Tom Baxter — Skybound
Album: iTunes Live : London SessionsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3273
Length: 6:28
Plays (last 30 days): 6
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tom's the name that you know me by
and i'm 5'11, brown eyes
otherwise i'm just like you
see i've made my mistakes like we all do
but i'm skybound, i don't look down
i've got too much to live for
and i've learnt how to play it
with one foot in front of the other
there's no way to win it
just spin around and around
people walk with their heads down low
too afraid to be more
people talk with their voices low
too afraid to say more
but i'm skybound, no i don't look down
i've got too much to live for
and i've learnt how to play it
with one foot in front of the other
and there's no way to win it
we all just spin around and around
(instrumental)
learn how, learn how, learn how, learn how
you can learn how to play it
with one foot in front of the other
and there's no way to win it
we just spin around and around
round and around, round and around,
round and around, round and around....
and i'm 5'11, brown eyes
otherwise i'm just like you
see i've made my mistakes like we all do
but i'm skybound, i don't look down
i've got too much to live for
and i've learnt how to play it
with one foot in front of the other
there's no way to win it
just spin around and around
people walk with their heads down low
too afraid to be more
people talk with their voices low
too afraid to say more
but i'm skybound, no i don't look down
i've got too much to live for
and i've learnt how to play it
with one foot in front of the other
and there's no way to win it
we all just spin around and around
(instrumental)
learn how, learn how, learn how, learn how
you can learn how to play it
with one foot in front of the other
and there's no way to win it
we just spin around and around
round and around, round and around,
round and around, round and around....
Comments (243)add comment
That. Piano.
renegade_X wrote:
Across numerous respected sources, the consensus; Bruce Cockburn is a masterful, genre‑spanning acoustic guitarist whose playing is technically advanced, compositionally rich, rhythmically complex, and instantly identifiable. He’s respected by guitarists, admired by critics, and studied by serious players. Literally considered to be inspirational. Cockburn released his debut album 3 years before Baxter was born. What are you even on about? SMH
Bruce Cockburn could learn something from this guy. Bruce attempts to play lead guitar as rhythm, but you can barely hear a single note. SMH
Across numerous respected sources, the consensus; Bruce Cockburn is a masterful, genre‑spanning acoustic guitarist whose playing is technically advanced, compositionally rich, rhythmically complex, and instantly identifiable. He’s respected by guitarists, admired by critics, and studied by serious players. Literally considered to be inspirational. Cockburn released his debut album 3 years before Baxter was born. What are you even on about? SMH
tigerstrongdesigns324 wrote:
No, but Tom is better
am I the only one hearing some Dave Matthews influence?
No, but Tom is better
am I the only one hearing some Dave Matthews influence?
wow
This is my first time listening to Tom Baxter, and my first time commenting on Radio Paradise. I love reading peoples thoughts about music because I rarely have any of my own past "I like it/I don't like it". I like this, it's soft and embracing but still moving.
This is my first time listening to Tom Baxter, and my first time commenting on Radio Paradise. I love reading peoples thoughts about music because I rarely have any of my own past "I like it/I don't like it". I like this, it's soft and embracing but still moving.
Will62 wrote:
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.
We end up here, night after night, with an open mind and heart, to taste the "something different". In this radio, we do often get rewarded with known classic gems, but the true raison d'etre are those moments of true epiphany, from our regular communion in novel music experiences that widen our selves and our horizons..
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.
We end up here, night after night, with an open mind and heart, to taste the "something different". In this radio, we do often get rewarded with known classic gems, but the true raison d'etre are those moments of true epiphany, from our regular communion in novel music experiences that widen our selves and our horizons..
I really like the production on this song.
Sorry Tom, you need some weights if you are going to compete with Seal on your CD cover.
I just love this song . Its an earworm for me.
beearraydee wrote:
Thankfully not. I actually like Tom Baxter.
Very Robert Plant-esque!
Thankfully not. I actually like Tom Baxter.
Curious - I woke up at 4:30am and this song was in my head and has been all morning and trying to remember the words. Now here it is! 
beearraydee wrote:
briefly, very briefly I thought it was Robert Plant singing...this is a great song
Very Robert Plant-esque!
briefly, very briefly I thought it was Robert Plant singing...this is a great song
Soooo good.
This totally encapsulates my feelings at the moment 
fitting my Sunday morning vibe, thanks RP
Birdy!
Stunningly beautiful song
Well, isn't this lovely! Wow--love it!
Let's get rid of all the pompous pretentious over-produced orchestral stuff that floods up by the end and this tune would be highly better.
very radiohead sounding
Bruce Cockburn could learn something from this guy. Bruce attempts to play lead guitar as rhythm, but you can barely hear a single note. SMH
This and everything I've heard by him is very moving, very vulnerable, touching, and very well done. Bravo!
Not entirely my thing but I can definitely see the appeal! If this was instrumental I would have loved it probably. Not that I don't like the voice, I just think I'd like this more as instrumental. Great music.
A bit of Paul Weller reminiscence, which is a good reference.
7>8 I love the uplifting lyrics
what I beautiful buildup to the end. I always have to turn up the volume. I can just imagine this playing live.
sorry. difficult situation cause
cheers to my beautiful friends
This has definitely nothing to do with Radiohead. Stop comparing. This is Tom Baxter. Period.
6>7
lizardking wrote:
I went 8 to 9 at some point...this tune get's me feeling good afterwards, a great way to spend 6.5 minutes at work! LLRP!!
Really enjoy this piece. Going up to an 8 rating.
I went 8 to 9 at some point...this tune get's me feeling good afterwards, a great way to spend 6.5 minutes at work! LLRP!!
Really enjoy this piece. Going up to an 8 rating.
I'm pretty good at guessing what the average ratings are for RP's trove of musical excellence.. I was was way off on this one .
Will62 wrote:
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.
Only on RP, you learn words too! Panoply. Thanks Will.
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.
Only on RP, you learn words too! Panoply. Thanks Will.
Lovely.
OMG, he's from my (small) home town!! Never heard of him. Nik Kershaw also from around there. Easy listening.
Will62 wrote:
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.
Maybe they were listening to the Rock Mix at the time.
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.
Maybe they were listening to the Rock Mix at the time.
Skybound reminds me of Radiohead but its more grounded and personal. ---- sounds like it was recorded using analog (real) instruments and voice. Now I have to go back and relisten to Radiohead: do they mix in digitally created sounds, or are they all analog sounds, too? Anyway, I am really am enjoying hearing Bonobo and I don't think I've ever heard this performer before. How did that happen?
Upon first listen, an easy 7.
really digging this tune. Builds similar to a Glen Hansard song would.
Love the guitar, love the lyrics. Not nearly as fond of the soaring violins - they seem to actually weigh the song down.
Alastair wrote:
Maybe it's lockdown but the instrumental break just made me cry.
The ultimate song to chill to. A strong 7!
Alastair wrote:
Quite understandable. Glad you still have your human spirit and emotion.
Maybe it's lockdown but the instrumental break just made me cry.
Quite understandable. Glad you still have your human spirit and emotion.
Maybe it's lockdown but the instrumental break just made me cry.
testpilot wrote:
He is actually a really nice guy, not sure what that says about you.
A poppy tune, the elitist attitude in lyrics... I wonder if this guy might be a hipster...
...and sure enough - he is. Down to the bloody fauxhawk.
I'm no racist but I'd be more comfortable if he sat at the back of the bus.
...and sure enough - he is. Down to the bloody fauxhawk.
I'm no racist but I'd be more comfortable if he sat at the back of the bus.
He is actually a really nice guy, not sure what that says about you.
Was loving it, then he opened his gob.
Thanks for this one RP - first heard it a little while ago and it's totally under my skin now and a firm favourite in our house.
lizardking wrote:
triple Amen then!! And that's why I say "LONG LIVE RP!!"
I also just bumped my 7→8 - I love the personal lyrics, the gentle feel of the piano and the mood I'm in when the song ends, which I believe BillG will add to when he plays (another 8 rated track) Heaven by the Rolling Stones. Thanks BnR for the musical oasis as well described by Will62!!
I went 8 to 9 at some point...this tune get's me feeling good afterwards, a great way to spend 6.5 minutes at work! LLRP!!
triple Amen then!! And that's why I say "LONG LIVE RP!!"
I also just bumped my 7→8 - I love the personal lyrics, the gentle feel of the piano and the mood I'm in when the song ends, which I believe BillG will add to when he plays (another 8 rated track) Heaven by the Rolling Stones. Thanks BnR for the musical oasis as well described by Will62!!
I went 8 to 9 at some point...this tune get's me feeling good afterwards, a great way to spend 6.5 minutes at work! LLRP!!
somewhat overproduced
but still a big 7 for me
amatura3 wrote:
Yes, there really is a lush orchestral backing.
Would be nice if was instrumental only.
Yes, there really is a lush orchestral backing.
Would be nice if was instrumental only.
Good stuff!
Really enjoyed this piece of music.
Very nice
Sounds like Radiohead :)
I love this song !
Love Tim Finn!
Wonderful segue from Sphongle.
Lifts my spirit! Very nice tune.
Very interesting, and quite wonderful......... 10 .....from this great Naugatuck town in Connecticut ...... :o)
Will62 wrote:
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.onemorebyte wrote:
Amen and AMEN!
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.
Amen and AMEN!
triple Amen then!! And that's why I say "LONG LIVE RP!!"
I also just bumped my 7→8 - I love the personal lyrics, the gentle feel of the piano and the mood I'm in when the song ends, which I believe BillG will add to when he plays (another 8 rated track) Heaven by the Rolling Stones. Thanks BnR for the musical oasis as well described by Will62!!
GeorgeMWoods wrote:
Yes, in fact the whole orchestral arrangement is excellent.
Nice piano work.
Yes, in fact the whole orchestral arrangement is excellent.
I love how this grows, and grows on me too. 7 for starters.
Wow, this is absolutely delightful!
Nice piano work.
jimtyrrell wrote:
I agree, 8 for the same reason !
I agree, I gave it an 8. The poetry is beautiful, the music and vocals are wonderfull.
I agree, 8 for the same reason !
I ran the PA system for Tom Baxter whilst he toured supporting Jamie Cullum in the UK. I get shivers every time I hear his music, it gripped every audience and venue we visited. He's amazing. Not only because he and the band gave me a bottle of whiskey at the end of the tour!
jimtyrrell wrote:
Totally agree - the piano is beautiful, the song keeps moving and crescendoing...
I agree, I gave it an 8. The poetry is beautiful, the music and vocals are wonderfull.
Totally agree - the piano is beautiful, the song keeps moving and crescendoing...
joseasun wrote:
No idea why this song is so low rated. Love it.
I agree, I gave it an 8. The poetry is beautiful, the music and vocals are wonderfull. Will62 wrote:
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.
Amen and AMEN!
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.
Amen and AMEN!
No idea why this song is so low rated. Love it.
czukowski wrote:
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.
Not sure this suits the channel.
Not sure I understand the reference to 'suits the channel'. The very essence of RP is to provide a panoply of world music, irrespective of the listener's taste. If the good folk of RP were to be 'choosy' with the content, they defeat the purpose of this station entirely. Note the 'PSD' button is provided for any and all who find a track that is not 'suitable'.
Sorry to sound snide but I find RP to be an oasis in a sea of mediocrity that purports to promote 'music'. Long may it stay this way.
Sounds like a mix between Low and Elbow, could be worse....
A poppy tune, the elitist attitude in lyrics... I wonder if this guy might be a hipster...
...and sure enough - he is. Down to the bloody fauxhawk.
I'm no racist but I'd be more comfortable if he sat at the back of the bus.
...and sure enough - he is. Down to the bloody fauxhawk.
I'm no racist but I'd be more comfortable if he sat at the back of the bus.
Expressed what I am feeling 
parnoldo wrote:
I like this one a lot. The piano, strings and acoustic guitar picking blend really nicely. Good driving on a lonely road tune.
I was too lazy to write my own appraisal so I sought one opinion I agreed with regarding this track. I must agree with the exception of the lonely road reference... Nice. I think I want this one.
Thought this might be a new Willy Porter tune...
Not sure this suits the channel.
nice!
Very Robert Plant-esque!
Enthusiastic
1wolfy wrote:
So did I—he and Garvey share some timbral characteristics.
Thought this was Elbow...briefly
So did I—he and Garvey share some timbral characteristics.
1wolfy wrote:
Thought this was Elbow...briefly
Silly me. For 2 seconds, I thought it was Radiohead. David Gray is much closer.
As another poster said: whimsical.
My, now rather big, tube amp loves this.
I like it...fluttery.
First time I've heard this. Decided I like it, even if the production is a little too pedestrian in places.
Love TB, and he's brilliant live. Prefer the "Feather & Stone" album to Skybound, but it's all good! He's got a very talented brother as well - check out Charlie Winston on YouTube.
I like this one a lot. The piano, strings and acoustic guitar picking blend really nicely. Good driving on a lonely road tune.
Sounds llike a Tiny Tim want-to-be. I had enough of Tiny Tim when he walked through the tulips.....
Byronape wrote:
I like David Gray, but I like this better. David sounds a little too much like a piano with lite electronica thrown in. While there's some of that with Tom, I find that the two elements blend together better. In David's case, it sounds too much like two elements thrown together. I like David, but at least based on this one song, I think Tom's sound is more natural and less forced.
Like a more intense David Gray maybe. It's safe, but pretty good in a whimsical way.
I like David Gray, but I like this better. David sounds a little too much like a piano with lite electronica thrown in. While there's some of that with Tom, I find that the two elements blend together better. In David's case, it sounds too much like two elements thrown together. I like David, but at least based on this one song, I think Tom's sound is more natural and less forced.
plaid wrote:
That's what I thought! I had to click in to see why he was singing such a different tune...
Sounds like Damon Albarn. Am I the only one that hears his voice?
That's what I thought! I had to click in to see why he was singing such a different tune...
No Sir, don't like it.
crockydile wrote:
I had to reply because I like Paolo Nutini but I loathe this. This just feels like a "smooth jazz" station song, really overproduced.
Sounds like that guy that's always asking for Candy...Paolo Nutini. Not a good thing in my book. They should do a collaboration project...ugh. Sorry I thought of it. 
I had to reply because I like Paolo Nutini but I loathe this. This just feels like a "smooth jazz" station song, really overproduced.
He's got a nice piano thingy going on there.
Just cranked it up. That must mean I like it.
Just rated it 8. That means I'll have to go out and buy it.
Just rated it 8. That means I'll have to go out and buy it.
helgigermany wrote:
I am in the mood for this!
Me, too! Like a more intense David Gray maybe. It's safe, but pretty good in a whimsical way.
pretty good
I like this. Has kind of a Tamba 4 Jazz feel in the middle section.
soulcollision wrote:
I agree. Bump.
6 < 7... intricate and unique.
I agree. Bump.
First time I've heard it and it really doesn't do much for me.
I am in the mood for this!
Wilmshurst wrote:
This one's growing on me too. I rated it as a 4 at first. Today I bumped it to a 6. Someone else said that it was a good rainy day song. True dat. Rainy day Sunday, looking out the window with a mug of coffee in my hand....
Apparently, i didnt particulalry care for this when i first heard it - rated 4. However, this time around, I listened with headphones. Sounds a lot better. There is a lot going on in the song that was lost on the speakers i heard it on. I am still not fond of the very high notes and the "round and around" ad infinitum. anyway, bumped to 5.
This one's growing on me too. I rated it as a 4 at first. Today I bumped it to a 6. Someone else said that it was a good rainy day song. True dat. Rainy day Sunday, looking out the window with a mug of coffee in my hand....
Tedious.
6 < 7... intricate and unique.
Apparently, i didnt particulalry care for this when i first heard it - rated 4. However, this time around, I listened with headphones. Sounds a lot better. There is a lot going on in the song that was lost on the speakers i heard it on. I am still not fond of the very high notes and the "round and around" ad infinitum. anyway, bumped to 5.
bieze wrote:
If the vocalists could learn to hit the note at the same time, I'd be pleased.
guitar & piano parts are very likeable indeed! voice could be better
If the vocalists could learn to hit the note at the same time, I'd be pleased.
Thought this was Elbow...briefly
This song is lovely in a rainy day kind of way, but his voice reminds me oddly of Nina Simone, who I like even better. So now I would just rather hear Nina Simone.
more please 
guitar & piano parts are very likeable indeed! voice could be better
Is this Art Garfunkel? He sure let his voice go. I mean that in a bad way.
crockydile wrote:
At least Paolo can hit the high notes, unlike this guy. I had to mute once his voice tried to reach them as it was too painful to hear.
Sounds like that guy that's always asking for Candy...Paolo Nutini. Not a good thing in my book. They should do a collaboration project...ugh. Sorry I thought of it.
At least Paolo can hit the high notes, unlike this guy. I had to mute once his voice tried to reach them as it was too painful to hear.
Love it!
really well done. I wish the strings had a more raw middle eastern thing like the guitar intro. the first piano chord kills! but the piano solo is very elevator jazz.
Sounds like Damon Albarn. Am I the only one that hears his voice?
RadioDoc wrote:
Except that (A-ha's) Hunting High and Low is actually good.
Huh. Well how about that. Based on my memories of A-ha as an 80s pop band, my preconcieved notion would have been that you would skewer anything by them. (You're typically a pretty tough customer there Doc.) This comment though makes me want to give it a listen, and give A-ha a re-think.
As for this song, it's not doing it for me.
Except that (A-ha's) Hunting High and Low is actually good.
Huh. Well how about that. Based on my memories of A-ha as an 80s pop band, my preconcieved notion would have been that you would skewer anything by them. (You're typically a pretty tough customer there Doc.) This comment though makes me want to give it a listen, and give A-ha a re-think.
As for this song, it's not doing it for me.