom Jones: he’s timeless.
I so enjoyed seeing Tom tonight, live and in person no less! He looks fabulous, he sounds superb and I can’t wait for his new album.
Addendum: A bit of trivia: Duffy’s pre-concert music includes Welsh greats Dame Shirley Bassey and our peerless Sir Tom Jones. Clearly, she has lots going for her and the beginnings of a great career ; ))
August 5th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Fay: We were thrilled to have you as our correspondent on the scene tonight. Your enthusiasm is contagious and, we must let everyone know, you worked so hard to get us what we’d asked. Thank you so much! And, of course, we are so pleased that our Canadian friends — and y’all know who you are — could have some time to bask in the music of Sir Tom on your own turf.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
P.S. I may be biased: I’m a Gemini, and, TOM JONES ROCKS MY WORLD!!!!!
August 5th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I liked the new song, but I also think that it sounds similar to something he may have recorded earlier in his career. I guess he was going for that “retro” style. This TV appearance is great, as it introduces a younger generation to Sir Tom, and reminds the older generation that his is still around, and going STRONG!!!
Is there a video of him doing It’s Not Unusual for this programme?
August 5th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
OMG! Tom looks so HOT and sounded so great! I like the new song and love the title of his new CD! I’ll be disappointed if Git Me Some isn’t on it, though. I hope he sings this new song next week. Can’t wait for the new CD to be released!
August 5th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
As a fellow Gemini I love the CD title. First, I just heard the new song. Yes, its retro but that doesn’t mean the whole CD will be. Then I saw the video of him singing and I liked it a lot more. TJ looked and sounded great. Hint to management - GET THE MAN BACK ON TV!
August 5th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Oh, how fun to see him on tv, even if only on video clips across the border! Hey Fay, Ellen and Ursula: THANKS!! You have brought happiness to me and scores of deserving women(and some men, probably). American tv execs, will you please wise up regarding this man’s enduring talents and super magnetic appeal? Re: If He Should …—-I do not usually post anything negative re: TJ as I am not in the music business, HE has 40 years+ of success, and he SURE knows how to get my my temperature rising and my feet dancing. But…… since you asked, my opinion of that song is “zzzzz.zzzz.zzzz.zz.z”. His fabulous voice and charisma were not given the opportunity to be displayed. Still looking forward to the new CD.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:39 am
So annoyed I can not access the song. If Fay says it reminded her of I (Who Have Nothing) then I’m sure I will like it as this song is my favourite.Great title to the CD. Let’s hope it does well.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:34 am
First of all I would like to say a huge thank you to Fay and our splendid Moderators for getting all this wonderful footage to us so quickly; just fantastic.
I thought Tom looked and sounded fabulous on the show and he was certainly given (quite rightly!) a wonderful reception. The song? I really like it: it does have a ‘retro’ feel that is reminiscent of some of his very early recordings (as others have pointed out) but there’s nothing wrong with that. I think it’s catchy and it’s a ‘grower’. It will be interesting to hear the sort of production it gets on the CD and I can’t wait to hear him sing it live.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:55 am
I can see how people find the new song retro. I can also see how people might find it safe for Tom. To me, it’s one of those songs that might be hard to sing on a bad day (which Tom has few of) because of the higher end notes in it during the chorus. It sounds like a song that would be used in TV shows or movies, but it definitely does not have “hit” written anywhere on it.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:55 am
PS- The brass section of the song is really good.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:45 am
I have not yet heard the song but just listened to I (Who Have Nothing) on the way into the office this morning. GREAT CLASSIC! I love Tom’s music, voice, and style. If the song is retro I am certain it is FANTASTIC! Also, thank you! Ellen, Ursula and Fay for the coverage of Canadian Idol!! Without your work, we Americans would have been left in the dark. REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!
August 6th, 2008 at 5:46 am
Frankly, I just loved the song and am hoping it will be a big hit. Can’t ait to get the new CD.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:49 am
I would like to add, thanks to Ellen, Ursula and Fay. You GALS are the greatest. I do love Tom’s new song, yes, it is a slow one with a wonderful dance rhythm, I do like it!!!! I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor will be a hit. I think the CD will appeal to everyone. Hope he gets the coverage, press wise, to make it happen. Hope to see you in Vegas.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I am also thankful for all that Fay, Ellen & Ursula have done to bring this great info to us. I also like the song and hope that his CD contains all different types of music. He can sing anything and make it sound good. He did look great in the video and I hope we get a chance to see him promoting his music on shows here in the States. I will be waiting patiently to purchase this CD in October.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:05 am
The choice of song for this appearance may have been dictated by the available band or whatever but I feel he has more in him. I love him but only like the song. It won’t be a chart buster. With the title Gemini I’m hoping the new CD will mix retro with great new stuff.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I agree, it’s more of a ballad than a catchy pop tune, we’ll have to see what the rest of the songs are like on the album. Is this the single he’s releasing from the album? I’m really looking forward to the new album!!
August 6th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Tom looked very happy to be out there in front of a large audience. Too bad American Idol didn’t have the brains to bring him on that show. The Canadians should stick to their singers like Paul Anka and Celine Dion. The song is not a chart-buster by any means. It’s kind of sing-songy and sounds like a B side of a sixties release. However, being another Gemini, I love the title of the CD. Maybe it’s indicative of a dual personality and the music may reflect that. Here’s hoping!
August 6th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Just saw the performance of his new single. Personally I like the song, but it has no hitpotential. I think ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor’ would be a better choice for a first single release. But I am very pleased Tom returned to his roots.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Hitpotential is also defined by the agegroup buying the majority of what’s being released. If i’m not mistaken is the age group (mostly) 14-25, i think they will not buy this, sorry folks.(i hope i’m wrong). To Tom and his managment if you read this, try an uptempo song with a cathy beat.(like you look good on the dance floor). (tom could do ballads falling of a tree)
August 6th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I just loved all of it!!!!!!! Tom looked fantastic; loved his suit!!!!!!! His voice was awesome as usual and I just loved the song!!!!!!!! I can’t wait until the CD comes out in October….Love the name of the CD — GeminiJ— which Tom is…Great work ladies!!!!!!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Although the new song is very retro, I like it. It reminds me of the songs he did in his early career. I will be going to Vegas in November, and hope he will add this song to his set. I’m looking forward to hearing the other songs on the new CD!
August 6th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Dre: Are you THE Dr. Dre of Aftermath Entertainment? If so, it is such an honor be able to chat with you about Tom!!!!! Can’t you whisper a few stylistic and musical updates in his ear? Tell him his official website has many problems? Sit down with him over nice bottle of something and help him cross back over to the younger generation? (If you are not THE Dre, nevermind.)
August 6th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
WOW! Interesting critiques from all. I only have love for The Voice.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
On second thought, Dre, skip Tom and sit down with me over a nice bottle of Aftermath Cognac and whisper in my ear…Ellen can give you my pic and contact information! (Again, if you are not THE Dre, nevermind, no offense intended).
August 6th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I know many will diaagree with me, but I LOVED the song. I hope that the rest of the album has the song qualities of She’s a Lady, Daughter of Darkness, This Old House, The Rose, Help Yourself, just to name a few. Hey, the songs on the new CD do not have to necessarily sound like the ones I’ve just mentioned. I must say, as soon as the music started, I knew immediately where I had heard the first few notes, and I adored it. I was hoping so much that Tom would some how put back into his songs the style he once used in his music. He’s a classical gentleman who still has that special groove which no one else has yet matched. The newer geneeration of music lovers need to hear songs that could be enjoyed and appreciated for it quality and beauty. It’s not all hip hop and rap. There’s another style of music I grew up listening to, and Sir Tom Jones has definitely recaptured the spirit of it in his new CD single. I sure hope it goes GOLD and Platnium. I’m looking forwards to getting his new CD in October. All the very best, and Good Luck with the new CD album, Sir Tom. Cheers!!!
August 6th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
After reading all the 32. comments I now understand how hard it is for TOM to release a new CD - impossible to please everyone and inspire the new generation as well! His fans are so different in their musical taste. I hope because I love Blues and Soul there will be something in that genre on his new CD - I actually wouldn’t mind a Soul and Rythm ‘n’ Blues album :)- I know TOM is always going new ways in music and his new CD “Gemini” I guess will be something NEW :)))I hope we are all ready for it
August 7th, 2008 at 4:06 am
Hmm, while reading this, Stoned in Love hate comments by fans came to my mind… (”OMG THIS BAD STUFF FROM TOM,” etc) Most young listeners loved it and still do!
I love the new song, remember our Tom wants to please everyone!!!
August 7th, 2008 at 5:44 am
I quite agree with you BeBe and Oqi and I’m sure a great number of fans will love this song (which unfortunately I haven’t heard yet). Stoned in Love was more for the young generations and I want to thank Tom for showing us (the older ones) that he respects us even though (and why not!) this new song might not be a big hit.
August 7th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Marisa i’m not offended, don’t get me wrong i’m a tom fan for a long time now, if this song could bring him back to the top of the charts it would be fantastic. I only gave my comment because his last wel selling singels where “kiss”, “sexbomb” and “stoned in love” gets lots of positive critics, it actually reached nr 8 in the UK. If i could write a good song believe me i would, but i’m not a songwriter..anyway the song is much better than most of the songs on the mr jones album, and i will buy the new album. p.s i’m not in the cognac but like a good beer or some wiskey, so if thats fine with you, but i’m afraid there is some distance between us. (europe - US?)
August 7th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
As ohers have said it sounds like a record from the 70s, not too sure yet what i think i will have to listen to it a few times. Thanks for posting the video that was great.
August 8th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Now that I have heard the song for myself - it has a very smooth, jazzy feel to it. I can imagine snuggling up with that special someone and just listening to this one. Thanks again for the romance, Sir Tom!
August 8th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
WHAT is NOT to like about this new song? It is catchy, rhythmic, romantic, great lyrics, and who could sing it more convincingly than our Tom?? There certainly may be a difference in music tastes within different age groups, but isn’t it about time that music swung back to the older classics? Frankly, I have had more than enough of today’s music majoring in unintelligible lyrics, vulgarities, and, appealing to the younger generation, immediately going to the top of the charts. Strong words, but when and how will the present generation ever learn what really good music, with meaningful lyrics, is?
I love the song, and recalling what Rod Stewart and Tony Bennett accomplished in reviving the old music with entire albums of it, why wouldn’t this be a good move for Tom??
August 9th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I have loved Tom since 1965 and he is the most amazing, sexiest, handsome and talented performer around. Women are still throwing their panties and themselves up on stage - God Bless Sir Tom
August 10th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
AMEN, Angie!!! a fan since 1973…
August 10th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I listened to the new song about five times now and I really love it. It is so right for Tom. I love whaterever he sings. I have been a huge fan for 40 years now and have seen him 10 times in concert and he just keeps getting better and better. Can’t wait for the new album. New music from Tom Jones! It is so exciting!! I have three daughters who also just love Tom and they can’t wait to listen to the new album also. By the way he did look so fantastic!! What a handsome,sexy man!! We have a tag for Tom in our family. TOM JONES CATNIP FOR WOMEN!!!
August 12th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
escucho a tom desde 1969 la canción la canta muy bien pero no me parece apropiada para esta época,es más parecida a la de una serie de tv al estilo the boat love, finales de los 70 principios de los 80 donde tom entro en una zona oscura de su carrera,Sabemos que tom se caracterizo por no encasillarse en un solo estilo,pero ultimamente en estos 14 últimos años probo con nuevos ritmos y diferentes productores musicales que le dieron vida en los charts de todo el mundo,creo que no es el camino correcto,sobre todo si edita cd cada 5 años.Ojalá no la incluya en el nuevo cd.
As near as we can figure, Masantonio thinks the new song is a step back into the time when Tom’s career was floundering and he hopes this song is not included on the new CD.
August 25th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I Just watched this and I love everything about it. I think this world is ready for some retro. Tom you are amazing. This is a true -great- love song. it might not be main stream but then, I don’t like main stream. let’s all get together as “Tom” fans and bring this to a number one hit. We can do it. I can’t wait for the new CD. Tom, You are the man………………
August 31st, 2008 at 11:10 am
New song very good. I just love Tom JOnes and hope he comes soon to the UK. It seems like forever since Tom was last here. Please, Tom, hurry, we love you! xxxxx