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    tape of the month

    Tom Burris "Boxes" ( 1987)

    By Don Campau | 23 November 2011

    LISTEN TO AND DOWNLOAD THIS TAPE

    Tom and I came in contact in the mid 1980s. I probably read about him in Option or Sound Choice. He had the true home taper spirit. He lived at the time in Lapel, Indiana and did everything himself including real drums and was a fine musician and singer. His songs were confessional,sure, but not queasy romantic ballads. They were tough little nuggets whether or not they were acoustic or electric in nature. Sometimes he mixed his vocals too low and the overall sound was lo fi. His influences might have been Dylan and The Replacements. I don’t know because we never talked about that. He was always a favorite of mine and hearing this tape now only reinforces that strongly. Later, he went on to work with Nick and even recorded a song with me for my “Pen Pals 1” tape.

    Front cover for Tom Burris’ 1987 cassette “Boxes” above. Fold over cover below.

    I can’t find Tom anywhere on the internet and would sure like to. I’d like to know he is still recording his powerful songs. Tom, if you’re out there drop me a line.

    Below, the helpful lyric sheets ( probably too small to read).


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