Search - Bill Toms, Hard Rain :: My Own Eyes

HIDDEN TREASURE........

craig_paul | Pittsburgh, PA | 08/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"here on these 12 tracks by the Pittsburgh - based Toms and hisband. I first saw Toms ... when he opened a show for Steve Forbert in Pittsburgh. I was impressed by his music, signed up for his mailing list, and promptly forgot about him, until a friend bought me this disc for my birthday. This is an excellent recording, and the sound is as fresh as I had remembered it to be when performed live. The songwriting is fairly straightforward, which should be translated as "good" - too much obscurity passes for art these days. I've listened to the disc a number of times in the first few days I've had it, and still haven't found a weak cut. Slick guitar work, a tight band, and great lyrics... do you need to hear more?OK - on this recording, you can hear the influences (well, I suppose Bill Toms would have to be the judge, but I'm fairly sure) of Springsteen, Southside Johnny, Tom Waits, and John Hiatt, not to mention the obvious nod Mister Toms has given to Bob Dylan. I'm guessing the band's name was no coincidence, and there are times when Toms - both lyrically and sonically - evokes a Dylanesque feel. Witness the line - "Tell me, Lord, what have I done to deserve this. One more cup of coffee, one last kiss" from "Smithfield Cafe," which is, incidentally, a terrific song.When I submitted this review, the Amazon ranking was 192,782 - testimony to the fact that there is too much good music that goes unnoticed. So, listen - if you stumble across my review, trust me. Buy this CD. If you don't like it, email me and complain. I'm betting you'll be thanking me instead."

Cross Between Dylan and Springsteen

George D. Smith | Bethel Park, PA United States | 02/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Have you ever wondered how many great artists are out there that remain unknown nationally just because they didn't get the same breaks as the ones who have made it? This CD proves that Bill Toms and his band Hard Rain may just be one of them. From the soulful and up beat music in title track "My Own Eyes" to the haunting melody and lyrics of "Right On Time", every song on this album is a pleasure to listen to. A cross between Springsteen and Dylan, if you enjoy these musical styles you love this album."