Reviews (page 5 of 9)
He sounds like black coffee that has a bunch of grounds in it. But I dig it.
The songwriting is there but the voice just grates
4.5. some really good stuff. Some only ok.
Bedre enn da forrige tror eg
Typical Tom Waits. Excellent production, music, and song writing. Questionable singing.
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.
I really, really like Tom Waits - but there’s too many of his albums on here. Heartattack And Vine is a good album, but it does nothing that his other albums aren’t already better at.
I didn't hate this as much as I hated his other albums. There isn't a fake audience, no pretentious upright bass, just sad bastard lyrics and a gravelly, no, cobblestoned voice. Seriously, how does he do that?
Sweet
Good to have a bit of Dad Rock for a change. His voice is hard work though, may be an acquired taste but I couldn't get into it.
Poor. If they were playing this live in a pub (ideal environment for it), I would ask them to stop.
Musically I enjoyed it but his voice is hard to take seriously, kept waiting for him to launch into a Christmas song for some reason.
It’s always challenging to hear something authentically outsider – especially when the thing it’s outside of is, well, not your inside. I’m not American; what I know of its myths and autofictions I know from books, TV and film. So as much as I think I recognise this America – Lou Reid, Jim Jarmusch, bits of Delillo – I do so, mostly, thanks to secondhand accounts. Certainly, there’s a literary quality to “Heartattack and Vine”. Songs like “‘Til The Money Runs Out” and “Downtown” are richly atmospheric, undeniably arresting. There’s a hardboiled feel to the storytelling, and I can see the appeal of Waits as a detective-slash-flaneur of America’s gritty backstreet theatre. But ultimately, this album fails to totally register for me. At times I wince, even cringe as our detective assumes the perspectives of his marks … and sounds more like 90s-era William S Boroughs (read: pitiable) than anything like the man in his pomp. It’s entirely possible that I lack imagination, that I’m just too other to the others on display here to get it. But by the time the record’s done, I’m afraid I’m left feeling more like I’ve just watched “Bad Santa” than heard a beat poet.
1980?! Sounded way more 60’s
I've never quite warmed to Mr Waits. This hasn't helped. Feels like a mumbling Faggin character from a musical. Some interesting lyrics
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.
I hadnt listened to Tom Waits for what seemed like an age. Undoubtedly too long for sure, so I was pleased to see him making an appearance on this list However, I was surprised to receive this album as I don’t consider it to be up there as one of his must owns. Lyrically, it’s as poetic as ever, with Waits painting picture portraits of his troubled characters in a way that few other lyricists can even get close to.. What challenged me with this album is that it’s a touch inconsistent musically, and if anything left me disengaged in places. As the album progressed it definitely built atmosphere and depth which drew me in, but I still don’t think it’s up there as one of the best works in his pantheon. It’s a solid 3 but just falls short of a 4.
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.
He sounds like a bullfrog getting strangled but I don’t always hate it.
I might have liked this if it were another singer but I can't get past that horrible voice. I don't get the appeal.
Outstayed its welcome after 2 minutes. He’s terrible, but at least he means it.
Arty-Farty-White-Men-Blues with a terrible voice. None of my Business.
Really did not like this
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
Tom Waits again! Really? As much as I want to skip the listen and go straight to 1 Star, I won’t cheat. Giving a spin now, wait one…. Done. Remastered, for no obvious reason. Didn’t hate it. Still a far cry from like. He’s better as an actor. Enough with the Waits.
Distinctive. Can't say it flows. Have heard some of his music before but if I'd started with this I don't know that try another
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.
Probably could’ve given it more of a chance, but I could t make it past the first few songs
If I smoked 8 packs a day and was a man who couldn’t hold a stable relationship, I think this is what I would sound like
classic Waits
Is Tom Waits talented…sure. Is his overall style and sound contrived. Yea….yea it is.
Interesting mix between beatnik jazz, funk, soul, and ballads all with Waits signature ragged crooning
I am utterly indifferent to this. It peaks with the title track and then never gets back there.
I’d like to meet the Tom Waits fans that immediately clicked with his sound because this has got to be some of the inaccessible music I’ve ever heard. Which is not to say I’m put off, but this is certainly an acquired state. I found the softer tracks here a bit more palatable. I recognise Jersey Girl from Springsteen’s cover, but Waits’ version clearly has more grit and soul. I’ve never been more certain with a review that whatever rating I give here will inevitably change as I figure out whether I’m into Waits, or can’t do it. But this album has me interested for more at the very least. I expect I’ll be hearing more of him on this list too.
Some really great, fun songs: Heartattack and Vine - really fucking good song In Shades (Instrumental) - a nice break from his voice after Track 1 Downtown Jersey Girl Til the Money Runs Out Mr. Siegal (maybe the best song) Unfortunately the others are barely listenable. Even the songs I like are barely listenable due to his vocal delivery. Sounds like he took a sip of water and started singing before swallowing it. And it bothers the hell outta me. Would love to hear these songs sung by someone else. 3.5
Not my favorite Waits, but there's some really good stuff here if you're in the mood for it.
I had heard of Tom Waits and now I have heard Tom Waits.
Love the bluezy sounds! What a voice!
Heartattack And Vine - 4/5 In Shades - 3/5 (it's just instrumentals) Saving All My Love For You - 2/5 Downtown - 4/5 Jersey Girl - 1/5 'Til The Money Runs Out - 3/5 On The Nickel - 3/5 Mr. Siegal - 4/5 Ruby's Arms - 3/5 Average score: 3/5 oddly enough, i really don't mind Tom Wait's vocals like others here do. however, i feel that gravelly grumbly voice definitely doesn't suit some of the tracks here. his singing sounds fine in more bluesy tracks like Heartattack And Vine, but sounds laughably bad in slower ballad-like tracks like Jersey Girl (especially in those "la-la-la" moments... oof) i don't think his voice is completely unsuitable for slower songs. i've heard it done well before, even on this album with On The Nickel. it's just not executed well sometimes
3.5
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 album was wild to me. I loved the blues/jazz vibes, instrumentals were great and then he would sing like I would sing silly… he ruined his music. I then listened closer to the lyrics and thought most of them were awful. It was a fascinating listen.
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.
To say this is way way way way way way better than the other Tom Waits albums on the list isn't much of a compliment, but this album is far better than those. Its still Tom Waits so it's not like actually brilliant or anything. Jersey Girl is good
I mean, interesting like the last tom waits album, but honestly just couldn't get into it besides the first song. And even that wasn't crazy
Another solid one from Tom, 3.5 stars
I love Tom, but this isn't even close to his top 5 albums. Still some pretty lyrics and HaV is a banger.
12. It's so bad it makes me laugh. I think his voice would be better suited with a different genre of music. I also hate the lyrics, that's what makes me laugh. 2/10
Ganz ok, ächli langatmig.
brucht die liste so viel tom waits? nai. isches no cool de title track jetz? jo. findi sis gebrummel nervig? au jo. bi jetz bi downtown und s het alles sin charme und s isch uhuere speziell aber die stimm muemer würkli wölle ghöre. ich cha etz gad nöd zude songs viel sege aber ich find s isch immer chli s gliich. er git mega viel id performance und die truurige songs sinds au würklich aber ich bi meh gnervt abem als ich freud han. meh. no ein song jetz aber glaub da git es zwei. wenns mis erste tom waits album wär gäbs zimli sicher e 3. aber etz hanis langsam gseh mit den guy.
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
Okazuje się, że lubię Toma Waitsa. Nie spodziewałabym się. Ale jest coś pięknego w jego rynsztokowych piosenkach i przeżartym głosie. Mrok, brud i smutek, który do mnie przemawia. On czołga się na kolanach, wywija w konwulsjach przy każdym utworze i ja to kupuję. Zaskakujące 9/10
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.
One of the most emotionally impactful albums I’ve heard so far, but I still haven’t gotten used to Waits’ voice.
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
Third Tom Waits album and slowly (albeit in reverse-chronological order) starting to appreciate what he does. It's bluesy and has real swagger. The most accessible of his records I've heard yet. Obviously his voice still stands out as abrasive and difficult, but I've somewhat got used to that now. He's not someone for whom I'm going to run out and buy the back catalogue but I don't mind knowing what he's actually all about now.
Aggressively boring, but not actually unpleasant. It made me feel like I was at a Christmas dinner where my chain-smoking uncle had gotten drunk and decided to adlib new lyrics to a Disney movie soundtrack. Some tracks were decent listening, but only decent. I couldn’t help but snicker at the line about the $15 prostitute, despite its intended seriousness. I didn’t actually dislike the vocals, they’re interesting and… fine, but the general vibe of the music is just quite boring and forgettable. I didn’t hate it, but it’s not for me.
Nope. Tried listening but I really do not like his voice.
Decent sound. Super unique, though I don’t like the raspy voice. Sounds Bluesy almost
his voice is a joke
Cooles Album, kannte ich noch nicht. Andere Waits Alben gefallen mir besser
It was fine, but I certainly wouldn't seek out more.Tom Waits
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!
Here's a Tom Waits album I've never listened too. All of Waits' 80s albums are pretty good and this is no exception. Its not quite as good as Rain Dogs or some of his other more classic albums but it has its own melancholic beauty. Favorite track: 'Til The Money Runs Out 3.5/5
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.
It's not bad, it's just that I've hit my lifetime quota of Tom Waits songs. Everyone has their own personal limit. There's nothing more to do here.
not bad, tiene swag, no es mucho mi rollo
I liked this one more than I wanted to admit. One of the few albums I have come back to in this list so far.
I like Tom Waits. I like his music. I like his lyrics. But I can't b hear them! Taking the P!
Alright, not his best album imo
Nice tunes but not really my style :)
Technically good I guess but not for me.
I love Tom but this isn't his best, not by a long shot. Luckily a mid Tom Waits album still beats 90% of anything else.
heart attack and vine- 6 in shade- 5 or 6 saving all my love for you- 5 or 6 downtown- 5 jersey girl- 5 or 6. so true til the money runs out- 5 or 6 on the dime- 5 mr siegal- 6 rubys arms- 5
I just can't with this guy. Mumble, grumble growl... I'm sure I'd love his songs if someone else sung them. But there are so many tracks on this album that just sound like Tom Waits doing a brutal parody of Tom Waits. It's painful.
I counted at least 3 separate prostitution references, so that was pretty solid. I feel similar to the last album of his on this list, unique voice obviously and interesting style but probably won’t come back to it.
3.4 I wouldnt turn it off but dont think I would put it on. But maybe at some point I will get into a Tom Waits deep dive and be totally enamored with everything he does. Until that point this was good listen
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
Emotional, raw, a bit dark. Not really my cup of tea but interesting. Good instrumentation.
Glad this project got me listening to more Tom Waits
Obviously we all know Tom Waits from his brilliant performance in Mystery Men, but I've never been a huge fan of Waits' music. So I was a surprised I liked this album as much as I did. Definitely above average. I had trouble with his voice at times, but this one is worth listening to.
Not my vibe but sounds very good!
I'm a Tom Waits fan, but come on. This is his fourth album on this list so far and I'm only halfway through. There are thousands of albums released every year. Having multiple albums from one artist means other artists are getting snubbed which annoys the shit out of me. This isn't even Tom's best.
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.
Итс окэй. Лучшая песня - Heartattack And Vine.
Good music. Some catchy, some not. Appreciate the blues-driven, soul-filled nature.
The only exposure I've had to Tom Waits is his guest appearance on Tommy the Cat by Primus. He sounds so much like Captain Beefheart Didn't like this. Saving All My Love For You and On the Nickel are pretty crap, they sound like the big tough guy showing that deep down he's a sensitive soul in a Disney film. Ruby's Arms was also goofy. For me his voice doesn't suit what is supposed to be these sentimental and emotional tracks, and while I was going to write that he should be doing crazy stuff, I initially like his voice on songs like 'Til the Money Runs Out but quickly get tired of it before it's even done. So maybe I don't actually like his voice as much as I thought Probably says a lot then that the instrumental In Shades was easily my favourite Highlights: In Shades
Tough at the start but grew on me
I'm certainly getting a taste for Tom Waits going through this list, I started hating him but really enjoyed this. Probably helps that it's a bit less experimental than some of the others I've had..Bone Machine was pretty hard going but this is jazzy, bluesy and has some really beautiful songs. I love the strings on Saving All My Love and Jersey Girl borders on being a singalong pop song, relative to Waits normal work. There's real emotion to his voice on this album which works well with the gruffness I guess I'm a Tom Waits convert now
Tom Waits is such an interesting act to have so many inclusions on this list. I really like his slower stuff and his more conversational stuff rather than his SUPER screamy stuff. and unfortunately there’s a lot of heavier screamy stuff in this one so i didn’t love it. but i didn’t hate it. he’s got a little springsteen in him (or vice versa)
Got nothing -didn't connect for me. Similar to the pogues style
Like a drunk at karaoke - not for me
I don’t know who I despise more vocally at this point. Tom Waits or Bob Dylan. I of course am not going to waste my time listening to either of their music to find out that answer.
Prijelazni waits. Meni sjajan. Naslovna stvar mi jedna od najdražih uopće
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.
Yeah no thanks. Sorry Tom.
Blues'y balleder, lidt tung stemning, men godt nok
3 stars. I didn't like the music personally except as it reminded me of Hadestown, but I did like the music that it inspired musically if that makes sense, the spotify soundalikes or whatever.
Wasn’t in the mood today, but the dive bar grime and sorrowful soul still landed. I know this one would wreck me on the right night.
01) Heartattack and Vine - 7,0 02) In Shades - 6,0 03) Saving All My Love for You - 6,0 04) Downtown - 5,5 05) Jersey Girl - 7,0 06) Til the Money Runs Out - 5,5 07) On the Nickel - 6,0 08) Mr. Siegal - 5,0 09) Ruby's Arms - 5,5 TOTAL: 5,94 (59/100) Current ranking: 407/511 His voice is really unbearable at times. The previous two albums got one star, this one might get one more.
hey did you guys know tom waits has a raspy voice? it doesn't seem like anyone noticed so i thought I'd point it out. it's good music. i was bored at times and I'm not likely to revisit it but i get it. it's polished, catchy, bluesy rock and he is who he is for a reason. i'm not really into the glass-of-whiskey-at-midnight-in-a-smokey-dive-bar vibe but it's enjoyable nonetheless, and i actually think his voice is what makes him stand out from the rest despite sometimes crossing the line into comically ridiculous. also, can someone explain to me what it means for a girl to look like a cadillac? thx. 3/5 tom waits for no man
Really easy to rag on his voice, and I plan to, but this is one of the best examples of how you don’t have to be a “good” vocalist to make great music. I am shocked by how much I love this album. I have listened to it five times today and I’ll probably do it again tomorrow. Great songs, he’s funny, he’s got great stories, impeccable chord progressions, really got it all. If you all hybrid theory me on this one I will cry.
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
As someone who married a Jersey Girl, never has it sounded so miserable to be with a Jersey Girl. Tom Waits just is not for me, Nighthawks at the Diner annoyed me and this bored me, take this gravely voiced nonsense somewhere far away from me.
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).
It’s funny, I like Tom Waits as an actor. His vignette and character in the Coen Brothers’ “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” is fantastic. His music, I don’t really care for and taking part in this list hasn’t changed my mind on the subject. I realized why that is today, it’s related to his acting. He’s clearly put on an act in his musical career (listen to his first few albums for a taste of Tom Waits before he put on his faux-grizzled hobo affectation) and as a result his music feels inauthentic. Within the confines of film, that affectation works, because as much as we willingly suspend disbelief while watching a film, we still know that the things we are watching are not “real”. His gravely voiced, boxcar hobo persona is a good fit for fiction, because that’s exactly what it is. When it’s put to music, I think it sucks. Speaking of putting on a character, there’s a song here, “Downtown”, that is really reminiscent of that McGruff the Crime Dog “Smart Kids” anti-drug album, at least in its vocal stylings (the song “Alcohol”, specifically). So yeah, do yourself a favor and check that out on YouTube - also the song “Cocaine & Crack” from that record - and next time you listen to Tom Waits, you won’t be able to listen without picturing McGruff the Crime Dog singing the songs - which is exactly how I made it through this record.
On The Nickel is a good example of why I can't help but like Tom Waits albums. There's a yearning and honesty in the delivery I almost don't know what to do with. I feel like he's a Christmas ghost telling me a story but it doesn't always work out just because it's Christmas, ya know? This isn't my favourite of his but I enjoy the listen.
Excited to see Tom Waits because whether I like it or not it's always interesting. That being said there is probably too much Tom Waits on the list overall. I might have had my hopes too high or I've heard too much parody of Tom Waits in my life. This whole album felt like a parody. Jersey Girl was the best track. He has too many albums on the list. The list could lose this one.
His voice is really not my favour but somehow fits better to the bluesy style on this album than on his albums from this list I had prior. Weak three stars and no heartattack for this. 2,5
Couldn't get past the muppet voice
Clear your throat, Tom.
The music was enjoyable, but his signature voice is an acquired taste for sure. That being said, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
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
Pretty weird stuff here, classic Tom but just ok
Hermoso. Devastador. No existe nadie como Tom Waits. Con su voz cruda, demoledora, que consigue raspar el alma, canta sus letras perfectas como nadie más en el mundo podría hacerlo. Las canciones de Waits solo pueden ser cantadas con esa voz, y serán siempre perfectas. Qué trancazo de disco.
Strange voice, but some good music, and songs.
Imagine waking up in the morning, excited to see what your daily album is. Only to find its another fucking Tom Waits album I've already suffered through 2 of his other albums - both a 1 star. I hate to say it but this album was slightly more bearable. The songs were ok! But his VOICE!!! Dreadful For that reason its getting a 2. But I will never be a Tom Waits fan 2 ⭐️
Music is not bad, but listening to his voice makes my throat hurt.
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
Jersey Girl live with Bruce: 100/10. Otherwise, this ain't my favourite Waits.
I loved this. It was sweeping and bold and poetic and beautiful. His voice carries emotion and i cant wait to listen to everything be has done
It is fine, but I like the other Tom Waits album I had before this better, the 'live' jazz album called live at nighthawks or something. Mid 3.
This guy makes me think of a muppet. It’s actually pretty ridiculous.
It has taken me quite awhile to appreciate Tom Waits and his voice. I get that it can be a hard listen, but his lyrics are worth it. Title track, Jersey Girl, On The Nickel and Ruby's Arms are so good.
cannot stand his voice
Total classic. I like this side of Tom Waits, more bluesy
Cover art ripoff from Think as a Brick? I dunno, this feels like exploratory work before he really found his best sound. Still love him tho
possibly the most annoying voice ever, painful listen.
I really like his voice
Apparently I'm a Tom Waits Fan.
I've never liked the dude's voice and have never understood the massive appeal. Some of the tunes are a little bit more low-key and bluesy, those ones aren't too bad but overall I'm not a fan
My first whole Tom Waits album - and its more accessible than I was expecting. Main impediments for me 1) I do not like his vocals 2) I don't really listen to lyrics (!) so his lyrical talents are wasted on me... and 3) I don't really care for plodding blues rock.... Notwithstanding the above I still enjoyed it. Doubt I will rush back - but its a solid 3.
Heartattack & Vine I completely forgot until today that I used to have this on CD. Not sure why, I think maybe I bought it for Jersey Girl. Heartattack and Vine is excellent. I love the dirty guitar and gutbucket feel, and how it evokes a seedy Los Angeles with the sax punctuating the straightforward instrumentation. Nice of him to pop in an instrumental. Even if it is a bit aimless it might have been nicer later on on the record for a bit of respite. Saving All My Love passes me by a bit, they jazzy balladry doesn’t really generate much excitement. Downtown is great though, the organ and descending momentum is nice. And Jersey Girl is of course great, a solid bit of bluesy pop yearning. Til The Money Runs Out carries a hint of Shakin’ All Over but is a decent track. On The Nickel is the best ballad, it does have more than a smidge of Randy Newman taken to extremes, but the melody and tenderness is rather sweet. Mr Siegel is a pretty forgettable track, in the same vein as but, not as good as Downtown or Heartattack and Vine. And Ruby’s Arms has some nice moments, the horn intro is good and it has a bit of Fairytale of New York, but it is also a bit forgettable. I like Tom Waits and I like his voice, but the songs on this are a bit of a mixed bag. The good tracks are very good (Heartattack and Vine, Downtown, Jersey Girl and On the Nickel), but the rest are inferior versions of those tracks and not particularly interesting, making it a 3. 💓💓💓 Playlist submission: Jersey Girl is great, but I’ll Heartattack and Vine
The voice sounds like he's gargled glass; it's fully understandable why Tom Waits is an acquired taste. I just want to tell him to clear his ruddy throat. I feel he may have grown into the voice with age, and his aged baritone on the later album 'Bone Machine' gives it some more gravelly weight. A couple of enjoyable tunes here but the result for me is a bit Emperor's New Clothes. I can't see the attraction from this album alone - and I still await my Waits epiphany.
Voice is not for me
grossartiges, bluesiges album mit tollen songs (On The Nickel, Jersey Girl). und einer stimme die einzigartig ist .. oder an Nick Cave erinnert. wer war zuerst?! 🤔 so oder so einfach toll!
Unverwechselbare Stimme, vielseitige Lieder. Aber nicht so meins.
gritty and delightful
Jersey girls good but I feel like I’m getting yelled at in every song
Wouldn’t be mad if I never heard this again
Not my thing at all
I mean... That was a thing I listened to. Not necessarily bad. But that voice is a high hurdle to clear. Don't think I'm there yet.
I don't think the music is terribly bad or anything, but Tom Waits voice just isn't for me. On a track like Downtown that's bluesy, it works for me. On others like Saving All My Love For You or Til The Money Runs Out or On The Nickel, it doesn't. Jersey Girl is another one where it sounds like he's doing a bad Bruce Springsteen impression. In Shades feels weirdly misplaced. There were more lowlights than highlights in this one and I landed on giving it 2.5 stars. I'll bump it to a low 3 since the music itself was good.
Off to a better start than expected. Heartattack and Vine was a solid intro and In Shades is dripped out in a nice drawn out jazzy tone. Could just be the overt references to NJ, but Jersey Girl reminds me of a Springsteen song in the worst sort of way. Yeah really this has been a turn for the worse.. really not feeling On The Nickel -- sounds like a grandfather bending down to pick something up while yelling at his grandchildren. For me this was an up and down record -- I enjoyed some of the earlier tracks that leaned into a jazzy vibe, but hated the more drawn out balladry. End result is a very high 2 to my ears.
It's like a bad Randy Newman.
Ah yes our good ol friend Tom Waits. It has been almost a year since our last time getting one of his albums and I specifically said I think we have had enough of him. From the get go this statement still holds true. I feel like my ears are now wet from the amount that he was spitting into the mic. Instruments good, singing bad
Tom Waits has such a distinct voice I feel like I could hear a song by his and instantly know it's him after this. For me personally it really works in small doses (Heartattack and Vine, Downtown), but also seems kinda satirical at other points (Saving All My Love For You, On The Nickel). Points for mentioning Chartreuse in 'Til the Money Runs Out. Very low 3, as are all of Tom Waits albums.
Pretty boring
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)
Boring. Not a fan of the vocals. Was glad when it ended.
This was boring, the instrumental was not needed, and my main problem was that he was saving all his love for somebody yet spent 15 dollars on a prostitute
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.
1. I'd hate to be the tech who has to clean this guy's microphone. Gross. I get the same feelings listening to this song as I get listening to something chewing with their mouth open 2. Not bad at all 3. Is he putting us on with this voice? Like this is serious? 4. Better vocals, for sure. Like not good or anything, but the bar is pretty low after the last song 5. Ok, so this guy would probably be alright as an instrumental act. Or would definitely benefit from someone who doesn't have such a distractingly tragic voice 6. Let's start a men's barbershop quartet with this guy, Lou Reed, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan. If we're to pretend bad singing is what makes something like this album great, let's go all in 7. Badbadnotgood is a way to describe this using the name of a band that is good. "Fucking awful" is another way 8. I think his voice actually works quite well with this blues-style song. Enjoyable 9. This kind of reminds me of a bad Springsteen impersonator. And let's be real, Bruce doesn't have the best voice either
Feels a bit forced, and kind of like show tunes…interesting but not great
Love Tom waits. This was great, groovy and little less intense as the albums unusually listen to.
I absolutely adore Tom Waits. He's written some of my favorite songs of all time, but I'd never heard anything from this album (which may make me a fake fan). Sometimes his songs can be unlistenable though and abrasive. This album was a good happy medium between his raspy abrasive voice and listenable melodies. It's not my favorite Waits album, but it was definitely enjoyable and I could see myself listening to it on my own.
Definitely Tom Waits. A little more musical than some of his stuff, but not as interesting.
This is the most approachable Waits album I have heard yet!
Ugh
Not a huge Tom Waits fan.
Not my personal favorite Tom Waits album, but even the worst Tom Waits is better than most artists' best.
Man, this was great. Waits is a poet who can show you so much beauty in a world so full of grit and grime. When you really listen to what he's singing about, you realize there's no better voice for it.
Not my fave. 2/5
Not sure how to characterize. It’s Bluesky rock of no particular distinction
I can imagine not everyone likes his voice or his way of singing, but I love it. Favorite song: Jersey Girl
Say it, don't spray it. 2.6.
I feel like I need to listen to this more to fully get it. Personal enjoyment: 3/5 Relevance to this list: 3/5
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.
I enjoyed it.
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.
A transitional album for Tom. One foot in his Asylum Era and another foot exploring the sounds that will come next in his Island years. It’s not my favorite of his, but it’s still a good listen - especially through the lens of an artist who is on the verge of redefining themselves.
The first couple tunes were straight blues, and not my thing. Got much better after that, and overall really enjoyable.
It’s poetic and blusey. Light and dark. The only consistent thing is the odd vocals. Vocals that range from droopy dog sounding to smoked too many cigs range . I knew what I was getting into with this album. This is the kind of emotion I feel like Leonard Cohen needed to liven up his albums. I really can’t say much about this album. I didn’t hate it. I grew tired of it about 3/4 of the way through it but I’m not turned off in any way. I won’t go out of my way to listen to another Waits album but if the feeling is right, I could wander back. Choice cut: Jersey Girl
A great album about life's seedy underbelly.
It was... Interesting. Tom Waits has an interesting soulful wail to his voice. It's not something I would normally listen to, but I'm more likely to check out his other work now.
don't like his voice
The highs are really high in this, and the lows are very, very low. It's not for everyone and it probably isn't for me? Best Song: Mr. Siegal Rating: 6.5/10 3 Stars
Genuinely shocked to see as many 5s for this as there are. Way too dark, gravely, somber and just not pleasant overall. Few groovy riffs in there but his voice is just annoying.
God Tom Waits is just terrible! Why did you insist on having so many of his shitty albums on the list Rob? Just bad and gross.
Have never taken the dive into Tom Waits. Would listen to some more in the future. Music was good. Kind of a cross between the Pogues and at times at not as talented Louis Armstrong. Cant tell if that’s just his voice or he is trying way too hard
Tom is a great storyteller, and I love his raspy, whiskey soaked vocals combined with his traditional, bluesy, piano vibe.
2,7
I am not usually this visceral about a person's voice. That was brutal.
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.
I’m actually not familiar with Tom Waits. Not a fan at all so far… So I understand when someone has a growly voice. What I don’t understand is why one would take up singing. Anytime Waits started yelling lyrics I couldn’t understand what he was saying. The last two songs weren’t so bad IMO. There weren’t many times he tried yelling. Every other song was grating to me though. There were times I had to lower the volume. Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’ comes to mind. Spectacular lyrics, but he also never tries yelling anything in that song. He keeps it nice and steady. Doesn’t go overboard. If there’s more albums by Waits on this list, then I hope they are easier to listen to for me…
Weird and crass and very human. Certainly not as good Swordfishtrombones, but I enjoyed it and respect the artistry.
This is an OK album, even though I dont love tom waits. Great lyrics and good composition, but its all very tom waits-y at the end of the day. 3/5
An excellent example of a singer/songwriter’s creativity.
As a man man enjoyer it was great to hear this
The Good: We’re given directions to the party! The Bad: Google Maps did not find the intersection… The Ugly: Me having to drink all the booze by myself, while wearing red pants, silver sparkle boots, and a ripped shirt Though there might be more, I will always stop and do my best to pay attention to any lyrics Tom Waits writes down… to them wonder what the hell he is on about! What an album! Every tune has it’s own little thing, except for track 2, being what it is. But I won’t let that track ruin the album’s rating at all. To those who can’t stand Tom’s voice; I feel sorry for you, as he’s really capable of invoking all levels of feelings. My favorite song “On The Nickle” will NOT make it to my 1001 playlist though, as I have decided to add Mr Siegal instead… who almost lost it against Downtown. So, here’s to Tom making my life better!!! 5*
No.
Tom Waits has really grown on me but this album is no Rain Dogs
Tom Waits - You may love him, or not. I'm from the second group
Awesome!
I will never become the biggest Tom waits fan but this was not bad.
S rating
WELL I'M IN LOOOOOVE WITH A JERRRSEEEYYY GIIIIIRRRLLLL
3.5
A did not listen for me. Couldn't get through the first song.
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 hated this one slightly less than the previous Tom Waits album.
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.
Started off strong, and became kinda forgettable by the end.
Good, but not my favorite Waits album.
2,5
I tried, but I gave up at track 5. It's like listening to the drunk guy at karaoke who won't stop singing.
More Tom Waits, barely heard of the guy a couple of years ago and now I've been through half his discography. This was definitely the most straightforward of the albums we've had, he has a good gravelly voice for blues rock but found it dull mostly, was waiting for the mask to slip and for everything to start getting weird. I don't particularly like him when he's odd, or when he's playing it straight. Think I just don't particularly like Tom Waits.
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
I think (I hope) this is my last of the Tom Waits albums on the list. I'll admit I found this one the most bearable. I think it's because there's a track where he doesn't sing and that I've nailed the stupid impression I do of him when he does.
Few bangers but few huge misses too.
Toy Story music
I think started off strong but then got too same samey throughout and I got a bit bored! Usually I fuck w this kinda music though
Liked it when he wasn’t singing. Honky tonk vibes may get better w time ?
not for me.
Didn’t enjoy most of it but thought Jersey Girl was a great track. Hard album cover Best song: Jersey Girl
Feel like I should either be riding a horse or in a dimly lit, smoke-filled whiskey bar. How many packs a day Tom?
This was my first time listening to any of these songs, and this artist. I listened to the first 3 songs of the album driving, then the rest of it doing squats at the gym. I wasn't expecting his voice, but I thought it was nice. My favourite song was the second on the album 'In Shades', as it felt pretty immersive. Overall I thought it was okay. I didn't add any songs to any playlists, and not sure I will listen to it again. I think I need to get better at listening to albums as I was too hyperaware that I needed to think about how it was making me feel.
Tom Waits? More like Sol waits for a good fucking song❗️❗️
A couple of songs that would work well with a different singer but largely a bunch of songs about a world for which I have no affection sung by a bloke who sounds like he's taking the piss out of Springsteen
This singing is unbearable for me to listen to.
LP
Tom Waits is an interesting artist, I enjoy his gravelly voice and lyrical pictures, but I don't want it in big doses. This was a good-sized package, and I enjoyed "Downtown" quite a bit.
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.
So cool!
Some good moments
i love thomas
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.
He sounds like a cave troll, I can't understand a single word. Not that I need to to enjoy music, but damn, boring.
Very distinct voice and sound. The album grew on me.
Marmite. Decent lyrics at times, but I just find the music incredibly plodding. Prefer the love ballads, but could do without the vagrant -coughing-up-sputum-into-a-gutter vibe.
Der Typ mit der rauen Stimme. Musik ist recht gut.
Another record with obnoxious vocals that really annoyed me. The one song I enjoyed from this record was an instrumental.
A masterpiece.
The man is a genius. I find something else to nail my heart to in every record. Listen to the music and it hits you. Disregard the playing and view it as poetry and you have a winner. Put the two together ....
I don’t drink enough to put this on regular rotation. But it’s clearly good, well written and uniquely performed. 3/5
Started strong but faded out in the second half. I'm waiting for something to top Nighthawks At The Diner but I think that's not going to happen. Still decent though.
After recently reviewing a number of extremely long entries, I was relieved to see that this had only 9-tracks of mostly reasonable lengths. Unfortunately, it FELT just as long as those double albums. Seriously. This POS shouldn't even exist, let alone be on ANY requisite listening list.
I was apprehensive at first, but slowly got into this. So many red flags from the first track screaming “DANGER: this is not something you will like”. But then it lingered. His vocals that originally sounded tortured spinned into something very harmonic and peaceful. The melody seemed boring, but then became exciting. I’m surprised with the rating I’m giving it, but I’m happy I found this.
Decent.
Another artist I need to spend more time with. My knowledge and experience is limited.
Waits hasn't become weird yet. He's slowly emerging from his drunken ballader phase and becoming more bluesy and jazzy. The bar flies are still hanging around him - he hasn't climbed completely out of the gutter yet and headed underground but the clues about his next steps are scattered here. Best Tracks: Heartattack and Vine; Jersey Girl; Mr. Siegal
Pretty good.
His voice is awesome and intriguing.
I forgot he had that goofy, muppety voice.
At times I enjoyed this album, but his voice - I just couldn’t get used to it.
I like Tom Waits, but this is just a bit bluesier than I like. Still good, though.
Another Tim Waits album I quite like. None of that barking at the moon or a band made of a bone machine. Decent
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
if there's one thing you can't say about tom waits it's that he makes boring music. is his voice beyond rough around the edges? yes. does he have a kind of zany approach to the lounge music aesthetic? yes. but I think that's what makes his music great and truly him. the highlight here is 'jersey girl's but I really enjoyed everything on here. tom waits is singular, 1 of 1, and that's what makes this album special.
I honestly don’t know how I feel about this album.
Not bad!
4/12/24 It was an interesting listen, I appreciate the creativity.
not my taste..
No notes
44 minutes in a dive bar.
Jesus Christ Tom. What a shite voice. Who's actually putting this album on at home by choice. It's like a rambling drunk guy stumbled on to the mic at some seedy underground wanky cocktail bar and everyone is too polite to kick him out. Almost gave it a 2* because the backing music wasn't that terrible but I even skipped the instrument track after about 3/4 of the way through so even that's severely lacking.
Better than some of the other Tom Waits I've had. Still not a fan.
Actually liked it. Have to be in the mood though.
Man needs to clear his throat. Can't listen to more than 20 seconds.
Different… raspy, smokers voice.
Not the best Waits album, but still seedy and dark and sweetly woeful. Agree with other reviewers’ assessment that the sequencing is flawed.
Favorite Track: In Shades
Good album not quite for me.
I'd enjoyed Rain Dogs a lot earlier in the project, but was a bit underwhelmed by this more straightforward blues album. Jersey Girl is a Springsteen staple, so it was good to hear the original. But I do prefer quirkier Tom. I thought On The Nickel was the stand-out, and liked Ruby's Arms.
Preferred Rain Dogs, not gonna lie
Clear. Your. Damn. Throat. I don't get the fanboys for Tom Waits. To me, he sounds like a muppet who's character trait is the stereotype of what a blues singer sounds like. I cannot stand the gag inducing phlegm that is dancing around this man's vocal cords.
I liked every other track. The bluesier songs were great and work with TW’s unique voice. The slower songs were painful. This I such a mixed bag. I guess a 3. Favorites: Mr. Siegal Heartattack and Vine
True classic 5 star at least
I get tired of this schtick very quickly
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
Geht so.
All I know about Tom Waits is that he has a crazy voice, never actually listened to his music before. It's honestly kind of hard to listen to, the amount of gravel in his voice is absurd, I know that's his whole schtick but I don't know if it's for me. The actual songs are pretty classic blues based which I didn't really expect, definitely not bad. I feel like the lyrics are actually really good and the songwriting is pretty good, but man I just cannot stand his voice, he sings like he's making fun of someone else's singing. Yeah this was a rough listen in the morning.
Why'd he sound like Beetlejuice
## 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 can take the voice of Captain Beefheart, Geddy Lee and Leonard Cohen, but Tom Waits doesn't really gel with me. It's a bit too much and distracts from his lyrics. Instrumentation is quite nice if a bit too slow for my taste.
I can't get into this one. The vocals are really not doing it for me.
I wish he'd just have a good cough.
Qui à laissé l’ivrogne rentrer dans le studio d’enregistrement?
4.5/10
I really like the music but Waits' singing not so much
meh
Musically and lyrically, this is quite good. The problem is when he opens his mouth and sings. WTF?? Sorry folks, but that voice killed this for me.
Voice got grating VERY QUICK
Shocker.
Nope
Absolutely loved it, which surprised me as this isn't usually my thing. Listened to it twice infact. Great stuff
i was not expecting tom waits to sound like cookie monster