Artist: Tom Levin
Album: Them Feet
Review by Andrea Guy
Tom Levin has one of those voices that will leave you scratching your head. You'll think you've
heard it before, probably sometime in the late 80s or early 90s. He sounds like two 80s Ians, Ian
Astbury and Ian McCullogh His music is dark and moody, without depressing the listener.
Them Feet is his fifth album. The opening track is also the title track. At first listen you might
lose the romantic nature of the lyric, because Tom's music doesn't have that shiny, bubbly tone
that most romantic ballads have. When you hear him sing "I'm going to dance with you, when
you get old," it is hard not to be filled with warm fuzzy feelings. "Them Feet" is a modern answer
to "When I'm Sixty-four."
"I Raise My Flag" has a melody that could be ripped from the Echo And The Bunnymen catalog.
Once again it can be hard to capture the message of the song, because of the song's tone. Tom
sings about celebrating freedom and sharing his view points, yet the song conjures images of a
night sky with a few vampires lurking in the shadow.
The acoustic, bluesy "As Long As It's Good," will have your toe tapping. Tom's deep voice is
almost hypnotizing along with the fabulous percussion, the guitar isn't too shabby either.
"Once I Almost Killed A Horse" is bittersweet. The lyrics really say it all, "Moments of love,
moments of truth, moments of life, led me to you." This song speaks of one man's life. The
opening line is almost humorous, but then quickly turn sad, "Had chickens as a kid, named my
favorite Goldie Hawn. Forgot to close the coop, and the fox came in at dawn.
Them Feet is full of songs with different messages and different styles, but none of them as
different as "Company Man." Not since "Take This Job And Shove It," has there been a song that
really speaks of the plight of most of the working class. Slow and bluesy, this is the white collar
worker's kiss off to a job that takes over life. In short, this song is pure brilliance. The best line; "I
gotta work hard to make this shit shine."
"June's Memory Lane" is more than a touch melancholy. Tom's voice is soft and deep as he sings
about a life in reminiscence. "A life passing by, the city in the rain, I took her on a drive down
memory lane." This is a song that will soften the hardest of hearts and will bring a tear to a few
eyes.
Tom keeps tugging at the heartstrings with "Father to Son." The haunting melody really brings
out Tom's vocal.
One thing that's consistent throughout this album is the quality of Tom's songwriting. His lyrics
evoke a myriad of emotions. They make you think as well as feel. None so much as "June's
Memory Lane" and "Father To Son."
Both are very emotionally charged and sometimes more than a little bit sad. He sings of life as it
passes.
The album ends with "King Neptune" a song in memory of Magnus "Magne" Olsson one of
Sweden's most popular sailors, and one of the best in the world, who passed away in April 2013.
This song helps to close the album on a sad note. The final three songs seem to be a sad trilogy,
yet they are also the most beautiful on the album.
"King Neptune" celebrates the life of a sailor who was known for his smile. This song is a
wonderful tribute to him.
Them Feet is a must listen for 2014. If you haven't heard Tom Levin, you are missing out on
some great music.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
