The Wonders “That Thing You Do!” 7 Inch Vinyl Single: What Makes It Special and Little-Known Facts

What Makes It Special:

  • Authentic ’60s Pop Feel: “That Thing You Do!” by The Wonders, from the movie of the same name, encapsulates the vibrant pop music of the early 1960s. The song, written by Adam Schlesinger, perfectly mimics the era’s upbeat, catchy tunes, reminiscent of early Beatles hits.
  • Cultural Impact: Although fictional, the song had real-world chart success, peaking at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its infectious melody and nostalgic charm have made it a beloved track, often celebrated for its authenticity to the one-hit wonder phenomenon of the ‘60s.
  • Movie Synergy: The single’s success was tied to the film’s popularity, directed by Tom Hanks, who also crafted the screenplay. The song’s rise in the movie mirrors the fictional band’s journey, adding a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to its narrative.

Little-Known Facts:

  • Limited Edition: The promotional 7-inch vinyl single on the Play-Tone label was given out to those who pre-screened the film, making it a rare collectable. Not many were made, increasing its value among collectors.
  • Demo Singer: Mike Viola, who sang on the demo that won the song competition, provided the vocals for the movie version, although his contribution was somewhat downplayed in the credits to preserve the illusion of the band being real.
  • Actors’ Involvement: While the actors playing The Wonders learned to play their instruments for authenticity in the film, it was professional musicians who recorded the actual tracks. This included John Du Prez on guitar, who was also the film’s music supervisor.
  • Awards Nomination: “That Thing You Do!” was nominated for Best Original Song at both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards in 1997, showcasing its broader cultural impact beyond the film.
  • Cameos and References: The single’s release was part of a broader narrative filled with ’60s nostalgia, including cameos by music legends and references to real-life ’60s bands and events, like the Apollo astronauts’ names for characters.
  • Collector’s Item: Beyond its musical value, the vinyl has become a collector’s item, especially the promotional copies, due to its association with a beloved film and the era’s music culture.

The “That Thing You Do!” 7-inch vinyl single stands out not just for its catchy tune but for its cultural significance, bridging the gap between cinema and music with a touch of nostalgia and a lot of charm.

Colin Davenport
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