Reviews (page 5 of 8)
in the most deeply complimentary way; portions of this sound like the background music to an old point and click video game where you're playing a gumshoe and slowly cracking a case in the middle of a long summer in your city. (in shades in particular) i actually really enjoyed this album and would come back to it but i suffer from can't handle listening to slow music disease.
I liked some of it, the parts that had a really nice blues feel. There were definitely a few weaker tracks though. This is the 3rd or 4th of his albums that I've heard via this site, and I have been pleasantly surprised how much I've enjoyed them on the whole.
not my favourite Tom Waits, but there is still some great stuff
Why is it that I am unable to get special albums to celebrate 100-album milestones? Nothing I've gotten as a 100-album milestone has been above a 4/5, my 500th album didn't even have a Wikipedia article, and now my 700th album is from an artist that I've already gotten 4 times in the past! I don't get it! You know what I do get though? Tom Waits. I didn't understand the appeal the first time, but over the course of the other 4 albums he has on the list, I've become somewhat of a fan. Not a huge fan, but a fan. However, I don't really think he needs 5 albums on the list, and Heartattack and Vine might just be the most cuttable of the 5. It's either that or Nighthawks at the Diner, though I do like Heartattack and Vine quite a bit more. It's not bad at all, but compared to something like Rain Dogs or Bone Machine, it's nothing special. It's a good Tom Waits album and that's about it. Of course, if you're like me and you like Tom Waits, then that's not a bad thing. The things that make him stand out as an artist are still here. His voice is as... unique as ever. His songwriting is still strong. I will say that this album is a bit of a transitional album between the earlier jazz-focused days of the 70s and the more experimental albums that he makes starting in the 80s. This is definitely still the guy who will go on to make Rain Dogs, but he's not quite at that point yet. I also feel that none of these songs get quite as good as the best songs on the later albums. "Jersey Girl" gets pretty close, but there's nothing on the level of "Goin' Out West" or "Jockey Full of Bourbon," so that kind of brings the album down a bit at large. Still, there's nothing particularly wrong with Heartattack and Vine, but it's not Tom Waits at his peak. High 3/5.
estuvo bueno pero no lo escucharía denuevo
Maybe I am being generous here, but compared to the other Tom Waits albums I have had to sit through, this one was actually okay. It is still rough around the edges, but it feels a little more grounded than some of his more out-there stuff. The title track is a gritty opener that sets the mood right away, and there are moments where Waits’s gravelly delivery works with the material instead of overwhelming it. A few songs stumble into rambling territory, but at least there is some consistency in tone that makes the album easier to follow. Overall, it is not something I would play often, but it was a decent listen. For a Tom Waits record, that is saying something.
Interessante zang stem heeft Tom daar zeg. Op het eerste nummer althans, het tweede nummer is een lekker instrumentaal blues nummer wat ik een stuk beter trek. Zo'n lekkere jankende gitaar en piano. Dat is precies wat ik me voorstel bij Blues eerlijk gezegd. Ik weet het niet zo goed met de Tommert. Het voelt allemaal een klein beetje alsof ik in de zeik word genomen? Met het zwaar overdreven zingen enzo. Dit klinkt bij tijden alsof je oom net ff een paar drankjes te veel op heeft en besluit dat hij Elvis is ofzoiets. Hij spuugt sommige woorden gewoon echt uit, het draagt wel echt bij aan de sfeer op het hele album. Haha ik weet niet, vond het eerst echt helemaal niets maar hoe langer het album duurt hoe vetter ik het ook vind? Dit is gewoon echt blues, denk ik althans. Maar er zitten ook best wel wat Jazz invloeden bij en die waardeer ik echt hard. Maar ballads? Zoals Ruby's Arms? Dat moet ie gewoon echt niet doen. Pfoe, dan word weer duidelijk waarom ik zn zang soms echt slecht trek. Alles bij elkaar? Het was een vermakelijk album, maar niet heel veel meer dan dat. Jersey Girl is echt een mooi en vet nummer, en instrumentaal is het echt wel gaaf, maar Tom die als een dronken oom overal doorheen jankt? Het is een acquired taste laten we maar zeggen. FAVO: In Shades, Jersey Girl, Mr Seigal
I sincerely wish I could get past his voice, because everything beside that is pretty great. His voice even works in a couple of the slower bluesy songs, but then it absolutely doesn’t work in the ballady songs.
Kind of like a house. Good bones. I would repaint some of the rooms personally.
Rock, 1980 -> 3
Honestly I like this era of Tom Waits, like the slow blues jazz influences with this. His voice suits this style really well and makes it set the scene well.
Respect for whatever weird bit he's going for
It was interesting and unexpected. I wasn't familiar with Tom Waits, but I think I've heard parodies of him.
Lots of Tom Waits representation on this 1001 list. I think this is the 3rd album of his on this list. While its excellent, I'm sure there is still atleast 1 or 2 more on this list since they are even more acclaimed.
Try as I might, I’m just not as into Tom Waits as I feel like I should be.
Never listened to before, but enjoyed his distinctive melancholy style
Either I'm warming up to his style or this one actually wasn't as bad as his others...
Ok bakgrunnsstøy
I like his baritone in spurts, but it gets a little tiresome after a while.
Another difficult album to rate as his voice is harsh. It works on some, others not as much. Ballads seem to work better oddly(?).
Wow. There's this whole other universe existing that I had no clue of. It's the Tom Waits universe.
Still don’t really like tom waits
Not one of his best works but still really enjoyable, title track really works well. There's many songs that are a little boring but this album is still good.
I liked this, but not as much as Nighthawks At The Diner or Rain Dogs. Some Tom Waits records I adore and some I think are just pretty good. This is one of the latter.
6/10…blues / singer songwriter
Tom Waits. He's just a bluesman. That's all he's doing here. That's fine. His reputation is a carnival gruff goat raspy roar from him, and this is simply blues. Great! No complaints! And the inspiration is on his sleeve. Swaying, smoking, drinking, clinking. I can picture it all.
Ein raues, urbanes Album mit Blues- und Rockeinflüssen. Mal wild, mal sanft – nicht ganz rund, aber markant. Ein Wechselbad zwischen Genuss und Sperrigkeit.
En duet med sin egen grimme stemme er imponerende! Jeg var godt underholdt med det er bare ikke en Bone Machine det her.
I haven’t really listened to Tom Waits outside of A Little Drop Of Poison which is in Shrek 2. His voice is certainly unique and musically it all sounds great, I think I just sick of his voice a while.
I used to sing in a voice similar to this to annoy my girlfriend. Never realized I was doing a Tom Waits impression. I didn't hate it entirely. Overall, I'm a blues fan, but for some of the songs, his voice was just too much, like someone getting plastered and doing Louis Armstrong karaoke.
Tom Waits
𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘦 is a gritty, blues-soaked album with a rough, growling voice at its center. The uptempo tracks have a raw energy, but it’s the 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗱𝘀 where the music truly shines. Songs like 𝘖𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘭 and 𝘑𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘺 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭 bring a surprising depth and tenderness that cut through the grime. While the overall sound can feel repetitive and the gruff vocals may not be for everyone, the slower, emotional moments reveal a powerful storyteller beneath the whiskey-soaked surface. A solid listen, especially when the volume comes down and the heart takes over.
Such a variety of music with a voice I oddly love!
Pretty good
I like Tom Waits, but I'm not sure he has this many albums that I must listen to before I die.
Caleb asked if this was Louis Armstrong which is fitting. Okay album!
I love when Tom Waits sings, and I'm ambivalent or negative about when he growls his songs. This album tends toward the singing end of the spectrum, which is good. The choruses (outside of Jersey Girl) are a bit underwhelming, though. I'd give 3.5 if I could, but I'm sticking to my round-down policy.
Funky blues, gritty voice
He has a very powerful voice and tells great stories, the lyrics are funny and original too. Unfortunately this just isn't my type of music but I can appreciate it
His voice makes it a bit hard for me to listen to, but the songs are well constructed. I feel like if I saw him live, I'd feel a lot more positively about it.
The songwriting is there but the voice just grates
Typical Tom Waits. Excellent production, music, and song writing. Questionable singing.
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?
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.
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
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.
He sounds like a bullfrog getting strangled but I don’t always hate it.
Interesting mix between beatnik jazz, funk, soul, and ballads all with Waits signature ragged crooning
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
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
Another solid one from Tom, 3.5 stars
One of the most emotionally impactful albums I’ve heard so far, but I still haven’t gotten used to Waits’ voice.
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.
Decent sound. Super unique, though I don’t like the raspy voice. Sounds Bluesy almost
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
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.
Alright, not his best album imo
Nice tunes but not really my style :)
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 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
Emotional, raw, a bit dark. Not really my cup of tea but interesting. Good instrumentation.
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.
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.
Итс окэй. Лучшая песня - Heartattack And Vine.
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)
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.
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.
Music is not bad, but listening to his voice makes my throat hurt.
Jersey Girl live with Bruce: 100/10. Otherwise, this ain't my favourite Waits.
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.
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
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.
gritty and delightful
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.
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
Feels a bit forced, and kind of like show tunes…interesting but not great
Definitely Tom Waits. A little more musical than some of his stuff, but not as interesting.
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
I enjoyed it.
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.
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
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.
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
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
2,7
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
Tom Waits has really grown on me but this album is no Rain Dogs
I will never become the biggest Tom waits fan but this was not bad.
3.5
Started off strong, and became kinda forgettable by the end.
Good, but not my favorite Waits album.
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.
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
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.
Some good moments
i love thomas
Very distinct voice and sound. The album grew on me.
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.
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
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
I honestly don’t know how I feel about this album.
Not bad!
Better than some of the other Tom Waits I've had. Still not a fan.
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
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
Qui à laissé l’ivrogne rentrer dans le studio d’enregistrement?
i was not expecting tom waits to sound like cookie monster
I find it hard to believe this is Tom Waits' best album. I've never got into Tom Waits. The gravelly voice, down at heel, bourbon and blues thing always seemed like an act to me. But I've heard some great tracks here and there and I'm prepared to get into it. Unfortunately, this wasn't the album to win me over. It was alright. But if anything, it makes me think I should check out his other albums and find the good stuff.
Gravel voiced king does it again…
Bonus points for including the lyrics "Lair liar with your pants on fire"
There's two kinds of songs on this album. Rough, rasp, dirty powerful ones, and sugarsweet love ballads. And one entirely instrumental track. It's clear to hear that this is a Tom Waits that's in the middle of a transition to a different style Standouts Jersey Girl On The Nickel Mr. Siegal 4/5
Better than the other circusy album with him i got. his voice get kinda annoying. The album kinda feels like 4D experience of sitting in a small bar. it kinda feels like his spit is reaching you through the earphones and you can feel the smell of his cologne with the hint of his previous meal. You can almost imagine the regular sleeping on the bar and couple random cast of people coming and going... so yeah, that's kind of a unique experience. I like the music and i'm kinda used to the voice so not that bad at least for just 45 min.
A album that catches waits in a transition - a couple of years later swordfish trombone is released and the rest is history. This album has a couple of my favourite Tom waits songs- jersey girl and rubys arms. Overall not one of my favourites but any tom waits album always has some gems.
Always down to drink and wallow with Tom Waits, but I'll save some stars for what I know is yet to come.
# Album Name: Heartattack and Vine # Artist: Tom Waits # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: I like his style of vocals and music. But its definitely more "background music in a whiskey bar" vibe. Overall not bad but its not something i would listen to often. Its just not my style for a regular listen. I would need a certain vibe. Like the whiskey bar. # Top Tunes: DownTown # Would I listen to it again? Maybe.
good
very odd album that is surprisingly a good listen
Some of the worst singing you’ve ever heard followed by a really touching ballad with outstanding orchestration - over and over again. He’s obviously really talented but so many musical decisions I will never understand… it’s good I guess?
Not the Tom Waits catalog selection I would have went with. Tom is an acquired taste but still some very good songs here
The final album of what I think of as Tom Waits' transitory phase. Long gone are the clean, jazzy ballads of Closing Time and The Heart of Saturday Night. Instead we have Waits' bluesy riffage and guttural delivery of abstract poetry. There's a lot of experimentation here, in fact. After this album, Waits' would co-write the soundtrack to the Francis Ford Coppola movie One From the Heart. During this time he met his future wife, Kathleen Brennan, who encouraged Waits to pursue his vision of a more experimental and eclectic sound, leading a slew of classics including Swordfishtrombones, Rain Dogs, and Bone Machine.
Tom Waits is always cooking. Some parts hit. Other parts don't.
3 Stars (8/15)
3.9
Not my favorite Tom Waits album, but still some decent growly raspy stuff. Some great lyrics. Jersey girl was the highlight
I liked it at first, but as it went on longer and longer, I found myself wanting it to end. There was a lot I liked about it, but not something I'll rush to listen to again.
I liked some of it but i really don’t like ballads.
🎧Can’t see myself ever revisiting this but I sort of understand the charm of Waits’ growling, almost gargling, sad drunk bastard with a glimmer in his eye brand of BS. Made me laugh.
bom
I’ve tried to listen to Waits a number of times over the years. Always something about him that I don’t get. This didn’t really change that but I liked most of the songs that aren’t ballads. 3.07
wow I liked this Tom Waits more than I have liked the other Tom Waits
This might be Waits at his most accessible. There’s such a strong bluesy undercurrent here that compliments his unique voice and almost elevates it. The ballads are a bit rougher on the ears, but there’s an earnestness to be admired.
I think I’m getting Tom Waits fatigue but Jersey Girl is an amazing song
Did anyone request more Waits? The answer is no.
I liked this album better than Rain Dogs, but it's still an acquired taste. Some people really love Tom Waits, I guess I am just not one of them. However -- Tom Waits while Jeremy IIrons and Ben Folds.
Not bad but far from being one of his best, not even one of his best from his beatnick era. So why this one in particular is included here is baffling.
This is the most ridiculous voice I've heard. Favourite Songs: Heartattack and Vine, Jersey Girl, On the Nickel. Least Favourite Songs: Saving All My Love for You, Mr. Siegal.
Dit hele album lijkt in het leven om de ruwe stem van Tom te etaleren. Dat leidt soms tot flink overdreven stukken, soms wat aanstellerige stukken. Af en toe is het net even wat meer ingehouden, en dat zijn de fijnste passages. Niet mijn kopje thee dus. Toch is het wel knap dat je als zanger overeind blijft met zulke geluiden uit je keel. Laat ik het naar boven afronden naar een 3 en dan voorlopig gewoon even bij Tom uit de buurt blijven. O...sh*t.
Heartattack and Vine is the seventh studio album by Tom Waits, originally released in 1980. This list has been trying relentlessly to get me into Tom Waits. I get that he's a talented songwriter and arranger. His voice and overall vocal delivery just puts me off most of the time. This record was one of his better ones that I've listened to. I think he does blues pretty well. It's kinda like the Captain Beefheart/Howlin' Wolf blues vibes. A lot of the lyrics are pretty dark and depressing, which is expected from Tom Waits. I was surprised this was released on Asylum Records. This seems a bit "out there" for them.
abrasive vocals, but intriguing
Hmmm. Putting music to Burkowsky.. All singing does not have to be about a beautiful and trainer singing voice. Tom Waits proves it here.. nice album
A couple Tom Waits gems cushioned by generic blues
Heart Attack and Vine - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ In Shades - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Saving All My Love For You - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Downtown - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jersey Girl - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Til The Money Runs Out - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ On the Nickel - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mr. Siegal - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ruby's Arms - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Total - 32/45 Percentage - 71% Rating - 3.55
Never been a Tom Waits fan, but I get it a bit more after listening to this. Interesting to hear “Jersey Girl” and realizing that it likely served as inspiration for Springsteen’s “Atlantic city.”
After listening to multiple Tom Waits albums on this challenge, I can honestly say I'm not a big. I do like his bluesy songs and some of his ballads. Aside from that, I could go on with the rest of my life not listening to his albums.
Not one of my favourite Waits albums, but still a good listen. From the haunting melodies of Closing Time to the aggression and weirdness of Bone Machine and Dark Rider, I am down for some Waits any time.
Don’t like this one as much as bone machine. Rating: 3.2
Crazy vocal range, some tracks little boring
Okay
The fifth album by Tom Waits I've gotten. At this point, I'm use to his crazy sound and actually kinda like him
It was OK
One of those records where I couldn't care mire. Some good moments , a bearable voice and some equally bad moments. Could have done without hearing it but I also don't regret hearing it.
I love the voice of Tom, but this album is definitely not his best work. Jersey Girl is a standout.
Hm, had dan liever Closing Time gehad in plaats van dit. 2.9*
Loved the rough texture of the vocals.
2/8, 25%
I liked the music, I didn't like the singer's voice
Objectively good but not really my kind of thing
Tom Waits is definitely the only kid who made a weird face in their school photo. But this was a bit better than his other stuff I've heard on here, it's actually listenable and tuneful in places, for one.
I guess Jon Bon Jovi is a big fan.
Comienza Tom Waits este disco con toda una declaración de intenciones en la homónima "Heartattack and Vine". No sólo por su gutural voz, ya totalmente quebrada, fraseando los versos como hacían los cantantes de jazz, sino por el R&B primario mezclado con clásico blues "gut bucket". Todo en una canción que, además, concentra el contenido de su visión de un mundo amenazante. Por su letra defilan los habitantes del lado oscuro de la vida y un pesimismo vital que le llega a preguntarse: "¿No sabes que no hay diablo, solo está Dios cuando está borracho?". En "Downtown" el estilo vira hacia una mezcla más con el funk, para hacernos una descripción sórdida de la ciudad, un mundo donde se puede pasar del sueño a la pesadilla inadvertidamente. Me gusta especialmente las baladas "Jersey Girl" (versionada más tarde por Springsteen) y "Ruby's Arms".
6/10.
While I have the utmost respect for Tom Waits and love many of his songs, I had a hard time listening to this album! Maybe the day wasn't the best, but I wasn't helped by the cacophony and experimentalism it contains. So only 3 stars. Sorry, Tom ;-)
This is my third Tom Waits album to review, but it's been a little over 200 albums since my last one by him. I loved Rain Dogs and enjoyed Bone Machine, so I was happy to get the chance to go down another gravely-voiced road with Mr. Waits. Even though this album has some absolute gems in "On The Nickel" and "Jersey Girl," this has been my least favorite Tom Waits album so far. Aside from the two aforementioned songs, I found the rest of the musical arrangements to be pretty good. I enjoyed the strings on "Saving All My Love For You" and "Ruby's Arms", and the gritty sound of the title track and "Downtown" complimented the lyrics really well. I wasn't that big a fan of the rest of the songs on the album. Now to discuss the best parts of the album. I loved the softer crooning of "Jersey Girl," complimented by the strings that ebbed and flowed in intensity. The minimal percussion was great too, and I think I heard a little bit of Hammond organ as well, which I really liked. The lyrics on this song were fantastic as well, and Tom's voice carried such a great sense of love and longing. The best part of this album though has to be "On The Nickel." The strings comprise a beautiful lullaby sound, and the piano compliments them nicely. The sound of this song is so soft and gentle, which contrasts starkly with the lyrics. To me, this song discusses the fact that everyone who winds up homeless or drug addicted or in jail, starts their life off as a child at some point. I'm reminded of a line from Bright Eyes' "Road To Joy": "no one ever plans to sleep out in the gutter, sometimes that's just the most comfortable place." No one chooses a life of hardship, but hardship manages to find people anyway. I really connected with this song on a personal level too. As a child, my home life was incredibly tumultuous. My mother, a victim of abuse from her father, inflicted that same trauma on my brother and I. Her father ruled her house with an iron fist, which kept her in line, and she expected the same tactic to work on her children as well, but it didn't. She was always angered by what she perceived to be my lack of effort on my school work, and would often warn me that if I didn't make good grades, I'd wind up on the street. Thankfully, that didn't happen, but those words still haunt me. When I see someone suffering from poverty or homelessness, I can't help but wonder if there's some alternate timeline where I'm in their place. Oftentimes, I feel like their fate is what I deserve. There's so much to address with things like poverty and drug addiction, but "On The Nickel" perfectly captured the innocence and humanity of conditions like this. Overall, I thought this was a pretty good album. I like how Tom Waits tends to examine the uglier things in our world, but he does so with such grace and gentleness. While this album wasn't my favorite of his, I'm still glad I got to listen to it.
my expectations were so unbelievably low for more tom waits after absolutely DESPISING swordfishtrombones that enjoying a song or two from this feels like a revelation. 2.5
I didn't like this much as the other, weirder Tom Waits I've gotten from this project before.
The album has a unique charm to it, but I found that on many tracks there were points that the vocals cuts notes short that the instruments continued to hold, which sounded rather off. The title track, Heartattack and Vine, I would say is the strong point.
I love Tom's grungy voice on the upbeat stuff, but I'm not fond of the slower songs, and the way the album keeps flip-flopping between the two is jarring
Levy osui maanantain tunnelmaan, sopivan rauhallista ja rosoista. Huikea kontrasti kyllä kun tuolla äänellä laulelee slowareita.
Hyvä levy, mut pidemmän päälle Waitsin ääni alkaa käymään raskaaks kuunnella… sen verran intensiivinen tyyli
Helt kova
Interesting
It was interesting to get Tom waits and the black keys in the same week because they’re both in the same musical vein at different points in time but the latter I really love and the former I try to at least appreciate even though it never quite works for me. This one was better than a lot of his other music since it had actual music and singing but I still wasn’t super engaged with it.
Me llama la atención cuando hay un disco de un autor que no contiene ninguna canción entre las 10 más escuchadas de ese autor en Spotify. Sé que no significa nada en concreto, pero es una de las variables que miro. Este es uno de esos casos. Me he guardado "Saving all my love for you" y "On the nickel".
An ok album. Great for a road trip through Kyrgyzstan! Last track seemed redundant.
The more traditional Tom Waits. Not a bad record at all, but it is missing some of the theatrical quirkiness that I love so much with Big Time or other such records. Some filler instrumental organ blues as well imho. A convenient listen.
I decided to lean into his weird voice and just try to enjoy it. And I did!
Certainly a unique voice
It was good. Bluesy and jazzy.
Laat ze maar komen die Tom Waits platen. Dit album valt net in een interbellum van albums die ik niet super goed ken, dus leuk om ff in te duiken. Tom is 'goed bij stem' voor deze plaat die verder wel wat weg heeft van Bruce. Ik twijfelde of ik dit durfde op te schrijven met Youri de Waits-versteher die nu zit mee te lezen. Echter bleek Jersey Girl (toen ik de gelijkenis met Bruce voor het eerst bedacht) een nummer die the Boss vaker live heeft gespeeld dan Waits zelf. Veel mensen denken daardoor dat het track van Springsteen is. Hoe dan ook. Prima werk Tom. 7,5/10 Highlights Jersey Girl On the Nickle
He has a great voice. But it gets boring. I don't really know why. It just does.
Rumour has it this man came out of the womb at 50 years old with a Marlboro Red in one hand and a Bulleit Bourbon in the other. But then you listen to something like Saving All My Love for You and you realise he’s just a big softie really.
Sehr coole Stimme aber höre ich mir eher an wenn ich 80 bin und ein cooler Opa
Nice little blues album, nothing too exciting, although the singing person sounded like he was trying to make his voice deeper and it sounded like he was straining it a lot, although I assume that it is not the case. It was not too bad, it was nice having this in the background.
These songs are great. Groovy, good songwriting, heartfelt. However, Tom Waits should not be allowed to sing anything and that is a hill I will die on. My vocal chords hurt just listening to him.
raw voice good music
Stop making me listen to Tom Waits
Classic Tom Waits! Nothing can compare to this unique performer and his distinct voice.
It wasn't too bad. His voice is very interesting. It is a fine line between annoying and quircky. Not all the songs suited his voice. but i glad i tried it.
3/5
It’s an album, not of all time. It’s just an that exists.
Never been much on Tom Waits.
In a nutshell: if a drunk Nick Cave smoked 4 packs a day and sang the blues. Overall: 6/10
Quite good, ahead of its time although not really my thing
Pretty wacky little album, not a massive fan of the vocals (reminds me of motorhead and not in a good way) not really my sort of jam overall
his voice grew on me as it went on, not an album to be listened to during the day.
This guy is a joker!
Quite listenable but not memorable
daj se iskasljaj momak, al nice inace
I really enjoyed listening to this bluesy good quality instrument playing
2.75
If you can get past or not be bothered by the way he sings, there is a lot of good stuff on here to enjoy
Made me laugh out loud more than once. Silly voice.
Pretty good. About what I expect a Tom Waits album to sound like.
Great if you are into Tom Waits. Definitely not bad, but not into it. It’s unique for sure.
This man needs a cough drop and a spit bib.. Definitely To Waits. Enjoyable is spurts..
It was good. No songs I’d listen to again but beautiful as well.
Good album. I’d never listened to him before but had heard of him. Starred 2 songs and listened to some of his other stuff.
Of all the Waits albums, this one doesn't conjure in the top 1001 of all time to be heard. I'll have to regroup and think this through. It's fine, but kind of Waits by the numbers at this point in his evolving career. I think the earlier records are a better representation of this phase and Swordfishtrombones is a better watermark for what was to come.
Was not expecting that voice from the album cover but not complaining
Good album - 3.5. I like Tom Waits later albums better.
Tom Waits, another one of those legends I've seen on lists and shouted out in reviews and interviews, but have not taken the chance to really dive into before this list. I enjoyed the blues-rock songs a lot more than the piano-orchestra ballads I must say. Great lyricism. I have to say a little disappointed overall. This is one I could see myself returning to later and giving a much higher score, but as for now I do not think I can give it more than a solid 3.
I really want to like Tom Waits. Good songs. Just can’t quite get there.
The usual collection Tom Waits slightly bent characters set to a nice blend of guttbucket blues, tin pan alley arangements and jazzy feel. Pretty good album if your tastes run in this direction. 3.5 stars
Not for me
3.5 really
Ok
holy blues. half of it is some REALLY gritty americana blues, tom's INCREDIBLY deep and throaty voice compliments the sleazy rough sound the accompaniment has, and another half is some somber light chamber stuff, which I favor. there's a lot of merit in this album, with tom giving his thoughts and experiences about what it can be life to live in this strange forsaken place we call earth... despite his unique voice and meaningful songs it's just another collection that isn't really for me.
Loved the interesting raspy voice and lyrics. Nice and bluesy 3.4
he's raspy
Angry Bruce Springsteen with a three pack a day habit has great lyrics, but his voice is an acquired taste, much like dylan. I’d listen to other people sing his songs, but maybe not a full album of his again
i know his voice is like the whole thing but i just didn't like the whole thing
this album was fine. i know tom waits' voice is a bit of an acquired taste but i don't have strong feelings about it one way or the other. the songs are like AU bruce springsteen and i do like the lyrics on several of them. the ballads are probably my favorite part of this album, though honestly all of the songs could be like two minutes shorter and i'd be fine with that. favorites: heartattack and vine, downtown, jersey girl, on the nickel
I love a lot of Tom waits albums. I only like this one.
This was pretty good. Maybe not my favorite collection of Tom Waits songs, but still easy and fun to listen to with only a few tunes I didn't really care for.
Never heard this Tom Waits. I tend to like the later stuff, but this is pretty good. Sad somber Tom Waits is good. Non-sad Tom Waits with piano is a little boring. 3.25/5
Less experimental and avant-garde than his later albums. Rockier and more punchy than his earlier albums.
Obviously Waits is definitely an acquired taste and folks tend to either love or hate him. Like a fine bourbon, this improved on a second listening, and it was nice to hear him mixing it up with some jazz and blues. Notably I enjoyed the instrumental pieces more than the songs with his vocals, so there's that. I think we've received a few of his other albums already and they were superior and they include: Swordfishtrombones, Small Change and Rain Dogs. But if you're a fan this was a decent offering.
Initial thoughts: I bet his throat hurts. Second track is a bop.
Very unique style. Like a carnival version of blues/rock. The ballads REALLY don't work for his voice, but the songs that are undeniably Tom Waits style REALLY work.
La escena: un pianista con un vaso de whiskey y un puro, that's the cliché.
Tom Waits is a name that I know has been in the back of my mind for a while, but I don't think I really knew who he was or what he did. Even after seeing the album cover, I wasn't sure of what I was in for. I guess I would say don't judge a book by it's cover because I had no clue this was going to be the bluesy-folk rock album that is was. That being said, he delves into Bruce Springsteen territory here in my opinion, and aside from maybe one song on the album not much lives up to The Boss' work. Highlight: Jersey Girl Lowlight: In Shades
At first, I wasn’t into the album. I’ve previously heard Tom Waits’ songs here and there and I knew what to expect with his singing voice. But as I got further into the album, I enjoyed his lyrics and the music. I was surprised by how much I ended up liking this album. I’d give it another listen.
So far this is better than I expected. I don’t drink enough to put this on regular rotation. But it’s clearly good, well written and uniquely performed. A full album of gravelly singing is a bit much for me. Instrumental bits are more successful. Too exhausted to fully listen to the last 3 songs.
Guttural blues ballads that sound like Waits is chain smoking whilst singing. A few songs off the album feel like they should be Christmas songs with their subtle jingling bells. But overall Tom Waits manages to put out a decent effort for his seventh album. Best: Heartattack And Vine Worst: On The Nickel
Not nearly as interesting (or good imo) as the last Tom Waits, but this one might be more palatable. Love 'Jersey Girl' - and check out Bruce Springsteen's version if you haven't so good.
disgusting voice, horrific sound... kurkku sahattu auki ja poika yrittää laulaa... respektiä.. hyvää ääntä.. biisit itsessään ovat tylsiä ja jättävät pahan mielen...sillä potentiaali uskomaton...Ep=mgh-esque albumi. jos instrumentointi yhtä vitun iljettävä märkä kun vokalisti, olisi 5/5 helposti. mutta liian paljon kuulostaa garagebänd soittimilta. onko niin vaikeaa äänittää luolassa epävireisillä soittimilla... heartattack and vine
Not as overtly theatrical as Frank's Wild Years and not as accomplished musically as Rain Dogs but still decent and fully Waitsian. "Jersey Girl" is an all-time song. Strings get a bit much, "Ruby's Eyes" is mawkish, and the roughed-up edges are excessively frayed, too intentionally Bukowskian (if effective and a credible simulation). Still one would rather listen to a middling from Waits than the best of what approximately two-thirds of the other artists on this list can deliver.
nice album
Surprisingly good but not exactly my taste
This wasn't really wasn't my favorite album. I can't say I am ever in the mood for this type of music. I can understand why people like it though. Technically, a good album, with good instrumentals and distinctive vocals, but certainly not my type of music. I listened to the entire record, but probably will never do it again.
Take a wallow in Tom's guttaral world, and be amazed at his ability to pull beauty from the depths of his soul. Recommended.
Had a good bluesy sound with strong vocals, without being too experimental
Sounds like a dive bar, on a Sunday morning. I’m talking 2am Sunday, with a glass of scotch and a cigar. With conversation flirting with confrontation and exposure of deep feelings. You can image Tom singing to you in the corner. It is then when you recognize his presence.
Ugh. On The Nickel was almost bearable.
It smells of alcohol and cigarettes
Un poco voceón y con voz chamuscada.
The music isn’t quite as on point as his other work, while his lyrics are descriptive and creative as always. More specifically, the music feels more like bar blues than the Tom Waits I’ve heard (this is my first album from him). He’s an excellent songwriter, though; ‘Don’t you know there ain’t no devil, there’s just God when he’s drunk’ specifically just really hits hard. Great lyrics, ok music.
I've been putting off Tom Waits for 20+ years, thinking he's probably great but too inaccessible for me with that voice. I wasn't too far off with this album, but can't deny many of these songs are beautiful. Still, that singing... it just gets a little too over the top at times and sounds almost like Randy Newman. But I'm intrigued and will listen to him more!
gritty, urban noir, dark city 80's vibes
3.5
I'm only a little familiar with some of Waits' later work. Evidently this was his last album before he reinvented his style and I definitely enjoy the more eclectic sound that he'd evolve later. The music has a few highlights but others are forgettable. Lyrically, I can see the significance of his songwriting. As a reviewer said, Tom Waits can see as much beauty in the gutter as others can see in the Garden of Eden.
Sometimes Tom actually sound like he's in pain while singing. Not like emotional pain but that singing actually hurts. Some interesting tunes toward the beginning. Not bad but his "singing while finishing up on the toilet" sound still doesn't appeal to me
Not as fun as Swordfishtrombones, which I really enjoyed, but still worth a listen just for “Ruby’s Arms”, which I loved.
Nice for background
Man took his morning voice and made an album with it
Sounds like if a werewolf in a kids movie had their own song. As a joke though because it’s so hard to take these vocals seriously with his 1,000-packs-of-cigarettes-a-day voice. It works best when he sings of moe deplorable activities with harsher instrumentals. Lyrics are good, he is a great poet, if you can understand them. Production leaves something to be desired, but instrumentation, arrangements, and structure are all good. The highs here are high, but the lows here are low. Not the average ‘average’ rating. 3/5
Usually can only take a few Waits songs before turning him off. Made it through this album without switching to something else. Solid 3.
Fajna ostatnia, poza tym nie pamiętam nic. Głos Toma Waitsa średnio mi się podoba
- Never really listened to Tom Waits before so I'm pretty excited - "Downtown" is pretty good - Not a bad album, but not exactly my preferred type of rock. I can certainly see that he is a talented artist and why people enjoy his music.
Album #38 I like Tom Waits. I don't know if I have an affinity towards the grimey underside of society that he romances, or if I just appreciate his romancing of the topic. He's not for everyone, and I have to admit that I can usually only handle one album of his at a time - even if I really like the Frank's Wild Years trilogy. This album entertained me, but it did not "wow" me like I was hoping. 3*
Tom Waits #3, here we go As someone who got hooked on this artist through the 1-2 punch of Swordfishtrombones & Rain Dogs, I'm interested to see how his earlier stuff compares Interestingly, while less experimental and often prettier than those albums, I had a harder time engaging with this one. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still much I liked between the bluesy numbers like “Til the Money Runs Out”, & the saccharine arrangements, eg “Ruby’s Arms”. Maybe my ADHD brain needs the kalimbas, pump organs, pots and pans of Rain Dogs, to give Waits’s world my undivided attention. 3.5 Who knows, maybe in 5-10 years this’ll be my favourite album by him HL: title track, "Jersey Girl", "On the Nickel", "Ruby's Arms" September 29, 2023
3.7 - Perhaps one of Waits’ more “serious” recordings, in which songs waiver between understated blues (title track) and Disney-esque piano ballads (“Saving All My Love For You”). I prefer the former to the latter. Standout: “‘Til the Money Runs Out.”
Pont d'unió entre els primers discos de rock terrós i tabernari de Waits i la seva maduresa trobada en uns sons i textures que van fer d'ell una rara avis tan original com influent. Aquí, temes com 'On the Nickel', 'Ruby's Arms' o 'Saving All My Love For You' recorden les balades torturades dels seus treballs inicials. Però el tema que dona títol, 'Downtown' o ''Til The Money Runs Out' ja prefiguren el Waits que havia de nèixer amb el seu següent treball d'estudi, 'Swordfishtrombones', pocs anys després. Per sobre de totes, destaca 'Jersey Girl', una de les seves millors cançons
Not my usual vibe, but really interesting. Some of the upbeat ones are really fun. Really do enjoy his softer/slower style, maybe more than the upbeat/grittier songs. Ruby's Arms is the standout for me. If I had to attempt to describe this album to someone I'd say it was a rougher and gruffer Van Morrison with a splash of The Pogues' Shane McGowan. I need to see if Tom Waits has anything punkier to listen to!
Grumbling and grunting his way through the nine tracks Waits is doing…something. Whatever that is is jazzy and bluesy and cool af. Like dinner music for the manic brained. This is a wholly fascinating record. Well produced and expertly performed.
67 / 100 Titular opening track was great. But sadly it sets expectations too high as the rest of the tracklist fails to quite reach that level of quality again
His voice feels too forced. Otherwise I would have really liked it
Was looking forward to this and thought it'd be my sort of thing, but didn't get anything from it at all. Possibly need to give it another chance when I'm less distracted.
7/10, prošle godine na jesen sam imao turneju njegovim albumima. nešto predobro, pogotovo ako pogodiš vrijeme slušanja. tom je legenda.
Those drunken lullabies are not what i like to hear, but no hard feelings too
I liked the album. He has a unique voice.
Good