Son Of Sam I Am (Tommy’s Version)
Self-Released, 2025
10/10
Listen to Son Of Sam I Am (Tommy’s Version)
The New York alt-rockers Too Much Joy actually released this album twice already, in ‘88 and ‘90, but now own the rights to this sophomore effort, which lives again with a 24-page booklet and bonus tracks.
“Making Fun Of Bums” starts the party with Tim Quirk’s rugged yet tuneful pipes alongside Jay Blumenfield’s firm guitar playing, and “Song For A Girl Who Has One” follows with a bit of jangle amid the charming quirkiness and call and response singing.
Further along, the dense guitar of “Connecticut” meshes well with Sandy Smallens’ frisky bass lines and some noisey bouts, while “If I Was A Mekon” thumps thanks to Tommy Vinton’s skilled drums that suit the soaring chorus and animated melodies.
“Train In Vain”, the last song on the original album, is a more intimate moment of piano and group vocals that are heartfelt, and of the 9 bonus tracks, “We Just Got Signed” is a blast of lively rock that surrounds their stint on a major label compared to how the music industry is today.
The remainder of the songs are remixes of previous songs on the album, and they’re all entertaining, humorous and diverse, which is basically what the band built their foundation on.
Often compared to They Might Be Giants or Barenaked Ladies due to their not so serious approach to music, Too Much Joy have survived lawsuits by Bozo The Clow, being arrested for covering 2 Live Crew and being detained by the secret service, which alone should be enough to pique your interest. The fact that their mashing of punk, alt, indie and pop is immediately infectious further solidifies them as most likely to be your new favorite band.
Travels well with: Too Much Joy- All These Fucking Outtakes; Too Much Joy- All These Fucking Feelings