The Best of Tommy James & the Shondells

I normally don't post greatest hits or best of records, but I must make an exception here.  That is because this post is really a mini book review.  I am currently reading (aloud, to her, in the car) this great, must-read book:  Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James & The Shondells.  My aunt Jane heard about it and sent it to me.  We are loving it!   In short - Tommy starts a tiny garage band in Niles, MI.  They record a cover version of Hanky Panky that goes nowhere.  Two years later - the song goes nuts (to #1) in the Pittsburgh market.  TJ heads to New York to sign with Morris Levy's Roulette Records.  We learn that Morris invented the cut-out discount record.  Levy, we learn, was a ruthless businessman (note the book title) and he never paid any royalties to James.  During his hey day, James made money via concert gate receipts.  We are at the part in the book where they are on their first mega-tour (with the Monkees and Ricky Nelson) behnid their second album.  It's a great read.  The book peters out towards the end - but we liked it very much.  Tommy cleaned up at the Betty Ford clinic, and got his life back on track and then Tiffany and Billy Idol covered his bit hits.  We learned all about how Morris cooked the books at Roulette.