The new album, We Never Die, is available. Click on the cover below for your very own handstamped copy.
"Here on the CD it makes clear that Arch knows not just how to write a lyric, or just how to write a song, but the dying art of how to write an album. “Acid Rain” caps off a project that seals Tom Thumb’s place as the best solo artist to come out of Boston in some years." - Nick Sounds Off
Boston's blogging stalwart Ryan's Smashing Life picked the Taxidermist as one of the 20 New Albums You Need To Own in 2008
"It is with great pleasure we tap Boston's Tom Thumb. The Taxidermist is easily one of the best folk albums in years." -Ryan's Smashing Life
The first run of the Taxidermist is sold out, but a second edition is available with new cover colors so collectors of future generations can easily determine the various astronomical values.
Check out Sender Films'The Sharp End featuring music from the Tom Thumb.
Providence (live) by Tom Thumb from Andy Arch on Vimeo.
Reviews for The Taxidermist:
The Taxidermist is Andy Arch’s exploration of mistakes, blame, and salvation. Arch, also known as Tom Thumb, wrote, preformed, and produced his record, an accomplishment not uncommon in the world of folk. The Taxidermist, however, is not a common folk album. While Arch’s excellent song writing is foundation and frame around which this record is built, one never feels like they are simply listening to collection of reflective and rootsy folk songs.
There are countless modern touches on the production, oddly- panned vocals and percussion, trippy drum-loops and xylophone and mellotron. These show Arch’s talent at turning folk ditties into sonic experiences, manipulating and distancing the songs from their base form in ways akin to Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot...While the thoughtful production makes each song unique, the breath and life of this record comes from Andy Arch’s secure voice and delicate guitar playing. Andy Arch puts the songs first and lets the strength of his performance and thoughtful production sensibilities carry the audience through a satisfying and meditative experience. On The Taxidermist, Arch preserves the intimacy of his compositions while carefully crafting his sound.
-Andrew Sgro, Northeast Performer Magazine
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
Hello Andy! I now whole-heartedly wish I had caught your show at the Rooster the other night as now I"m listening and I genuinely enjoy it! This means you have to come back!
"Cabin Building" is the ticket. We danced to it at my Wedding. I hope that the gigs are going well, and look foward to seeing you when you hit this neck of the woods in December.
Greetings. I just wanted to thank you for your continued support and invite you to have a first listen on myspace to the tracks off the new EP "Monster & Minstrel" due out later this month. Bright stars to you! Ahmond
I'm promoting to spread the word around for my new album that just came out this summer. It's free free free! here http://www.dillydillymusic.com If you haven't gotten it yet!
It's been forever, but Murakami has come out with a new book that is rumored to be amazing! 1Q84. There's no english version yet though just thought I'd share with a fan.
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