Reviews for The Taxidermist:
Quietly, ever so quietly... there is a profound and amazing modern folk movement going on in Boston. At the heart of that revival and beauty is The best Boston Record Released to date in the young 2008. It’s "The Taxidermist" by Andy Arch whose nom de guerre - Tom Thumb - serves and describes him well.
You see, Andy has a very pleasant, easy-going nature. But this appearance belies the fact that this artist is a ferocious tiger - a quality that emerges during performances and recording. Andy performs all parts and instruments on the tracks on "The Taxidermist" with few exceptions.
They have a term for this - I believe it’s called genius... (But I won’t say that because it would upset Andy.) I saw this first hand when Tom played one of the RSL Live Music Showcases in Cambridge. (All the performers were great - my jaw was on the floor half the night.) The music of Tom Thumb is a an absolute feather in Boston’s cap.
"The Taxidermist" gets 4 of 5 stars! It’s a must have record for acoustic and folk lovers! Ryan’s Smashing Life
One of the only two-inch medieval Britons ever to become an American general in the 19th century, Tom Thumb is notable too for his tautly arranged, tightly worded east coast pop. Through a previous album and an EP, StG has watched Tom Thumb progress through a series of increasingly delicate, felt melodies toward his essential Tom Thumbness. In every respect - the quality of the writing, the playing and the production - his latest album, The Taxidermist, is the best expression yet of the little guy’s vision - a nostalgic, late evening Americana. Somewhere between Bruce Springsteen and early Peter Gabriel, between the strings of an acoustic guitar and the keys of a harpsichord, Tom Thumb has found himself fully at last. Said the GramophoneMy Old Kentucky BlogKindermusik EP is now available at threeringrecords.com and here
Buy the At The Crossroads: A Benefit For Homeless Youth compilation here or: ..
featuring exclusive and rare tracks from Calexico, Rogue Wave, Thee More Shallows, the Pink Mountains, and many more, including Tom Thumb!
Reviews for Kindermusik:
That Three Ring label, they really know what they’re doing. Kindermusik is another solid release from the young imprint, who can count Tom Thumb and the Latter Day Saints as one of their most promising assets. They boast a mature pop sound drawing from the likes of Wilco, Calexico, and even Nick Cave. Keyboards are at the heart of the band’s formula, which builds wonderful melodies over key-based compositions, producing a dusky, noir-esque yet hopeful mood. Nothing about the Kindermusik EP disappoints, and you’ll be beaten to a pulp should you ignore music this fine. Indieville - 87%
Seven songs, 27 minutes, six originals and an absolutely astounding cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City.” It proves to be a small box of wonders of the kind that is not dropped into my mailbox every day… Opener “Preach” has a vocal line so catchy you will be humming along with it before the CD hits the one-minute mark...Listening to something not many other people are listening to can almost make you feel like you own a private treasure—and a treasure is exactly what Kindermusik is. Loose Record
By the time you get to the closer, a cover of Springsteen’s “Atlantic City, you realize you’ve just listened to a really special collection of songs.
Recorded and mixed in two days at the Sea Road Church in Kennebunk, Maine, and mastered impeccably by Chris Cline, Kindermusik EP is a highlight of the year and a must for fans of indie rock. Catch ’em before their success catches you by surprise. Providence Phoenix
Tom Thumb and Molly Seamans harmonize like they’ve lived through 500 pages of The Grapes of Wrath. With simple sing song melodies, they float like ghosts over the music propelled by feather light drums and pianos. It sounds effortless, but upon repeated listen, you’ll find it certainly wasn’t. These tunes aren’t all slow and sad; “Gracie’s Mine” is a peppy nugget, and in the context of the record, “Preach,” feels like the first warm day of spring. Undoubtedly, this record will break your heart and you’ll come back for more. The Noise
Sometimes albums don’t settle in the first time you listen to them. Kindermusik EP didn’t quite grab hold the first time. It felt lost at first. But the feel finally hits like a mack truck, and sends you back to throw yourself into the CD and dive into every song. Tom Thumb has put out a truly captivating CD that needs to rest in your stereo till you can really appreciate it. Northeast Performer
Although much of the album is driven by organ and crystal clear production, the gritty, stirring reworking of Bruce Springsteen’s "Atlantic City" lets you know that they are capable of stripping it down without losing any intensity, similar to John Vanderslice, Anders Parker, and Okkervil River. This EP is a much too short 26 minutes. 75 or less
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xx "On a traffic light yellow means yield, and green means go. On a banana, it's just the opposite, yellow means go ahead, green means stop, and red means, where'd you get that banana?" - Mitch Hedberg
Hey! Thanks for the add! I really like your soundssss. I hope that you'll give my demos and my cover of Guy's song a listen and tell me what you think!
I discovered today that my cat Pumpkin likes your new album as much as I do. You should take that as a compliment -- he is very picky when it comes to music. He hates mine and runs away every time I pick up a guitar.
Did we miss your show in Providence? I thought it was this weekend. I guess I screwed up! Everyone is welcome to come to the apartment on June 21st if you want to advertise it. I'm going to attempt to make an event notice. Hope everything is going well.
Hey Andy, Just stoppin by to say hey. I've been spreading the word about Tom Thumb to as many as will listen. People are loving it! Great music! Great vibe. I hope the tour is going well and life is good. Stay blessed man. Christian Ross
US Tour- been there, done that, bought the T-Shirt. Next logical step, "Tom Thumb- Live at the Budokan". That's right, Japan Tour 2008. Let's make it happen.
How does June 21st sound? Most of our stuff will be out of here, so we are planning on having a rager!! Hope the road is treating you well. We can't wait till you come to RI!
Hey Andy, How's the road? We've been listening to your disc nonstop. Its fantastic. We finally have a lot of the leg work done for ours. If you're around Mass on May 30 come check out that Whaling Country Showcase thing we've been setting up in New Bedford a couple of times a year. We think you'll really like it. Hope tour is great, JandB
You have some fans in quincy....you gonna be around for Charles's birthday? We moved and will be having an "invite only party". I am pretty sure you will be on the "list".
On an unrelated note, I was born in Biddeford, get in touch before you head up there. xo
Hey Andy. I hope your tour is going well. My computer hates myspace so it's hard to check/leave comments. We are moving out of our apt. in july and we were wondering if you would consider playing a show here before we leave. Just a thought. Hope to see you soon!
Hello friend. Listen to the Cool As Folk show archive or view the playlist for this week’s program HERE. I had Chelsea Wolfe live in-studio and lots of favorites (including a song from you). It was a good one. Thanks for supporting freeform non-commercial radio and I'll see you next week on the radio show.
I really enjoyed your concert on Saturday night. It's the first time I've been to Boston in 8 years and I went just to see you. Obie and Sarah said you were great and you were. Thanks!!!
a., this is stunningly good stuff. you undersold yourself yesterday. also, it was good to see you and drink a couple beers. i look forward to seeing you again at pete's.
