Search - Hem :: No Word from Tom

Can't rave enough about Hem or this particular album.....

Sparky Chick | 09/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really hate that this band is referred to as country, I do not like the country music of today. It is so contrived and to me sounds like pop music with a twang. Now don't get me wrong, some of thier songs certainly do have a twang, but it is more like that of the country of old...sort of reminicent of Patsy Cline. I like to think of Hem as more of a Progressive Folk band or Americana...but I am tempted not to catagorize them at all. With all that said, I love Hem. Sally Ellyson's voice is hypnotic. This compilation is wonderful as are all of their other works. Every album of their's is absolutely worth buying. If you don't have a lot of extra cash lying about though, I would say get this particular album. Why you ask, because it has a little bit of everything. But you will also have to get rabbit songs as it has Halfacre on it which is not to be missed. I love the arrangement on this album, it seems to just flow like honey from heaven. I am lulled into such a peaceful state listening to song after beautiful song on this thankfully long album. As a little aside, the song titled "ALL THAT I'M GOOD FOR" was written about a dog. When I heard that little tidbit of info, I made it a point to really listen to the lyrics. Sure enought it fits. I started the song on my cd player, grabbed my old hound dog curled up with her and sang the song to her and got teared up a little bit. Ok, now go buy the album and sing to your pets. They and Hem will surely love you for it."

Brooklyn Blues

A. Meador | East Coast, USA | 03/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was in a hippie shop on Ocracoke island (NC) that I first heard this music. It was playing overhead, and when I inquired, the shop owner (bassett hound at his heels) showed me the disc and also played some tracks from Rabbit Songs. But No Word From Tom (more than their other works) just has a gorgeous, moody, smoky-pub, deceptively simple, bluesy-girl-with-a-guitar sound that makes one mellow-out. The lyrics and melodies will make you think that all the songs are from the "Tennessee Waltz" era and locale, but the instrumentals and vocals are beautifully fresh. And I can't stop listening to Sally's sweet, husky, subtle voice.



I was surprised (and a bit deflated) to find they are from Brooklyn and not a local Blue Ridge group as I was certain from the sound that they must be. (Not from Asheville?!?) But if they're really from New York, where did Sally get her "y'all"?"

Rainy Night in Georgia

River girl | by the Cheasapeake Bay | 09/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sally Ellyson's singing is as beautiful as she is. Her rendition of Rainy Night in Georgia is the best I have ever heard. She has a gentle etherial quality to her voice that is unique and endearing. Lovely interplay with the group."