Son of Sam I Am is still a defining snapshot of Too Much Joy, a band that seemed ready to take the world by storm in the late 1980s, 35 years after it came out. Even though the band never became a mainstream superstar, this album shows them at their most cohesive and daring, with their signature mix of wit, energy, and melodic punch. Now, with the reissue of Son of Sam I Am (Tommy’s Version), the group revisits their greatest moments with a fresh perspective, giving longtime fans a nostalgic thrill while introducing new listeners to their vibrant, irreverent style.
One standout track from the re-release is “Clowns (but ska),” a reimagined take on one of the original album’s most beloved songs. True to the ska influence, the track bounces with offbeat rhythms, lively horn stabs, and a playful momentum that keeps listeners hooked from the first measure. The song has a personality that feels both familiar and new, thanks to the band's signature charisma.
What makes “Clowns (but ska)” particularly effective is the way it balances nostalgia with reinvention. The song doesn’t simply replicate the original; instead, it injects a new layer of fun while respecting the core hooks and lyrical charm that made it memorable. This song is fully in line with its genre, so if you like ska or alternative rock, you'll either love it or find it to be a fun experiment you didn't know you needed. Either way, it’s impossible to ignore the infectious energy Too Much Joy brings to the performance.
The production on the reissue also deserves mention. While the band embraces the lively chaos of ska, there’s clarity and polish that elevates the listening experience without sacrificing the raw edge that defined their sound in the first place. The horns snap, the rhythm section grooves, and the vocals have that mix of humor and attitude that fans have always loved. It’s a reminder that the band’s chemistry hasn’t aged; if anything, time has refined their ability to craft music that’s both fun and memorable.
In the end, "Clowns (but ska)" and the full Tommy's Version reissue show that Too Much Joy still knows how to get people's attention. The band's playful irreverence, smart lyrics, and clear energy are still just as important today as they were in 1989. For both diehard fans and newcomers curious about alternative rock’s quirky, high-spirited side, this reissue is a perfect introduction, and “Clowns (but ska)” is a highlight that underscores why Too Much Joy’s music continues to resonate decades later.
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