Comment by Tony Tedesco on January 20, 2013 at 7:43am

Just a quick heartfelt thanks for the review. Seeing a review of this caliber on ND abates the self doubt that comes with any creative effort where you forego safety for passion and dig deep.

Once again,  thanks!

Also, some additional credits for this song (shoes): I am proud to say all these folks were friends of mine well before I decided to take that leap of faith from my couch to recording studio.

LXNNNIE (Flipside Sunshine)  - Lead Vocals (first verse)
Kurt Thum  (April Smith) - Piano, B3

Ben Clapp (Skeleton Key, Amfibian) - Trombone.

photo credit: Julia Clare Wagner - Able to catch the true essence of a subject with a single click of her camera.

That said, we will hopefully be seeing you all from our couch this spring @ CXCW http://couchbycouchwest.com/

Comment by Josh Matson on January 21, 2013 at 2:29pm

Storytelling at it's best
Full Fathom 5 was just a handful tunes I first heard last year at an open mic. See, Tony and I have crossed paths many an evening around our various shore venues. His sets have always brought honest grit afloat in a dollop of honey. Keep in mind this nectar is harvested from the thorniest of flowers by only the most disgruntled of wasps. No matter how bitter and rough his mix seems at first taste, the soul and flavor of these sticky melodies leaves a sweet aftertaste of redemption and hope. From an open palm of pleading tunes asking calmly if you could spare the time to hear a tale to a full sail fist of fury, Tony and the Fathom crafted clever songs that leaves you swaying and humming to the honest beauty of american life.

Shoes has everything that made me love the punk roots narration Tedesco songs he used to jam back in the day. But he has taken the shine and polish offered by his amazingly talented band and crafted up a full length novel which mystically fits in a radio length song. Bear with me now, he did this to every damn song on the disc! Every last one is not merely a catchy riff and some clever lyrics but lovingly crafted books to lull us off to a land of dreams and nightmares. Please mr. sound man, turn up the volumes.

-Josh Matson

Comment by Ian Smith on January 21, 2013 at 3:03pm

I've been in love with this record since the day I downloaded it. I had the opportunity to see Tony and the band perform at Kaya's Kitchen in Belmar and although I'd jammed with Tony a few years prior at a friends home, I didn't recognize him. Halfway thru a song however, he recognized me. I was already entranced with the music, and of course knowing a person with such a pure love for the music... that's enough to put me over the top in any case. The record shows ever bit of that love... I have to admit I am moved to tears by the female vocalists performance, but only I think because the entire record moves me to that point. Her voice only gives me a nudge off the edge. This has been in regular rotation now since I got it and has not waned in the least. In fact, I've been able to share the record with a few folks who are big fans now as well. I also got lucky enough to catch them at the Asbury Music Awards and let me tell you.... I'll drop anything at this point to catch them again.

Comment by Coleman R. Brice on January 22, 2013 at 7:42am

I agree with Josh Matson's comments.  I'll further state that Tedesco IS the grit and rust underneath the Asbury Park music scene's freshly painted veneer..  He's the closest thing to Steve Earle the Jersey Shore has got.  He and his music are a defiant personification of sheer authenticity amidst a ship of fools and faux poseurs du jour..

Comment by Jeff Mahajan on January 23, 2013 at 10:39pm

thanks for reviewing this album, and this song in particular. it was amazing to be a part of it.  the term 'deserving of wider recognition" definitely applies here. you wrote a review that only someone who 'gets it' can. nice job!

Comment by Ms H on January 29, 2013 at 1:25pm

I bet I'm the only one who remembers the original Full Fathom Five from late 80s' Iowa. 

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