Tommy Collins - Shindig

All Music Guide

Shindig, Tommy Collins' second album for Tower, includes his minor comeback hit from 1964, "I Can Do That," performed as a duet with his wife, Wanda. The title of the album comes from the leadoff track, "Shindig in the Barn," one of several buoyant throwbacks to the '50s on this entertaining and anachronistic album. Collins' novelties sound a bit like Little Jimmy Dickens, but with crisp electric guitar leads that keep the corn planted firmly in Bakersfield. The songs on Shindig aren't entirely humorous -- a few oldies such as "Wreck of the Old '97" (for which Collins takes songwriting credit) and "Oklahoma Hills" add a measure of seriousness while maintaining the retro feel, which is just fine.

- Greg Adams, All Music Guide