Album Review: People Like Us by Ten Foot Tom And The Leprosy Crooks
Man, this album hit me like a rusty shovel to the gut—and I mean that in the best way possible. Released back in 2014 on Rangam Records, People Like Us is one of those raw, unfiltered slices of rock and blues that feels like it crawled straight outta some dimly lit UK dive bar. It’s lo-fi as hell, but damn if it doesn’t have soul oozing out of every crackle and hiss.
Let’s talk about two tracks that stuck with me long after the needle lifted off (yeah, I still use a record player—don’t judge). First up, “1000 Wolves.” This tune kicks the door down with its gritty guitar riffs and vocals so raspy they sound like they’ve been dragged through gravel. There’s something hypnotic about how the whole thing builds into this chaotic anthem. You can almost picture the band sweating their asses off onstage while playing it. Every time I hear it, I feel like grabbing my leather jacket and heading out for a night I’ll probably regret tomorrow. It’s wild, messy, and absolutely unforgettable.
Then there’s “People Like Us,” the title track. Holy crap, does this song pack a punch. The lyrics are sharp enough to cut glass, calling out hypocrisy and self-destruction without ever sounding preachy. What gets me most is the way the melody sneaks up on you—it starts slow, almost lazy, but then punches you right in the chest when the chorus hits. That line, "We’re all just people like us, breaking what we love,"? Damn. Feels like someone took an X-ray of my soul and slapped it onto vinyl. No lie, I’ve listened to this track at least twenty times now, and it still gives me goosebumps.
The rest of the album keeps the vibe going strong. Tracks like “Dropout” and “Dead And Gone” bring the same mix of grime and groove, while “Saturday Night” throws in some swagger that makes you wanna dance even though you know your moves suck. And hey, props to “Gutter” for being the kind of song that sounds like it was recorded in someone’s basement—but in a good way, ya know?
What really stands out about People Like Us isn’t just the music; it’s the attitude. These guys aren’t trying to polish anything or pretend they’re bigger than they are. They’re just laying it all out there, warts and all, and letting the chips fall where they may. In a world full of overproduced nonsense, that honesty hits different.
So yeah, here’s the weird thing: listening to this album feels like catching up with an old friend who’s seen better days. Sure, they might smell a little funny and tell stories that don’t always make sense, but damn if you don’t miss ‘em when they’re gone. Funny how music can do that sometimes.
