New York-based Too Much Joy celebrate a defining chapter of their legacy with Son of Sam I Am (Tommy’s Version), a sprawling, immersive reissue that reframes their breakthrough with fresh mixes, long-lost demos, alternate takes, and playful stylistic detours. Reclaiming their master tapes 35 years later, the band revisits the raw humor, scrappy heart, and sharp-edged songwriting that first marked them as an underground force with further expansions in material and productions.
The album’s highlights are abundant, showing right away with opener “Making Fun of Bums.” A pulsing rock infectiousness infuses within a biting vocal ferocity, referring to a sense of displacement and remarking that “making fun of bums” is a “bad karma thing to do.” Its bridging of pining for childhood comforts and the grim reality of present day is stirring, and its remix from producer William Wittman is another highlight, with its more upfront rock sound.
Melding angst and jangly approachability, another standout in “Clowns” balances lamenting vocals and vibrant melodic immediacy. “A clown was my boss at every job I ever had. Clowns run all the record companies that ever said we’re bad,” the vocals let out, admitting “this world is run by clowns who can’t wait for it to end” — a theme that feels evergreen as worldly strife continues. Tommy’s Version also includes a peppy, fun ska version — feeling fondly reminiscent of Elvis Costello in its stylishness.
In addition to familiarly inviting successes like these, enamoring in both their original and remix forms, Tommy’s Version delights in an array of outtakes. Amongst them is “Rap Like Mine,” a rhythm-heavy hip-hop attempt — a style the band is glad they didn’t pursue further, though stands out well in its overall energy and attempt at something new. “When You’re Around” is another memorable outtake, unfinished though charming in its distortion-heavy ardor and whirring infectiousness. Both the original tracks and new additions on Son of Sam I Am (Tommy’s Version) affirm the release as a classic worth seeking out.
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