Tom Marshall’s Lost 1973 Album Finally Sees the Light
Catch a Falling Star is the first solo album by Tom Marshall, a UK artist known for his work with bands like Liquid Gold and Harmony Grass. Recorded in 1973 on a TEAC 4-track and Revox tape recorder, the album was shelved and forgotten until the tapes were rediscovered in 2024. The songs reflect the classic rock and pop style of the 1960s and 70s, with strong influences from UK pop and West Coast USA sounds.
The song features 10 tracks, and just by hitting that play button, it really feels like traveling back in time! The vintage vibe of these recordings was completely preserved, and the dynamics are truly awesome. The drums, for example, have a low-key vibe, but the music still retains a lot of energy. On songs like "Together," the album opener, the tambourine really highlights the groove, and it gives off a late '60s / early '70s vibe. "The Hill" is just as compelling, especially because of the jangly guitar tones and beautiful vocal harmonies, at times reminiscent of legends like The Kinks or The Byrds, only to mention a few.
Next, "Miracle Friend" adds an even deeper layer, with a slightly lo-fi twist and a soulful arrangement that highlights the sheer emotive range of the composition. "Blue Train" is one of the album's true gems. The track is a perfect power-pop piece, with rocking guitar tones and exciting melodies, which are reminiscent of bands like The Who or The Zombies, but with a more exciting and hard-hitting twist.
"A Life to Leave Home For" is another highlight on the album. This is a beautiful rock ballad, with some wonderful vocal parts and guitar effects. The phaser-like tone on the guitar, for instance, tips the hat to giants like Pink Floyd, but this song really feels like a unique example of Tom's deep songwriting style and powerful lyrics. Speaking of lyrics, "Covered in Sunshine and Dust" is another example of amazing lines that connect with the audience on a much deeper level, perfectly matching the creative vision that drives the song.
"20 Pieces of Silver" is an incursion into indie-folk, with acoustic guitars serving as a prominent feature of the instrumentation, along with a roomy drum kit that sets the bar higher.
"Deadly Nightshade" has a dreamy quality to it, which pairs really well with the upbeat drum groove of the track. Fans of bands like Crosby, Stills and Nash will most definitely connect with this one!
"Breakdown" is another rock ballad-type song, which combines powerful lyrics with a pleasant lo-fi tone that makes it feel even more earthy and natural—really like rediscovering a beautiful old vinyl record.
As an artist, Tom has a truly storied background, and this album reflects his unique journey through music. He has toured worldwide and worked with artists such as Cliff Richard, Shirley Bassey, and Gene Pitney. After one of his bands split, he spent time performing in the Middle East, using his off days to record this album. Now released for the first time, Catch a Falling Star tells part of Tom’s long journey through the music industry, which he also shares in his memoir of the same name.
