Swordfishtrombones

1 and 5 are equally valid ratings. Personally I have a lot of patience for goofy, borderline-unlistenable shit as long as it doesn't take itself too seriously. I like this halloween music.

I really don’t like Tom Waits’ music and this album hasn’t changed my opinion.

You're walking through the fairground with your date. They're miserable as you couldn't even win them a prize goldfish at 'Toss the Ring'. You tried to tell them it's all a fix and the rings aren't big enough to fit over the bowls, but they wouldn't listen. They looked at you like this date was as poor as your excuse. It begins to drizzle and your candy floss droops. Who cares? The idea of candy floss was better than the actual thing anyway. Over the sounds of others laughing, talking and screaming, you glance over the top of your date's head and see a man made of right angles standing next to the waltzers. You catch his one good eye and realise it's too late; he's seen you. He starts barking at you and your date and beckoning with a twig like finger. His one milky eye seems to be like some hazy frayed rope that's been knotted around your neck and he draws you in. Over your date's protestations, he somehow convinces you both to sit inside a waltzer. No one else is here. The lights are flickering and the smell of sawdust and vomit become oppressive. He laughs like man gargling kitty litter and slams the safety bar down and spins the cab round as the ride starts up. You're stuck here with this awful date spinning round and round and round and round. You have the fear that you'll be here forever in some kind of carny limbo. This is the music that is playing over the speakers. The louder you scream the faster the ride. Remember: fun is the key but keep seated at all times or you may die. Best Tracks: 16 Shells from a 30.6; In The Neighbourhood; Down, Down Down

Day 26 of Albums You Must Hear... Swordfishtrombones is an album released by one of the most interesting and abstract artists of the list thus far, Tom Waits. I first learned of Tom Waits several years ago while going down a YouTube rabbit hole. Heath Ledger largely took inspiration from Tom Waits for his role of The Joker in The Dark Knight. I will link the video that I watched below, the likeness is incredible. I must preface with this first, Tom Waits is not for everyone. He is abstract, off beat and, frankly, different. For those reasons, I really enjoy Tom Waits and Swordfishtrombone is a genius record. Waits is bound by no restraints, and the pace is up to him completely. In this album you get many sides of this mad genius. If I was to make a recipe for Tom Waits style, I’d say it’s 1 part jazz, 1 part circus clown, foaming from the mouth, 2 parts piss & vinegar, and 2 parts witty, spoken word poet. While having one of the most gravely voices in music, he can go rough and tough to sentimental and soft at the drop of a dime. My favorite song on Swordfishtrombone is In The Neighborhood, an almost national anthem version of Hometown, Anywhere. It’s nostalgic and melodic. On 16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought Six, I felt like a Hell’s Angel riding down a deserted highway with my grip tight on the ape-hangers handlebars. Vroom Vroom! I also love the use of non-traditional sounds in the instrumentation, like creaking of hinges or the steely slam of a sledgehammer knocking in railroad spikes. On Frank’s Wild Years, a spoken word piece, Waits tells a short story with words that slide out of his mouth with such ease and coolness that I totally didn’t expect the twist ending. I really love this cut from the album. Soldiers Things is sad and ironic, yet beautifully written. Tom Waits is a terrific pianist and brilliant songwriter. I look forward to delving deeper into his huge catalog. Please share your thoughts, opinions and memories!!

DON'T MIND IF I DO

An excellent album and important transition in his career as he started collaborating with and being influenced by his wife Kathleen. She introduced him to Captain Beefheart who became a major influence, and you can hear that in this album. He started developing more voices and characters that continue to show up in later albums. I am reminded why I like his music so much listening to the first couple tracks - he creates such vivid scenes, you can imagine the loneliness, seediness and darkness of the places he inhabits. Sweet to hear a song about Kathleen (Johnsburg, Illinois). I think there are a number of masterpieces on the album - 16 Shells, Frank's Wild Years included. Other standouts for me are Swordfishtrombone, Down Down Down, and Gin Soaked Boy. Ultimately I find Rain Dogs to be a better album - certainly my favorite of the 80's trilogy and probably of all his albums - but for me it still deserves 5 stars.

It's not true that Tom Waits' music before this album contained no musical invention or experimentation. But, it is true that this is the point where he really let rip. Underpinning the bizarre sounds and vocal affectations is the great melodies you can hear on his earlier records. For such a wierd and wonderful collection, it ends up sounding and feeling really cohesive. I don't think it is quite his best work (that's Mule Variations, I think) but it is still a classic.

Arty music I don't understand or enjoy. Tom Waits sounds like he's doing a sarcastic impression of himself.

Tom waits is absolutely the worst. Nails on a chalkboard.

You know what? I hate Tom Waits.

Critics are just making up shit to like this album. Nirvana’s Nevermind before there was a Nirvana? Bullshit. This album may be deep, but it is unlistenable.

Heard through the blue funk which has descended on every blue blooded Englishman and, I expect, all in their charge across the waves patrolled by those in service to the glory of crown and country since the crippling disappointment of the Euros 2020 final, this was a tonic. Capturing the spirit of jug bands - assembling new achievements from the scraps of whatever is lying around - and celebrating the once-fallen as heroes, it offers glints of hope glimmering at the end of dark alleys. Perhaps there is a way out. Perhaps it isn't interminable. And not just for the rogues and waifs here. I am talking also, of course, about our fallen heroes Bukayo, Kalvin, Kyle, the Harrys, et al. As for Waits' hoarse bark - 'tis surely the noise issuing forth from every true Three Lions fan's throat this week, after hours - nay, days - nay, weeks - of singing Three Lions, Sweet Caroline, and bellowing their support for our freedom-fighting soldiers of the football field. A real touch of class from Waits to record this tribute to the England team merely a day after their defeat.

I really don't like Tom Waits.

Good grief... I've already commented that I don't like Tom Waits's voice, but this album is labeled as "experimental rock." If you have to put it in a genre, I suppose that's as good as any, but there's quite a lot of this album that sounds like "drunken instrumentation." Imagine going to a carnival and hearing the background music played badly -- that's what the first three tracks sound like. Then at some point mid album bagpipes come in for a second? I felt slightly detached from reality after listening to this album, and not in a good way. I'm giving it a solid 1 star.

He sucks bad. Like anyone could do this shit

Now I know for sure I don't like Tom Waits at all.

This is a pretty good album to encapsulate a lot of styles of Tom Waits. You got your bastards, your brawlers, and your bawlers. This is definitely an album that keeps you thinking "What could be next?". I had not listened to the entire album for probably at least 7 years, but I had fav'd at least half the tracks, but discovered some new ones that I really like to add. The only duds for me are "Town With No Cheer", I don't think it adds anything to the album nor the Tom Waits catalog. Frank's Wild Years in isolation is just a little dumb-fun story, but if I recall Frank is a character throughout Wait's career, so there might be something more interesting there chronologically. I was thinking this would be a 4, but I am thinking it's probably a 5 actually. Not something I want to always throw on, but I can't deny it's a great album.

Tommy boy. Some would say his finest hour (depends on who you ask), but this is when he started to get really weird, which I dig. His voice is a point of contention for a lot of people but I really like it. This album has everything that Tom had done until that point: sultry ballads, driving blues, poetry, strange, world-influences and weirdo lyrics. I like this album a lot but I think Rain Dogs just edges it out for this era of Tom. Favorite track: 16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought Six Least favorite track: Trouble’s Braids

Thought I was out but he pulled me back in

The instrumentation on this album is so good. The groove, the melodies, the music is absolutely fantastic. Moments of pure enjoyment and appreciation for how well the band plays each song, only to get interrupted by Tom Waits. Tom Waits is the villain in this album.

The amount of Tom Waits in this exercise is making me fucking hate Tom Waits

Don't get it, not an enjoyable listen

Just dire

251120 15:03 4.5

This is where Tom Waits started to become a WEIRDO

Like a drunk grizzly bear in depression era New York trying to sing to you about its broken heart.

the sound of a cookie crumbling

Favourite album from a favourite artist. Like the Ramones, who I listened to a few albums ago, he polarises listeners, and that's OK. You either buy into the world he has created over the decades, or you don't.

Listening to Tom Waits is like a reverse date rape - he'll drug you just to take you back to the bar.

I love the man. He has a carny appeal that really strikes me as folksy, authentic, and fun while still being grounded and deep at points.

A beautiful but dangerous circus run by ghosts of soldiers with broken hearts. Lovely lovely lovely.

damn this was a really cool album the more I listen to Tom Waits the more I can appreciate his style and the way he grows in his discography can’t decide what my favorite song is, I’m just gonna give this a 10/10, awesome album, please listen to it

Tom Waits is Tom Waits! He's an aquired taste, but i really like this album. He masterfully blends multible genres.

I thought for a long time that Tom Waits was not the artist for me and that I would not enjoy any of his works, but that was before I heard this album. Unlike the problems I had with Heartattack and Vine, this album I believe showcases where Waits' voice really shines. Abstract and weird in the best ways, this album was a colossal, strange, wondrous ride through Waits' mind. He doesn't let himself get shoehorned into that deep gravely voice that he is known for, and there are some quieter, smoother songs that showcase a range I didn't know he had. Sometimes you just get some quiet instrumentals or tracks where he just speaks, which is a nice palate cleanser between songs. Overall, an album that shocked me with how great it was.

Tom Waits’s voice in “The Neighborhood” is my new favorite thing.

Fuck yea

Круто. Чувак знает что делает.

Charming and unusual journey into strange piano bars that still somehow existed in 1983 having presumably been transplanted from 1920s Vienna.

It’s funny to me that the dislike of The Residents’ record on this site doesn’t get transferred over to Tom Waits’ music. The degree of separation between the two artists is minuscule. Sorry, but it’s about time some hear that hard truth.

Nr. 174/1001 Underground 2/5 Shore Leave 1/5 Dave the Butcher 2/5 Johnsburg, Illinois 2/5 16 Shells from a 30.6 3/5 Tom With No Cheer 3/5 In the Neighborhood 3/5 Just Another Sucker on the Vine 3/5 Frank's Wild Years 2/5 Swordfishtrombone 3/5 Done, down, down 3/5 Soldier's Things 3/5 Gin Soaked Boy 2/5 Trouble's Braids 2/5 Rainbirds 3/5 Average: 2,47 This is not really for me.

Was intrigued with this one as I know how much Waits is revered by true music lovers. Underground was not a good start - not sure what the allure is of angry Slipknot-like growling with Big Top circus musical accompaniment. I'd say one or the other but tracks 3 and 8 were the latter and I hated it. So need the right music with his voice - I quite liked 16 Shells from a 30.6 and Gin Soaked Boy so its doable. Shore Leave wasn't bad - still eclectic music but vocals not so off-putting (even the end of song warbling). In the Neighbourhood had some cool lyrics, Rainbirds was pretty, and the title track was alright. But his voice is just awful (it's like listening to the Cookie Monster) and there's way too much weird stuff and not enough good stuff that I'd want to listen to more than once (if that) or listen hard for the lyrics.

Goofy ahh music

Oh nah not this shit again

Murky, vaudevillian, bat shit crazy. Loved it from start to finish. Underground sounds like it was produced by filthy trolls in the depths of a smelting plant. Booming drums, metal clangs, set to the marching trombone. A vocal performance that sounds like he's just gargled hot tarmac. Lyrically it paints a vivid picture of a dank underworld. Whispered stories weaved between, traditional blues, experimental noise, lacerated vocal chords, and a tatty chest of instruments, make this an eccentric masterpiece. Used jet trash! Halloween orange and chimney red! What a way to turn a phrase.

Glorious vocals, intense lyrics and beautiful tones grace this immortal album

The Robots feature!! More of what I loved from the first Tom Waits album, though I didn't feel the sparser ones so much. Probably just take longer to digest. I think I'm just incapable of not being drawn into his music, and my favourite might actually be the last track. Unexpectedly beautiful after everything that came before

I love Tom Waits and Swordfishtrombones is the album that broke the jazz lounge-y sound he had before and turned it on its head. As always his lyrics are great and the sounds he begins to create on this album are unique. I think I might like Rain Dogs a little bit more - but really this album can do no wrong. . . . never could stand that dog

Beck looks in the mirror and sees Tom Waits, but Tom Waits looks at Beck and sees a Michael Cera character.

Belter album. Can't wait to listen to it with the kids..... Best song for me is Frank's wild years. Blazing imagery.

I'm a fan of music that's "weird" or "different" so long as it can still be seen as music and doesn't lean TOO far into weird and different. As soon as I heard the vocals I knew people would either love them or hate them. They are very strange. But I really enjoyed them a lot! It definitely fits with the music. 'Underground' is a thudding plodding opener. Really sets the tone for the rest of the album. The next track 'Shore Leave' he is whispering menacingly. '16 Shells From a 30.6' had me tapping my foot, really grooves along nicely. 'In The Neighborhood' is, dare I say it, quite a lovely song. 'Down, Down, Down' is very rock 'n' roll. The music evokes images of a video game about cavemen but they're travelling aimlessly around an abandoned fairground. That is the only way I can describe it. It's bizarre and slightly over the top at times, but never takes itself too seriously. If it was described to me, it's not something I would have thought I'd have liked, but I'm glad it came up on this list! I wouldn't go as far to say that it's genius (or maybe I just don't get it) but I do know I really enjoyed listening to this a lot!

Very very cool album. I love the variety in style throughout, using the same Instruments (including voice) in a ton of different ways to create limitless Instruments. The spoken word style stuff never misses on this for me, even though it’s not usually my style of music, I’d say generally that my favorite parts of the album are the spoken word portions. Also extra points for heavy marimba usage and industrial percussion, honestly 5/5.

As most albums by Tom Waits this is simply great! It's not my favourite one but still wonderful.

The opening chapter of a deliciously twisted trilogy.

Waits has such a distinct style and it is growing on me. Some albums are more of a miss, but this one is definitely a hit.

I have almost every Tom Waits album and love them like children. No exception here - is Waits the most consistently interesting popular musician around?

This has become one of the most important albums I've ever listened to. I'll take any excuse to spin it again.

Absolutely amazing

The music world needs more Tom Waits, the innovators who beat to their own drum (or in this case, an African squeeze drum). This is unconventional pop music. It reminds me of the seediness of a Raymond Chandler plot, but also the little slices of miserable life that appear in a Raymond Chandler short story. Waits employs so many different instruments, its a tapestry of subtle sounds. The title track is one of my favorite Waits songs, it’s the intersection of all the great sounds and ideas that make this album a classic.

Cool, sleazy and Tom Waits own personal vaudeville at its best. The bizarre story telling and the rag tag instrumentation is a perfect combination and enjoyable throughout

God I love this album. I can’t decide on a favorite song but if I had to chose The Neighborhood or Franks Wild Years. I love how the instruments sound, especially all of the percussion. Truly the best.

Completely unique, often disharmonic with few moments of vivid sincerity and beauty. Perfect for a rainy day if instead of feeling cosy, you want to feel dread.

Swordfishtrombones is as wonderful and unique as its name implies. It lives in a world completely of its own - such is the land of Tom Waits. One minute you find yourself listening to the most beautiful piano driven ballad; the next someone is banging recklessly on a steel pipe. I guess it’s one of those albums you either love or hate.

I must have listened to this record millions of time. Back in the day, I had to buy the CD again because the first copy wore out. Tom Waits was a big part of my life for a long time. He inspired me to live my life and pay attention to the world in unusual ways: noticing what is not like the rest of the world, noticing how things work, noticing the strange in the everyday, listening for good stories of small time. He was another of these artists that made me feel like he was talking to me and that made the world an interesting and endlessly creative place to live in. This is music that is also a way of life and an ethics: of compassion, community, weirdness. It's beautiful in the strangest of ways.

When the neon signs are shut off and the air cools and the dust begins to assert itself, that's when the freaks come out. Tom Waits for no man when it comes to digging deep into his bag of stories and not only did he dig deep, he dug up newfound access to material that would allow him to pad out and fully furnish his tales as he wished. The result, Swordfishtrombones, was unlike anything he'd done before and it would serve as a launchpad to what we, and he, would anticipate for the remainder of his career. Every song on here, whether it's a minute or so or approaching four, is a cinematic exercise worthy of its rolled tape. It is truly one from the heart.

### In-Depth Review of "Swordfishtrombones" by Tom Waits **"Swordfishtrombones,"** released in 1983, marked a pivotal moment in Tom Waits' career. Known for its experimental nature, this album diverged significantly from his previous works, embracing an avant-garde approach that blended various musical styles and complex lyrical themes. This review will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, providing a balanced perspective on its strengths and weaknesses. #### Lyrics Tom Waits' lyrical prowess is evident throughout "Swordfishtrombones." The lyrics are rich with vivid imagery and narratives that paint a picture of an underworld populated by eccentric characters and surreal situations. - **Imagery and Storytelling:** Songs like "Underground" and "16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six" showcase Waits' talent for creating detailed, almost cinematic scenes. "Underground" invites listeners into a subterranean world, a theme that recurs throughout the album, suggesting a hidden, often dark reality beneath the surface of everyday life. - **Character Development:** Waits introduces a gallery of memorable characters. In "Frank's Wild Years," for instance, we meet Frank, a disillusioned man who sets his house on fire and disappears, a stark representation of midlife crisis and existential dread. This character-driven storytelling is a hallmark of the album, providing depth and engagement. - **Poetic Devices:** Waits' use of metaphor and simile is particularly notable. In "Shore Leave," the lines "I left my heart in the dead sea / The dead sea of a broken down ship" evoke a sense of profound loss and desolation. His ability to blend the poetic with the grotesque creates a unique lyrical landscape. #### Music Musically, "Swordfishtrombones" is a bold departure from Waits' earlier, more conventional work. The album is characterized by its eclectic mix of styles, unconventional instrumentation, and innovative arrangements. - **Eclectic Styles:** The album fuses blues, jazz, rock, and avant-garde elements. Tracks like "Johnsburg, Illinois" offer a tender, almost traditional ballad style, while "16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six" incorporates raw, percussive rhythms and a rougher vocal delivery. - **Instrumentation:** Waits employs a variety of unconventional instruments, including marimbas, bagpipes, and the waterphone, which add to the album's distinctive sound. The use of these instruments is not merely for novelty; they enhance the album's atmosphere and thematic coherence. - **Arrangement:** The arrangements are sparse yet intricate, often featuring minimalistic yet powerful accompaniments. This is evident in "In the Neighborhood," where a brass band adds a melancholic, nostalgic feel to the song, underscoring its themes of community and loss. #### Production "Swordfishtrombones" was produced by Tom Waits himself, a decision that allowed him greater creative control and the freedom to explore his artistic vision fully. - **Sound Quality:** The production quality is intentionally raw and unpolished, which complements the album's gritty, down-to-earth themes. This lo-fi approach gives the album an authentic, almost live feel. - **Innovative Techniques:** Waits and engineer Biff Dawes experimented with various recording techniques, such as using unusual mic placements and incorporating ambient sounds. This is evident in "Rainbirds," an instrumental track that features the sound of birds and rain, creating a serene yet eerie atmosphere. - **Cohesive Vision:** The production successfully ties together the album's disparate musical and lyrical elements into a cohesive whole. Each track flows seamlessly into the next, despite their stylistic differences, maintaining a consistent mood and narrative thread. #### Themes "Swordfishtrombones" explores a range of themes, many of which are dark and introspective. These themes are woven throughout the album, creating a rich tapestry of human experience. - **Existential Angst:** Many of the characters in Waits' songs grapple with existential questions and the absurdity of life. "Frank's Wild Years" and "Shore Leave" are prime examples of individuals facing moments of crisis and disillusionment. - **Underworld and Hidden Realities:** The recurring motif of the underground or hidden worlds suggests a fascination with what lies beneath the surface, both literally and metaphorically. This theme is explored in tracks like "Underground" and "Trouble's Braids." - **Loneliness and Isolation:** A pervasive sense of loneliness and isolation runs through the album. "Johnsburg, Illinois" and "Soldier's Things" poignantly express feelings of longing and nostalgia, highlighting the human need for connection and belonging. - **Absurdity and Grotesque:** Waits' lyrics often embrace the absurd and grotesque, reflecting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life. This is evident in the surreal imagery of "16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six" and the bizarre narrative of "Gin Soaked Boy." #### Influence "Swordfishtrombones" has had a significant impact on both Tom Waits' career and the broader music landscape. - **Career Transformation:** The album marked a turning point for Waits, establishing him as a pioneering artist willing to take risks and push boundaries. It set the stage for his subsequent experimental works and solidified his reputation as a unique voice in music. - **Influence on Other Artists:** The album has influenced a wide range of musicians across genres, from alternative rock to experimental music. Artists such as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and PJ Harvey have cited Waits as an inspiration, particularly his ability to blend narrative storytelling with innovative musical techniques. - **Cultural Impact:** "Swordfishtrombones" has also left its mark on popular culture, with its songs appearing in films and television shows, further cementing its legacy. The album's themes of existential angst and hidden realities resonate with audiences, making it a timeless piece of art. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** 1. **Innovative Sound:** The album's eclectic mix of styles and unconventional instrumentation creates a unique and captivating listening experience. 2. **Lyrical Depth:** Waits' lyrics are rich with vivid imagery, complex characters, and poetic devices, offering listeners much to ponder and explore. 3. **Cohesive Vision:** Despite its experimental nature, the album maintains a consistent mood and narrative thread, thanks to Waits' production. 4. **Emotional Resonance:** The themes of existential angst, loneliness, and hidden realities are conveyed with emotional depth, making the album relatable and impactful. 5. **Influence:** The album has had a significant influence on other artists and remains a touchstone in the music world. **Cons:** 1. **Accessibility:** The experimental nature of the album may not appeal to all listeners, particularly those who prefer more conventional music styles. 2. **Raw Production:** The intentionally raw and unpolished production might be off-putting to some, as it lacks the slickness of more commercial releases. 3. **Fragmented Structure:** The diversity of styles and sounds can sometimes make the album feel fragmented, potentially disrupting the listening experience for some. 4. **Niche Appeal:** The album's avant-garde approach means it has a niche appeal, which might limit its reach compared to more mainstream albums. ### Conclusion "Swordfishtrombones" is a landmark album in Tom Waits' discography and a significant work in the broader musical landscape. Its innovative sound, rich lyrical content, and cohesive production make it a standout piece, despite its potential accessibility issues and niche appeal. The album's exploration of dark and introspective themes, coupled with its unique musical approach, has left a lasting impact on both listeners and fellow artists. For those willing to delve into its depths, "Swordfishtrombones" offers a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

You either love Tom Waits or can't stand him. I fall into the love him camp - there's no one like him. If this album is too out there for you, maybe try his first album, Closing Time, which is a little more classic, not as experimental. Some amazing songwriting. Anyway, I love Swordfishtrombones, 5 stars.

Yep, I still love this

When musical histories are written 50 years from now, Tom Waits will be recognized as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Brilliant as his early albums were, this album marks the transition into the second phase of his career where he combined multiple disparate genres into something completely new and completely his own. It doesn't sound quite as revolutionary now as when it was released since so many others have imitated what he pioneered.

This is where Tom turns into the weirdo that we love, and pretty much all albums from here are just fantastic. The range he shows is incredible, from slow piano ballads to wild rowdy bangers. And that voice. One of my favourite artists of all time, could pick 100 songs from him and not a single one would sound the same.

The atmosphere is thick with grime, loneliness, loss, and longing, shaken over hallway ice and regret sex and hastily dumped into a highball rim-coated with some exotic spice that stings your lips and keeps you coming back for more. There's a whole world on this album. Underworld, at least. Chock-full of cigarette-stained teeth, beer nuts, tattoos, torn nylons, and graffiti-coated stalls. It should be ugly but the marimbas, angklungs, and angular chords give the whole scene a mystic vibe like sewer steam flowing over a '70s Oldsmabuick. Stay away from Mickey's Big Mouths, though. I got a story about them. And it ain't pretty.

There's a world going on underground - and this tells its story. This is amazing. Cannot believe I haven't listened before. It's like a poetry/music jam you may come across after falling down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland. Or down a cool backstreet in Paris. Or, at one point, a misty Scottish castle. Or maybe a club in any city, down a back alley that only cats know about - you come across it and, upon entering, find you can't leave. I feel cooler just having listened to this. There's a hummingbird trapped in a closed down shoe store. Imagery, imagery, imagery. Rainbirds is a 5 star finish for a 5 star album.

Favourite songs: Gin Soaked Boy, Swordfishtrombone, "Down, Down, Down", 16 Shells from a 30.6, Frank's Wild Years, In the Neighbourhood, Underground Least favourite songs: Town With No Cheer 5/5

Fantastic album. A bit of a change I toms direction at the time. The 1st of the "trilogy".

I see there are some harsh reviews of this album. This is the first Tom Waits album I owned and it blew me away. He is the ultimate storyteller and he is poetic and so specific that you tend to believe there's a story behind the story of the song. Soldiers Things Town woth No Cheer, 16 Shells, the title track: all genius lyrics with cool instrumentation so unique and engaging. Shame a lot of people don't dig it but I do.

Mumbling conceptual greatness irony...

What can I say? I like Tom Waits. The title track is particularly delightful.

Tom waits is a total mood.

Such a perfect record.

This has got everything I love about Tom Waits on it. Enjoyed every second of it.

Swordfishtrombones is a massive stylistic shift for Waits from his bluesy, piano bar jazz origins. It opens with the off-kilter guitar and gritty snarl of Underground, which I first heard in 2005 animated film Robots - the image sticks with me every time I start the album as the industrial pounding throughout the song perfectly complements the demonic robot factory that is portrayed, lava and all. There is so much to love here as the tracklist lurches through an incredible and inspired mix of sinewy, slinking marimba-accented cabaret like the title track and Shore Leave (with its desperate mews towards the end); heartfelt ballads like the gorgeous Johnsburg, Illinois; multiple madcap accordion solos; and absolute freaking ragers like 16 Shells and Down Down Down, as well as the rousing anthem In the Neighbourhood closing out the first side. Genre wise, it’s frankly all over the place, feeling even less connected than the equally diverse but somehow more conceptually together sequel to this album, Rain Dogs (which is my personal favourite Waits project). But there is magic in this chaos, and while it’s never too clear where Waits is going to go next, it’s one hell of a fun ride

A beautiful album. One of my top (sometimes favorite) Tom Waits albums.

Album 345 of 1001 Tom Waits - Swordfishtrombones Rating : 5/ 5 Tom Waits is one of my all time favorites and this is one of his best albums, in my opinion. There is no other rating I could even consider. He moves away from his piano-based songwriting towards "unusual instrumentation and a somewhat more abstract and experimental rock approach". He is one to check out if you aren't familiar with him. He has been described as "The free spirit who watched from the fringes. Tom Waits is a kind of modern troubadour, putting his husky, rasping voice to use singing his lyrical love letters to the outsiders, the drifters and the nonconformists."

That was some good shit. Beatnik Bullshit. Tom Waits might be actually insane for writing this. Somehow it all seemed to flow well together in my head even though there was absolutely no clear sign of what instrument anyone was supposed to be playing. “Town with No Cheer” had bagpipes, accordion, electric piano, and I think even and then the next track starts immediately with a marching snare and brass band. As music I want to just listen to in the car, this album fails, but as a audible art, I think it is beautiful. I was very into that little vignettes that Waits was painting and I love the wild choices for different instrumentation on each track. To me it shows talent to write pieces for such a variety of ensembles. I also just enjoy hearing music in those more uncommon instruments. I also just thought that “Johnsburg, Illinois”, “Just Another Sucker on the Vine”, and “Rainbirds”were simply beautiful jazz pieces. It reminds me of the same enjoyment I get out of Frank Zappa, but like much a much rougher, and cigarette-addicted Frank Zappa. Frank Crappa, perhaps. Good bass too.

This is his best album. It’s gorgeous.

Today is the day for gravelly voices. This feels correct for Tom Waits. The man is a true nutter, an iconoclast. No one else can do this. It sounds like the soundtrack for the movie in his head. You can hear all the little touches that influenced other artists. Sonic Youth’s squealing guitar, Peter Murphy’s xylophone. And that’s just song two. That he was doing this in ‘83, is truly remarkable. The man creates his own world with these sounds. No one was this bravely individualistic, never mind successful. I should hate the shit out of this, but it’s excellent. Might never listen to it again, but there’s nothing wrong here. It’s unique, interesting, careful and funny. He even made warbling sound tender. Like, how? Seriously, I want to watch the movie in his brain that inspired this. I tried like hell to hate this record, but it’s just not possible. This is excellent. It made me finally appreciate Tom Waits.

A wonderful album. Dark, sleazy and beautiful.

4.7 - I really loved this, I enjoy that he's just a totally different mind and throws you into a different way of listening to music. He almost forces you to sit and experience it, and sometimes it's harder to listen to and other times it has tenderness. But most art forms that's what they are meant to do, why does music always have to be easy?

have loved for so long...

Pretty wacky but I liked it

The first time I listened to Tom Waits, I wondered, “where have you been all my life?” Swordfishtrombones is a weird album, full of characters, stories, and musical flourishes that reward me for giving it my time. It isn’t background music. I have to be in the right mood for it. I have to be interested in actively listening, as if I’m reading a book or poetry. But it’s also not *that* weird.

Swordfishtrombones - 5 stars.

Good shit

I think this is my first review of an album that I currently own. It was a blind buy back in the day. My 2nd experience with Waits after Rain Dogs. Although I have a love hate relationship with Waits I do adore some bizarre creative nonsense. This jazzy bluesy beatnik circus vibe works for me. Mileage may vary.

As always, Tom waits is amazing.

When Waits discovered Beefheart and made it signify. His most cohesive work and maybe my favorite album of 1983.

I forgot 16 shells from this album. In my imagination, apparently, it was much more recent like mule variations recent. Anyway, classic album. Real gems. Listening with headphones I heard lyrics I'd never noticed before. Tom is a genius still but he was definitely a genius then

Desert island disc

His lyrics hit me like few others. And if this is the start of his weird cave marimba percussion then it’s my favourite era.

TWO Tom Waits albums in one month? Wow. Not even enough time to let that other one simmer. Anyway, it's kinda shocking how if I am focused enough on a task, this music just blends right into the background. Tom Waits is an acquired taste for sure. I think his vocals work for spooky season. Not that he needs my approval or anything, but yeah I liked this one quite a bit.

What a stunningly creative, immersive musical experience. So much of the music we hear on 1001 Albums is a piece of the time in which it was made. A lot of it is pretty forgettable, but this album is a creative masterpiece that manages to exist outside of time. I listen to a fair amount of Tom Waits, and no, it's not something most people would care to put on every day. But Waits is a truly unique artist in music, and this is just about as close to a perfect album as he ever made. Wildly entertaining front to back, this album feels cinematic in its scope, like an anthology of grimy tales about loneliness and desperation, with a stealth love story tucked in the middle. Lyrically vivid, with moments of both dark humor and surprise tenderness. Each of the seemingly unconnected vignettes is a carefully crafted universe on its own. Musically, the songs swing from percussively off-kilter to softly elegant, steeped in dusky blues, tin pan alley and jazz. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Swordfishtrombone; In the Neighborhood; Gin Soaked Boy; Just Another Sucker on the Vine; Rainbirds; Soldier's Things; 16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six; Down, Down, Down; Underground; Town with No Cheer; Johnsburg, Illinois; Shore Leave; Frank's Wild Years; Dave the Butcher; Trouble's Braids