Album Notes

NOTE: I've just heard that my song, Even So, from this CD, will be used on the CBS primetime show, Ghost Whisperer, this Friday (2/13/09, 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT). Check it out if you'd like.

A veteran of various dream-pop bands back in the misty 80’s, Tom Hanson has been writing and recording little folk songs in contented obscurity for nearly two decades. In 2001, Tom pulled together some of those songs and released his first solo CD, "Wake of the Moon." To his amazement, the CD garnered a bit of internet buzz and, over the next few years, Tom distributed nearly all of the first run of 1000 copies.

From the outset, Tom made “Wake of the Moon” available online as a complete free download, and also provided CDs on a complimentary basis for those folk who could not otherwise afford a copy. Many of these people responded by, in return, sharing music with Tom, and along the way several long term friendships were forged.

In 2007, Tom released this follow-up CD, "Everything Takes Forever." Like "Wake of the Moon," the new CD is available as a full, free download at Tom's website (link below). "Everything Takes Forever" recently earned a prestigious “Editor’s Pick” here on CD Baby; to quote the review: “simply put, if you only buy one folk or rock album this month, this should be it.”

Comments from listeners:

"I have been listening to your tracks over and over and I can honestly say that I'm mesmerized." Alfredo Laris

"Let me just give you a very enthusiastic thumbs-up, for some of the very best music I've come across on the internet or anywhere. Melody, percussion, mood, voice, lyrics... they're excellent and blend beautifully." Andreas

"I stumbled across Wake of the Moon via http://freealbums.blogsome.com and it's a fantastic album. Thanks for selflessly releasing it for download via the internet. It's a wonderful addition to anyone's collection and should be in many more." Robin McCoy

"First, I would like to say that I've been listening to 'Wake of the Moon' ever since I read your post on the Nick Drake message board back in 2002 (?) and have yet to grow tired of it. Happened to wander back to your website today and found the new songs and the upcoming album news. I can't wait!" Jason Middleton

"There is so much beauty, intelligence, and heart in your songs. I'm also very impressed by the production quality." Alan Walts

"I'm floating in your music and would selfishly like more. I downloaded all the songs that I could, but I'm caught up in 'glide' and 'my love in blue.' Your voice is hypnotic and soothing, I have been listening to you all day, over and over. Please send me a CD !!" Eva Minor

"I just listened to all your tracks and I have to say, your music is wonderful! You're a very talented artist." Maria Schafer

"I was truly blown away from the first second I put it on. It's brilliant ... you have created a great original sound. There is a beautiful tenderness in the music. The mixing and the playing are fantastic." Daniel Miau

"My friend recently played me your album, and I'm absolutely crazy about it! Admittedly, we first became interested in your music because of the Nick Drake comparisons and links, but I really feel that you have your own voice, and a truly unique sound … the songs are all beautifully structured and arranged." Joshua Cohen

"Just a note to say, what a brilliant album. I read the review in 'Comes With A Smile #10' and wondered if they were over doing it with the superlatives but after listening to your music I can safely say they weren't." Mark Lambe

"I listened to your MP3s and you are incredible. I would LOVE to have a CD of yours to play for friends. I’d be more than happy to buy one from you! Please let me know!!! Thanks and keep it up!!" Kevin Hill

"I must say: what a project!! Over the past week I have listened to “Wake of the Moon” 6-8 times on my portable player, in the car. It has grown on me like a (good) fungus ... Now, tonight I put it into the stereo and listened with headphones, 2x. Yikes, oh man, hauntingly beautiful." Kevin Klingberg

"Your CD is outstanding! 'Wake of the Moon' has quickly become one of my favorite 'chill out' CDs ... the orchestration is brilliant. If you listen really closely there is a lot going on in each of the songs but it is never done in a manner that sounds busy: each part adds perfectly to the mood ..." Doug Malorny