Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Definitely a Marmite album. Some people will say that this sort of avant-garde experimental rock with its strange time signatures and Tom Waits' gravelly bass voice is brilliant. But others, including me, will say that it's pretentious crap that barely qualifies as music.
I don't need this. If it's good, it's impenetrable.
FUCK Tom Waits.
Tom Waits fucking blows!
I hate Tom waits.
Please dear lord, even beheaded this music is too much.
Experimental is one thing. Abysmal is another.
I didn't enjoy this. Not sure I understand what makes this popular.
I have no musical ability whatsoever. This sounds like I walked into a recording studio with instruments around and banged on them for a while. With the record button pushed, and some idiot actually released it. 1.0 Because there is no option for negative numbers.
I honestly hate it
Nope nope nope. Whats with this guy. Why is he on here so much
What a shit show of an album! My ears bleed from the start of the first track to when I turned it off halfway thru! Hopefully no more Tom Waits albums.
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.
Бэстик
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
I love Tom Waits so damn much
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
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
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
I just love this album. That is all.
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.
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.
International f’ck’n treasure.
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".
80s folk rock. Experimental, weird, spooky, blues. Insane voice. Demented circus music. Then beautiful, jazz ballad. Quite melancholic.
Love this album. Every song tells a story. Dirty, dingy, gritty & stanky! What a singer.
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.
4+1 Meets notability guidelines.
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.
whiskey!
This was weird, unexpected and genius - I loved it!
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.
Početak ovog kultnog waitsa
One of my favorites. The album has a strong narrative component, drawing you into the story of characters like a sailor on shore leave and Frank. This is among Tom Waits' most narrative-forward albums with the music setting the backdrop. It's a good starting point for new Tom Waits listeners and a standout for long-time fans.
Big Tom Waits fan. Sad Frank's Wild Years [the album] didn't make the cut, but glad to get into a Waits album I wasn't as familiar with. Tom gets weird in this one. Screams paired with xylophones. Wails and bagpipes. Marimbas. Down, Down, Down is damn good.
Not for everyone. I feel sorry for them.
A glorious ragtag collection of gems - bohemian, swinging, underground music, songs about misfits, outsiders, adventurers, and people sitting on the bones of their arse. Dreamers, chancers, and misfits, all celebrated here - in smoke, in melancholy, and in tender remembrance
I’m going to try and leave this album the most Tom Waits review ever… it’s like the cemetery woke up and is playing music in the junkyard! I love it!
Got rain dogs yesterday, and I'm starting to like his voice way more now
Sensual, diría yo, con esa voz tan farragosa.
The point at which Tom Waits truly became Tom Waits. Everything on this album just feels so elemental. In the hands of a lesser writer and group of musicians this kind of thing can be corny and hackneyed (see Dresden Dolls, Tigerlilies, etc), but with Waits & co it's just so primeval and natural.
To quote kids in the hall, "Strange guy, but I like him."
One of my top ten albums
Is this a 5 because it’s the first full Tom Waits album I’ve heard, or because it’s just that good? I love the eclectic sound of this album and the pictures it paints.
Hard to pick a favorite Tom waits album, but this one is up there
What a great, distinctive, romantic, diverse record
Weird
Really cool album, not as good as Rain Dogs, but still 5 stars
Sou fa de Tom Waits.
Tom Waits is weird and his music doesn't always hit for me, definitely an acquired taste. It's kind of goofy and obnoxious but still cool in some ways, sometimes he has these really low and seductive vocals and other times they're just loud and burly and it almost reminds me of oi vocals. It's an album with a ton of personality. At its best it's incredibly good and full of so much mood and texture and charm, at its worst its "zany" in a way Primus or Mr Bungle is, and I really don't like that. But there's a stripped down bluesy rock & roll vibe to it that is endearing. Hmm. Lots of mixed feelings. It's really cool at times. I'm gonna give it a second listen, and if it grew on me it will get a 5. Otherwise, a 4.
Love it, still the goat. This is such a great album
should have done a tom waits deep dive years ago, amazing lyrics and super interesting arrangements
I do like me some Tom Waits in the morning
Tremendous. Can't believe I've never listened to it before. Think I prefer it to Rain Dogs.
Impossible not to love the genius that is Tom Waits.
Absolutely essential. Any music lover needs to be at least aware of Tom Waits, and this pretty much sums up what there is to love about him. Not only is he on point, but the band behind him complements everything perfectly. I'm not sure there's a mistep anywhere here, which is surprising given the pretty broad range of performances and compositions.
Better than Coldplay
Today I learned I love Tom Waits
One of the most unique voices in music.
Reminds me of a night on the playa at burning man. A voice for all seasons.
Blew my mind. What did I listen to?
Although not quite as good as Rain Dogs, still an easy 5 stars.
Kunnon sirkusmatskuu! Hieno levy joka on ollut meikälle aina niitä kovinpia Waits-levyjä. 5/5
Pure brilliance
Love Tom waits not quite as good as rain dogs but still amazing
it's a fall listen. but a great one. my fav waits so far
Rough and classy at the same time. I love it.
Ah, the sounds of my childhood ❤️
Some hate Tom Waits, some love him. I just get a kick out of this music and his totally unique creations.
Fave songs Frank's Wild years and In the Neighbourhood .Such an original sound, although I am not a big fan of his voice,I appreciate the overall 'fairground' vibe and percussion throughout.
It's like goofy cabaret punk. Wouldn't surprise if this was one of the influences behind the Tiger Lilies. Great album for weeding out the cool and the uncool.
Man I just really like Tom Waits. I could completely understand if someone hated him but this just does it for me. Kinda weird, super talented and unapologetically himself.
Wonderfully weird album. I don't know it as well as Rain Dogs, but I want to know it better. The second half is especially good, from Frank's Wild Years On. Very interesting storytelling in the lyrics and the production and instrumentation are excellent.
Tom Waits will always get 5 stars from me. I realize he’s not for everyone, and for most folks there are too many of his albums on this list. I don’t know how many there are yet, but it’s all of them, that’s fine by me. Swordfishtrombones isn’t even my favorite of his albums, but it still has his quirky style of storytelling and some fantastic songs (I’m partial to Gin Soaked Boy and Soldier’s Things). And one thing that can definitely be said about this album that cannot be said of a great many others on this list, it’s not boring at any point. He mixes up styles almost as much as instruments. Classic album, and I’m glad people are getting exposed to this genius, even if they don’t see it.
I got my fourth Tom Waits album after nearly 550 albums with Nighthawks At The Diner in April 2023, and it was a weird one!!! I say this with affection because I absolutely love weird Tom Waits. And it was so weird--I mean, there were bagpipes! I unironically loved it all. Swordfishtrombones marks Waits' first self-produced album and I hear the differences and similarities. Waits is his usual self: strong lyricist, blues musician, and piano player. He displays his usual repertoire of bangers, soft songs, spoken word, instrumental blues, all backed with his gravelly voice. But he uses a variety instruments you don't typically hear in Western music, like ever, which allow for a more experimental, unpolished tone. "Trouble's Braids" uses an African talking drum and is full of tension. "Dave the Butcher" is so, so unnerving without lyrics: the muted and coarse tempo, the beat slowly increasing and destroying any semblance of normalcy. "Just Another Sucker On The Vine" uses a charming harmonium in Waits' blues standard. Since I know a good amount of Waits' musical career, I can hear exactly where Swordfishtrombones fits in his discography; its release in 1983 makes sense as he experimented more while still incorporating the blues. In fact, the only single for this album was a blues-filled song, "In The Neighborhood." Waits is political in subtle ways, and he spoke about soldiers multiple times on this album. "Soldier's Things" is simple yet powerful in a somber tone. A soldier fights a war for their country, only to be summed up by material items they own, all sold for a dollar. "And this one is for bravery." The title song metaphorically describes a soldier's PTSD: "he came home from the war with a party in his head." "Shore Leave" depicts the isolation felt by soldiers in a foreign port. With these three songs, I'm left wondering, what is it all for? If the album has one flaw, it would be that some songs are too short. I mean, "Rainbirds" breaks me inside, and I don't need that song lengthened, but the love letter to Waits' wife, "Johnsburg, Illinois", is beautiful and deserves to be longer. Then again, a song doesn't need to be long to be great. As with all Waits songs, less is more. Still, I loved "Underground" with the jarring, pounding beat and harsh vocals, and I wanted more than a two minute song. I must mention Waits' bangers. Though this album is the most experimental up to this point, he doesn't shirk his duty to create certifiable bangers. "16 Shells From A Thirty Ought Six" absolutely slaps and must be played at full volume. My online searching tells me this is often a favorite song of Waits listeners. The album contains several other bangers balanced between instrumentals and softer songs. Waits' tender songs affect me so much, but his bangers lift me up back again every time. Never could stand that dog.
Love the world-weary charisma of Waits here. It's an eclectic album, and not really for everyone. I put this on not expecting a flawless, perfect poppy album, but a human album that felt personal and beautiful.
While not as good as my introduction to Waits (that would be Rain Dogs), this has become one of the fundamental albums of my life.
I love Tom Waits but I'd only ever dug into this record once or twice before. This is really an incredible work of art.
First Tom Waits album I owned and loved then but had not listened in at least 3 decades… still wonderful and now I can understand how it prepared me for enjoying Captain Beefheart, the Fiery Furnaces, Minutemen and other bands that played by their own rules yet still were musically beautiful. My favorite album by him too.
The short interlude-like tracks prevent this being a perfect album for me, but it is so SO close. I love this project. The musicians are locked-in, grooving and elastic. Tom is sinister, vulnerable; and sharp-tongued as ever.
This album holds a dirty twisted mirror up to the dark underbelly of civilisation and kinda likes what it sees. One of the best ever recorded and my favourite Tom Waits album. Favourite tracks: Town Without Cheer, 16 Shells From A 30.6, Rainbirds, Frank's Wild Years, basically all of it
An absolute killer album. Masterpiece. Everything works. By far the best album I've listened so far and probably one of the best albums of the eighties. And certainly Tom Waits' best.
Album is a journey
Tom Waits at is Tom Waits-iness
I can't describe this one, 5 stars
Emperor of weird and he does it the best.
Brilliant - I love this sort of thing. I've known Wait's music for a time, also a big Captain Beefheart fan, so Wait's particular brand of off-kilter music, singing and story telling is right for me.
Tom is his own genre, felt like listening to the soundtrack of some movie, I really enjoyed it
Fantastic record, it's a great introduction to the weird ass Tom Waits era!
This sounds like what i think a safari soundtrack would be. Its rough, yet tender and soft, very entrancing. Incredible production and clarity of sound.
Such a silly dude. I love it.
Sounds like a haunted drunk circus which is my favorite kind of circus.
This is where Tom Waits really started to experiment with unconventional instrumentation and raw, unpolished production. The album has that quirky and playful instrumentation that I always enjoy, giving it a unique and offbeat atmosphere. The DIY production approach gives it a rough, organic feel that makes the music really stand out.
its the guy from robots yippie
Really interesting record. Love the instrumentation and his voice
The only Tom Waits song I've heard before this listen is his version of Heigh Ho, which felt very industrial and his rough voice felt perfect. What surprised me in this album is how much the same his style is and how much variety there is from song to song. It is all powerfully rhythmic and wonderfully sung with reduced melodic impact, but each song is clearly reaching for a different genre, while all of it, in the end, is simply Tom Waits. Perfect. 4.5/5
Captivating
Tom Waits is an American treasure. The throat clearing on Frank's Wild Years alone is enough for me to give this masterpiece of beautiful weirdness a five. LOVE!! 5
Easy, I am a huge Tom Waits fan and this album, along with Rain Dogs, first attracted me to him. So, a definite 5 for me. It's the creativity, the use of unorthodox "instruments", the rawness (but with a soothing song just when you need it - Downtown Train etc.). Waits is an amazing storyteller, both with words and musically. I also love his jazzier early work and his more recent work, but I'll always come back this album and Rain Dogs.
There just isn’t anyone like Tom Waits. He occupies a space in and out of time throughout all of America’s history. The songs on this album are both subversive nostalgic.
instantly loved this one. pretty healthy amount of contrasts & a particular taste for textures & musical narratives. cool intro to this guy!
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
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!
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
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
Tom Waits is always good for something new. Soldier's Things is surprisingly heartfelt and straight down the middle. The instruments/sounds used throughout are interesting. Somehow the songs all hang together despite having the initial feeling of being tattered and threadbare.
Nobody does it like Mr Waits
Tom Waits at his best!
Just outstanding. Best American lyricist. Love his gravel voice and that swing. Tom Waits is the king of his land.
An absolutely seminal album. Waits' earlier offerings were fantastic, but were more standard singer-songwriter style with lots of blues, folk, and jazz influences. This album marks a deviation from that as Waits delves more into the experimental and proto-industrial. Echoing clangs of junkyards, haunting Vaudevillian melodies, and poetic musings all fill a rich and varied soundscape. Waits' ability to craft worlds and characters with his lyrics is second to none and ensures this album is truly memorable.
Found it very interesting
Weird and wonderful. Tom waits for no man.
😍
Underground // Shore Leave // Johnsburg, Illinois // 16 Shells From A 30.6 // Town With No Cheer // In The Neighbourhood // Just Another Sucker On The Vine // Pretty much every song… 5/5
shaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaooooooooooooooooooööööööööööööööööööööööre leave
I'm frequently blown away by Tom Waits. I didn't used to find his music that listenable, but was still amazed by his song writing skills and his ability to add depth and texture to his music. The more I hear it the more I find new details. He's a once in a generation talent.
Il commento della nonna Fra: sta musica la ga da sentire solo chi che se ne intende😂 Io invece apprezzo molto
A bizarre album that you simply can’t stop listening to.
Top three Tom Waits album. The best of his Sturm Und Klang era.
This was a funny one for sure - hard to simplify my thoughts into a couple sentences. To start, it's pretty challenging. I wouldn't say I'm a complete stranger to experimental rock and roll, but that doesn't mean that things can't be surprising or grating. This album kind of has this strange pattern of whacking you over the head with a frying pan, then immediately laying you onto a bed of feathers. I'll be unsettled by one song, then charmed by the next. The instrumentation and production is pretty enjoyable regardless of anything else. Some of the heavy percussive/dirty guitar/melodic bass line combinations are impossible to not enjoy. And some of the slower piano ballads can be fairly moving. The beat poetry's content I sometimes found off-putting (and if I'm taking points off, it's here) but ultimately enjoyed its rhythm and griminess more than I condemned its shortcomings. Maybe this is one of those ones that comes down to when/where/how you listen to it. First casual listen I thought maybe I'd rate this pretty low down - a light three or even less. But the more I listen to it I see it more like an arthouse film, and it's pretty perfectly beated out. This might be crap, but I think it's probably genius. Four and a half. Fave track is Town With No Cheer
Another personal favorite. Tom Waits was able to create something unique and entertaining with this album, and it marked a new direction for his music that went on into weirder and wilder years.
A masterpiece!
Tom Waits is a one-of-a-kind artist and a favorite of mine who I don't listen to enough. I wasn't very familiar with this album but it's excellent. There's a lot of different blues, folk and jazz styles here, all played exceptionally well and infused with his unique style. The music is full of minor chords and off-kilter rhythms to match the odd, disturbed lyrics. And his vocal performance is always bold. He has an incredible range. All the songs are great but here's a handful of favorites: - "16 Shells from a 30.6" (Awesome stripped down blues rock) - "In the Neighborhood" (What kind of style is this? A march? I love his singing here. It's rough but also triumphant and beautiful.) - "Frank's Wild Years" (Hilarious and bizarre spoken word story) - "Swordfishtrombones" (So many interesting lyrics here) - "Trouble's Braids" (Whoa! What even is this? Amazing energy) - "Rainbirds" (A stunning, jazzy finale)
A fascinating and colourful album full of interesting instrumentation accompanying Waits' distinctive voice and compelling lyrics. 4.5/5
Very cool album artwork! I get to listen to this on vinyl!! Exciting! Absolutely love the variety, experimentation with sound, unusual but warm yet gritty vocals. Gorgeous sounds and one of the greats in the singer song writer category.
Waits' first "weird" record (and my first introduction to his work) remains my favorite for all of its diverse voices and wide ideas. Favorite track: 'Soldier's Things'
Classic Waits. And you won't find many better Side 1's than this. Amazing how Tom re-invented himself. A rare and very special talent.
The best
Tom Waits a le don de faire des albums incroyablement bizarre. Celui-ci n'en échappe pas.. Cependant, c'est un bijou a l'oreille car il y a cohésion dans tout cela et l'écoute est très bonne. 5
оч крутой альбом! какой-то arthur shelby energy
не сразу поняла тома уэйтса, но прониклась благодаря джармушу и фильму «вне закона» уэйтс крутой музыкант, но мне пока нужно очень особое настроение, чтобы его слушать (так, конечно, про всех можно сказать, но уэйтс один из тех, кто плохо вписывается в повседневность)
This is one of the finest hours of music ever recorded. It's absolutely criminal that this isn't more notorious than it is, because Tom Waits really turned his entire career over with this, by tearing his own music down and rebuilding his songs as unconventionally as he felt like (or not). Stunningly brilliant and beautiful, tasteful musicianship throughout. Runs the gamut from heartbreaking to hilarious to seriously fucking frightening. Definitely top ten Greatest Albums of All Time. Top Twenty at worst.
This is regarded as the first album in the second part of Tom's career, also the first of what is considered a trilogy followed by Rain Dogs and Frank's Wild Years. It marks the beginning of his changeover from the Louis Armstrong-ish, bluesy, wild living phase into his much more eclectic sound pulling influences from wherever he could find them. I've been a major fan since I first heard Heart of Saturday Night in 1974. I sincerely believe that when music history is written years from now that he will be recognized as one of the most important musical figures of the 20th century. I just wish he had one more tour in him since he is one of the most electric acts ever live.
This is Tom Waits' 8th studio album and his first one away from conventional piano'-based music to more abstract and experimental. Yeah, a lot of these songs have horns, various percussions, weird sounds and, of course, Tom's gravelly voice. The album is worth it alone just for the unique stories he tells and then you add in the various instruments and noises. Never a dull moment. Most the songs have lyrics. There a few instrumentals, one which sounds has a vaudeville atmosphere. There are plenty of song highlights. "Shore Leave" tells a first-person account of a soldier leaving on a boat traveling through Asia and elsewhere accompanied by creepy percussions, bass and random noises and screams. In "16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six," a farmer takes his frustration out shooting a crow or scarecrow sixteen times. The song has a unique time signature and noises sounding like a gun is getting reloaded. "Frank's Wild Years" is a story about Frank who eventually burns down his house and rides off on the Freeway. It has one of the great lines about his wife and dog "His wife was a spent piece of used jet trash,"Had a Chihuahua named Carlos that had some sort of skin disease and was totally blind." Tom went on to name an album by the same name a few years later. This is a fun and unique album. I know there are a few more Tom Waits' albums to come which should be just as enjoyable.
This is more of the Tom Waits I know and love. Looks like there's one more album. So far it's 2x5s and 2x3s Fave: too hard to choose.
The best Tom Waits album. The point when he transitioned from smoky ballads which he was still very good at to weird stuff. The guitar line on the first song alone is incredible
This is amazing. My father was a huge fan, and while I thought Tom Waits was a bit challenging to listen to then, I really appreciate him now. Love.
Tom Waits was one of the big surprises I had so far listening to the 1001 albums… I didn’t think I’d enjoy listening to him for a whole album. But when I listened to RAIN DOGS was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Now listening to this I love it too! My instinctive reaction to Tom Waits is changing… I love the instrumentation on the songs. It compliments perfectly Tom Waits’ distinctive vocals. The stories in the songs held me transfixed… “Frank’s Wild Years” opens with ‘Well Frank settled down out in the valley, and he hung his wild years on a nail he drove through his wife’s forehead.’ Who doesn’t want to hear the rest of that story?! (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t end well) I think I might have enjoyed SWORDFISHTROMBONES even more than RAIN DOGS. This is a wildly interesting, crazy quilts of songs. Some tell stories, some are inscrutable, and some are fun flights of musical fancy. Yet they cohere as an album - one I will be happy to listen to again! Immediate favorite tracks: 16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought Six, In the Neighborhood, Frank’s Wild Years, Soldier’s Things, Rainbirds
Glorious music beamed straight from some sort of mirror universe. I love this stuff. Fave track - tough one. "16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought Six" has that awesome bizarro sound that would go on to make up most of my favourite Waits album "The Mule Variations". "Frank's Wild Years" and "Swordfishtrombone" make an excellent one two punch, too...
I had a group of friends who were listening to Tom Waits and John Prine when the rest of us had switched to Talking Heads & B52s. They liked Tom because he was “greasy”. It seems that as his career progressed into the 80s his songs about America’s underbelly went deeper underground, with more obscure vocals and lyrics in addition to Vaudeville influences, trombones, baritones, accordions, marimbas, plus a few non-instruments. I remember we (my co-judge?) owned this album and the only song I paid much attention to was Frank’s Wild Years because there was a Raymond Carver story that had a similar plot line. I have a greater appreciation of it now, especially when listening to it back-to-back with his earlier, less edgy material, much of which we will be listening to, courtesy of 1001 over the next couple of years. He’s an uncompromising artist with the perspective that the rest of the world will have to get on the same page as him, not the other way around.
Swordfishtrombones is the eighth studio album by singer and songwriter Tom Waits, released in 1983 on Island Records. It was the first album that Waits produced himself. 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.
This is a stellar album that showcases Waits vocal range and his songwriting ability.
There's no one else like Tom Waits. I can understand why he wouldn't be enjoyable to a lot of people but if you get what he's putting out then you're probably going to love him. Its probably not my favorite from this legend but its among them
Very funny, some real interesting Instrumentation
I love Waits and this one is a particular favourite.
A genuine piece of art. It’s able to make some of the ugliest sounds known to man and meld them into something beautiful
Love this. Sounds quite original, and definitely 'Tom Waits'.
I've heard a bit of Tom Waits before but now I'm hooked. I love the variety of his sound, from smokey lounge singer to ballads and much more.
The only album we wanted to play again right after we finished it of the 80 so far.
5 Thoroughly entertaining and brilliant writing throughout.
I have listened to quite a bit of tom waits. I don't believe that I ever listened to this album. But, I tell you what, I like it. I love his voice, sounds like gargling gravel and petrol. Just stoney, and rough. I think it creates such a neat sound. Plus he is a pretty interesting guy, and for sure reflects in his music. This one is a weird one for sure. But there are some songs I deem to be classics. The neighborhood is an absolute classic 16 Shells from a 30.6 absolutely slaps. This get recommended from me for sure now.
Very good, not an album I was familiar with but it sounds like it should be
I'm a huge fan of Tom Waits. This is my favorite album by him. It's a crazy trip from the opening chaos of Underground to the final piano of Rainbirds. Lyrically it has some crazy moments (Frank's Wild Years) or just tells a great story (Shore leave) or has a warm and tender touch (Soldier's Things). The music and production are second to none as well and that's what gives each track its unique vibe.
A true classic album with amazing songs. The performance of the band is excellent. It sounds like everyone has had a long night and lots of booze while every note is played spot on.
All time, Uncle Vernon
Wow. Strange album but what an experiment in songwriting and genre bending. Will be listening to again
Chill album
Masterpiece
I love Tom Waits A LOT. I'm also biased because I love trombone. But this album is genuinely fantastic.
Heerlijk, dit is voor mij toch het album van Tom Waits waar het voor mij mee begon. Ik ben helemaal niet van de toeters en bellen maar op dit album valt alles op zijn plek.
The incredible string of 5 star albums continues. What an INSANELY good album. I’ve heard some of Tom’s more stopped down outings before, but the instrumentation and production values on Swordfishtrombones is out of this world.
Спасибо джармушу что познакомил меня с уэйтсом. Харизматишный дядька
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.
A good Tom Waits album. I never know with him if I'll like it or hate it, but I'll always be interested.
Interesting sounds. I rigged
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.
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
I was sad and this made me feel like I was in the company of a sad pirate. Very enjoyable
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
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 Very Good, 8/10.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
В хорошем смысле маргинальный кабаре-блюз.
I always think of myself as a "later stage Tom Waits" fan, but revisitng this and Rain Dogs has me rethinking that assessment.
Том крутой как и всегда
Love it
Amazing opening track with several other stand-outs. whole album is good
This is so odd and I can't stop listening.
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)
I can still understand him in this one
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
He's so weird. He's so weird! Do I like this?? I don't know!! It makes no damn sense! Compels me though
A left turn that is sneaky and shows more an evolution with additional listens. Will return.
Noice. 3.6
This was wild. I equally love it and hate it. 4/19/26
es tan bueno que me olvido del repelús que me causan los bohemios, peotas malditos y la perilla bajo el labio
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
Any Tom Waits is wonderful and Johannesburg, Illinois is a truly beautiful song but I think this album only hints at the genius to come.
429/1089 - Well it's unique for sure. I feel like you need to be in a very specific mood to both "get" and "enjoy" this demented circus music but thankfully I'm a Shostakovich fan so I can get behind some of this. I think it's better then the "fradulent live jazz album" I got earlier in the project for sure and kinda liked the wacky instrumentation (marimba, harmonium, angklung, bass drum with rice, etc.), gravely vocals, and style whiplash.
It’s not pretty, but it’s consistently arresting, with some wonderful spoken word lyrics and tracks that evoke a whole late night, dive bar aesthetic. He’s unpredictable with a voice only a mother or an idiosyncratic music fan could love, and he’s also the real deal in terms of original artists out there. A four that I don’t necessarily want to listen to :)
I had an ironic amount of fun listening to this. At first I was kind of thrown at the vocals, but eventually I just got used to it and said “yeah I like this”
Side 1 Tracks 1-3 were slow. Gave me a circus carnival vibe and was a bit apprehensive in getting into the rest of the record. Tracks 4-7 are amazing and is where things start to pickup for me. Love the ballad “Johnsburg, Illinois” and the driving beat of “16 Shells From A 30.6”. Tom Waits sounds amazing on both cuts. Tom Waits sounds very compelling as well in “Town With No Cheer” and “In the Neighborhood”. Side 2 The other half of the record is solid. The only track I had a bit of a hard time with was “Trouble’s Braids”. The instrumentals opening the side and closing it are great as well. Except for the first 3 tracks and “Trouble’s Braids” I think it’s a solid effort. 4/5
Previously rated: #448 - Nighthawks At The Diner (4/5) #575 - Bone Machine (3/5) #928 - Rain Dogs (4/5) #1,007 - Heartattack And Vine (3/5) ***************************************** Album #1,072 What else can I say about this weirdo's music? Will I listen to this again? Yeah, probably.
*77 Spooky halloween musik Klart en acquired taste - men Tom Waits er tydeligvis utrolig dygtig... og sjov.
Mørkt, råt og med et snert ondt cirkus - Tom "Pennywise" Waits i fin form.
Hoo boy, so that was my first full listen of a Tom Waits album and i initially didn’t think i’d be on board but i’ll be damned, that gravely voice didn’t bother me, infact it adds to the strong grim narrative being presented. Although it’s light on tracks to individually return to (as most wouldn’t make sense outside of the album, like dave the butcher being clown music without context), when the tracks are strong, they’re strong, my standouts being Johnsburg, 16 Shells, Gin Soaked Boy and Rainbirds, even if its a simple piano finale, it’s just a very beautiful sendoff. Also the first track was in Robots, so that’s pretty cool.
A bit strange but it grew on me a lot
Here's another artist that is held in very high regard by many whose opinions I trust. I've understood that I should check him out & has been on my deep dive list for years. I've heard a half-a-handful of songs no more than thrice each, some only once. And yet I just never got around to it. So here we go, finally. They were right. I love it! This is great. I'm not normally a poetry of lyrics appreciator, but this was a delight. The range of musical styles is fantastic. I suspect there's at least one more album on this list & I hope it's more than that. I'm not waiting around for it tho, I'm starting my deep dive asap. Four & a quarter
I have gone hot and cold with Tom Waits over the years, but I'm back hot again. I love the full embrace here of the hobo poet hipster mystic that is so acute, New Orleans quit fighting and emulated it right back.
Despite having close friends and a spouse who are longtime fans, it took me years to fully appreciate Tom Waits. He’s like a mashup of Charles Bukowski, Captain Beefheart and a ringmaster of a circus of traveling freaks, addicts and deadbeats, rolled into the persona of a guy who plays piano at the supper club and knows a lot of secrets about the patrons. This album asks a lot of the listener from the get-go, with the stiff, angular cadence of opener “Underground,” but it gets more approachable from there. I love the odd instrumentation and the use of brass, vibraphones, bagpipes and what sound like clinked glass bottles (on “16 Shells”) over spare drums, piano or guitar. Waits’ talent for detail and storytelling in his lyrics is top-rate, and there are moments of sublime beauty. But I think there are a couple tracks here that don’t feel completely fleshed out.
Tom gives in to the urge to get weird with it. Favorite track: In the Neighborhood
Swordfishtrombones is yet another great album by Tom Waits. This album is how my Tom Waits loving friend got into him (mostly because of "Underground" appearing in the movie "Robots") and i definitely believe that this is a good way to get started with his music. This album pretty much has all the Tom Waits quirks that you would expect from him like his use of various instruments and his deep gravelly voice and they are all executed very well here. The album also has some absolutely great production with even all the incredibly gravelly vocals sounding immensely crisp. The songs here aren't quite as memorable as the ones on Rain Dogs or Bone Machine which is why this album won't be getting 5 stars but it was still a genuinely great listen. Best Song: 16 Shells From A Thirty-Ought Six Worst Song: Rainbirds
I like it fine. But it's not Rain Dogs. 3.5
One thing that's great about Tom Waits is that you can listen to his albums a hundred times and it'll still be fascinating
My best Tom Waits. Dark, raw and quirky, but at the same time easily accessible and catchy. I love the overall vibe of the album.
The evocation of a cast of characters remains his strong point, including his own character ("In a Hong Kong gutter on Cuban heels, I rolled down the gutter to the blood bank"), although there does seem to be a preoccupation with midgets (he even puts one on the cover). Tiny persons are the emblem of seedy freaks as far as Tom is concerned (Wolfboy or the Bearded Lady don't get a look in). 'Dave the Butcher' sounds of the circus, with it's amateurish tune bashed out on a cheap organ. A scene setter rather than a great track itself, which is endemic if much of my issue with it. Highlights include 'Franks Wild Years', a typically superb character observation against (almost) incidental music, in the tradition of a film noir detective. Lyrically it reminds me a lot of one of my favourite Dr Evil scenes when he reminisces about his childhood ("My father would womanise, he would drink, he would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy"). The title track, a work of true genius with enough of his disjointed collage coming together into an atmospheric lament for a desperate war veteran. Despite my criticisms I still loved most of it. I still believe it a step below Rain Dogs but the nascent, percussion-heavy, sprinkle of funereal brass, touch of disjointed blues sound, remains compelling.
Some interesting stuff on here
I've liked what little Tom Waits I've heard before, and I liked this. Like a slightly less accessible Stan Ridgway.
I think you either love or hate Tom Waits. While I don’t fall squarely in either camp, I found this album to be wonderful. Waits is so unique and brilliant, even if the occasional track is somewhat hard to listen to at times. Take the opener or Dave the Butcher. Irritating. But most of the album is marvelous. Some absolutely beautiful songs. And some amazing storytelling, enhanced by Waits’ signature gravelly vocals. All in all this is a unique work of art. This would be a 5 for me but for the couple of duds and the fact that after awhile it can start to grate a bit. I like my Tom Waits in doses. But really close to a 5.
This was a jaunty journey - compelling mix of jazz instrumentation and a whiskey soaked voice. This could have been a hard listen, but Tom Waits is an engaging character, I got a kick out of this.
You can see what he was trying to do for men in western English speaking culture. It is a great piece of work.
While no doubt zany and surreal, this album still manages to entrance the listener. I felt at times like I was dropped into a smoky dive or a film noir not as the main character or even as the narrator but as an extra or perhaps someone who glanced at the script while cleaning the writer's office.
Decent 4
Some of the songs (and singing) were off putting, but damn this man can turn a phrase. When I got to “Frank’s Wild Years” I stopped, went back to the first song, and listened and read the lyrics for each song. Heartbreaking album which I can totally see as a play. Favorites are “Johsnsburg, Illinois”, “Rainbirds”, and “Frank’s Wild Years” (RIP Carlos 🤣). Extra star for originality even though it’s not really my thing.
Two months ago, I listened to Heartattack and Vine and enjoyed it, acknowledging that it was a transitional record in Tom Waits's catalog and that I was looking forward to what happened next. Well, here's what happened next... After completing a soundtrack album for the film One from the Heart, Tom parted ways with his long-time producer, Bones Howe, and manager Herb Cohen. He was determined to break away from the sound of his earlier records, especially after his wife, Kathleen Brennan, introduced him to more avant-garde music. As a result, Swordfishtrombones saw Tom split the difference between vaudeville-esque orchestration, influences from the likes of Delta blues and Captain Beefheart, and his own unique songwriting style and production. This album is unorthodox, simply put. The metallic clangs that illicit a chain gang vibe for the bluesy "16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought Six", the blaring bagpipes that give way to the lowly organ dirge of "Town with No Cheer", the accordion-led slow-burn showtune interlude of "Just Another Sucker on the Vine", the invocation of New Orleans swamp music ala Dr. John with the prominent marimba on cuts like "Shore Leave" and the title track, there's variety in the instrumentation and arrangement for these songs. All the while, Tom imbues his stories with extended metaphors and deliberate obfuscation, as the world-weary narrator gazes upon the seeded underbelly of this setting. Even the ballads aren't safe from his twisted humor, such as tattooing his wife's name on his arm in "Johnsburg, Illinois", or the grumpy old man observations of his surroundings on "In the Neighborhood". It's demented showmanship delivered through Tom's gravelly delivery and his equally off-putting instrumental accompaniment, and I enjoyed it to an extent. My hangup with this unique songwriting and album-construction approach is that there's little in the way of forming a cohesive narrative from one track to the next. Also not helping matters is how a lot of these tracks are short, half the album clocking in at two minutes or less, leaving me with the feeling that some of these tracks could have been fleshed out more. I do feel like Tom Waits made significant progress in developing his own sound on Swordfishtrombones, and I commend his wife for encouraging him to further push the envelope. I'm certain the best is yet to come.
This was much better than I expected. Loooved the sound, amazing mix first of all. Other than that, the Captain Beefheart influence is veery noticable. I don!t know if i like this album better, or I just gave this one a better chance than the others, but i fw this. Low 4
This is how I imagine this album came to be: some ex-convicts, mechanics, and maybe a couple gangsters got together and started telling all their secrets and they made whatever was laying around in the garage their instruments. Absolutely wacky and delightful.
loved this. his voice grates on me but this album is great.
Here’s one thing I know about Tom Waits. You either like his experimental music and voice or you don’t. I did, for that matter.
I discovered the genius of Tom Waits in reverse. The first album I heard was Mule Variations. So the shock people must have felt on first hearing this album was not a shock for me. I feel this change in direction only got better as Tom refined his sound and persona. A solid 4 stars, with 5 star albums soon to follow. Fave track - underground.
Not Waits' best, but pretty damn good.
This record has a sweet name. I enjoyed how different this record was. Tom Waits has an interesting vocal sound, and the instrumentation had variety. Favourite Track(s): Down, Down, Down Least Favourite Track(s): Gin Soaked Boy
One of Tom Waits’ avant-garde opuses. Not quite the best of its era or of Tom’s overall material, but we’re speaking about an all-time legend, so…who cares
17/01/2026 1. underground - i've heard tom waits' vocals aren't for everyone and i think i might be included in that.... the guitar is nice though. not sure how i feel about this.... *2. shore leave - really loving the guitar at the start... all the instruments are reallly nice.... weird but veryvery atmospheric. his voice is alooooot better for me in this. love the spoken word bits. kinda jazzy? love the lyrics!! guitar solo is real nice. 3. dave the butcher - very carnival-esque... halfway through the song, is this just instrumental? 4. johnsburg, illinois - piano at the start is really nice.... sounds a lot tender than the other songs so far. love the bass on all of the songs, but this one especially... 5. 16 shells from a 30.6 - ooo liking the drums... very bluesy vocals. a lot different from the previous song, but liking the veering changeups in tone! they all fit the lyrics and create a realllly nice mood.... liking it more as it goes on... reaally loving the clanging sounds. 6. town with no cheer - bagpipes? not as sure on this one, but i'm liking the lyrics :) accordion is nice :) getting into it more as it goes on, but feels a bit overly long? not egregiously though.... 7. in the neighbourhood - like the brass band feel. lyrics are phenomenal throughout! drums are realllly nice :) *8. just another sucker on the vine - really liking the start so far.... sounds kinda french? may just be the accordian?? realllllllllly loving it <3 sounds very sweet/sentimental/generally lovely.... love the horns. really liking the little instrumental breaks. 9. frank's wild years - very jazzy 80s keyboard? organ? really loving the spoken word parts in this album. looooove the lyrics. sleasy vibe like death of a ladies man. final lyric is great!!! 10. swordfishtrombone - bass is great!!!! really great storytelling throughout. 11. down, down, down - had a break between the last one and this one. bass is still great! drums are really nice as well. really liked the keyboard? organ? 12. soldier's things - gentler piano intro.... bass phenomenal! very moody... piano is beautiful. 13. gin soaked boy - def bluesier/rockier. liked it :) 14. trouble's braids - more spoken word. liking the instrumentation... short one! *15. rainbirds - more of a gentle start... liking the piano and bass again. reminding me of track 8, more of a sentimental instrumental tune.... really nice ending to this album! kindof listened to a few tracks from this album before, but never took the time to listen to the full album, this is one of the ones i wanted to show up sooner rather than late, and i'm very glad it did!! even for the songs i enjoyed less, like dave the butcher, i still loved the mood it gave off! very excited for the other tom waits albums to show up, but hoping i can have a little break to let it digest :)
Interesting but not my thing
Theme music for circus freaks and traveling salesmen. The songs are moody and strange, and his voice is whiskey soaked and gravelly as ever.
Just the right amount of weird to be interesting but not grating. Some more mellow songs I could do without, but a more than decent album nonetheless.
Could listen to Tom Waits all day. Consummate storyteller with a voice like the gravel roads he has walked.