Reviews (page 3 of 8)
listened to it twice. i did like it a lot.
Not as good as his other works, but still enjoyable to listen to.
Love the lyrics. The album sounds like the taste of whiskey on a rainy night
He sounds like black coffee that has a bunch of grounds in it. But I dig it.
4.5. some really good stuff. Some only ok.
This is great! Great voice and very American sound
Probably the Waits album that could have been omitted from the list. Still cool and all, but the beautiful bluesy ballads don't really stand out compared to his other albums.
Sweet
Not overly familiar with Waits, not sure I'd heard a full album before. I like it though - he even managed to out Beefheart the Captain on Til The Money Runs Out - and I think I know now where the Future Islands growls come from on that for some reason viral Letterman clip.
This is one of the few Waits albums from his classic period that I hadn’t listened to before. Waits is obviously an acquired taste - his voice sounds like 200 years of cigarette smoking and whiskey drinking - but if you acquire that taste it’s worth the effort to get there. Heartattack and Vine is one of his most assessable albums I think. Certainly the opening title track is, I don’t think I’d heard it before and I immediately added it to my favorites playlist. The whole album flows great, and as always with Waits it sounds interesting and includes elements of his weird brand of jazz.
I got Swordfishtrombones a while back and I truly hated it but I actually quite enjoyed this one. It did take me a couple of tracks to get into it but that might’ve been a hangover from not liking his previous one. I will definitely give this another listen and if he has any more on here I will be a lot more open minded. Top Track - Jersey Girl
I love the fact you can hear both eras of Waits in this album. The horrid grimy and strange beast to come, the straightforward songwriting of his earlier work. It's not perfect, but it's well beyond good.
“You know there ain’t no devil, that’s just God when he’s drunk.” What a line. Great set of blues and ballads by Tom Waits. Nobody sings like him. Nobody writes like him. This album also has “Jersey Girl” on it, which Bruce Springsteen later made famous. Springsteen’s live version is the definitive one, but the song is powerful in its original form too.
Great record by a great singer. In my ranking it might only be his 3rd best or so, but it has "Jersey Girl", one of the best New Jersey-themed songs ever. I think most people credit this to Bruce Springsteen, as he plays it probably during every gig, but it's a Tom Waits tune. I didn't know this but apparently it's about his wife (married since 1980!), and she was actually regarded as a catalyst for Tom Waits to dive into a more experimental sound. Amazing! I had no idea.
classic Waits
First Tom Waits Album! I know he's a decently acclaimed guy and I believe has other albums on here which I'm excited for. The Obvious standout is the voice. It's the most Raspy and Gravelly voice I've ever heard and I love it. It's really something I don't think I've ever heard something similar to, It's crazy. Paired with some bluesy tracks and a couple piano ballads, it creates something super interesting. This makes me super excited for further albums by Waits since apparently this isn't considered his best, and was a great introduction. 8/10
This sounds like a transitional album between Waits' bar room songs and the wild sounds of Swordfishtrombones, Rain Dogs and beyond. It's the latter style I prefer, and while this is a good album, and I like it I'm not sure it's a 'great' album.
I love Tom, but this isn't even close to his top 5 albums. Still some pretty lyrics and HaV is a banger.
tom waits you ol bastard han dich vermisst ah lol ich han eartbreak and wine glese aber isch au ok I guess de title track isch erstunlich normal (abgseh vo sinere stimm) sehr cool! in shades fizzt er anne!! saving all my love for you findi na herzig aber nöd meh ich lieb de tom waits und es isch au erfrischend, mal nöd nur so quirky tom waits z ghöre, sondern au chli "normaleri" musig jersey girl fangt sehr schön ah actually sehr es schöns lied, wowiii OMG ER MACHT IMMERNO SCHALALALALA okay on the nickel ischs lied für de film hmm ja ischmer chli z fest filmmusig ruby's arms isch na sehr en schöne schluss vom album schrammt amene 5i knapp verbii, wiso au immer ich de grummelndi tubel gern han
I gave this a 3.5, but I have to round up, because I do respect Waits and can see how he really always was doing his own thing and trying to make something that often was the antithesis to what many other artists were doing, creating his own kind of grungy folk americana. However, I personally just don't enjoy listening to most of his songs.
4/5. With each Waits album, I am starting to like him more and more. His deep and unserious vocals while singing quiet ballads or chaotic tunes is such a vibe, it's just so fun to listen to. It feels sad but in a pathetic way, like a drunk in a bar but not quite karaoke. More like a melodramatic theater production that takes place all in a bar. I wouldn't say every song was perfect, but the album as a whole is just another in Tom's discography I am going to come back to. Best Song: Heartattack And Vine, On The Nickel, In Shades
Cooles Album, kannte ich noch nicht. Andere Waits Alben gefallen mir besser
As I go through all these albums, many of which I've never heard or just heard a few tracks from, I am learning that my tastes have drastically changed from when I was younger. Tom Waits was always, in my mind, a country singer - not entirely sure why because I checked out some more of his stuff after listening to this and it hardly seems fair to chuck him into any genre bin at all. I enjoyed the album. It's not something I'll go back to on a regular basis, but it definitely got put on my 'listen to something outside of my normal' playlist. Normally the lack of a coherent 'style' across the album would throw me off enjoying it, but his talent for altering his vocals to fit the playing style on display kept me from even noticing the overly broad (not in a bad way) range of music.
Fun real good Tom Waits album! One of his better ones no doubt!
Excellent, reminded me of Nick Cave. Generally just a very enjoyable listen. Highlights were Heartattack and Vine, Saving All My Love For You, On The Nickel, Mr Siegal, and Ruby's Arms.
This is pretty solid, especially the B side. It's Tom Waits, so i'm never going to /love/ it, but it's solid.
This was perfect on that rainy day. His voice got to me at times, but the vibe was definitely fit for rain
Glad this project got me listening to more Tom Waits
Tom Waits is so overdramatic and gravely, but I can't imagine these songs any differently as the material and tone matches the gutter he was drug out of. The album starts strong with the title track and In Shades, and I really like the griminess of Downtown and 'Til the Money Runs Out. I definitely like thsse more than the ballads like Jersey Girl and On the Nickel. It's basically the same as I feel about Nick Cave, but Tom Waits is definitely more enjoyable between the two. I think there were higher highs in his discography, like Swordfishtrombones, but this is a good representation good mysic by this lunatic.
Good music. Some catchy, some not. Appreciate the blues-driven, soul-filled nature.
I'm always in the mood for drunk-in-the-gutter Tom Waits. Maybe I should finally see a therapist.
Waits has developed his style, his music, and his writing over the years and continues to produce excellent music. Poignant, funny, melancholy, maudlin, boisterous, rousing -- he builds strong characters and gives them a dignity in the world they inhabit.
Someone needs to get the frog out of this man's throat. He reminds me of the singer of AnnenMayKantereit, specifically the Tom's Diner cover. He also gives off a Bruce Springsteen vibe. I enjoyed a number of the songs on this record. The lyrics were pretty cool, but I think his voice gave me the heebie jeebies at times. This guy definitely had a history with prostitutes. I really enjoyed the musical aspects of the album. Every instrument had a perfectly assigned role, and there wasn't a single time where I felt that the songs were overcrowded. Favorite songs: Heartattack and Vine, Downtown, Mr. Siegal Least Favorite Song: Jersey Girl. Way to many Sha la la la las. Too cheesy for me I'm struggling between a super strong 3 or a weak 4, but I think I'm leaning a weak 4. It's definitely a unique album, so I'm giving an extra boost for that.
Really enjoyed my first listen of this. Obligatory comment about his raspy voice. Lyrics are so engaging if you can discern what he’s growling at you - “there ain’t no devil, just god when he’s drunk.” Musically this album is great too, lumbering blues and jazzy chords evoke a smoke-filled nightclub. I’m gonna have to listen to this a couple more times and I bet I’m gonna love it even more, but for now I’m feeling a healthy 4/5
Tom Waits' voice fits this music very well when the music is rough. It DOESN'T work when he slows things down. "Saving All My Love for You" and "On the Nickel" stick out like sore thumbs, and Springsteen does "Jersey Girl" better (although I was surprised at how good I found the OG version).
Great songwriting with lots of variety here. There is so much emotion in Waits' voice. I remember an older brother listening to Tom Waits when I was a kid and thinking "Why is he listening to this drunk guy???" I guess like wine, he gets better with age. The song Heartattack And Vine is an absolute classic. Liked Songs Added: Heartattack And Vine
I really like Tom Waits, so this was going to be instantly 4 or 5. Is not as good as the creepy Bone Machine, but still a dark record that reeks of America streets completely. If I vote with a 4 instead of a 5 is because a couple of cheesy ballads (e.g. on the nickel) that I didn't like at all. The rest is great.
A chainsaw singing lullabies.
crossroads of the world
Total classic. I like this side of Tom Waits, more bluesy
Apparently I'm a Tom Waits Fan.
Someone get this guy a strepsil! Actually quite enjoyed it. Reminded me of some of Springsteen’s less stadium-rocky songs. Simpsons: Yes (guest star)
You know what, this could have been a 5. Close but pretty darn good.
I can completely understand why some people can't get past Tom Waits' voice - it veers from 'a drunk doing Springsteen on karaoke' to 'a drunk who's about to cough up something gross into a dirty handkerchief' - but I really enjoyed this. The songs are good, and whenever the production on the ballads threatens to gets too syrupy, here comes that disconcertingly wet rasp to give it some edge.
This is the most approachable Waits album I have heard yet!
Not my personal favorite Tom Waits album, but even the worst Tom Waits is better than most artists' best.
I can imagine not everyone likes his voice or his way of singing, but I love it. Favorite song: Jersey Girl
This album STINKS of red wine and cigar smoke. I like it though, it's charming and has a unique energy. I can imagine Tom sat in a bar writing most of these songs on the back of a napkin whilst Roxy Music plays on a jukebox.
As I've heard numerous other "early" albums, I was expecting this to be very different from what I consider to be Tom Waits music. Like the early more folk-y Bee Gees album or more prog rock-y early Queen album. If anything it was sweeter and more melodious than later Waits missing some (but not all) of the grittiness. "Jersey Girl" was a surprise. Did not realize Bruce was doing a cover. Tom sounded quite a lot like Bruce too. "Til the Money Runs Out" was a standout for me. Loved the surf rock vibes.
The first couple tunes were straight blues, and not my thing. Got much better after that, and overall really enjoyable.
I liked the mix of jazzy blues with ballads. He has such a distinctive voice it's really hard to concentrate on anything else though. Does he bring authentic sounding emotion to the songs? Yes. Did the absurdity of his gravelly voice singing a lullaby make me laugh? Also yes. At the very least it was an interesting and entertaining first listen, but probably not something I'm going to come back to.
S rating
WELL I'M IN LOOOOOVE WITH A JERRRSEEEYYY GIIIIIRRRLLLL
noh wiatsi osaa tälläsen homman mutta maailman paeasta ei tässä tule waits roolissaan...
Has some classic songs. Glad I listened to it at least once the whole way through. They wrote it as young people with disdain for the world they live in. I wonder how they feel now? Weekend Wars was a standout with its David Bowie type vocals. The “hope then it all sucks” approach was a mixed bad. Some ideas landed and many didn’t. I like when they leaned into the fun musicality. They had better success with the dark lyrics and the levity of the music. The funky danceable stuff was nice.
I was passingly familiar with some Tom Waits. This is my first listen to an entire album. I like it. Certainly for a specific mindset. Observations of the dark downtrodden.
An imaginative writer, with a provoking voice. I like Heartattack and Vine, and Ruby's Arms were the most interesting. Still can't call if I'm a fan of his or not, I really didn't like the Nighthawks at the Diner album. Having said that, this was about a year and a half ago, and my tastes have changed - looking back at the list and my ratings, I would definitely change a couple (I still regret undermarking Brothers in Arms). That is the whole point of this initiative, exposure to new music. Therefore - as realised via Tom Waits, this undertaking is a success.
This guy likes Tom Waits hey..... To be fair, I think I agree with most of the inclusions, at least the more coherent ones, which this was another example of. Perhaps the most coherent one. I reckon I'll be back to give this another proper listen, but I enjoyed it. 4
LP
I recently tried to get a kid from work into Tom Waits and told him to start with Rain Dogs. It freaked him out. This might've been a more accessible album to start with.
My kid said this was too loud at first, and then I said "Doesn't it kind of sound like Cookie Monster is singing?" And then he was into it. I wonder if that's how my dad got me to listen to Tom Waits when I was a kid? I knew a few of these songs already but this was my first full run through on this album, maybe my kid will inherit appreciation for Tom Waits like I did.
Der Typ mit der rauen Stimme. Musik ist recht gut.
Pretty good.
His voice is awesome and intriguing.
A jazz club, but it’s in hell, but hell is in Santa Monica, but Santa Monica is in Jersey. Three glasses of scotch and two bad ideas. But one of the glasses is filled with stones. Buster Poindexter was a major influence.
Thought i hated Tom Waits going into this one. Loved it. Durty blues
4/12/24 It was an interesting listen, I appreciate the creativity.
Actually liked it. Have to be in the mood though.
My favourite kind of Tom Waits is this mixture of smoky blues and lounge ballads. Heartattack And Vine does this particularly well. This or Blue Valentine are probably my favourite albums of his, though I don’t think I could consider myself enough of a fan to justify giving either a 5. A great solid 4 though, would recommend happily
## In-Depth Review of *Heartattack and Vine* by Tom Waits Tom Waits' *Heartattack and Vine*, released in 1980, marks a pivotal moment in his career. It is an album that encapsulates his unique blend of lyrical storytelling, musical experimentation, and thematic depth. This review will explore the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also outlining its pros and cons. ****Lyrics The lyrics of *Heartattack and Vine* reveal Waits’ signature style—poetic, gritty, and deeply evocative. The album's narrative threads weave through themes of love, loss, and the struggles of life on the fringes of society. - **"Heartattack and Vine"** opens the album with a raw, bluesy lament about the toll of a hard life. The imagery is vivid, painting a picture of desperation and longing. - **"Jersey Girl,"** perhaps the most famous track from the album, is a tender love song dedicated to Waits' then-girlfriend (and later wife), Kathleen Brennan. Its simplicity contrasts with the complexity of emotions it conveys. - **"On The Nickel"** explores urban life with poignant observations about the downtrodden. The phrase "on the nickel" refers to a bus route in Los Angeles, symbolizing both hope and despair. - **"Ruby's Arms,"** a heartbreaking farewell ballad, showcases Waits' ability to evoke deep emotion through sparse yet powerful lyrics. Overall, Waits’ lyrics are characterized by their storytelling quality, often resembling short stories or vignettes filled with rich characters and settings. ****Music Musically, *Heartattack and Vine* is a blend of various genres including blues, jazz, and rock. The instrumentation is diverse and complements Waits' gravelly voice perfectly. - The title track features a slow, droning rhythm that captures the essence of a barroom lament. The use of Drop D tuning on guitar adds a heavy, resonant quality to the sound. - In contrast, **"Mr. Siegal"** is an upbeat track with a funky groove that showcases Waits' playful side. The brass arrangements add a lively energy that stands out on the album. - **"Saving All My Love For You"** presents a more traditional ballad structure but is infused with Waits’ trademark quirkiness in both lyrics and delivery. The album's musical arrangements are both eclectic and cohesive, reflecting Waits’ ability to blend different styles while maintaining his unique voice. ****Production Produced by Waits himself alongside his long-time collaborator Bones Howe, *Heartattack and Vine* exhibits a raw yet polished sound typical of Waits’ early work. The production captures the essence of live performance while allowing for studio experimentation. - The use of reverb creates an atmospheric quality that enhances the emotional weight of the songs. - Instrumentation varies from track to track; for example, strings in **"Ruby's Arms"** add depth to its melancholic feel while brass in **"Mr. Siegal"** injects vibrancy. Despite its polished production values, there remains an organic feel throughout the album that aligns with Waits’ artistic vision. ****Themes Thematically, *Heartattack and Vine* explores several interconnected motifs: - **Urban Despair:** Many songs reflect life in urban settings filled with broken dreams and unfulfilled desires. - **Love and Heartbreak:** Central to several tracks is the exploration of romantic relationships—both their beauty and their inevitable pain. - **Existential Reflection:** There’s an underlying current of existential contemplation throughout the album as characters grapple with their choices and circumstances. These themes resonate deeply with listeners who find solace in Waits’ reflections on life’s complexities. ****Influence *Heartattack and Vine* has had a lasting impact on both fans and musicians alike. It serves as a bridge between Waits' earlier work—characterized by more straightforward singer-songwriter styles—and his later experimental phase that would culminate in albums like *Swordfishtrombones*. - Critics often cite this album as essential listening for anyone interested in American music due to its blending of genres and innovative songwriting techniques. - Many contemporary artists have drawn inspiration from Waits’ lyrical style and musical arrangements, indicating his influence on subsequent generations of musicians across various genres. ## Pros and Cons ### Pros - **Lyrical Depth:** The storytelling quality of Waits’ lyrics is unmatched; they are rich in imagery and emotion. - **Musical Diversity:** The blend of genres creates an engaging listening experience that showcases Waits’ versatility as an artist. - **Emotional Resonance:** Tracks like "Jersey Girl" and "Ruby's Arms" evoke strong emotional responses from listeners. - **Cohesive Production:** The production balances rawness with polish, capturing the essence of live performance while allowing for creative experimentation. ### Cons - **Pacing Issues:** Some listeners may find the pacing uneven; while the second half features standout tracks like "On The Nickel," the first half may feel less impactful. - **Accessibility:** For new listeners unfamiliar with Waits' style, some tracks may seem challenging or unconventional compared to mainstream music. - **Comparative Underrating:** Despite its quality, *Heartattack and Vine* is often overshadowed by other works in Waits' discography like *Rain Dogs* or *Swordfishtrombones*, which can lead to it being underrated among fans. In conclusion, *Heartattack and Vine* stands as a significant entry in Tom Waits' catalog. It showcases his lyrical prowess, musical innovation, and thematic depth while marking an important transitional phase in his artistic journey. While it may not be universally acclaimed as his best work, its unique qualities make it essential listening for fans of thought-provoking music.
I really like the music but Waits' singing not so much
Absolutely loved it, which surprised me as this isn't usually my thing. Listened to it twice infact. Great stuff
Listened to this while playing Isofarian Guard. I had a roommate who owned the entire Tom Waits collection and listened to it quite often. I couldn't stand his voice back then. As the years wear on, I somehow have softened to his sound. There were a lot of fantastic orchestral moments throughout this album. A very pleasant surprise!
Really digging the vibe... need another play-thru.
I think this is a little bit of an odd choice for a Tom Waits pick in this list. It is a transitional album. You can tell he is trying to break away from his 70s sound but he hasn't found his way yet. The bluesy ones have more overdriven guitar than normal but the string arrangements on the ballads are if anything even more syrupy than before but that might be a hangover from One From The Heart. I suppose maybe the presence of Jersey Girl made famous by Bruce Springsteen swings it for a lot of people. I love it but he has better albums representative of where he was at at any particular point in his life.
Rooted in blues, this is perhaps his most normal sounding album. Despite that, it's still very Tom Waits and has quite a vibe.
Pure and raw and powerful. "Jersey Girl" is 100% classic. The rest balances gutbucket blues with some strings-laden sweetness that never gets too sugary or sickly, though it gets pretty close. Full marks for full-on originality and sticking to one's gun.
It’s definitely a mood. A phlegmy, phlegmy mood which I weirdly love.
Brooding, haunting and perfect Waits.
Everything Tom Waits is gold.
“There’s no Devil, that’s just God when he’s drunk” You gotta love Tom Waits. Always a great listen.
Man... this is going to be a tricky one to rate for me. I absolute LOVE the slightly more upbeat songs on this album. I also am nuts for the lyrics. I knew I was going to at least find something to like on here when I heard the lyrics "Don't you know there ain't no devil, there's just God when he's drunk". His voice really works for me on the songs I do like. The slow songs however I really didn't enjoy. I feel like he definitely uses his voice very differently in those two, which also don't like. I think I WANT to like all of it though, so I'm going to rate this a little higher than my gut is telling me in hopes it becomes true.
4 maybe 5
I shouldn't like this so much but it sucks me in.
Lekkere bluesy plaat van de man met de stem van langs elkaar schurend beschuit. Prima hoor, maar helaas springt geen een nummer er echt uit. Dus vraag ik we af: waarom precies deze plaat van Tom in de lijst? Over twee albums krijgt de man de kans om zich te revancheren.
Hey, Tom Waits, die hebben we al een keer gehad. Niet verwonderlijk, want zoals veel artiesten, staat ook Tom Waits meerdere keren in deze lijst. 4x maar liefst. Dat lijkt me toch ietwat overbodig. Maar goed, we zullen ook deze keer een eerlijk oordeel geven. Het album verrast me eigenlijk. Ik ben verder niet zo bekend met het oeuvre van de man met de stem van schuurpapier, niet te verwarren met die andere stem van schuurpapier Bruce Springsteen, wie het nummer Jersey Girl groot gemaakt heeft. Maar er staan een paar zeer luisterenswaardige nummers op. Sowieso vind ik die bluesy klanken wel lekker altijd. Je ziet Tom Waits voor je, in die kleine rokerige barretjes optredend, in tegenstelling tot de stadionrock van broeder Bruce. En daar past de muziek prima bij. Tom Waits met een peuk in zijn bek, voorovergebogen op zijn toetsen spelend. Het glas whisky staat op de rand van de piano. Ik heb zin om hier een 4 voor te geven, omdat ik het gevoel heb er bij te willen zijn. Hij zet een sfeertje neer en doet dat met verve.
Kräftige Stimme. Recht orchestrales Album.
Day225 - this was a surprisingly good album. the lyrics are fantastic and the music isn’t overbearing. i put it on and just chilled
Not my favourite Tom Waits album but still a good’un.
Tom Waits is a vibe
I once went to see a Tom Waits film. A few minutes in and almost the entire audience had stood up and walked out. Those who were left would probably not have given this a 4-5 star rating. I stayed.
A drunk stranger that only eats lit cigarettes rambles at you for 44 minutes in a jazz bar as you uncomfortably try to escape. 4/5 Would have been a 5 if it wasn't for Jersey Girl being somewhat bad.
Was a good example of Waits but I like closing time better.
Has one of the best lyrics of all time in the first two minutes: "don't you know there ain't no devil, there's just god when he's drunk" a lot of schmaltz, though. His 80s stuff got way, way better
He's pretty bloody good isn't he. No idea why I don't listen to tom as much as I used too.
Sounds like a guy who just pulled an all-nighter regretting every decision he's ever made
such an interesting voice!! i have a lot of people around me who love tom waits and i can see why. i kind of felt like i was living another life while listening to this, very stand out!!! 1.) saving all my love for you 2.) jersey girl 3.) heartattack and vine
The lyrics of the songs are good enough that his voice only lowers this to 4 stars or B for me.
Not my favourite Tom Waits album, but damn do I love Tom Waits! :)
I love Tom Waits, but this isn't him at his best in my estimation. I love the sweetness of Closing Time, and the zany sound of Bone Machine more. This felt like an unhappy compromise. But it had great moments definitely!
Ég kynntist Tom Waits fyrst þegar hann fór með ljóð í upphafi Hullabaloo tónleikum Muse. Þá fannst mér hann töff. Svo hlustaði ég á þessa plötu og fannst hann flottur í upphafi en fékk svo smá leið. Þurfti að taka pásu og þegar ég hélt áfram að hlusta var hann orðinn töffari aftur.
Tom Waits stays on top 🙏
this started up and i was like hmmm i dunno Tom but actually it ruled
Great album. Tom Waits rules, maybe better than Blue Valentine?
So I’ve never liked Tom Waits. Actively disliked to be honest. And yet… …I think I love this. The piano and orchestration work brilliantly to off set his vocals (which I normally can’t abide but sound more Springsteen like on this) Jersey Girl in particular was a highlight. Really enjoyed this. Really surprised
i suppose i like this a bit more than his more experimental later records but it doesnt beat closing time. my favorite tracks were the most blues focused ones like the title track, downtown, and mr siegal. they remind me a bit of time out of mind which i enjoy much more than this record. low 7/10
solid album, the first 2 songs fucking rule. Can’t mistake the sound of Tom Waits. Waits has weirdish moments here but is still largely sane…but maybe seeing some bridge between the older/jazzier and more experimental music to come. Some respectable ballads. Just a master storyteller of life in the gutter.
I've listened to a couple Tom Waits albums so far, with varied results. This one is actually really good though. Some of the lines transcended right out of the songs and smacked me in the face. It's definitely a mood. The mood of a sad drunkard - but it sticks with that vibe and does it well. I feel like this is the Tom Waits that is catered towards me (of the ones I've heard so far).
Tom’s last hurrah on Asylum brings the best of his early-career jazz crooning
Quite moving in parts
Melancholy, sad, hurt my heart in a good way.
Blues, folk de Tom Waits. Un 4.
Really starting to get into Tom Waits especially after hearing his The Wire soundtrack
Tom Waits makes very interesting music, and this one might be my favorite so far. The bluesy, jazzy sound fits him so well, and he has a really good way of creating a scene - particularly one in a seedy bar on a cold, windy night. But there are moments where I have to ask, what in the world is he doing with his voice?! Gravelly singing works sometimes, but there are songs where he sounds like he is trying so, so hard to add grit to his voice. It's as if there is phlegm in his throat and he's trying to get it out. Please stop! Your normal voice is fine!
Tom Waits is always great. The sound is scratchy and dirty. I find it interesting and am always captivated by it. 4/5
Den var ikke helt så gennemført for mig som Bone Machine, men stadig meget stemningsfuldt og hans sange passer virkelig til hans stemme
Super fedt! Elsker hans stemme! Skør plade, men vel også inden hans plader blev RIGTIG skøre
Quite a powerful record, the ballads really shine, and I did have a lot of fun with this, but sometimes it feels made redundant by his later album. However, a middle-of-the-road tom waits album is still a great album.
The voice of Tom Waits takes some getting used to. It is however effective. Interresting music,interresting lyrics, interresting voice what's not to like. Not the greatest album ever but still pretty good.
Super bluesy and Tom Waits has such an incredible voice.
First track really hooked me: I loved both his voice and the baseline and I thought breaking up the album with an instrumental next really worked. I also really enjoyed the slow and relaxed pace of jersey girl. Same with on the nickel. They’re just really nice songs to listen to. Overall very nice. I also love his voice.
Tom Waits at his most Tom Waits.
it wasn't perfect, but it WAS very good especially ruby's arms
GOAT-level singer-songwriter bends genres and enters the 1980s with a record outside time. It’s sweet and sour, confrontational and comforting. The songs are top notch, several immediate Waits classics. One thing has always been true of Tom Waits: he doesn’t sound like anyone else, not even his influences. And in the middle of all these voice-as-well-traveled-gravel-road, boozy, brooding songs , ballads like “Jersey Girl” and “On the Nickel” hit you straight in the gut and squeeze your heart. Ever the Beat poet protégé, he covers a lot of ground here, from romantic meditations to religious commentary. Waits is also incredibly funny throughout: “How do the angels get to sleep/When the devil leaves his porch light on.” All tongue-in-cheek, all straight-faced and serious as hell. There’s nothing quite like him, and this record doesn’t let you forget that for a minute.
Tom Waits. I am perfectly divided with Tom Waits. I LOVE sometimes, and I can't listen at all other times.... I think one must be "in the mood" and not just jump into Tom Waits (at all, let alone an album). Yet Tom Waits is very very special. That is a fact that I will not ever ignore. Nobody else is or ever will be Tom Waits and that is something intangible, priceless... The only negative in this album is it lacks that story telling element that puts Tom Waits into an entirely different class of his own, which I would suggest is a "must do" on a lifes bucket list.
on the nickel is one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful songs ever written. wish i could give half stars
not as good as closing time, but I fucking love Tom Waits
Tom had crafted one of his famous formulas when he released this album: the achy hoarse melancholic troubadour. "Heartattack and Vine" is a lovely work. IT does not demand anything from the listener, quite the opposite, the singer pours out his heart song after song. You are a character in the shadow, witnessing how he, vulnerable drunkenly, shares his sorrow. Love this phase of his career.
Look, we've all known from the very beginning that Tom Waits is not for everybody, and he'd be the first one to tell you that. But he'll be there for you when you didn't know you needed him.
Beautiful songs
Added to collection!
Honestly the music and lyrics are a 5/5 by themselves. But as I've said before the worst part of Tom Waits is Tom Waits and unfortunately these beautiful songs were sung by a man who sounds like Bruce Springsteen on Quaaludes. Honestly I really enjoyed this album and I'm glad I got this album but it I have to deduct a star because Tom Waits sung it. Favorite song: Heartattack and Vine
Great voice, of course
Wow, the ballads here were incredible - he has a rough voice, something between Springsteen and Lemmy, which makes for some epic slow songs. Unfortunately that set a high bar and the rest of the album didn't deliver. Stand-out: Jersey Girl
Great!
They say he's a genius. They are correct.
Phat first song. Proper skank face blues. Some great crooner tracks, some great ballads, this is Tom Waits in once of his peaks
I thought I owned this one, as I have about half to 2/3rds of Tom’s albums, but nope. It’s a good one, but I don’t know if it’s one of his especially revelatory releases. It has some strong compositions, but I would go with, say. swordfishtrombones or Nighthawks at the Diner first. B
The subject matters of his songs are a mess and so is Tom but he is a lovely mess. He has so many albums that I don't know and all his albums have very strong highlights. I'm glad I got to know this one.
Renovou meu gosto pelo clima de blues com o vocal marcante prevalecendo.
This is very good and I don't even like Tom Waits.
Tom Waits is an acquired taste. I’ve mostly acquired a taste for him, but in small doses. This is a great album, some truly beautiful songs. 4 stars.
Great Tom Waits album.
Really enjoyed this, first time listening and to be honest was wondering if this list needed another Tom Waits album, but this sits neatly between his early piano based albums and when he started being more experimental. This makes for a great but not perfect album of jazz blues and story telling.
listened to again the gravel blues king
The works is definitely better for having this album in it. It's not something I would listen to often but it's a fan sight better than a lot of the crud on this list. It makes me think of the comic book/movie Sin City.
Moments of really classic Waits here. His voice is in full effect, which probably isn't everyone's cup of tea, and on the ballads he absolutely kills it. My Tom issue is the number of jazzy tracks that I'm afraid stray far too far into silliness for my taste. The centrepiece of the album is the magnificent Jersey Girl, which is so good that you only slightly wish it was the Boss' version.
Thoughts before listening: Tom Waits has always been one of those artists that I know I'm supposed to like, but I just cant really get into him. I think its mainly because of the growled vocals. I've listened to the classics like Rain Dogs, and I used to own Bone Machine, but a lot of his material just seemed inaccessible to me. That being said, I know this is one of his earlier recordings, and I don't think he was quite as harsh sounding back then. I am expecting jazzy blues with really good lyrics and a lot of attitude. Review: Yeah....definitely not as gravelly as he would become although that raspiness is definitely there. The music sounds like a late night jazz or blues club in New York City with a weathered, ragged voice singing over top...but at least he's singing here instead of the carnival barker approach he would bring to later releases. Tons of style coming through in both the music and Tom Waits' vocal delivery that I am enjoying. The best known songs on here are the title track and Jersey Girl both of which are great...I thought the latter was a Springsteen cover, but its actually the other way around as Tom Waits wrote the song. I also really like the ballads Saving All My Love For You and Ruby's Arms which shows off the range and emotion that Tom Waits possesses, despite his rough delivery. I am glad I got a chance to listen to this album, and I will likely seek out more of Tom Waits' material, especially the 70s albums.
You walk into a bar alone at night smelling of whiskey and cigarettes vibes.
Tom Waits is a singular artist who brings beauty to everything. This album is fantastic, and though not my favorite is a critical one in his transition from Asylum to the Island. This is without question an excellent record.
Blues, folk de Tom Waits. Un 4.
It's Tom Waits. You can't give him a 3. It's disrespect. The album was really good. So I guess everything is a 4.
I really liked this. Yes, his voice is weird but it works. Just wish it was easier to hear the lyrics. I’m interested to hear more of his stuff now
Very deep and emotional and what Tom waits is all about. Generally, I like atom Waits, but not something I could listen to all the time. This generator picked some Tom Waits on the right day for me and it was a very pleasant surprise. Just so happens I was prescribed some heavy painkillers this morning and about all I really had the energy for was sitting here listening to Tom Waits. I might give this album one less star other days. But today was the right day.
"Heartattack and Vine" is the seventh studio album by American musician, composer and songwriter Tom Waits. It was also his final album with the record label Asylum. Some critics considered this his transitional album pivoting away from more jazzier arrangements towards a weirder and wilder mode. A buzzed-out electric guitar opens "Heartattack and Vine." Slow drums. A horn at times giving a jazzy vibe. Waits howling. Seeking what makes you feel good, no matter the consequence. "Jersey Girl" is a song Waits wrote for future wife, a simple love song. Slow. Melodic guitar. The drum top hat. Strings and bells. The Waits' voice meter is somewhere between a howl and singing. A emotional, cathartic end to the song. Strings and piano open "On the Nickel." This is a ballad with Waits in singing mode. Great building in intensity. It's about LA, specifically the homeless in LA. Waits takes the persona of gangster Bugsy Siegal in "Mr. Siegal." He comes in loud and aggressive. This is blues with the piano, drums and guitar. The album closes with the melancholy and sentimental "Ruby's Arms." Intro horns and strings fade into piano and Waits whispering. He's saying goodbye to a lover before the sun comes up. Great song. I've always found Tom Waits' albums entertaining and this falls in that category too. Compelling story telling. I'd say more straight-forward songs; I didn't find any weird or wild ones. There's jazz, blues, rock and some outstanding ballads. I know some people find Waits' voice very annoying. I've always found it fascinating almost another instrument. Anyway, if you're a Tom Waits' fan , you're sure to like this.
Grimy and lived-in in the best possible way. Waits has seen some shit.
Easiest 5 stars ever.
He had a unique voice and talent. Always sardonic with a sly wink.
4.5. Great early Waits. Near flawless album.
great throughout, the strings get me every time, gets a star for “you know there ain’t no devil there’s just God when he’s drunk”
I think this album review is a victim of comparison because I enjoyed Rain Dogs more, but I still really liked it.
I just love him
Great album, Tom Waits Wrote Jersey Girl, Springsteen performs it😁
Low 4 because when wearing headphones it sounds like he is spitting in your ear. At the same time it also sounds like someone really enjoyed using sandpaper to make his throat rough.
Tom Waits' voice is definitely an acquired taste. And he's only 30-odd when this was made. Was he born sounding like a veteran chain smoker? Several enjoyable songs on here - Jersey Girl the standout.
Big hit, love the title song, great for driving
I don't know this album well, but I do love Tom Waits and only Tom Waits does Tom Waits well, so this'll probably be at least 4 stars for me.
For the most part I'm a sucker for Waits' downtrodden balladeering, but I'm rather taken by the rather straightforward (by his standards) rhythm 'n' blooz on this album. I own a lot of Waits albums and I can't recall a slinkier cut than 'Downtown' from his catalogue. Not my favourite joint but it's still a solid four star album, because Tom Waits doesn't release bad music.
Really a 3.5 but I feel good to round it up. I knew a lot about Tom Waits coming in; intensely scrappy voice, beautiful lyrics, gorgeous piano arrangements. This album did nothing to change my opinion of him, but I liked hearing more of his style. Album cover is 10/10.
Chronologically, the last Tom Waits album I own. Right on the precipice before he chose atmosphere over tunes, there's plenty to love here although you can feel the van Vliet starting to poke through.
This is pretty amazing. I only knew the newer stuff starting with Mule Variations. I really like this and am going to add this to the rotation.
Not his best album, but early Tom Waits is understated gold.
What can I say about this album.. It's Tom Waits at his best, which is in fact his whole career. Very specific voice and style, but on the top of it an intoxicating blues and jazz beats in the background, making it a really unique experience. Some of the songs are really downtempo to the max, like "Ruby's Arms", but other than that all the tracks are actually great. Listening session for heartbroken.
Great bluesy instrumentals and the tone - while harsh and abrasive - feels more relatable than it used to. Maybe I’m getting old and cynical.
Although I am not sure if I'll listen to this album again, I have a big soft spot for Tom Waits and his gravelly voice and have yet to truly dislike anything I've heard from him. 3.5/5, rounded up to 4/5.
It's really about his voice and singing style. I happen to like it.
tom waits er med i 7 psychopath , 4.5
Waits doesn’t necessarily make it easy to get into his stuff. I had to give this one a couple runs thru to really appreciate it. He really is a great songwriter with a unique delivery, I especially liked the title track, Downtown and on the Nickel. The cover of Springsteen’s Jersey Girl was also great. 4 stars
Great, love Tom waits
My man
My boy!!! This isn’t my favourite album of his but the title track is amazing and Jersey Girl and Ruby’s Arms are two of his most gorgeous ballads. Hoping to see more of Tom soon!
This was a pleasant surprise, I can see the talent and uniqueness of Tom's voice and music.
At the risk of writing a repetitive introduction when thinking back to previous reviews, today we have an artists whose name is vaguely familiar, yet I’m not sure I’ve heard any of his music. The album cover leads me to expect something that sounds like The Cure, so I’m looking forward to listening. Songs I already knew: None Favourites: Jersey Girl, On The Nickel If there was ever a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover, this would be a top contender. I certainly wasn’t expecting a gritty, soulful baritone that could be compared to somebody like Louis Armstrong. The music was very good - I especially enjoyed the use of the electric piano. The opening track drew me in, and fascinated me enough to want to stick around for the rest, and I’m glad that I did. Give it a try.
Nette abgefuckte Stimme, 4/5
A solid 4 star album. Lots of nice bluesy/jazz songs. I would definitely recommend to give this album a listen
Waits' classic dank New Orleans gumbo voice and mournful lyrics with some easy listening ballad backdrops. sentimental and theatrical. the faster trackers here kinda remind me of the old PC game 'The Neverhood'. 3.75/5
A bit surprising to see this album included. It is just a very good early 80s album by Tom Waits from the period before Swordfishtrombones - Rain Dogs - Frank's Wild Years, which should all three be on this list. In any case, this is a pretty straightforward album that contains several classic songs, while all the other songs are good-very good: 4 stars overall.
Wasn't really in the mood for this, but it sounded pretty good.
Somewhat uneven but four stars are secured by such wonderful songs as Jersey Girl and Ruby's Arms.
Well that was a Tom Waits album! Listening to Heartattack and Vine really warmed me. Lyrically it was up there with Leonard Cohen and Dylan. True storytelling pictures in my head kind of songwriting.
Great stuff. I've always wanted to delve into Waits' catalog and was not disappointed with this first record. Tom's voice is definitely not for everyone but the story telling and the greasy, bluesy, soulful, and beautifully melancholy delivery all over this album is just phenomenal. Didn't realize that he wrote Jersey Girl and I think this is the better version.
Incredible. Highlights include Jersey Girl and Ruby's Arms. A sweet and sensitive album that has carnival notes but doesn't go to far. Actually a very approachable listen for Tom Waits. Didn't even know this album existed, very much enjoyed it.
the incomparable Tom Waits. this album is slower and more atmospheric than the others I know. and the ealrier the album, the less gravel in his voice. some songs are a shambles and yet there is beauty soul and execution in Jersey Girl, which is so Springsteen, and then I remembered he does a cover... (a fun and obscure crossover I hadn't realised), in the ends it's a LUMPY . gems, rough stones, and inexplicable flat spots.
When I was a young man, with young friends, all prone to heartbreak and relationship drama, we had a sort of ritual. When one of us went through a nasty split (temporary or permanent), we'd chip in to buy a bottle of Jameson's, then then stay up until 3am to drink, commiserate, and play Tom Waits records. Including this album. I really enjoy the mixture of Beefheart-style blues growling and Bukowski-inspired ballads. It's the ballads that really stand out as classics: Jersey Girl (better known in the Springsteen version, perhaps), On The Nickel and Ruby's Arms are all beautiful songs, even when filtered through Wait's increasingly graveled voice.
I love Tom
At this point he still has that jazzy/bluesy singer songwriter vibe. Maybe with a bit of a sense of the transition to come. Enjoyed overall. Maybe a bit too ballady in parts.
Bluesy and such a weird vocal choice. It was good I guess.
I can find Tom Waits a bit much but this was really decent. Tremendous musicianship with some great dirty noises on there.
Gritty.
This is VERY different than most things that I listen to, and i'm very surprised that i'm saying this, but this is pretty damn good. I am not a fan of the vocal style, but it definitely adds an extra layer of grungy tone that amplifies the delivery of the music. Fantastic mixing/production, I love the strings.
Tom Waits is so weird, but in a delightful way. Reminds me of an even rougher Nick Cave, with more of a city vibe. Some songs are catchier than others, for sure. Downtown was a great treat.
Incredible, inimitable, caustic charcuterie of a voice with more rasp than Howlin’ Wolf or Captain Beefheart. Tom Waits has an eye for morbid (and sordid) details lyrically. Great record.
Always room for more Tom Waits
Bluesy with some lovely mellow vibes. Brilliantly poetic lyrics. Album is generally a lot chiller than I expected after the opening track.
Love the poetic language combined with the gravelly voice.
Heart-achingly bittersweet! This album is just fabulously atmospheric evoking images of smoky clubs late at night, displaced lonely people with an undercurrent of relentless yearning. It could be the soundtrack to a film noir set on Christmas Eve. His haunting voice makes me want to cry and sing simultaneously. It’s a solid 4.5 - it’s not quite perfect but I think this is very much a marmite record. If it doesn’t make you want to weep or lull you into his shattered world, it probably makes you want to throw something at a wall.
Tom is a strange man with a voice that hurts. I like his music a lot. And also his acting gigs. ‘Tom Traubert’s Blues’ is my favorite TW song. Not on this album. I was trying to remember where I heard it first and finally remembered it was on the Basquiat soundtrack. Then when I was looking it up to verify, I learned that Tom met Jim Jarmusch at a party for (or held by) Basquiat. I like the bluesy/jazzy style of this album. The songs with the strings/horns feel warmer than those without them. I did not know that he was the composer and original singer of Jersey Girl! ‘Don’t you know there ain’t no devil that’s just God when he’s drunk’ is such a good lyric - Heart attack and vine ‘How do the angels get to sleep when the devil leaves the porch light on?’ - Mr. Siegel is my favorite in this album. Tied with Jersey Girl.
I wouldn’t say this is my favorite Tom Waits album. But man when he sings a story the journey is always one I want to take.
I mean, man. Tom Waits grew on me. Not on listen one, not even on listen two. My first listen, I was pretty close to repulsed. Such an abrasive voice, it’s easy for it to feel like sandpaper on your ears. But something was telling me that there must be more going on, must be something there. Tom Waits on this record is deep in America’s underbelly. We’re in the deep, dark caverns of depravity along with him, and for someone like me it’s just pure shock and distaste as he pulls you in. Honestly, I was gonna turn it off until I got to “On The Nickel” and I was like wait… this is a genuinely heartbreaking song. So I went on the journey with Tom Waits. And 3 albums in (I listened to the late career, sultry bayou villian-character record Blood Money, as well as the genuinely charismatic Closing Time, with barely a family resemblance to his later self), and… I’m a convert. It’s a fulcrum record, on which Tom Waits is becoming the character, getting drawn into the darkness. And it’s now genuinely captivating. I can’t tell what is the performance art, or where the character ends and the person begins, but I’m enthralled. Consider me a fan.
I've got a problem with Waits. The first album I heard was Closing Time, crazy stuff, loved it immensely. But I'm discovering it's about the only album where his voice is normal, I can't stand this hoarse sound. I truly can't. In Closing Time everything is perfect. Here the voice drives my mad, but luckily the piano is stunning as always and makes up for it
SHA LA LA LA LA
Pretty solid live album which is a rarity for this list. Still not a massive fan of his voive but the band carry him well here
The first question that leaps to the fore is "will this be as bad as I expect?" The first track starts out strong, being bluesy AF. His voice starts and hang on, his broken voice works so well for blues. Amazingly - and I stun myself here - the album continues to be very good. I think there was one track that I found less satisfying, but yeah, this was not at all a bad listen.
Tom's one of those composers who is really great at composing music but has a voice that is hard to fit to any style. Leonard Cohen was another. I think Tom writes gritty, raw music and that goes well with his voice, but ultimately it's not that enjoyable to listen to. Like I'd never throw on Tom Waites and then start doing the dishes.
"There ain't no devil it's just god when he's drunk." "The girls around here all look like Cadillacs" "Swinging from the rafters in a brand new tie" "I shot the morning in the back..." Swordfish era Tom Waits gets all the plaudits usually but I'm a massive fan of drunk guy at the diner Tom Waits, equally if not more so. Man, can this guy write a song. I still just prefer Small Change, but this is a great album, Tom can do no wrong.
An enjoyable album, interesting lyrics and comps. Waits singing was also good
An artist that of course I am aware of but have never really engaged. This is a lovely album, I enjoyed it greatly.
A modern-day sleazy classic.
Enjoyed this album. I will be diving into some more Tom Waits going forward. I don’t know what it is and I don’t know much about him but I like him
I really liked this. It was a treat!
Thought this album was dope and better than listening to top songs cuz it had some real range and an excellent autoplay.
Særegent
Tom Waits is hit or miss with me. Almost all of these songs are a hit.
Always a delight to hear Tom's gravely voice, but this one is just a bit behind all the others on this list. Still great, just not quite a masterpiece.
Probably not the best Tom Waits album, but a pretty good one. Solid 4/5. "Heartattack & Vine", "On The Nickel" and "Jersey Girl" were the ones that stood out to me. Classic Waits crooning on most of the tracks, a nice instrumental, and one or two where I think he starts to get a little whiney and I start searching for the "next button" on the remote.
This will definitely grow on me with more listens. The back and forth of emotions are a lot to take in which I liked a lot. His voice is wild. I bet Ol Dirty Bastard liked him maybe.
It's guttural but also somehow ethereal old timey punk. Tom Waits could sing about dirty socks and it would be fascinating.
Starting to love his music more every time I put on one of his albums. Such a extraordinary voice and musically solid. Again a great album ! Favourite songs: - Saving all my love for you - Downtown - On the nickel
Not fully appreciated TW’s output before. Musically really interesting and his voice is just incredible. To do that album in 1980 feels bold!
Definitely a couple great songs
Really enjoyed this. Very soulful, and would definitely listen again
I thought I loved this album, but there are more syrupy ballads than I remember! The gruff bluesy stuff is all great though.
Tom Waits style is certainly niche. Overall though I enjoyed this album. The bluesy jazz instrumentals worked well with his vocals.
It might not be my Tom Waits' best album, but it's one of my favourite listens. It has everything Waits had up till this point. The pumping bluesrock Waits like "Heartattack and Vine" and "Downtown". The Jazzy Waits on a song like "In Shades." Then it has the orchestrated balled Waits on songs like "Saving All My Love For You" and "On The Nickel." Songs so bordering on kitsch that you'll only allow Waits to make them. And then there's the Waits best listened at night like "Ruby's Arms" Is it his best? No. But it's an underrated uncut gem.
Tom Waits on uusi tuttavuus tämän listan kautta, mutta levy levyltä diggaan enemmän!
Not a fan of Waits, but this album turned me around. I really enjoyed this album.
Great songwriting, didn't mind the voice. Too many blues progressions - but it's consistent and meets or exceeds expectations...
Never heard Tom Waits before. Time to dive in. Puts on Tom Waits. Is this voice an actual joke? He sounds like a drunk person trying to sing while stifling the urge to puke, specifically on Saving All My Love For You. Fucking TERRIBLE. Remarkably the rest of the album somehow works/and is kinda great? Nothing about this makes sense to me. Why do I like this? On the Nickel is also bad lmao.
Old sentimental cat ❤️
I like Tom Wait pretty well. Music, voice, lyrics. Though if my husband ever writes me a love song I hope it will feature fewer (possibly no?) prostitutes.
Me: I didn't care too much for this Tom Waits album. Randomizer: How about... ANOTHER Tom Waits album? Me: ... Hmmm...Umm... OK. Well, it's better I guess, but maybe I can listen to something else...? Randomizer: How about... ANOTHER Tom Waits album? Me: <throws arms into the air> what the hell? So here we are with ANOTHER Tom Waits album. First off, I did not realize "Jersey Girl" was written by Waits. And yeah, this is another step up from the last two. I probably would rank this even higher than the last two. But so close to the last two. I mean... I'm trying to separate it. They're trying to make me rank it higher, or what? OK, but seriously, folks. What about the songs and the performances? I felt that Waits was more "on" here than "Nighthawks At The Diner," and I liked his performance there. The songs were pretty well-written, and Waits himself did a pretty good job. So yeah, I'm going to say comparatively, of the three, this would be the best. So this would get a 4 because of that. I just wish it wasn't so close to the last one.
Yeah his voice still grates but he's almost a blend of Joe Cocker and Randy Newman on this album and that's not bad. Case in point Mr. Siegal. And his instrumental arrangements & playing are at least as good as those other guys. On the Nickel is beautiful. Ditto Ruby's Arms and Jersey Girl. Reminds you his greatest quality is songwriting and not many can match it. Heartattack and Vine and Downtown are more gritty but still really well-written. Saving all My Love for You is a cross between these two - gritty lyrics but heartbreaking arrangement. Did it just happen? Did I just become a Waits convert? I don't know but this is a good album.
You either get Tom, or you don't.
I’m conflicted about toms voice but I love the album 😂
Not his best, but still worth a listen
4.25
The gifts! I love Tom Waits. This isn't even in my top 5 Tom Waits albums, but it's still great.
Love his voice, wouldn't go winning any singing competitions but has found a sound and style that really compliments it
Cool. Voice! I liked this album a bit more than some of his other live ones. Good sound, Def more blues focused
Most of Tom’s singing sounds like someone’s drunk uncle singing at a wedding, but the music itself is surprisingly good.
Hell yeah.
"Don’t you know there ain’t no devil? There’s just God when he’s drunk" Alternating Dive-Bar Shenanigans & Seedy Streets with Bizarre ballads. Although I'm not a fan of the sequencing, this album is ridiculously cool AF.
It's a little heavy on the ballads, but it's still a great album. It's Tom Waits, the man is a national treasure.
What a unique musician. Loved Jersey Girl.
Underrated album
Excellent album - poignant & authentic.
Tom transitioning from Boho jazz balladeer to skronky blues hobo.
Fan van Tom Waits, op een of andere manier heb ik dit album altijd een beetje links laten liggen. Maar een onvervalste Waits-plaat is het!
Best Song: Heartattack and Vine. Gritty and caustic blues-soaked track that kicks the album off well. Worst Song: In Shades. I don't listen to Tom Wats albums for instrumental tracks. Overall: For a big fan of Tom Waits, this feels like a transitional album, bridging between his earlier melodic stuff and his later grit-and-gravel delivery. For that reason, when he dips into softer tones (like on "Saving All My Love For You" and "On the Nickel") it feels a bit off. Like watching someone use the gnarliest motorcycle to go grocery shopping. Sure it'll get you there, but that's not what it was made for. In all, a good album, but not the Tom Waits album I'd have chosen to appear on the list.
Heartattack and Vine by Tom Waits (1980) Tom Waits is a national treasure. He has the capability of finding sublime beauty in the feed bin of a sausage grinder. His poetry is not on a level of a Leonard Cohen or a Bob Dylan, but his conceptual freedom is superlative. Don’t try to put this album into a genre. The genre is Tom Waits. Heartattack and Vine is not quite as good as Bone Machine (1992) or Rain Dogs (1985), but it stands on its own as a fine representative piece of the Waits oeuvre. The cover art alone is worth buying the original LP, and you don’t even have to worry about getting it grimy, because it already is. Tube amp fuzz, nasty gravel vocals (with vibrato, no less), and a thespian engagement with his word pictures are completely convincing. His slower than slow pacing allows the blues to shine, highlighting every long, languid electric guitar riff bend. And there’s nothing sloppy in the production, from stylish Hammond organ and jazz piano, to tasteful orchestral tapestries (especially “Saving All My Love for You”, “Jersey Girl”, and “On the Nickel”). Theologians would be hard pressed to to refute his argument in “Heartattack and Vine” that “there ain’t no Devil, there’s just . . .” (I won’t spoil it for you). And while I have the attention of the preachers, let me ask (“Mr. Siegel”): “You got to tell me, brave captain Why are the wicked so strong? How do the angels get to sleep When the devil leaves his porch light on?” His slow-walking “Jersey Girl” (later covered [not as well] by Bruce Springsteen) is the ugliest beautiful Sha-la-la-love song ever. And “Ruby’s Arms” is likewise the sourest sweet farewell love song in the Great American Songbook (well, at least it oughta be). Give this a listen and tell me if I’m crazy. 4/5
Tom Waits back catalogue has been one of the discoveries of this whole exercise for me.... I think this is now the third album, and whilst it hasn't got the weird grandeur of bone machine, it's once again a gravelly voiced work of art. 3 is enough though....let other artists in on the list!
I like boozy crooner TW more than weird jazzy TW, but this is just in the right spot before it gets TOO weird
Very entertaining. Such a unique sound. It is hard to take the album seriously, yet I found it endearing.
'Rubys Arms' is more beautiful and heartbreaking than all of Adele's sad songs put together. I'm not a fan of his voice, but it didn't stop me from enjoying this album.
Good mix of up-tempo and slow. Especially liked the slow songs.
Muy bueno
Waits' performative lyrics are classy, but the performance isn't always perceived. But compared to Bone Machine, it is much more listenable. Also the bass line is perfect:)
this was a great one. i knew his music a bit from back in the day (i used to close every edition of my radio show with I Don't Want To Grow Up - fun!), but this was an album i'd completely missed until today. jersey girl was an obvious standout, but i also really liked a few of the other less-played tracks. it's nice having an album that has a cohesive sound, but that doesn't all sound like the same song 14 times in a row. plus, you know, that raw, desperate sound he's got - and which, as near as i can make out, has never changed. he's somehow never found his salvation over all these years, but he's also never slipped from the edge.
By now it’s obvious this endeavour has listed pretty much anything Tom Waits had ever published. However, this one is a actually good!
This is a good album, and I frequently come back to many of these songs, especially "Heartattack and Vine" "Downtown" "Mr Siegal" and "Ruby's Arms." As an album it's a little too divided between rippers and sweetness, and perhaps not his peak in terms of songwriting. "Jersey Girl" and "On the Nickel" are wonderful songs too but I don't crave listening to them like I do some of the other songs on this album, or some of the other albums in his discography.
Not my fav is Wait’s work. Only the title track, Downtown, and Jersey Girl interest me, the rest feel like worse versions of other songs. It’s still all great but is also a bit short.
Solid as hell, dare I go later?? Mule variations?
I like the minimal arrangements, funereal cadences, with a muted Hammond organ. A poetric barbarian. (7/10) Favourite Tracks: Jersey Girl, Ruby's Arms
Tom Waits doing what he does best; crooning about love and the dirty parts of culture, letting his voice carry the songs with minimalistic music at times. I’ve always loved that he will craft a song and bring uncommon instruments to the forefront while pushing traditional instruments to the back. Lots of organ on this one. Will always have a huge soft spot for Jersey Girl, but everything else on this album is so solid. Heartattack and Vine and Downtown stand out for me.
This album is stellar, although it isn’t my favourite Tom Waits album it has one of his most known songs on it. I love his greasy blues rock dive bar songs on this album. It’s a nice pace between those and the softer tunes Highlights: heartattack and vine, jersey girl, mr.Siegal
i like this
Good Rock
Pretty good variety in sound. Vocals are ok.
this tommy waits fella sure can write a song
I love this album, and have so much more respect and understanding for Waits as an artist than before. Incredible.
4/5
9/10
22nd June 2021 Listened on the living room speaker in the morning with jen while working. I haven't listened to enough Tom Waites, love his voice. Can be a bit melancholy but some amazing lyrics and soulful ballads.
Por la portada yo esperaba una clase de sonido punk, pero fue totalmente diferente, ese sonido blues y esa voz aguardientosa sumado a los arreglos de cuerdas fue muy bueno, me ha gustado mucho este trabajo.
Where the late night blues of his earlier albums ends and the experimental camp of his later albums begin.
Great album. Waits writes some beautiful song. Listening to this got me on a Waits kick for the day.
I don’t get why this is considered lesser Waits, he seems so comfortable here and the atmosphere is so thick and palpable
A tough one to rate. Not my favourite Tom Waits album but good enough for a low 4 I think.
I actually really enjoyed it, but it would have been way better if the singing didn't sound the way it did. 7 I guess, wish I could justify rating it higher, but I just can't see myself wanting to relisten to it
Voz heavy, buenos ritmos en varias canciones, letras chidas, pero la extendida presencia de baladas (?) sí me llevó a adelantarle a varias o incluso darle skip. Creo que la que más me gustó fue Heartattack and Vine. Mood: el come galletas meets poetas beat y blues
Netz
Me ha parecido un descubrimiento de disco. Con esa voz rasgada a lo Joe Cocker, muy característica, Tom Waist nos regala un disco con temas Blues y unas baladas increíbles. Jersey Girl y Ruby's Arms se vienen conmigo para siempre por ser de esas canciones que son el hipno de un cantante.
Primer disco completo que escucho de Tom Waits. Su voz aguardientosa siempre me ha gustado y aquí todo suena bastante bien. Como que sí me motivó a escuchar más del buen Tom. Creo que mi top fue justo "Heartattack and Vine", pero "Downtown" y ese himno desgarrador que es "Ruby's Arms". 9/10
Me ha parecido buen album, con toque muy personal entre blues y rock. Como a Mari, me han gustado más las canciones lentas, de hecho Ruby's Arms es mi preferida. Es curioso como en algunas canciones me recuerda a L. Cohen y en otras parece que estoy escuchando al Boss. En algunos temas abusa demasiado del efecto "caverna" en la voz.
Glad to be exposed finally to one of this legend’s works! Up and down album. Very unique.
Makes me want to stay up drinking
Maybe the most "album" Tom Waits album I've listened to so far, and there's some really great tunes on here too.
Hard work but lovely under the crust
Once you get past his muppet voice, the songs are pretty good