Reviews (page 2 of 8)
What the fuck are all the critics talking about?! This is Captain Beefheart lite (which is actually to its credit) a potentially good album ruined by a layer of intentional Weirdness, back when you could release shit like this and still have record label to back you. Tom Waits does not have a choir boy voice but he can sing better than the tuneless wailing here, on the occasions where it seems like he is pulling together a good tune the vocals ruin it. This is one of those albums where for whatever reason everyone who wants to be seen as a serious music fan is too afraid to admit that really….. it’s pretty pish. 1.9
Weird. But also good.
Fourth Tom Waits album on this list for me and I still don't care for his music/musings/comedy or whatever you want call this, but I can see how it might appeal to people. I'm just not those people.
Rating: 4.9/5 Short Review: What the fuck is this. It sounds like Tom Waits found a junkyard, turned everything inside it into an instrument, and somehow made it beautiful. Weird, grimy, unpredictable, and completely its own thing. Favorite Track: “In the Neighborhood.” Warm, sad, and strangely comforting. It feels like remembering a neighborhood that probably wasn’t as wonderful as you remember it.
Well. It was interesting. I'm not sure if I'd describe it as good, necessarily. But it sure was interesting. At least, that's what I had in my mind after the first four songs. Following that, I'm not really sure if the tone changed much, but the subject matter certainly did. Topics which I hold dear came up, special interests were piqued. Another thing I noticed in several tracks was the theme of trying to get back to normal life, after trauma. Soldiers with PTSD, people after messy break ups, dealing with addiction, and even an entire town which has had its heart torn out of it. These are awkward times to live through, and this is supported by the disjointed, almost clunky nature of some parts of the music, at least in these tracks. It's sounds strange, but it helps tell the story.
Album 1051 and thought I’d had the last of Tom..but no …the 25 other must listen to Tom Waits I seem have trawled though we somehow not enough. Annoyingly. It got less shit as it went on. The worst thing is , naively I though he was someone I was looking forward to being part of the exercise.
He writes lyrics that are very similar to Steely Dan, but backs them with marimba and two packs of cigarettes. This was a really great album. You don’t like an idea he’s working with? Well they are all two minutes long and he’ll be onto the next thing soon enough. Favorites were Underground, 16 Shells From A 30.6, In The Neighborhood, the title track, and Gin Soaked Boy.
wonderfully crooked and playful with a rough voice and a furious heart at times. stories of anger and/or despair. lovely and heartwarming.
The album that really elevated Tom Waits' reputation. Previously, he'd been doing conventional songs, with an unconventional voice, and the occasional meander onto the B-Roads of Americana. Swordfishtrombones saw him embrace the forgotten roads, the rocky tracks and the barely-there footpaths. And he showed the world a new world on their door step. As a "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die", it is undoubtedly a five star. Even if you hate it, and yearn to return to your comfortable Rap or Thrash or Country or Disco or... you should be aware that there are alternatives. SFT delivers on that eye and ear opening. Personally, I live it and give it Five on the "Want to listen again?" scale. Sure, I have favourite tracks, but overall....FIVE
Not the best Waits album, that honor goes to Rain Dogs, but certainly one of the better ones.
I don't think I'll ever be a big fan of Tom Waits, but I admit that he does have a quite specific type of sound that is unique. It often feels like he really wanted to be a fiction writer more than become a musician. More often than not it feels like is ambition exceeds his grasp, but occasionally the madness comes together for a truly diabolical carnival classic. Legitimately one of the purveyors of what we now call alternative rock. As a drummer and percussionist, I preferred BONE MACHINE, but SWORDFISHTROMBONES was a close 2nd. Although with title like that I was really hoping for some trombones. On the other hand, I was happy that I did not receive Swordfish.
I never know what I’m going to hear with Tom Waits, whether by the topic, instrumentation, music style or lyrics. He seems like an interesting person who loves delivering a surprise with each song!
What a mixed bag! Lot's of 1 and 5 reviews here, but the truth is somewhere in the middle. Unfortunately, the insufferable songs are longer that the enjoyable ones, and that voice is anything but pleasant. So the middle falls towards the left. 4/10
Favorite track(s): Underground, Shore Leave, 16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six, Town With No Cheer, In The Neighborhood, Swordfishtrombone, Down, Down, Down, Rainbirds He digs up some dead sumbitch in a cloud of Chesterfield smoke, finger to its neck. Corpse pulse sounds like a marimba. Heard before Previous rating: 8/10
I’ve heard this before and I own it. I’ve said before I like Tom Waits in both his soulful piano ballad mode and his demented circus music mode, and this album has the right mix of both modes for me to love it.
Tom Waits is always good. This album is great, but not quite as great as Rain Dogs or Frank’s Wild Years. Still a very solid 9/10.
A couple of tunes I really Doug, but overall, not for me
Nothing but respect for Mr. Waits and his long career, but my first association for him will always be Shrek 2.
(1) THERE ARE SO MANY BETTER TOM WAITS ALBUMS! Definitely some interesting story telling scattered throughout but I don’t think there was a single GOOD song.
4/10 I really liked the first song. I thought it was setting a pretty rough tone for the rest but unfortunately the rest of the album didn't really hold the same hype.
After thinking the previous Tom Waits album I had on this list, Heart Attack and Vine, was solid, I wondered if childhood memories of hating my dad putting Tom Waits on in the car showed my changing taste. Having listened to this, I realise it was just a different album. To be fair, you occasionally get a good song on this, ‘In the Neighbourhood’ a highlight for me. But that is spoiled by attempts at experimentation that really don’t work for me. Why are there bagpipes on this? Not for me.
A sharp turn from what Waits had done before, heralding in a new more experimental sequence of albums including the excellent 'Rain Dogs' and 'Frank's Wild Years.' This one might be my favourite though, as it has a bit of everything. Jazzy instrumentals, poetic lyrics, left-field instrumentation and Waits' gravelly vocals makes for an enticing listen
A very good album, the first of Tom Waits’ more experimental turn (the credits list ‘chair’, ‘bass drum with rice’ and ‘glass harmonica’ among the array of unusual instruments used). Like his previous albums, the songs are largely still a mix of bluesy rockers and ballads (with some more spoken-word story tracks and instrumentals thrown in), but everything has been slightly twisted out of shape. Highlights include ‘16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six’, ‘Gin Soaked Boy’ and the moving/tragic ‘Soldier’s Things’. Slightly too inconsistent for full marks (it’s not as good as ‘Rain Dogs’), but a strong 4 for sure.
Some people like it. I'm not some people.
This album rules
Was hitting good when it did
Está bueno, hay 2 rolas no más que no soy fan
I love weirdo shit! Tom Waits keeps getting paid so he must be doing something right. I've never met a Tom Waits super fan... I bet they are either really fun or absolutely miserable.
It's theatrical, cinematographic. It narrates trough music a unique space and time in the universe, then fills it with colorful images that enrich the tale delivering a beautiful story. I've always liked this kind of european folk, but for this album it goes beyond just taste. It's a piece of art to me.
Did not like this at all..... couldn't even give it one star !
jako dobar album... tom waits bio mi je genijalno otkriće zahvaljujući ovoj stranici, prethodno mi je dala da odslušam »bone machine«, koji je naprosto genijalan. nakon toga na svoju sam ruku kupio i odslušao možda njegov najpoznatiji i najpoznatiji album, a svakako po omotu najprepoznatljiviji, »rain dogs«, koji je podjednako izvrstan. ovaj mi je nakon prvog slušanja trunku slabiji od navedenih dvaju, ali je i dalje jako jako dobar i svakako iznad prosjeka s ove stranice
8/10
Qué cosa tan espantosa
Сара 1 Марко 1
Рычаший, скрипящий, дикий и пьянящий альбом Swordfishtrombones одновременно расслабряет и тонизирует, заставляет прислушаться или отдаться настроению и грусти. Наверное главное его достоинство - архаичность и непокорность правилам. От этого он становится симпатичным. Отложу его для повторных прослушиваний и более внимательного изучения.
I like Tom Waits but this is far from his best, I prefer Rain Dogs and Bone Machine and there's some filler here, still good though, can't go wrong
08/05 Tom Waits sounds like shit
good for tom waits loll
I like my Tom waits more whiny. Fave was in the neighbourhood
I don't know how this dude is a singer, but even with that the music wasn't that bad surprisingly. 2.5/5 rounded to 3
I have felt a lot of things while listening to a lot of music but I have not often felt *trepidation* on behalf of a character in a song the way I feel it about the wistful husband Tom Waits embodies on "Johnsburg, Illinois." And it's because I realize these songs are less songs than stories, and I know what happens in stories about an absent spouse - they cheat, or they're cheated on, or they die, or they kill, or they leave, or some combination of all of the above. I want a happy ending and I know I won't be getting one. Waits as a storyteller flourishes here - equal parts Charles Bukowski, Raymond Carver, Stephen King (that really sounds like Randall Flagg popping up on the title track), and *Something Wicked*-era Ray Bradbury. And yet from that description you might be expecting something more out-and-out lurid than is actually on offer; this is not a Selbyesque rubbing of your nose in the gutter. In fact it's downright respectable at times; one of Waits' great secrets is that he values the stability he finds so scarce in his own soul. "In the Neighborhood" could have easily been a sneer in the direction of suburbia, yet here it simply depicts humdrum small-town existence without embellishment or judgment. Likewise the mournful "Town with No Cheer," which laments the fate of an Australian town made obsolete by Vic Rail's decision to route their line elsewhere. From that standpoint, the wilder stories here aren't punky tales of bravado but rather micro-tragedies - of men (almost always men) seized by latent or temporary insanity, pushed into transgression, and then left destitute in the wake of their actions ("Soldier's Things"). The music, adventurous as it is, doesn't quite bear the weight of the literary ambition; I find myself sometimes feeling like a film director asking for just a little more from the actors. But that doesn't mean there aren't great pleasures here - Victor Feldman's marimbas on "Shore Leave," Fred Tackett's B.B. King impersonation on "Gin Soaked Boy," the way I can't tell where the barlines are on "16 Shells from a 30.6." And all in all, as a meditation on attempted maturity - on what somebody who genuinely loves home and family can do about the chaos in their heart that threatens to destroy the domestic but is nevertheless a critical part of them - it's pretty damn great.
I had a bit of a cold-shock flinch reaction to the first track, but once I understood what exactly I was dealing with I was 100% on board for it. This is NEAT... this is COMPELLING... "16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six" is a seriously incredible song... oh yeah. I'm here for sure
I kinda noticed this go around with Tom "haunted bayou" Waits sounds a lot like Danko Jones, or I suppose its the other way around, and thats all I can think of when I hear his voice. This list did not need so many of his albums, full stop. Just too kooky and weird, I get having your unique presentation, and to be true, its unlike anything else you hear. But it really is an acquired taste, but after 6 albums I'm throwing out the keg.
I cannot believe that Mystery Men’s Tom Waits has 6 albums on this god damn list. He’s hit or miss for me and this one was a big miss. Jangly ass tin can grumble music
Not on am
My 4th Tom Waits album since I started this whole thing and I guess it's time to admit to myself that I'm a Tom Waits Guy. Every raspy whisper, every guttural wail, every cartoonish xylophone bonk and trombone honk has me grinning ear to ear. And when you look past all that silly shit, you get some of the most vivid and inspired lyrics. He's like Bruce Springsteen's Wario.
I don’t understand how Tom Waits ever became famous with that voice. I think the songs could actually be good if someone else was singing because the music and melodies were good. This is one time I wished there were more instrumental songs.
This guy is a joke. He has no singing ability, it's like Mr. Krabs doing an album. To say this is a must-listen instantly deflates your credibility of creating a true Top 1001 album playlist. This album was selected over Tom Petty (Full Moon Fever, Into the Great Wide Open), Journey (Escape), INXS (Kick, Listen Like Thieves), Pearl Jam (Vitalogy, No Code), and so many more... This guy might be a poet but he's no entertainer. The music sucks, the vocals are atrocious, the songs blow. This sounds like a guy in his basement and mom keeps telling him he's super good and he believes it.
Very different. Somehow hypnotic.
Been thrown off from listening to Tom Waits until forced to because of the reputation of his music and all the impressions of his vocal style, but lo and behold, here I am, listening to the song from Robots and realising it comes from here and I’ve been rocking with this album the whole time. Also that generally, the dark cabaret (and blues and jazz and poetry and so on and so on) here really works for me because everything feels masterfully off-kilter to effect. Everything feels well-conceived to support the story or the spirit of the story, and everything largely feels different and like it shifts between songs to keep you roped along with the little stories they can tell (which is why it makes sense hearing this is a Primus influence and going “oh yeah I love that too”). I still don’t know how I feel about Tom Waits’ gravel, but y’know, I don’t know if you could sell all this without the gravel so hard to fault for that.
Spooky goofy ass album, how come it’s both so good and so bad? Lmfao
Lyrics are interesting and I really liked Gin Soaked Boy, but the rest I could take or leave. 3 stars or C-.
Gear: SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat Artwork: 🎺🤵😌 Production (2023 Remaster): 👂🩺🧈 Music: 🥃🚬🎪 Rating: 🍥🍥(🍥)/5
Day938 - tom waites is just about the coolest guy i’ve heard. i think they just throw him in a room with all these instruments and told him to have fun
Lately, the algorithm has been suggesting Tom Waits to me quite often; this is at least the third album of his that I’ve reviewed. And, what can I say - it fits almost logically between the other two (“Heartattack And Vine” & “Bone Machine”). By that I mean that on “Swordfishtrombones,” Waits had already partially moved away from his early blues-rock/piano sound (which I really like), without the album becoming completely inaccessible. The result is pretty chaotic at the beginning, while the second half of the album (with guitar-dominated blues tracks) is quite listenable. Let me put it this way: while Tom Waits’ distinctive voice carries simpler songs well, experimental approaches don’t do him any favors. But why keep it simple when you can make it complicated? I understand that from the artist’s perspective, but the result just isn’t as enjoyable.
I really enjoyed this. Weird, clever, fun, distinct. Would come back to this anytime.
Another beautiful Waits album. I love everything he does. This is a sweet spot where he was really getting in to his more weird, challenging stuff. But there's still a tonne of heart as always
Not a fan
This is something different. Am I going to war in the 1800s, or do I work on a mine, and this is the song at the start of the movie? 100% Picky blinders vibes
OK I listened to that but it didn't click and it wasn't someting that I was in mood to listen to a second time.
This earlier Tom waits stuff is a bit hard going for me. I enjoy it but need to be in the right mood.
After a couple of days of travelling without sleep I am sleep deprived to the point of feeling drunk. I’ve listened to this before but today it just clicked. Every bit as good as Rain Dogs.
I don't like his voice and I don't like how he uses it. There were moments on this where things sounded good...only for them to turn around in a way that I didn't enjoy. I'm dreading more projects by him in the future.
I like the instrumentation on this album. It's a little wacky and even includes the appearance of some bagpipes at one point! Soldier's Things is such a beautiful song. Liked Songs Added: Johnsburg, Illinois 16 Shells From A 30.6 Soldier's Things Gin Soaked Boy
I may have stated this in another review. Tom Waits' voice is an acquired taste.
Not as strong as his other album i listened to. I think if I hadn't heard how good he can be I'd have gone with a 3
What are we doing here, people?
7/17/26. I find Tom Waits’ music very interesting and funny. I truly never know what ti expect and although it may not be complex, his lyrics and storytelling always pull me in.
Any time one reads that "this was the time he fell under the influence of Captain Beefheart," we're in for trouble.
Third album to come up on this list by this guy, and the third 1-star experience. And somehow there are still 2 more albums from him still pending??
Got me listening to this bs and calling it essential. I don't understand this list sometimes
This one has always been one of my least favorite Tom Waits albums. The weirdness is just dialed up too high and the songwriting suffers. Pales in comparison to his other albums from the era.
underground is neat
Ah yes, another album by the Cookie Monster of depression and Grit.
Great, love the rolling drums
Just no good... His voice sounds worse in this one and the music is just regular blues that offers nothing new and somehow at the same time feels unfamiliar.
I like Tom Waits voice but can't understand most of the lyrics apart from about one song. Could be the most profound lyrics in the world but I wouldn't know. 5 albums on the list seems a bit generous.
sounds like if south park would make a parody on american maga patriot music
This is my first Ton Waits album on the list, and I’m glad to have it. He's certainly not for everybody, but I think that's something everyone should decide on their own. I think this is a good middle ground between his most strange and most normal work, and a good place to start.
Tom Waits doesn't always land for me. Nothing stuck with me from this album, though I do respect the dark creativity and the broad swathe of genres that Waits pulls from to make this synthesis of brooding. Like gravel falling into an open piano, it is both brutal and highly musical. It's also weird as hell (though not Captain Beefheart, thankfully). This is a half-hearted review but I'd judge this album to be both important listening and also a 3/5 -- not my favourite work by Waits. Still: people should listen to this at least once.
-hmm… might be a new contender for my favorite Tom Waits album, at least in terms of how listenable it is. at no point did this album get boring. i just love Waits’ weird usage of instrumentation and vocals to create imagery that goes with his lyrics -definitely want to listen to this one again at some point. Tom Waits’ discography continues to tempt and intrigue -Favorites: Shore Leave, 16 Shells From A 30.6, Swordfishtrombone
Great album. I’m a big fan - great songwriter, unique musically and lyrically. Every song is good.
Bien.
I've known of tom waits but definitely never listened to an album. Very interesting. Not really my taste but it's cool that it's someone's
Sunday, 12 July, 2026 This album grew on me the longer I thought about it. Side two was enjoyable. I don’t need 5 tom waits albums on this list, however…
I think of this less as a "musical" album more as a performance art piece. That being said it is perfectly ok to say this is not good. I think I appreciate it for what it is, but I will never listen to it again. Incidentally I have to get an album released between 1980 to 1983 that was good, was it all the cocaine making people think garbage was good?
Unexpected gems in here. And Franks Wild Years was quite the ride.
I really don’t like Tom Waits. He sounds like some Disney villain or a Tim Burton character. I’m a bit fed up listening to albums from him. Some parts of this one are quite nice, but it doesn’t make up for the rest that’s just shenanigans.
This was horrible. I can’t believe someone would release this.
Tom Waits is kind of like that dusty can of Hearty Beef Stew in the back of the cupboard. I don't want to eat it, I'm probably not going to eat it, but I will if I have to.
Very strong, probably 2nd best after rain dogs
Swordfishtrombones marks the distinctive point in Tom Waits career where he would "start getting weird with it" and become a rather different take on the American singer-songwriter path with some eccentricity not just coming from his delivery, but from moving beyond a piano and incorporating a lot of everything: banjos/guitar/aforementioned trombones/bagpipes/you name it. What he took from 'Heartattack and Vine" (on the list, for me 11 picks ago) he decided to floor it and move forward into that direction: his albums would get more out there. He has a great way of getting in your head with some of the weirdest vocals and deliveries with oddball rhythms. Truly is one of a kind.
Не мое, но допустим
Interesting, actually
Het begint met een boel gekkigheid, Tom zet zijn koekiemonsterstemmetje weer op, drumt op potten en pannen en maakt pesterig eikelige muziekjes, zoals 'Dave the butcher'. Maar gaandeweg gaat hij minder vals zingen en wordt het sfeervoller, verstilder. Een harmonium, orgeltje, blazers. Zowaar weer wat pianospel. Als Tom nou de eerste paar nummers had weggelaten, of ze desnoods achteraan had gezet, had dat veel uitgemaakt. Nu drukken ze de zaak een vol punt naar beneden. Wel ben ik een groot fan van het sfeervolle In the neighbourhood, niet in het minst omdat Willem Wilmink er een prachtige Nederlandse tekst op heeft gemaakt, 'In de Javastraat'. (zie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXDOSIy-7Qs ) Toms versie gaat nergens over, maar je kunt niet alles hebben.
Ok, Tom biedt iets unieks. Maar 5 maal in de lijst is veel, heel veel. Mijn cijfers zijn tonen tot nu toe weinig enthousiasme. Soms had ik nog een lichte voldoende over voor de sfeer, soms was het te belachelijk om überhaupt een cijfer te krijgen en werd ik gedwongen om 1 ster aan te reiken. Ook dit album etaleert gelijk de ruwe raspende stem. Ik was er inmiddels op voorbereid. Dat scheelt. Vooral het nare stemgeluid aan eind van het tweede nummer gevolgd door de zinloze kermisklanken van het volgende nummer maakt dat ik het album al snel indeel in de categorie 'belachelijk'. Het is misschien iets te snel geconcludeerd, want dit album schiet nog best wat kanten op. En soms komt de sfeer van andere albums ook wel echt terug. Maar als ik dit album om een andere reden had aangezet dan voor de 1001, had ik die sfeervollere nummers nooit bereikt. En als je in het begin van je album de luisteraar al wegjaagt, verdien je niet meer dan 1 ster.
De laatste van de maar liefst 5 albums van de man met de grom van schuurpapier, want laten we het geen stem noemen. Als ik terugspit door mijn reviews, dan valt me op dat ik het beter waardeer naarmate het ouder is. En dit album valt precies in het midden. Vooraf zou ik dus zeggen dat het twee kanten op kan vallen: het kan een 4 worden zoals de oudste 2 albums, of een 2 als het meest recente werk dat we voorgeschoteld kregen. "Stylistically different from his previous albums, Swordfishtrombones moves away from conventional piano-based songwriting towards unusual instrumentation and a somewhat more abstract and experimental rock approach", aldus de wiki. En dat klopt, na 3 nummers zetten we de boel af en we drukken morgen op het knopje van 1 ster. Houdoe!
Very interesting sound
Started off as her comes another clinker. Got to Neighbourhood which i enjoyed. The second half is better but the voice is marmite.
Бэстик
Спасибо джармушу что познакомил меня с уэйтсом. Харизматишный дядька
на самом деле неплохо даже, между 3 и 3.5
Indescribably bad
Some good songs one here but for the most part, I wasn’t a fan of the project. Not the worst thing I’ve heard on here though.
The first album were Waits started to get weird. While I like most of his albums, Swordfishtrombones and later are much more interesting than his lounge lizard stuff from before this. Personally, I think the follow up, Rain Dogs, is a superior album to this one, but Swordfish does have "16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six", and that alone is worth a positive review. The rest of the album is good, too, but that one is a classic.
Tom Waits is definitely an acquired taste!
I'm not super familiar with Tom Waits' stuff, but from what I read, this album was when he really changed his style and started releasing his own music and making the music he wanted to make. This is super quirky and eclectic. I'm really all over the place with this one. There were a few songs I really liked and a couple that I just couldn't get into. Overall, however, what I like about this album is that it is interesting. It doesn't all sound the same, so it's not boring to listen to. Not sure I'd put it in my regular rotation, but I did enjoy it.
So, this guy is weird. Appreciate the experimentation but I don’t know who needs like 10 studio albums of this.
Tom Waits is really divisive. And well, this is one of those albums that helps fuel such divisiveness. As far as I'm concerned, I'm totally onboard. The album is varied and musically challenging and experimental. Some songs I enjoyed: "Underground" (I love the experimentation and the lyrics), "Shore Leave" (probably my favourite, together with "In the Neighborhood"), "Johnsburg, Illinois", "16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six" (great lyrics), "Town with no Cheer" (again, great lyrics), the already mentioned "In the Neighborhood" (fantastic!... "the eggs chase the bacon round the fryin, pan..."), "Swordfishtrombone", "Trouble's Braid" (crazy percussion), or the great final instrumental "Rainbirds". This is 5 stars (and it would be even more so if it was a bit shorter). It takes some effort (as usual with Waits), but the reward is huge. In any case, Tom Waits is not for the faint-hearted. It takes some courage, haha
A good Tom Waits album. I never know with him if I'll like it or hate it, but I'll always be interested.
Hard listening for me
Interesting sounds. I rigged
If you think that you could tell a bigger tale, I swear to god you'd have to tell a lie.
I love Tom Waits so damn much
An interesting listen, for sure. I only really recognised Underground, known for its appearance in the seminal animated feature Robots, with the rest having more of a world-building purpose rather than stuff you can actually sing along to. Waits' voice takes a while to get used to, but I found his style to be rather intriguing eventually. Not quite a fan yet, however I can see myself becoming so someday perhaps. Pretty good. Favourite track: 16 Shells From A 30.6 Least favourite track: Dave The Butcher
This is like catching the bus through New Orleans as a tourist. The streets seem alive with soul. But there is a homeless dude sitting in the back of the bus rambling nonsense to himself about how lotto was invented to lure out time travellers, and that Finland was a lie, made up by the Soviet Union. The man appears to have soiled himself.
The neighbourhood was ok. And a couple other tracks. Interesting lyrics. But most of the time ot sounded like you picked up the town drunk off the street and out him in a studio for a week. One of the classic trying to be different and pretentious albums where if yoy don't enjoy it, you are obviously not cool and with it.
++
Loved the instruments, compositions are nice and vocals distinctive. It's 8-9/10 for me but I am giving 5/5 seeing how unjust Tom Waits has been treated in this ranking
Bra! Gillar Tom Waits men jag gillar några av hans album bättre. Några låtar, främst i början, är rent jobbiga att lyssna på. In the neighborhood älskar jag! Waits album är som små berättelser, vilket jag älskar. Även om berättelserna är hemska är de ändå rogivande på något sätt?!
Experimental Rock Favorite Songs: *Not recorded* Least Favorite Songs: *Not recorded* So this is a very interesting choice from this site. Heard from this guy from the Shrek 2 soundtrack…unironically. So, while this album is currently rated 2.94 at the time of me writing this small review, over on Rate Your Music, it’s got a 3.94. Similarly, it has a 95 critic score and an 83 user score over at Album of the Year. While others would find this album as a neat little gem, I’m not sure if this is something that’s for me. To me, I think it’s fine as this album might not be for everyone, but for me, the biggest issue that I have would have to go to the singer’s voice. It definitely comes across as something that seems a little too goofy for my tastes. Essentially, while this might be a neat little gem for some, I’m not sure if this is a gem worth keeping for me. (And to see the reviews that there might be more of this guy’s catalog from this site, I’m already sure that this might not be an artist for me.) 5/10
Another album is mine that I have on rotation, but not too often. Everyone should have a little bit of Tom Waits in their life, and this album is the perfect candidate. His albums can feel a bit grating at times though, and that's probably true here too, so I wouldn't listen to it too much.
The first half of this album sounds like Waits was in one room with a microphone and the band was in another room and they recorded whatever the microphone picked up. The second half sounds better, at least you can hear more instruments than a skeleton playing its own rib cage like a marimba, but it’s still pretty forgettable stuff.
i feel like a dinosaur rescued too late from a tar pit
underground is the perfect background music for a lumbering oaf trying and failing to furtively sneak around a medieval fantasy tavern. the other songs are ok too i guess favorites: underground, johnsburg illinois, 16 shells from a 30.6, in the neighbourhood
How on earth does Tom Waits have 5 albums on the list? What am I missing?
Light 4 def Tom transitioning into maybe not my favorite type of Tom….a little too dark circus-y, a little indulgent in his silly *twisted* touches (and his voice is almost fully gone here), but ultimately the song writing and beautiful lyrics are still mostly here
Oh, Tom. The drunk uncle I never had. As with every Tom Waits album I've listened to on this project, he's certainly a distinct sound. His compositions stay with that stage production element, spoken word, like he's just giving life advice in a somewhat apathetic way. "Rainbirds" is a really nice song though to close out the record. I'll always appreciate Tom Waits, even if his records don't fully resonate with me.
I was sad and this made me feel like I was in the company of a sad pirate. Very enjoyable
I postponed writing this review because I wasn't sure how I felt about the album. I told myself, “Give it another listen when you feel like it, then review it.” But time has passed, and I haven't gone back to it, so I guess I never really liked it.
"Robots" soundtrack jumpscare got me right out the gate. about as good as that movie
This was pretty grating. This style of singing is horrible. I am dreading the other four Tom Waits albums on here. Favorite Track: Down, Down, Down
8.5 / 10
This was when Tom Waits became the Tom Waits we know today. Trading the piano and jazzy instrumentation for dark cabaret stylings and strange percussion. The character portraits that defined his earlier work were now surrealist tales. Still there is room for tender moments that recall his past self, particularly in the ballads. Incredible album by an artist finding himself again, even without being lost before. Key tracks: Underground 16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six In the Neighborhood Down, Down, Down
MORE Tom Waits?? ffs. i don't care how much you may or may not like this artist, he should NOT taking so many slots on this album list. fortunately, this is the last album of his i have to listen to from this list, so yay!!! Underground - 5/5 (hey it's that song from the robots movie) Shore Leave - 4/5 Dave the Butcher - 1/5 Johnsburg, Illinois - 3/5 16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six - 5/5 Town With No Cheer - 4/5 In the Neighborhood - 4/5 Just Another Sucker on the Vine - 3/5 Frank's Wild Years - 2/5 Swordfishtrombone - 4/5 Down, Down, Down - 2/5 Soldier's Things - 3/5 Gin Soaked Boy - 4/5 Trouble's Braids - no rating Rainbirds - 3/5 Average score: 3.3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ much like most of the albums i've heard from Tom Waits, it's a 3-star album. i think there was only one album i gave 4 stars to, and that was Bone Machine i really don't have any critiques to give this that hasn't been said already. it just sounded like more of the same shit he did in his other 3 or 4 albums. i'm just glad i don't have to listen to this man growl in my ears anymore (unless i want to for some odd reason)
He should've waited longer
Tom Waits, 4eme album et avant dernier à subir =>1/5 Voix toujours aussi insupportable.
You remember that time you met a drunken sailor on shore leave? How about that guy showing you the photo of his wife he keeps in his wallet? Then there was that story about a used office furniture salesman called Frank who went crazy, killed his wife, torched his house and drove off into the night. Each and every one of the songs on this album is a perfect vignette of life that will stay with you for a long time after the record has stopped spinning. Has there ever been a more evocative image than a fire burning “Halloween orange and chimminy red” or an old soldier’s medals for sale in a thrift store? Even 40 years after first hearing this, I’m still wondering what a Swordfishtrombone might be. As well as Tom Waits’ famous gravelly voice that can croon or growl as required, the range of instruments used on this album is remarkable, including bagpipes, a harmonium and a haunting glass harmonica, each used to evoke a particular mood or feeling, from the joyous cacophony of life in a busy neighbourhood to the mournful sound of a dusty, abandoned town with no beer to be had to quench your thirst. Definitely one of the best and most memorable albums on this list
Strange sound but talented guy
Tom Waits always transports me to a new world. I just love the straightforward poetry of his songs: The kids can't get ice cream 'cause the market burned down All the doughnuts have names names that sound like prostitutes (not this album just one of my favourites) I get why people can't get past his raspy voice but the cover versions of his songs are never as good.
i don't see it. Ist wieder so ein über artsy ding bestimmt, aber ich finds einfach underwhelming (böse zungen würden sagen unterstimulating). 2,14 sterne
After listening to the first track of this album, I was prepared to extrapolate & judge this album for its off-putting atmosphere and disparate elements. But as I listened, I realized that these weren’t necessarily bad things; the last thing I want from a record is for it to be uninspired, and you can’t argue that this record isn’t full of funky sounds and imaginative storytelling. It sets a mood for sure, and it’s one I haven’t heard from any artist prior to Waits. He won me over by the end, but there’s still something lost between my personal tastes and where the album goes sonically. A personal strong three. STAND-OUT SONG: “16 Shells From A 30.6” HONORABLE MENTIONS: “Shore Leave”, “Johnsburg, Illinois”
This list does not need five albums by Tom Fucking Waits
A very interesting album. I knew some earlier Tom Waits (more classic piano songwriter arrangements), I’m attracted to this cabaret of curiosities. Songs stripped to apparently simple cores. Instrumental arrangements (improvisations?) are intriguing and appealing. Waits’ voice seems very low in the mix, which unfortunately often made it difficult for me to follow the lyrics. (How many times would I have to listen while looking at lyrics transcription, to learn the songs well enough that I could recognise the words while they are being sung?) Familiar cast of drunk, forlorn, chaotic characters, is not unappealing. I could listen again, but short on time today. Points for revitalising the format and the range of vocal styles, so I’ll say it’s Good, 7/10.
Wow Wow Wow The album sounded like a pirate going on a round the world exploration and in every port he would write another track and out would come the magic of each and every track. Such a raspy voice but lyrically just so real, every word ‘grunted’ with meaning and passion and every story coming to life through my headphones. I spent hours listening to this album over and over along with other music by Tom too- I am definitely a new fan! Fave track- hard to pick however ‘in the neighbourhood’ was top top quality! Worst track- ‘rain birds’ purely because I missed Toms voice 😬 10/10
An experience. That is all I can call this. With an opener that stands guard like a prickly tempered doorman keeping out all but the most inquisitive, I can see how many could be deterred. But once you're in it's like gaining entry to a travelling show, complete with ghost train, fun house and freak shows. Except these ghosts are real, the fun house is full of disillusioned old men with axes to grind and the freak shows are, well....just freaky! But for all the gruffness, bizarre instrumentation and musical 'barriers', there is a hell of a lot of empathy and humanity in these songs. Could be a soundtrack for Toy Story....if Toy Story had been directed by Tim Burton. Shore Leave pulls at the heart, and16 Shells pushes it right back in its place, whilst Town With No Cheer and In The Neighbourhood resonates just a little bit too much. The second 'side' does wander a little but the title track brings a watery eye... "Perhaps this yarn's the only thing that holds this man together" :-( And when we're done we arrive at the delicately ornate and reflective Rainbirds. Providing the perfect mirror to the opening Underground, this strokes you hair, kisses you lightly on the cheek and sends you into the dawn. I may visit again.... I may not. Who knows? 🤔 Best Track - In the neighborhood Worst Track - Down Down Down 8.5/10
endnu en banger fra Tom!
Ikke helt lige så langt ude som Rain Dogs, men næsten lige så fed. Stor 4er. Balladerne er overraskende fede
Chill & cozy for a rainy day
No para mí
I’m glad this kind of music exists even though I don’t really like it at all or want to listen to it ever again
Instantly an interesting challenge. It sounds like Banjo Kazooie. First song grew on me tho. Seems like a bit of an acid test to scare people off. Second song is fine enough. He likes his interesting sounds and yelling. Not as good or interesting content, however. I'm getting clown music vibes from this album. With a lot of hall reverb. And clanging metal. I think he's trying to project an image of some haunted, alcoholic carnie character here. I always wonder who the audience is for Tom Waites. He seems like a barfly lounge singer at times who tries to hide behind unhinged characters. When he's just at his piano he sounds alright, quite soulful, nice voice, interesting songs and stories. But at other times he likes to pretend he's a little circus goblin. Interesting dichotomy. I like about half of the songs here, and I'm bemused by the rest. Certainly is an interesting experience. You know what it is? He's being Captain Beefheart. I get it now. To be honest it's kind of boring in parts. Once the abrasive weirdness wears off, it's kind of meh.
p506. 1983. 4 stars. One of the great American lyricists on top form. There is a direct line from this to Springsteen and Nick Cave's later work. Point deducted for filler, but on the whole this is fine.
Well this was the least bad Tom Waits album I have listened to so far, but with the empasis on least bad. It was just barely listenable in the background. 2/5
I just love this album. That is all.
Famously Tom’s first album in his signature weirdo style. He’d get better at it on future outings, but you can’t deny the freshness of it here. He cultivated this new sound with the help and encouragement of his wife, Kathleen Brennan. Now that’s a love to aspire to: someone who encourages you to be your weirdest, most interesting self. Hell yeah.
What an interesting album. Each song feels so different, but all undeniably Tom Waits. Could I make out his gravely stories? Not all the time, but honestly, I don't think I needed to. Just the atmosphere of the music combined with the growl of his voice told me all I needed to know. Really enjoyed this one.
I’m not really sure what to do with this album. I like Tom Waits but this is quite sparse and uneven. Didn’t hook me. In the Neighbourhood is a great tune mind.
Brutal.
Why is this good? The lyrics? Tom Waits really isn't my cup of tea.
Tom Waits. Brought to you, by Malboro Cigarettes. Smooth flavor. Raspy vocals.
Hell yes!!! I am much more familiar with Rain Dogs and the albums that follow in the 80s-90s, but this is where it all started. A bit overlong and many of the ideas remain mostly sketches, but still a solid 4/5.
Is this technically even music
Tom Waits, what are you going on about? And why am I so intrigued the longer it goes on?
sounds like a fever dream play/musical...... :/ maybe i would like this more if i were on drugs? FRANK WTF???!??!?!?!!!!!
What the banana sandwiches!? It’s like someone sharted into a mic!
Good
Somewhat listenable
I enjoy this Tom Waits outing, especially the little instrumental tracks. I think he's overrepresented on the list, but my no means bad -- even if his output can be mediocre sometimes.
didn’t really like it
After the first song, I was expecting not to like this but it was actually pretty good. Felt very Halloween-esque
- Not exactly sure what I’m listening to - There are small elements I like but I’m just not coming around to what this albums trying to do
I guess this is where I become a Tom Waits fan? I still have some reservations about the vocal concept but it’s saved by the melodies being close, yet far enough from saccharine that it doesn’t bother me the way some of his other material can. Lots to chew on here.
Strong four, maybe a five. This was an unexpected joy for me. I haven't really heard very much Tom Waits, but I loved his voice and a lot of the music was very interesting too.
Shit music with stupid lyrics must mean it's deep and artistic, right?
What a load of rubbish.
It was okay. Unique but gets boring over time.
Bah il en faut des albums comme ça
98,9 % de correspondance entre la pochette et la musique. Ça veut pas dire que c'est bien hein. Playlist pick : Dave The Butcher (ça fait flipper)
Todo el disco parece album de alguna pelicula de Disney en donde el protagonista es un villano, musica como de Film Noir, oscura, misteriosa.
В хорошем смысле маргинальный кабаре-блюз.
Tom waits? Tom waits for what?
Tom Waits. What is he waiting for?
Frank channelling Dick Van Dyke referring to the "chim-en-knee red" - a capering pronunciation - as he watches his house, murdered wife and hated chihuahua burn is just one of many signs of brilliance here, a subtle layer to the joy felt by the loathsome Frank. With the cacophonic sound and Waits' gutteral voice it can be easy to miss things like this on Swordfishtrombones, but there are plenty of them to find. As an Australian, Town With No Cheer captures the vibe of the region very well. Yes, he uses Fahrenheit to refer to the heat, but I can forgive that as him talking to an audience that won't understand that 40 degrees is actually hot. As an side, I read about Serviceton and the border dispute a couple of years ago. It's a story well worth digging into. I particularly like that the music is not just a beat, vibe or feeling. It's part of the story. The beat in 16 Shells From A Thirty-Ought Six isn't just a weirdly timed stomp-march beat but it is also a mimic of the ritualistic cocking and firing of rifles in a military memorial. Some might find the beat jarring, but I felt it was the actual story being told and the lyrics were the history behind that story. Previously I'd heard and enjoyed Bone Machine and Franks Wild Years (the album, not the story as told on Swordfishtrombones) and enjoyed them. This is perhaps a better introduction to Waits than those albums. Franks Wild Years can be a bit melancholy, and Bone Machine can be almost too harsh in its presentation. This has melancholy, it has harshness, and it has a whole bunch of other stuff too. I think next time I'm in the mood for Waits I won't be reaching for Bone Machine again I'll reach for this instead.
His voice just doesn’t work for me
Can't stand Tom Waits.
This one is relatively "easy listening" as far as Tom Waits goes. Some of the tracks are downright melodic and pretty. Of course, plenty also have his growly voice (which I like) and odd instruments.
I always think of myself as a "later stage Tom Waits" fan, but revisitng this and Rain Dogs has me rethinking that assessment.
Look, I don't judge someone for enjoying how an artist can seemingly create an entire sonic world out of unexpected instruments, sounds, and singing like Cookie Monster, but I don't personally enjoy feeling like I'm trapped at a haunted carnival crossed with a dying mining town.
I appreciate the artisty, but I feel like I really need to be in the right mood for Mr. Waits. Wasn't in it today. 2.9/5.
I can’t with this fucking ragtime show tune wannabe with the worst possible voice. Backing band sounds like they’re playing on toy instruments they found at the dump.
Just not my thing
Том крутой как и всегда
5/10 It's fine, I guess. I quite liked 16 Shells, but mostly I found it all a bit a bit Meh...
Can’t get behind this one. Not terrible though.
It's better than The Bone Machine
I get that it’s probably good, it just doesn’t appeal to me at all
A bit too surreal for me!
Love it
Amazing opening track with several other stand-outs. whole album is good
I think I just don't get Tom Waits, and at this point unless I have some Eureka moment with him where it all clicks, he just aint for me. The whole album is like walking through a weird amusement park. It makes you feel uncomfortable and out of place.
Just find Tom Waits intolerable
Some of these tunes make me think, I get it, then others are like, I definitely do not get it.
Well, he was great in Buster Scruggs
Niet mijn ding
intrestin. not my taste.
Feels like an album designed to be played in a smoky seedy bar. Waits' vocal style doesn't always work for me, but I appreciate the creativity he brings to this album. Top tracks: Underground, Swordfishtrombone, Soldier's Things
This is so odd and I can't stop listening.
Really enjoyed this. Am I becoming a Tom Waits fan?
Second Tom Waits album (after Heartattack And Vine). Still not a fan. 16 Shells From A 30.6 and Frank's Wild Years were interesting. Other than that, not much here for me. Best song: 16 Shells From A 30.6
Tom Waits kind of defies traditional definitions of “good.” This is often ugly and crude, but it’s also full of that indescribably seedy atmosphere he specializes in.
Underground - 3/5 Shore Leave - 3.5/5 Dave the Butcher - 3/5 Johnsburg, Illinois - 3.5/5 Sixteen Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six - 4/5 Town With No Cheer - 3.5/5 In the Neighborhood - 4/5 Just Another Sucker on the Vine - 3/5 Frank's Wild Years - 3/5 Swordfishtrombone - 4/5 Down, Down, Down - 4/5 Soldier's Things - 3.5/5 Gin Soaked Boy - 3.5/5 Trouble's Braids - 3/5 Rainbirds - 3.5/5 I guess I'm that my first experience with Tom Waits was more cabaret-focused because this is a completely different take on what he did that first time around. It's a lot more experimental, probably because his wife introduced him to Captain Beefheart and that sound definitely shows. I think I prefer this slightly more to Heartattack and Vine but it's still around a 3.5 for me. Overall: 3/5 Favorites: Sixteen Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six, In the Neighborhood, Swordfishtrombone, Down, Down, Down
Album #142 Tom Waits: Swordfishtrombones I really can’t tell what kind of list this is; on one hand, it seems like a British music nerd’s wet dream with lots of “ball-knowledge” type artists (Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Frank Zappa, etc), and on the other hand, it’s compiled of mass-consumerism type albums such as Taylor Swift and Beyonce. I suppose it is good to have diversity; however, and to be honest, I personally find myself somewhere in the middle of a music nerd and a mindless consumer. When it comes to Tom Waits, I have only previously heard his notorious album Rain Dogs, which is considered by many to be his masterpiece. It’s an album which I enjoyed a great deal and found to be quite an inspired project; however, I think I would be hesitant to rank it amongst my favourite albums. It wouldn’t be fair to call Waits ‘gimmicky’; however, I’m struggling to think of another word. It is clear in his albums that he is an incredible musician and creative; however, his striving for individuality sometimes comes across as trying too hard to be different for me. A lot of the time, when he’s doing his signature snarl, I can’t tell whether it’s meant to be unsettling or comedic. I get less horror movie and more Disney villain show tune. The instrumentals on this album are consistently great; however, Waits music has such a distinct style to it, which makes his work at least captivating at the bare minimum. I would describe some of the instrumentals as sounding like a sinister Donkey Kong Country soundtrack, which is pretty awesome. Waits lyricism is also on point here; one song I found notable was the Velvet Underground-esque spoken word story of a man’s demise. I definitely didn’t resonate with this one as much as Rain Dogs, but Waits is an artist whom I have a lot of respect for, and I am always going to be interested in hearing more, since you know it will never be boring (even if it isn’t always great). Best Songs: In The Neighbourhood, 16 Shells From A 30.6, Underground Worst Song: Shore Leave Score out of 10: 7.5
This is an incredible album and the first of the trilogy that transformed Waits from being simply a brilliant singer songwriter and established him as a great innovative force. Like most of Waits’ work, it’s not easy listening. If you don’t like it, try it again.
Underground — mY JAW FUCKING DROPPED OH MY GOD LETS FUCKING GO Frank’s Wild Years — this is a small podcast with music accompaniment, like a chill Albuquerque type song Town With No Cheer — The Place Where It Rained if it was Scottish and then became Underground if Louis Armstrong was depressed Rainbirds — Wonderful Piano Accompaniment Johnsburg, Illinois — I also like these vibes 16 Shells From A 30.6 — V good Vibes Gin Soaked Boy — This one’s p decent nice swing (idt its swing) Soldier’s Things — okay why was underground so different from everything else in this album In The Neighborhood — ooh okay its got a bit of grandiose to it but its also quite patriotic (atleast phonetically) Trouble’s Braids — Okayy Frank’s Wild Years Shore Leave — Atmospheric and enunicates vaguely like slam poetry oo Dave The Butcher — Big Fat Bitchie’s grandmom Just Another Sucker On The Vine — Pretty song! No words too Down, Down, Down — snazzy and jazzy and funky Swordfishtrombone — this is like a crash bandicoot level /j (it just has tiawa)
Dr. Teeth ass voice
I can still understand him in this one
Underground - 3 Shore leave - 3 Dave the butcher - 3 Johnsburg, illinois - 3 16 shells from a 30.6 - 4 Town with no cheer - 3 In the neighborhood - 3 Just another sucker on the vine - 3 Swordfishtrombone - 4 Down, down, down - 3 Soldier's things - 3 Gin soaked boy - 3 Trouble's braids - 3 Rainbirds - 3
International f’ck’n treasure.
I have this friend who has almost anti-taste. His favourite movie is that Spartan thing 300. Four years in a row, he made his girlfriend watch this film with him in bed on the morning of his birthday. It was his present. He likes paintings that look like things. Indigenous art, as he once said to a gallery curator, is “yuuuuuucccckkk”. His favourite food is either KFC (referred to simply as “skin”) or McDonalds, where he was partial to an ‘FC top-up combo’, which was a cheeseburger and a sundae to wash down whatever else he ordered. FC stood for Fat Cunt. He embraced all of the above with an unabashed passion. As a wanker in my early 20s, I admired this. This barometer for the basic also worked the other way. You could learn a lot from what he hated. For example, The Shining was the worst film he has ever seen. The Great Gatsby was boring as shit. And, most importantly, he couldn’t fucking stand Tom Waits.
my life would've been just as fine not hearing "Swordfishtrombone"
This was... interesting. I kind of liked it, but, meh. Not the most standout album
couldn't finish it. also, dog murder. f--- this album
Ik heb erg mijn best gedaan, een stuk of zes keer geluisterd. Ik heb het idee dat ik dit erg goed moet vinden maar het lukt me niet. De muziek is interessant en de stem stoort mij ook niet echt. Misschien het het te theatraal, toch een musical met verschillende karakters alleen dan met een rauwe stem. Underground, in the neighbourhood en johnsburg zijn erg irritant. Maar just another sucker on the vine, soldier things en swordfish trombone is wel weer erg goed. Ik hou ook niet zo van de beat waarbij je het gevoel hebt dat je als een reus op de grond moet stampen. Het type storytelling is ook niet helemaal mijn ding. Er zijn nog genoeg tom waits albums in de lijst om er wat meer in te komen. Voor nu een 3
Ik moest even wennen aan dit album, het klinkt nogal vreemd de eerste keer luisteren, en Tom Waits’ stem (gebruik) is ook erg bijzonder. Ik wist daarom ook niet of ik het na de eerste keer luisteren ook wel leuk vond. Ik heb het album daarom 3x geluisterd, waarna ik het beter begon te vatten. Leuk om te kijken zijn de videoclips van Tom Waits, ik vind het een creatieve mafkees, hij maakt muziek wat je nooit en nergens eerder hebt gehoord en ik heb daar veel respect voor.
Цікавий альбом, цікава музика. Уейтсу вдається тримати баланс між експериментальністю в структурі, звукових рішеннях та вокальних виконаннях з досить зрозумілою пісенною формою. Прослухав два рази поспіль, бо з першого трохи пригрузив, а на другий вже сподобався.
Перехідний альбом Вейтса, за яким вже був культовий рейн догс. Що сказати, я фанбой. І хоча п'яним фортпіанним баладам вже немає місця на Swordfishtrombones, Вейтс закінчує альбом дуже красивою меланхолічною Rainbirds. А загалом альбом демонструє унікальний стиль середнього періоду Тома Вейтса - дивні тексти, місцями майже какофонія з різних звуків (купи різних інструментів), нестандартні розміри, експериментальні структури, ніби якась фріджазова атмосфера без джазу. Таких більше нема!
Really liked this one. The first song will never not remind me of the movie robots. Thought the sound and instrumentals were nice and fresh - pleasantly surprised! Would rate it higher but there were a few too many filler songs
Really enjoyed the experimental chunks of this one. But I almost wanted more and not sure I got it. Look forward to listening to some more of Tom Waits. Also felt I could hear an influence on Cosmo Sheldrake so ended up listening to that!
Wow what a WEIRD album! Kinda like it though. Also, the first song is what I imagine Ogres sing in their caves.
Weird but good.
I really enjoyed the uniquely empty, percussive sound. I also think Tom Waits' voice could make anything sound good!
It takes a bit of getting into and it’s certainly very strange, but I really enjoyed it. A few of the songs reminded me of Hadestown, especially Underground. His voice takes some adjusting to, but once I was on board I thought it suited the things he was singing about. Once I had accepted the weirdness and his voice, I felt really drawn into the emotions the songs were evoking. I don’t think it’s the sort of album I would listen to every day, but I can see myself listening to it again if I was in the right mood. Fav song: In The Neighbourhood Least fav: Dave The Butcher
There's a weird freaky circus vibe at points- it's like he knows I've been listening to the magnus archives. A couple songs I really like but too much weirdness just for the sake of being weird for me. Favourite song: In The Neighborhood Least: Dave the Butcher
Sounds like most other Tom Waits albums. Gravellly voice, great stories through poetry, all boxes checked
Number: 113 Date: 04/26/2026 Artist: Tom Waits Album: Swordfishtrombones Year: 1983 Genre: Singer Songwriter Blues Rock Familiarity: Moderate (3) Rating: 3 Before: ======= Well, this should be a quite a change from the Ella Fitzgerald marathon that I completed yesterday. I do like Tom Waits a little but not a huge fan. During: ======= Yep, this is a bit unusual...I see there are 5 Tom Waits albums on The List. That's way too many for one artist. Four songs in now and this seems like basically experimentation. Probably going to give it a pretty low score mainly because he has 2 more than the max per my policy and I don't really like it very much, so far. 3 Underground 3 Shore Leave 2 Dave The Butcher 2 Johnsburg, Illinois 4 16 Shells From A Thirty-Ought-Six 2 Town With No Cheer 3 In The Neighborhood 2 Just Another Sucker On The Vine 4 Frank's Wild Years 3 Swordfishtrombone 3 Down, Down, Down 2 Soldier's Things 3 Gin Soaked Boy 2 Trouble's Braids 2 Rainbirds ----------------------------------------------------- 2.73 WEIGHTED AVERAGE (accounts for song lengths) After : ======= So, I would say this is pretty much the opposite of the Ella Fitzgerald compilation I rated yesterday. 3 my personal rating 1 suitability for this list 4 impact ----------------------------------------------- 3.3 composite rating
Brilliant
This is my first listen to this album ever. This is the 26th in this project that I have listened to. I do not know why, but this one was a 10 from the beginning. It.... doesn't seem special. Yet, it's quietly compelling. I look forward to many listens in the future to figure out why this album is "perfect".
Interesting midpoint between Tom's straight jazz and industrial phases. Enjoyed it quite a lot.
I've listened to this a few times through, and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. In some ways, I find it brilliant. Strange instrumentation, unique songwriting, incredibly varied throughout. But there are also times where I find it kind of bad for bad's sake, which I don't really think is the same as challenging. Ultimately, though, I think it's a valuable entry, and one that I've been thinking about off and on for the past month. It's kind of what I wanted "Trout Mask Replica" to be, and in a sense, I think that's what Tom Waits was going for.
Quality Tom, a 4/5 maybe leaning a 4, eclectic downbeat brilliant.
I wanted to give 1 star but Down, down, down and Soldier's Things earned one more.
This album was a real breath of fresh air after too many dad-rock albums. Even though I'm not a huge fan of his voice it's great to listen to something that feels like it's trying to be its own thing. Exactly the type of album I was hoping to discover through this project.
80s folk rock. Experimental, weird, spooky, blues. Insane voice. Demented circus music. Then beautiful, jazz ballad. Quite melancholic.
A remarkable showing of originality and creativity in what I’d consider “freak rock” - music by freaks, about freaks, for freaks. Musical collages of unfamiliar and exotic sounds and instrumentation, all backing Waits’ raspy talk-sing-grumbling that can be bizarre, downtrodden, and heartfelt-ly touching. Great story telling, character creating, and world building… a world of the misfits and outcasts in the gutters between the carnival of souls and circus of hell. If you look close enough, there’s a few beautiful places and people in there.
What the helly is this? Stand-outs - Johnsburg, Illinois - Just Another Sucker On The Vine
I feel like there are two ways to do experimental music. You can do something like Sunbather by Deafheaven, where you have a legitimately new and interesting idea to put into the world, and you execute it in the best way you can. Or you can do this album, where you just do weird bullshit so you can label yourself experimental. And it works in certain spots, I think there are some fun songs on this album, but for the most part its just kind of a slog to get through. I couldn't stand his voice on most of the album, and the use of alternate percussion was just sort of weird. I think there's a universe where this is good and I like it, but this is NOT it. Favorites: Shore Leave, 16 Shells From A 30.6, Frank's Wild Years
I am always confused by this man. (Affectionate?)
He's so weird. He's so weird! Do I like this?? I don't know!! It makes no damn sense! Compels me though
How strange
Love this album. Every song tells a story. Dirty, dingy, gritty & stanky! What a singer.
Tom Waits works when he’s in his very specific wheelhouse. He has ventured FAR out of that wheelhouse for a lot of this.
have to admit I mostly liked the more conventional tracks on this. Imagine this would be a ton of fun life though
A left turn that is sneaky and shows more an evolution with additional listens. Will return.
6/10
Noice. 3.6
This was wild. I equally love it and hate it. 4/19/26
absolutely not, i'm not artsy woke enough for this album i fear
Find me one person who is actually listening to this in their daily life
Like the brass but this album clicked less than his other one
Have been a bit of a roller coaster with Tom Waits for me. Initially wasn't very fun, then I warmed to him. But this album wasn't his strongest one. It had all the ingredients of a typical Tom Waits album: percussion mallets, ominous and mysterious sounding melodies, and so on. But it simply was a bit too slow and too much of a snooze fest for me. All other albums I've encountered with him on this list just does it better. Weak 3.
I like Tom Waits. This felt very similar to Rain dogs but not quite as good. The janky circus music wasn’t quite as fun, the blues hits weren’t quite as good. Still a fun album but I’d just recommend listening to Rain Dogs instead.
Not my tempo.
I liked it? I think? I'm not familiar with Waits' work, but this was a cool experimental rock attempt.
L: 1 M: 4 F: 0 O: 1
I swear to God there's a Five Nights at Freddy's song or a Bendy and the Ink Machine one that sounds EXACTLY like that first song. I felt like I was getting war flashbacks when hearing it. Imagine MY DISAPPOINTMENT upon listening to the rest of the album and not A SINGLE song sounding like a FNAF one after that first piece. I'm really not a fan of this album and this guy. I'm not sure what his other stuff sounds like, but I'm not curious in the slightest. I think that's enough for today. Two of the songs can't play on Spotify in my region, and I think I should be thankful to anything or anyone responsible for that. Damn, this was bad. PLEASE GOD NEVER LET THIS EXPERIENCE REPEAT AGAIN. My family has some hearing problems; in times like this, I hope I inherited those so I could never listen to this again. On the other hand, dementia is also heavily prevalent in my family. I so hope I won't get that one because maybe I'll forget how bad this shit was and I'd listen to it again.
Unsettling!! Some good moments but hard work. Seems like a good guy. Didn't like this at all at first but got into it. "Thoroughly modern kitchen" lol
I'm a huge Tom Waits lover, and this is just classic him. The beginning of his real new sound, moving into a unique soundscape. He's just a unique troubadour, and this album is great. huge range of music, amazing backing musicians, just a great listen.
Liked this one less than Bone Machine but still super interesting over all. Mr. Waits has got some stories to tell and some instruments to play. Special call out to Sixteen Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six. That song was awesome.
no lol
4+1 Meets notability guidelines.
Ugh. From the Spotify artist description, you'd think this would be exactly what I like. Honestly did not enjoy at all. 2/10
I think this is the 3rd album I’ve been forced to listen to by this guy. Give it up people or person. This guy isn’t the be all and end all. Where’s Blind Melon? Where’s Bright Eyes? Creeper? Dandy Warhols? The Used? Wheeler Walker Jr? This is like white weird jazz. I can admit that it’s interesting and I can admit that it’s not bad but really, come on. This 1001 album things makes it out like this guy is the greatest artist of all time. 3 albums already? Really? Really?
Maybe Tom Waits is growing on me? I was not very excited to listen to this, but the further into it that I got the more I enjoyed it. I’m not saying I loved it or anything but it was better than expected.
I just don’t get Tom - I don’t love the odd instrumentation or the “weirdness” for the sake of being weird. I’d rather hear a straight ahead cover of one of his songs by another artist. It always sounds better.
Ich habe mich wirklich bemüht, Tom Waits hier etwas abzugewinnen, aber Swordfishtrombones fühlt sich für mich an wie ein Album, das absichtlich schräg sein will, nur um schräg zu sein. Statt Atmosphäre bekomme ich Geräusche. Statt Songs bekomme ich Sketche. Statt Emotionen bekomme ich Figuren aus einem schiefen Zirkus, die mich eher irritieren als berühren.
Tom Waits is genuinely witty, but I have to admit that his songs are often not the most appealing
I’m sorry but the voice just doesn’t do anything for me and the style of singing made me laugh out load at the opening song. Didn’t like any song on this and I won’t be back
what?
I want to like Tom Waits but like the last TW album offered by 1001, I found this one painfully difficult to listen to. His strained, gravel voice just doesn’t resonate with me.
kinda...scary? idk
So this one is feeling more like Rain Dogs compared to Heartattack & Vine, so I'm enjoying it more than H&V. But this one is a little more vibey/chill, which is hampering it for me. It's definitely got indie movie soundtrack vibes. So yeah, solid album. Better than H&V, but not as good as Rain Dogs.
Tom Waits - You may love him or not I'm from the second group
Weird. But some of it quite nice. Weird.
Tom. Being Tom. As I expected.
This felt like a collection of stories, with varying levels of musical backing. It has some good songs and ideas, but it is so scattered.
In the city's French Quarter you can faintly hear strange music emanating from the distance. Follow the sounds and you'll travel down to an old laydown yard where the dock and construction workers congregate. Nearby is a large, dilapidated dumpster tagged with graffiti and slurs. The music is coming from this dumpster. It's real, gritty, and a good bit dangerous. Even the ballads are sour. An excellent companion to Rain Dogs.
I was waiting for a long time to finally get Tom to listen on this list. Not sure what more can I say about this - a brilliant, beautiful, highly original album. Among his best, super 5 stars. So many horrible reviews on this don't even make me mad, just proves that most people are average simpletons, go and listen to swift if you can't handle anything a little out of ordinary you morons.
There’s something here. But then Tom Waits cuts in. Don’t think this belongs on a top 1000 or even top million albums.
Creative composition but didn’t personally enjoy it much
this album is uh...pretty weird. experimental? iconic? an artistic outlet of personal expression? this album is notable in what it is but it is not for me.
es tan bueno que me olvido del repelús que me causan los bohemios, peotas malditos y la perilla bajo el labio
whiskey!
This was weird, unexpected and genius - I loved it!
Heard Before? One of my all time favorites. Notes: - cabaret as a genre is criminally underrepresented in English language music in general, which alone would make this album essential. - sequencing matters, and I can hardly think of a better example, clomping awkwardly yet expertly from one track to the next. - everyone who has ever been bored to tears by a standard drumkit can stagger to their feet and cheer here. - yet that's only the beginning of the clever arrangements, where the skittering guitar work bumps up against lurching trombone, seasick organ/accordion and tottering marimba. - the breadth of songwriting and vocal styles remains impressive, although outdone by Rain Dogs. - it's minor, but every song justifies its runtime, which also keeps the album to an ideal length. Verdict: Less pretty than Closing Time, less ferocious than Bone Machine, but still the ideal introduction to the world of Tom Waits. It's a party and all are invited, especially those of us usually banned from such events. Listen Again? Absolutely. Although first I should try Alice/Blood Money, which I've never heard.
2/5
Meh, could take it or leave it - mostly leave it.
This album doesn't sound like anything I've ever heard before, nor does any song sound like any other. Not something I'd place on regular rotation, but weirdly interesting enough to make for a nice change of pace. In The Neighborhood is a wonderful, catchy gem too. Faves: Underground, In The Neighborhood
An incredibly captivating album from start to finish. Not always immediately enjoyable to listen to but it all adds to the experience. One never knows what’s going to come next, the album flies between devastating beauty, mechanical clanking and grinding, and funky whimsy. And so much more. Tom Waits’ vocals vary from spoken word to bluesy singing to growly yells. The instrumentals are fantastic throughout, the marimba is a welcome surprise, the percussion is always interesting and the upright bass is absolutely phenomenal throughout. We start off with the rhythmic banging of “Underground”. Marimba, brass and a delightfully eccentric sounding guitar accompany Tom as he growls about some underground civilisation or something. It’s completely bizarre but somehow mesmerising, maybe like how you can’t look away from a car crash, but like, in a good way. “Shore Leave” sort of continues the pseudo-mechanical soundscape, but it’s more traditionally musical this time; a sort of bluesy shuffle. Tom does a sort of spoken word story in a raspy whisper which is just perfect. “Dave The Butcher” is an instrumental track with a hammering organ and occasional percussion. It could be from the soundtrack of an old thriller/horror movie. It’s ok for what it is but even at just 2 minutes long it lasts longer than I’d like. “Johnsburg, Illinois” is a short, sweet wistful song. Tom gives a wonderfully raw emotive performance that sounds like someone crying over an old Polaroid of one that got away. The album continues in similar fashion, switching between different styles and stories. The only track that doesn’t do it for me is the national anthem-esque “In the Neighbourhood”, but I just really detest that sort of music. The highlights for me are probably the 3 spoken word ones, particularly the darkly comic “Frank’s Wild Years”, which has a delightfully-inappropriate cheery rock organ. I don’t even know how to describe the title track but I absolutely love it, the vocals, the bass, the percussion are all so good. Finally the piano and bass of “Rainbirds” and “Soldier’s Things” are genuinely beautiful, the latter had me on the verge of tears. Easy 5, look forward to hearing more Waits.
Suffers from Bob Dylanitis as I can’t stand his voice but this is one of the more compelling album soundscapes I have heard thus far, sounding carnivalesque? At least it is interesting.