Customer Reviews

Shake My Hand

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The new CD by New Jersey-based Tom Gillam is a slice of roots-rock heaven that deserves major attention. Traces of Steve Earle, John Mellencamp and especially Michael Nesmith crop up here and there, but Tom's an original, natural songwriter who's come up with a sterling crop this time around. There isn't a clunker in the bunch, but standouts include the stirring, heartfelt "Disappearing Act" and the catchy title track.

Plenty of credit should be given to Tom's band, Tractor Pull, which is an essential element of this CD's power. Special attention is due to lead guitarist Craig Simon, who contributes lead lines and fills that any Nashvillian studio ace would give his left you-know-what to match.

Although this was released on indie label, Hayden's Ferry, it boats major-label sound quality and production values. While the main features here are Tom's compelling voice and the kicking band, touches like background harmonies, pedal steel and tastefully integrated piano are used to great effect.

If you're looking to sample a great new artist--or even if you aren't--buy this CD. You'll be glad you took Tom up on his offer to "shake his hand."

I am not sure just where Tom Gillam fits into todays music. He is very good. A little southern rock, a little alt country, a little rock-n-roll. You can not go wrong with this cd.

Because the radio-record world is so screwed up, I worry about awesome, awesome artists like Tom Gillam. Now to explain my enthusiasm, I must admit I am a forty something boomer, and I have been an rock and progressive country fan for a long time.

So if you are still reading this, then believe me, this is one of the best cds in 2004 or any year. It is not a great comparison but what I tell my friends is that I consider Tom and his band equals the early Eagles in the mid-1970's. If you liked the Southern California sound of the mid to late 1970's, listening to this album is like a trip backwards thirty years.

Okay, since I don't see the albums tracks listed or with sample files (a tragedy), let me mention some of the albums best tracks.
Fast paced screaming guitars and Tom's great voice dominate "Outside the Lines". On "Take it Easy on Me" more screaming guitars, the great harmonies of his mates, and oh yeah, Tom's awesome voice.

"Your Parting Gift" may be the funnest track of the album, with great harmonies, and oh yeah, Tom's awesome voice. The album's title track, "Shake My Hand", is a funky mid speed rock gem. "One Park Lane" is a breezy rocker and the harmony chorus is one of my favorites on the cd. "Over and Over Again" is an ethereal bluesy track that will hypnotize you from the first time you hear it.

On "Stand by You" you will discover the acoustic alt country side of Tom and of course great harmonies joining Tom's awesome voice.
"Disappering Act" is another ethereal track which really showcases Tom's awesome voice. "Please Come Home features an awesome pedal steel which so complements the great harmonies and, well you know.

"Ali Thinks She's Leaving" is a quiet accoustic track which proves at the root of this album, there is great song writing based on down to earth lyrics, and Tom who has one of the best voices I have ever heard. Maybe think of Bob Seger without the hoarseness.

In sum, if you are looking for a great new artist, here he is.
If you are an alt-country fan, you must buy this cd.
If you are a Tom Gillam fan, this his best cd yet.
If you are a boomer and like the Eagles, then buy this cd, because I bet it may be the best thing you have heard in a long time.


If you need independent confirmation of this cd's goodness please go the Americana Music Association website, click on the radio chart playlist. Tom's cd has been in the top ten for a bunch of weeks.

Finally, Tom, please get you and your band to the Rocky Mountains. An intimate affair at the Fox Theater in Boulder or the Gothic Theater in Denver would be great or a spot during the Telluride Bluegrass Festival would be cool also. Chop Chop.
And I am looking forward to every cd you will make in the future so keep writing.