Reviews (page 4 of 8)
So many textures in his vocalizations. Lyrics are inspired not sure by what but inspired nonetheless. Sometimes a bit of a difficult listen but he is somehow worth it.
This whole album feels like a dark musical, im not a big fan of his voice tho.
I dig Tom Waits but haven't listened to this album before. This album just doesn't really stick with me. It's unmistakably Tom Waits but not at his best. Still decent but nothing I'm very excited about. Also I really really hate the cover art on this album.
This is right in line with the handful of post-70s Tom Waits songs I've heard over the years: there's melody and tenderness there but it's almost buried under harsh and sometimes highly distorted singing and effects. He's a great songwriter, but his boundary-pushing sounds are often hard to listen to.
wow
I remember listening to this one back when I was getting into Johnny Cash’s late career era, long after it came out. It really feels rooted in the 90s to me, dark, raw, and genuinely organic, way more than yesterday’s supposedly “organic” Talk Talk record. Strong identity throughout, with that mix of melancholy and cynicism running under the surface. Varied, adventurous, and never too comfortable. I like this one quite a bit.
6/10
Я такое не понимаю, но это прикол 3/5
Tom is always pretty strong, this isn't my favourite of his bit has some good tracks.
Thus was darker than some of his other albums, more fatalistic and less underbelly of society.
I can understand and appreciate how vocals and the lyrics are amazing, but just not my type of music.
villain secret hideout ahh music
I appreciate it, but what a slog.
I liked it better then the other Waits that is on the list.
3/5 My first Tom Waits album. I found the music interesting, and some of the tracks actually pretty good when the elements of blues and soul clearly influence the singing.
My third Tom Waits album on this list, about 100 albums in. This one felt hit and miss and it seemed to lack a theme. Apart from the world being mostly shit and that we’ll all die, that is.
I love me some Tom Waits, but I’ll admit some of this was hard to get through. I enjoyed the back half way more than the first half and I’m excited that Tom’s got so many albums on this list.
Some good songs but a bit too strange in places
Is okay
Good for a weird album
God smadder Det er råt, og det har den der momentale, fantastiske cirkus/Pennywise-vibe, som kun Tom Waits kan klare. Det er så tæt på en 4'er, men der er også et par misses, til tider lidt for ensformigt og for mig er det her "kontekst-musik" - det fungerer rigtig godt nogle gange, men ikke altid. Det er i sig selv lidt unfair at bedømme ud fra, for det er der masser af god musik, der er. Men der er Tom Waits nok også lidt anderledes. Slutter til gengæld rigtig stærkt af. Spørgsmålet er, om jeg kommer til at fortryde ikke at give den en lillebitte 4'er. Nå, nu bliver det: 3.7
Tom Waits is kind of hit or miss to me. There was a few decent songs on this but also alot of ramblings of a crazy man.
Je n'aime pas les morceaux qui bougent mais les balades sont sympas 3.5
Surprisingly full with many sounds and feelings, it's not for everyone but I found myself enjoying it quite a bit. It's a collaborative effort, but still a Tom Waits album, unmistakable voice, but all the works was his. Very good.
I like Waltzing Matilda
Whistle down the wind is a beautiful song
What did you expect from Tom Waits? He's definitely giving you what Tom Waits does best, he does Tom Waits. Even the Ramones knew that.
Didnt listen to all of it, just the first half. Liked the blues elements but not a fan of his voice to be honest
I somehow didn't hate this, but it wasn't an enjoyable listen either.
Raspy
Tom Waits is a really intriguing artist. I have to be in the right mood to enjoy him and I was not in that mood today. However, I like the tone of this album so it was kinda cool I suppose. I probably won't listen again.
The earth died screaming - 4 Dirt in the ground - 3 Such a scream - 2 All stripped down - 3 Who are you - 4 The ocean doesn't want me - 3 Jesus gonna be here - 5 A little rain - 4 In the colosseum - 3 Goin' out west - 4 Murder in the red barn - 3 Black wings - 4 Whistle down the wind - 3 I don't wanna grow up - 3 Let me get up on it - 2 That feel - 4
There’s only one Tom Waits and that’s probably a good thing. His voice is a sharp, bladed weapon, rasped and knicked over time - a knife that can be used to either reveal or destroy any word. Now, as someone who has stabbed a few folks in my day, I can tell you that how you wield a knife makes a big difference. When you hold the blade exposed and at length, it becomes a defensive weapon, used to keep people away. In this way, Waits’ voice is least persuasive, like on The Earth Died Screaming. You anticipate the jagged edge of his rasp in these apocalyptic songs and it keeps you at bay. In contrast, using the knife as a weapon of intimacy and employing the element of surprise at close range is a far more effective strategy. Waits’ voice is most dangerous where it is least expected, like if it rings with humor or sentiment when given the chance. Unfortunately, this album doesn’t afford him many of those opportunities. Due to that simple element, I much prefer Small Change or Rain Dogs to this album.
Did Tom Waits really kick this off falsetto?? Not a great choice, but I think I liked most of this album anyway. Very dark and ominous. The sounds from his conundrum added a sense of confusion that pulled you deeper into Tom's mood. There were some pretty rough lows on the album, but overall I really did enjoy the overall experience.
This is odd.
bit better than the others, but still hard to digest
Odd but good voice
I can't put my finger on it, but feels like I've heard it done before, but better.
I find it interesting especially after listening to "Trout Mask Replica". At the same time the sound gets really old by the end, as I start getting irritated. I'll give it 3 stars, but it is barely.
Some beautiful, haunting songs among many songs that I pray I never hear again.
Byrjaði illa. Um miðbikið fannst mér þetta samt verða fínt. Endaði svo illa líka. Langar ekki alveg að gefa tvær stjörnur, en þetta er 2,5 námundað upp í þrjár.
3.5
Tom Waits is a very specific vibe. Sometimes, it's just what you need. Other times, it's annoying AF. (It's a great for movies and TV, when used correctly.) The vibe is so specific, in fact, that it becomes hard to distinguish albums and even songs. It's just all sort of that Tom Waits sound. Hard to go with anything other than a 3 here.
I listened to the whole thing to see if I like Tom Waits any more than I did when this came out. I do not. Percussion on this is interesting, melodies (such as they are) are okay, lyrics I cannot make out for the most part, and thus the sum of the parts leaves me wanting.
I mean, art is subjective isn't it.
Me da miedo decir algo malo de Tom Waits porque tiene unos seguidores poco comprensivos con las críticas. Pero lo cierto es que és el tercer disco escuchado de Tom y és el que menos he disfrutado. Es buen baladista de baladas de borracho, pero en el plano oscuro, áspero e intestinal me exaspera. Quisiera que me penetrara (en el sentido espiritual), pero no lo consigue. Y ya lo siento.
I wanted to hate it but there were small parts I almost liked.
As with other Tom Waits I've heard, I'm glad I heard it, I'm glad someone is out there doing this kind of weird stuff, and it isn't something I'd listen to regularly.
Good
More of this guy? Gee I can’t wait, he said sarcastically through the text of his phone. Wishing he had a Dandy Warhols, Blind Melon, Faith No More or The Doors suggestion. Ok, back to the album review. I get the referrals to this list for good old Tom but I feel a greatest hits would be good enough so we don’t have to wade through the trash. Like Dirt on the Ground. Ugh that was rough. Such a Scream sounds like the drums are being played on cookie sheets. I’m not complaining, just observing. It’s not surprising knowing and hearing what I know and have heard about Tom Waits. It’s not surprising to hear things you don’t normally hear, vocals included. This is a typically odd album. It’s not terrible like it should be. Choice cut: Bone Machine
Not the best album from Tom but an important artist none the less
We love a guy whose name is a sentence. Album cover is bad though (scary). Very jangly music and gravelly singing happening here. Some elements of Nine Inch Nails (music), some of Nick Cave & Bruce (vocals), some of the White Stripes (rhythm). Seems like I would like it, but, I don't. Wish this were Tom Jones instead. I wonder if 'A Little Rain' took some inspo from Les Miserables' 'A Little Fall of Rain', because they sure have similarities! Highlight: 'I Don't Wanna Grow Up'
Remember my stepdad playing this and me thiinking "wtf is this crap", weirdly though I kinda like it now
It was kind of shit, but kind of captivating. It was like Khruangbin playing whilst an old drunken, but mysteriously wise, cough syrup addict offered some spoken word poetry. Some portions were quite nice.. but 1001 albums to listen to before you die? I'm not sure. 5/10
More weirdness from Waits. Sometimes his voice totally ruins good songs, and sometimes his voice totally rescues boring songs. It's a shame you don't get that many times when good songs and good voice match up. At the moment I struggle to think of an artist who I'd like to love so much more than I actually do.
Har sina stunder med exempelvis Who are you this time, A little rain, Going out west, Black wings och I don’t wanna grow up. När Tom Waits är bra så är han ju riktigt bra, men när det är dåligt så är det också riktigt dåligt och framförallt jobbigt att lyssna på. Hyfsat jämnt skägg mellan det bra och det dåliga på denna, så blir en svag trea i betyg.
Mörkret, mystiken, rösten! Det här var fan en trevlig överraskning, hade dålig koll på Waits alltså. Gillar också all weird percussion, måste utforska mer!
Not my cup of tea but hetty effort, going out west ..I prefer his latter efforts …good listen!
Kinda curious but still good
definitely a unique sound and an exploration of many types of sound. it was jarring at first, but once i got into, it was pretty groovy. goin out west and black wings were my highlights. i appreciate this way more than an ultra smooth boring albums. +1 for creativity -1 for being on the side of unlistenable.
Quite abstract and unique, definitely acquired taste but still good music
Smamsmshis
This album is very different from what I usually listen to— it’s giving Labyrinth 1986, which is a great movie!
I tried my best to get into Tom Waits several years ago. There was always something that stopped me gushing like others did over his music though. Closing Time, Rain Dogs and The Heart Of Saturday Night were exceptions, but for the most part I struggled and moved on. I had Bone Machine back then but never really rated it. Having not heard it for years though, I really enjoyed it. As with all Waits albums there are times when he sounds like a budget Beefheart, sometimes embarrassingly so, but overall this is a good album. It sounds good and is interesting throughout. I think I’ll always struggle with him, but this isn’t shit. He has better - and considerably worse - albums though.
A light three, more because I respect Waits’s artistry than enjoyment of this album, which can be a tough nut to crack. The album starts pretty aggressively and obtusely, and it doesn’t settle until about halfway through, which I think features some lovely songs. But you have to power through some hard to listen to music before getting there.
great pixies song but i don't care too much for this album although dirt in the ground is nice
Oof, I like Tom Waits’ other stuff but this one is rough. I like it the least of the albums on this list therefore a low 3/5
Interesting drums and sounds, not all bad, but gets annoying at times.
Tom should have kept waiting. RIP
Not my favourite Tom Waits album, not enough in the way of music on there for my liking. That said, it was definitely interesting but I just don’t see a situation where I’m going back to it and listening to it on a regular basis.
Kurkkuun käy kun pelkästään kuuntelee. On sellasta vähän alternativee, kolinaa ja kilinää. Tietty sekopää teema pitkin albumia. On tämä matka.
Grumbly, growly, awesome
I've heard bits of Tom Waits before (I only knew Goin' Out West on this album) so was familiar with the vibe. I appreciate the stripped down bluesy style as if he's making music with found objects and I liked the lyrics and general weirdness of the darker tracks (the Ocean Doesn't Want Me was my fave) but sitting through a whole album of these gravelly vocals was kinda hard work. Get this man a lozenge and a cocoa
Not my favorite Waits album but still oddly entertaining
Jeg har forsont meg med at jeg liker konseptet Tom Waits bedre enn jeg liker å faktisk høre på Tom Waits, men den skiva her synes jeg ofte funker fordi det er skamløst kult. Goin' Out West kan også ha vært mitt første reelle møte med mannen, etter å ha plukka den opp fra Fight Club. Beintøff låt med unik sound! Det som ikke er så kult, er å høre en innrøyka herrestemme hvese verselinjene med en skjærende, guttural, animalistisk lyd. Heldigvis er det flere av låtene som legger seg på et litt mer behagelig register. På et vis setter dette omsider litt julesteming i heimen når han crooner i vei på A Little Rain og Whistle Down the World, og det kan jeg sette pris på 21. desember!
Jeg føler jeg burde vært mer fan av Tom Waits, men jeg er ikke det. Jeg liker enkeltlåter, men når jeg hører et helt album så blir jeg som regel skuffa. Bone Machine byr på blues, crooning og sirkusmusikk. Alt sunget av en full sjørøver. Den fremste kvaliteten til plata er at det låter annerledes ut. Jeg skjønner at det er kult, men jeg setter heller på en plate med Kaizers enn å høre det her igjen.
I prefer Tom before he leaned so hard into the gravelly voice.
Strange stuff. But for some reason I like it.
Love Tom Waits, this album sounds like Tom Waits
This might surprise some of you, but I really enjoyed this. His voice is nothing to right home about, the musicianship is no better than the majority of bands here. But for me it just had that something, that indefineable quality that made it enjoyable. Its another one of those that will be on my 'if its cheap enough at a festival' list. Not outstanding, but worth a 3 any day.
Liked a few songs. But its my first Tom album and its pretty hard to get used to. Hate all stripped down. Its weird but I like it.
I don’t see the appeal but I really liked the second to last song.
Good record by Tom.
again Tom Waits is proper weird. did enjoy it though
What a weirdo - not necessarily in a bad way.
I want to like this more; I guess I'm just not that cool.
Need to be in the right mood for Tom Waits.
5/10 Favorite: A Little Rain
I like the more stripped down folkier stuff. Some of the rest of it is out there for me. Didn't realize that "I Don't Want to Grow Up" was a Waits original - I'd only heard the Ramones version.
Bone Machine sounded more promising. Haha. Has he tried clearing his throat? Sounds like it hurts to sing.
Um bom disco, apesar de alguns aspectos experimentais, especialmente em seus momentos melódicos que remetem à melancolia sempre tão presente na obra de Waits.
Kokeellista blues rokkia, menee ajoittain aika uncannyks. En oikein vaan pitänyt rapeasta laulutyylistä. Oli myös hyviä normaalimpia kappaleita mihin normaali laulutyyli olisi sopinut paremmin. Toki taas joihinkin se taas sopi. Moni kappale myös aika perkussiivisia. Parhaat: Black Wings, Whistle Down The Wind, Dirt In The Ground
I don’t like waits much. This is mostly crap, but there are moments of real beauty too, so 3
3.5 stars. Album punctuated by Waits' dark lyrics and raspy, broken growling voice. Liked it better than I thought I would, but definitely have to be in the mood for it. "Jesus Gonna Be Here" most blues-y track. "Black Wings" super creepy and most representative of the whole record. Weakest track is "Whistle Down The Wind" which highlights his broken singing voice in a rough way, unlike the lo-fi "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" which handles it better as a whole track. Standout is faster-paced, wild west anthem "Goin' Out West".
Tom Waits is apparently an acquired taste. I haven't acquired it yet. Strangely, I really like some of the more unusual male singer songwriters, like Richard Thompson and Robyn Hitchcock, as well as giants like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, but I don't get this. It's not bad, but I just don't find it terribly compelling.
raspy dystopia. It’s pretty uncomfortable, lots of noisy sounds, grating at times. It’s interesting, more poems than songs at times. ‚the ocean doesn’t want me today‘. Very anachronistic, something from the 70s. But of course the 70s and 90s are linked.
The Bone Machine was actually Len Houmous’ nickname from his wives 1-4. 3.3 5/16 Who Are You
First half is hard on the ears. Some of those second half tracks I want to hear again. Damn you tom waits
Need to be in a certain mood to listen but I will definitely listen again
different, not bad, not bad at all
Maybe Tom Waits needs someone to talk to
my 100th album here it's an improvement comparing to Nighthawks At The Diner that i've listened before so 3 stars, i even liked some tracks (others were unbearable though)
Some of this was enjoyable. Some not so much. Tom Waits is always a hot or miss with me.
2.63
This was the first album I had heard of Tom Waits, so I think it was a good intro to him. It is probably the most stripped down I've ever heard an album be. I definitely listen again to see how if it changes my feelings of it
Equal parts spooky and melodic. The musical composition is stronger than some of his other albums, still you have to be in a particularly explorative mindset to fully embrace this music. I’m not usually there.
2.5
3.0
The dreaded three stars - I'm not sure I liked it, but I wholly appreciate the attempt to create something new and unique
Another album would probably be better a couple catchy tunes.
He's so weird and I never got into him. I wonder if its him or me?
2/3
It is not a bad album. Unfortunately it's not really my favorite type of music. Although I have flagged this album to return and give another listen in the future.
Great album to receive in October. The moments where it gets too singy lose me because Waits voice is not easy to listen to. But I loved the percussion instrumentation on the faster cuts. The opening track Earth Died Screaming was my favorite.
Unusual and cool minimalist (for the most part) music. Tom Waits is a great songwriter, but that voice. Oy! Once in a while, he wrangles great emotion in a listenable way, but usually it's so deep and growly, I can't catch the words. I agree that everyone should give this a shot at least once, but most folks would probably need some sort of primer or ramp-up before diving in here. It's too different, too stylish, too raw for a sudden needle drop. I'll give it a 3 even though it s deserves a 4 for some reasons. But this is a list of Everybody Should Listen to it. And I'm not sure that anything over 20% of people that listen to it will enjoy it. And I am not sure if I'll be back. (Even though a song or 2 will be on a playlist.)
I'm finding out more and more that Tom Waits is a talented musician that I enjoy. This is probably the album of his I've liked the least so far. While generally it was a pleasant experience, many of the stripped back songs were more forgettable. Dirt in the Ground is great. 3.4/5 - 3/5
Fue interesante de escuchar (creo)
It was certainly something. It was really wait but not too bad I think
Such a unique musician. I liked this album better than the one we had last week.
This experimental rock album is hard to rate, with clattering percussion, distorted guitars, and gravelly vocals shaping unsettling songs about death, decay, and faith that are as abrasive as they are atmospheric.
Day 79 First listen- The album was enjoyable, amazing lyrically! I have only heard the first two Tom's albums so I was surprised by this album, it sounded very different. I really love slow acoustic Tom Waits and few songs in the album melted me. Overall enjoyed the experimental blues .(3/5)
A few hits a few misses. It took me entirely too long to realize that the album was on repeat
Interesting album about death. Wonder if Pj Harvey heard this before making To Bring You My Love? Worth a listen, but probably won’t revisit often.
Third Tommy W. album I got. They are all kinda the same thing with some stomp/organic percussion stuff, and those same affected ass vocals. Some nice stuff and ideas, but no new ground from swordfish or the other one. I don't wanna grow up familiar for years from a Ramones cover. It's pretty good.
This album is further proof that Tom Waits is endlessly inventive. It’s jagged, skeletal, and fearless—built from clanging percussion, rusted rhythms, and that gravel voice tearing through the noise. Still, for all its brilliance, I’ll admit my bias: I love Waits the crooner. I gravitate to those songs on this record (e.g. Whistle down the Wind). Just not enough of those on this album to push this higher than a 3 for me but I still respect the hell out of it.
Well, this was all a bit industrial wasn’t it! Not my favourite of Tom’s but I’m sure there are some people who adore this!
I like the lyrics in this one, a nice mix of life reflections and storytelling. His voice gets kind of grating, but I still enjoyed this overall. Especially liked Dirt in the Ground and the last song on the album.
Honking feral blues, not an album I'll likely return to but one I can appreciate
Very spoOoky Mr Waits. Great cookie monster and, on the 2nd track, Marge Simpson impressions too.
Allez on est parti vers une nouvelle étape de ce putain de pèlerinage des 1001 albums. Et aujourd'hui, on s'attaque à un monument, un monolithe, un truc qui a la réputation de te laisser soit en PLS dans un coin de la pièce, soit béat d'admiration devant tant de génie brut. J'ai nommé Tom Waits et sa machine à os, "Bone Machine". Tom Waits, c'est un peu le croquemitaine du rock américain. Le genre de type qu'on imagine très bien vivre au fond d'un bayou, à fumer des clopes qui puent la mort et à enregistrer ses disques dans une cabane en tôle ondulée pendant un ouragan. Sa voix, c'est celle d'un mec qui a passé sa vie à se gargariser au Jack Daniel's et aux graviers. Un timbre unique, reconnaissable entre mille, qui a fait de lui une icône absolue, un artiste intouchable que tout le monde révère, de l'indé le plus pointu à la star la plus mainstream. Moi, Tom Waits, je connais, je respecte. Mais je n'ai jamais vraiment sauté le pas, c'est le genre d'artiste que j'admire de loin, un peu comme un tableau très complexe dans un musée. Je reconnais la technique, la vision, l'audace, mais je n'ai pas forcément envie de l'accrocher dans mon salon. Avec ce projet des 1001 albums, plus le choix, fallait bien que je m'y colle sérieusement. Et c'est "Bone Machine" que le Grand Grimoire a choisi pour moi. Un Grammy Award du meilleur album de musique alternative en 1992, excusez du peu et une réputation d'œuvre radicale, dépouillée, viscérale. Sur le papier, ça avait tout pour me plaire, après tout, un mec qui fait de la musique avec des bouts de ferraille et qui chante comme s'il venait de bouffer un cendrier, ça devrait parler à un mec comme moi. Dès les premières secondes de "Earth Died Screaming", le ton est donné. Ça claque, ça grince, ça sonne comme une fanfare de l'apocalypse enregistrée au fond d'une cave. On n'est pas là pour se caresser dans le sens du poil car Tom Waits a décidé de tout mettre à nu. Fini les arrangements feutrés, les ambiances de piano-bar enfumé de ses débuts. Ici, la musique est réduite à son essence la plus primitive : le rythme. Des percussions étranges, des guitares qui sonnent comme des barbelés rouillés, et cette voix, bien sûr, qui semble venir des tréfonds de l'enfer. Il y a quelque chose de profondément dérangeant et en même temps de fascinant dans cet album. C'est une musique de casse, un blues industriel qui sent la sueur, la rouille et la mort. Les textes sont à l'avenant : des histoires de meurtres, de diables, de pécheurs, de fin du monde. On est en plein territoire à la Nick Cave, mais en version encore plus décharnée, plus brutale. La production est tellement à l'os qu'on a l'impression d'être dans la pièce avec les musiciens. On apprend d'ailleurs que l'album a été enregistré dans une petite pièce d'un sous-sol, ce qui explique ce son claustrophobique et caverneux. Tom Waits voulait une "musique d'os", quelque chose de réduit à son squelette. Mission accomplie, Tom. Et puis, il y a ce casting de sales gosses venus lui prêter main-forte. David Hidalgo de Los Lobos, Les Claypool de Primus à la basse électrique sur "Earth Died Screaming", et même, tenez-vous bien, Sa Majesté Keith Richards en personne, qui co-écrit et joue sur "That Feel". Le genre de détail qui assoit définitivement la crédibilité du projet. Tout ce petit monde semble s'être réuni pour une sorte de sabbat sonore, un grand carnaval macabre où chaque instrument sonne comme un outil de torture. Alors, pourquoi seulement 3 sur 5 ? Pourquoi cette impression de rendez-vous manqué alors que tous les ingrédients qui me plaisent sont réunis ? Eh bien, je vais être franc, je me suis fait chier. Voilà, c'est dit. J'ai trouvé ça long, terriblement long. J'ai beau admirer la démarche, la radicalité du son, la cohérence du propos, je n'ai pas réussi à rentrer dedans. Passée la surprise des premières minutes, l'effet s'estompe pour laisser place à une certaine monotonie. C'est là que la comparaison avec un Nick Cave ou un Michael Gira atteint ses limites. Chez eux, même dans les moments les plus arides, il y a toujours une mélodie, une tension, une lumière au bout du tunnel qui vous happe. Ici, j'ai eu l'impression de tourner en rond dans une pièce sombre en me cognant toujours aux mêmes meubles. C'est un album qui s'écoute comme on visite une exposition d'art contemporain un peu austère. On regarde, on analyse, on comprend la démarche, on trouve ça "intéressant", mais à aucun moment on ne ressent de véritable émotion. C'est cérébral, conceptuel, mais ça manque de cœur, de tripes. La voix de Waits, si fascinante au début, finit par devenir un gimmick, un effet de style qui tourne un peu à vide. Les morceaux se suivent et se ressemblent dans leur structure décharnée. C'est un exercice de style brillant, mais qui m'a laissé totalement froid. Je sais que je vais me faire lyncher par les puristes. "Comment ça, il n'aime pas "Bone Machine" ? Hérétique !". Mais que voulez-vous, ce blog est aussi un carnet de bord personnel. Et personnellement, cet album je l'ai écouté et je ne pense pas y revenir un jour. C'est le genre de disque que je suis content d'avoir écouté pour ma culture, pour pouvoir dire "oui, je connais". C'est une pièce maîtresse de la discographie de Waits et une œuvre importante des années 90, sans aucun doute. Ça a gagné un Grammy, merde ! Mais ça ne sera jamais un de mes disques de chevet. Le projet "1001 Albums" est aussi fait de ça : des découvertes, des claques, mais aussi des déceptions, ou plutôt des rencontres qui ne se font pas. "Bone Machine" c'est une machine impressionnante, mais une machine froide. Une machine à os, sans chair autour, et moi, j'ai besoin d'un peu de chair.
It's Tom Waits
Ok
I knew Tom Waits was gravely, but holy moly. He's pretty fun, I actually think Modest Mouse got a lot of their style from him. I may explore more of his music after this.
pretty weird but kinda raw lol
עםםג
there are some songs on here where i remember why tom waits rules: a strangely emotive and flexible voice that somehow hits the part of your brain responsible for empathy or relating to stuff and you feel every word of his. and there’s some songs on here that remind me why he’s so fuckin annoying
Interesting sound, I’m sure it’s an amazing album if you like Tom Waits
I enjoy Nighthawks at the Diner so much that I expect and want his other stuff to be as good. So far, it's not been.
An okay album, I liked The Ocean Doesn't Want Me the most.
i like the experimentation on this, is voice is very different and i haven’t heard much like this, overall it was good and i can imagine it being very influential
6/10
I still have no idea if I loved or hated this album. His voice is super challenging to listen to yet somehow I’m intrigued. I don’t think I will be listening to this album again any time soon but I can appreciate what the artist was going for and what he achieved. I wanted to give 4 stars but since I really actually did not enjoy listening to the album I have to give it 3/5.
Hm. An interesting mix of hard-no, did-not-enjoy songs, and ones that were okay-verging-on-enjoyable. I thought it was well done though, even the ones I felt visceral dislike for - I think he achieved what he wanted to do, they weren't meant to make me feel comfortable.
No private session used for spotify, I have definitely listened to this album before, "Goin' Out West" is one of my favorite of Tom Waits songs. This album is weird, but it works.
I like his story telling but his voice made my voice sore listening to it.
3+
3 Stars (8/15)
With Tom Waits, you'll never know what you're going to get. His music ranges from off-beat and beautiful to experimental, unintelligible noisy garbage, but through it all he definitely is unique and has something interesting to say. Bone Machine is a mix of all those things and with his gravelly, hard to understand vocals, it's hardly a staple on mainstream radio. His music to me is sometimes a challenge and I can't say it's an especially enjoyable way to spend you afternoon. It's an acquired taste and you definitely have to be in the proper mood and mindset to get through this. Yeah, drugs and alcohol will help!
I have to be honest ... I have never sat down and listened to Tom Waits. My only exposure has been from when it comes up driving in my friend's car (who I already know, he has given this album 5 stars) I feel Tom Waits is definitely an acquired taste, but I appreciate that it is something different, than the normal 90s doldrums we have suffered through. I have to give it a bonus star for "I Don't Want to Grow Up" even though the version I am more familiar with is the Ramones cover.
Hadn’t heard this before, interesting listen
I like Tom, he's good
I enjoyed parts of this, I think I will probably revisit this a few times. I get a sense of depth here and I think I need to listen over a period to absorb it properly. Voice is very unique and absolutely belongs on this list. I enjoyed it more than not but definitely not instant love
Me han tocado 2 álbumes suyos casi seguidos. Como dije en otra reseña, Tom Waits es un estilo propio que si te gusta es siempre un acierto. Me he guardado In the colosseum y Murder in the red barn.
Nope. Still don’t get it.
Interesting album but not one I particularly enjoyed. The combination of the songs and Tom Waits voice is a bit too raw for me.
Okay, I really like Tom Waits, but this is now my 3rd of his albums out of 523, which feels like too many. Swordfishtrombones remains my favorite, but this one is great.
Pretty good but one time my ex called him the dancing bears guy and I can never unsee/unhear that. I have some more complicated thoughts on Waits and Af-Am-coded music, but not in the mood for that. Moreover his basis in cloying nostalgic melody is simply never going to work for me. It's fun that some music director working for Fincher was like "come up with the scuzziest, coolest, aggro, MALE music ever for this one Fight Club scene" and immediately thought oh I know, Tom Waits.
I don't know how I feel about this. No one song stuck out. I like it more than the first Tom Waits album I listened to. But I don't think I would ever just listen to this album or any one song on it.
Weird and wailing an album that answered to no-one. What wa sit all about. We'll never know.
one of my music teachers is obsessed with tom waits. i can't even lie this just gives off making music for music "elitists". not a bad album just has some bad parts, but the good parts are mmmmmmmmm.
This had That Feel of the time The Earth Died Screaming. That’s just Dirt In The Ground now.
Waits is an acquired taste and I am a big fan, but 4 or 5 of his albums that are better come quickly to mind. Hard to understand why the author would include this one which is far from his best.
if a cigar could create music i think it would make this album
Enjoyed it. Can only handle so much Tom Waits at one time tho. Piano songs better than some of his strumming. Whatever. It's Tom Waits. You know what you're getting into here for the most part
I put off listening to this for a few days because I hated his other stuff on this list. To my surprise, I didn't hate this one as much!
Liked more than expected, taking genre into account. The first song had me nervous thinking I was about to listen to the album that inspired the sound for every Imagine Dragons song ever. Thankfully the rest of the album did not go down that route.
Really liked the first song. Surprisingly
Tough album to go through. The way he played with his voice made things difficult.
Tom’s most abrasive album?
Cool and good
drei bis vier Black wings i dont wanna grow up
some is good
A polished, well-executed Tom Waits album.
Well done him for recording this album despite having swallowed a wasps nest
On this album, Waits uses a range of different and distinct vocal styles, sometimes pushing his voice into unbelievably raspy territory. And yet it all works as a whole, as he deftly matches his vocal style to the content of each song (such as his bluesy wail on "Jesus Gonna Be Here" and his more straightforward delivery on the ballad "A Little Rain"). In addition, even at his most stylized, Waits singing stays solidly melodic, which keeps the songs grounded. The adventurousness in this album doesn't reside in the songwriting (which is uniformly good but not earthshattering) but rather in the wild instrumentation, in which Waits and his fellow musicians hold up a funhouse mirror to traditional American musical forms.
Awesome instrumental, hate his voice
I didn't like this album as much as Swordfishtrombones, but it was still good. I really dig this guys style
This is really authentic sounding, very raw, although Tom occassionally sounds like he's forcing a particularly challenging stool.
Seems repetitive to me although interesting
Ok, I expected to not like this. It's kind of cool, though. I hate to stifle artists, but I wonder what he could do with a real producer that didn't let him run amok with recordings from a concrete room and letting Cookie Monster sing lead.
this was pretty cool and a little creepy
Bone Machine is a powerful, brooding album that captures the grief, disillusionment, and fragility of life. With its intense themes and raw sonic textures, it stands as a unique milestone in Tom Waits’ career, showcasing his artistic evolution and willingness to push the boundaries of music.
Has its highs and lows. Lyrics are great as always. Singing style was way too weird for me on some songs. Not my favourite of his
3.5/5
Respect for whatever weird bit he's going for
That's not my taste in music - But ok
With the delivery of a barren dirt road, there's something shamanistic behind Wait's trademark gravel. It's both western in the cowboy way with a rich mix of voodoo and blues. Certainly not the most approachable of his work, but fascinating because of it.
Not his greatest, some good moments.
Tom Waits is never someone who I search out to listen to, but when I start to listen to I can't help but be entertained by what he is playing for us, it is such a weird but fun listen anytime he shows up, now would I go back to this album probably not but am I glad to have listened to it, yes I think he is one of those artists that you just either like it don't like and I like him but never gonna be on my mantle
Basically would be Mad God the movie if turned into an album. Interesting instrumentation, not my jam, but people would like it.
It's a vibe
Some great tracks on here and definitely a distinct voice and sound. Not sure this is, his best work but a good album nonetheless
3.5 so weird yet somehow good
Bit of a mixed bag here. I don't mind Tom, voice of pure gravel can get a bit draining at album length. Much of it isn't enjoyable, but at least he is out there doing stuff no-one else is doing.
Scary and kinda yuck. Cool soundtrack
I’m never going to love his voice but I can see the through line from this to other stuff I love (Eels, Nick Cave) so I found this far more listenable than some of his jazzier stuff
can appreciate the gravely voice but needs to a very rare occasion for me to want to listen to this
I enjoyed the blues - rock - funk mash-up vibe, but will have to listen more than once to really appreciate the lyrics.
Some intimate arrangements like his version of Nebraska, but I still prefer his more orchestrated arrangements
Weird. Creepy. Evil-sounding. Bewildering vocals, very gravelly. I appreciate that it swung so hard for what it is. But would mostly only listen to this album in this context of seeking out new music.
Not for me, but not bad
Is this the music that is always playing in the bad guy’s lair? He sounds like Ned from South Park
Interesting music, but the singing sounds like an extended death rattle
Correcto
Strange, but I enjoyed it. I think I should listen to it again.
Think this is one I'll have to listen to again to appreciate it more. 3/5
I get it. With Tom Waits if you get it you get it. I endeavor to get it, but I don't quite get it. How do you even categorize this? Voodoo Vaudeville? Rumpelstiltskin Cabaret? Occult Opera? Well, regardless of the howling, hungover crooning, the musical compositions are sublime.
Tom waits for no man, Tom does his own thing, Tom doesn't always strike gold but you miss 100% of the shots you don't make....
Rounding this up for being his own man
Enjoyed large parts of this- dark lyrics, stripped back. However a lot of it was a bit too bare for me. Potentially higher on a repeat listen
What the actual fuck did I just hear...
Almost impossible to get that much gravel in your voice without 20 years of Winston's and lots of bad whiskey. Album was quite interesting and worth a good listen.
Tom Waits makes weird music but that's about the only constant thread in his albums. This was weird in its own way. His voice is unique, very gritty, don't mind it. Musically this was a bit darker than the other albums, sort of reminded me a cross between Nick Cave and the Halloween songs from nightmare before Christmas. I don't really like these songs where the storytelling seems to be the most important part but I liked this more than most.
Now this. This is interesting music. Sounds improvised, I think 'industrial' might be the best word. Has signs of country, rock and many other genres, but Tom Waits would maybe disagree. Main issues I have with it are that "All Striped Down" has a very odd cutoff on the left tambourine, and that some of the rhythms at the start of songs are too odd for my taste. Tom Waits has a great voice and he uses it to great effect. Without albums like this, modern experimental would not be the same. I like it for that. Some of the tracks are slightly too discordant for my taste - part of reaching for boundaries is crossing them sometimes. 7/10
Inventive music, cool lyrics, can’t get past the voice.
twisted
Interesting and cool album Standout songs: Dirt on the ground In the colosseum Goin' out wet
Tom Waits er skemmtilegur fýr og röddin alveg hreint stórkostleg en það drefur samt fljótt úr skemmtuninni. Þannig að hann er góður í skömmtum. Ætli ég muni ekki setja eitt og eitt lag í spilun af og til en aldrei heila plötu. 2.5 stjarna en toga upp í 3.
Not the best Tom Waits album but there's still some decent stuff on here.
Pretty big fan of Tom Waits, but this one is a stretch.
This was better than I expected it to be. Yes it's too long, yes he sounds like a Disney villain singing their one song of the movie over and over again, no I will probably never listen to this again. BUT: the arrangements were pretty cool and I cannot deny the sincerity in his voice, most apparent in the bluesy numbers. "Dirt in the Ground" was a highlight for me.
Previously rated: Nighthawks At The Diner (4/5) *********************************** Holy crap, what happened to this poor man's voice between 1975 and 1992?! I feel like there is a very good album here, and I would understand people loving it and giving it a 5/5, but yikes, those vocals, I'd also understand 1/5. I'll just split the difference with my rating. I'm just not sure I'd want to hear it again, but still there was something very unique and enjoyable about it. I'm interested in the story behind the making of this album.
o conceito do álbum é interessante e tal, mas achei arrastado pra caralho de escutar
data la copertina, pensavo molto peggio. a parte il fatto che il povero cantante ha probabilmente bisogno di una Benagol, è "sperimentale" al punto giusto e non l'ho trovato aggressivamente progressive come temevo, a parte quella sul Colosseo, che non finiva più. tutto sommato sono piacevolmente sorpresa.
Weird but I kind of like it. Not an everyday music but still enjoyable
Not my favorite album from him, but has its moments.
I don't really like it, but I do enjoy the execution of it. Will I listen to again: 10%
spooooooooky season
Track 1: The Earth Died Screaming (6/10) This doesn't feel like a song. It lives up to the album title cause it just sounds like a bunch of bones being hit by even more bones. Track 2: Dirt in the Ground (6/10) The piano is nice but I don't like whatever Tom decided to do with his voice here. I respect his commitment to being as weird as possible though. Track 3: Such a Scream (9/10) This is what I'm talking about! This song came straight out of hell. Waits is wailing like a demon and the percussion is all over the place. I love it. Track 4: All Stripped Down (4/10) This is minimalism at It's worst. Tom needs to give up that falsetto thing he's doing cause it doesn't work for me lol Track 5: Who Are You (8/10) It seems like I'm gonna judge the songs mostly based on his vocal performance. This one is pretty stellar, I love the guitar behind it. Track 6: The Ocean Doesn't Want Me (N/A) Hard to rate poetry over dissonance, so I'll skip this short interlude-like track. Track 7: Jesus Gonna Be Here (7/10) Sounds straight out of the 40s. Waits must have sold his soul to the devil to achieve this sound. Track 8: A Little Rain (7/10) A little bit country, a little bit reminiscent of his early dive bar days. Track 9: In the Colosseum (8/10) I love the percussion here, and Tom sounds so evil! Very fun track. Track 10: Goin' Out West (9/10) This is possibly the most accesible song on the album. Pretty rockin', and Tom has so much power in his vocals here. Track 11: Murder in the Red Barn (6/10) The story telling is great, nothing really caught my attention though. Track 12: Black Wings (6/10) I like the guitar, and Tom's vocals feel so menacing. Not much else to say. Track 13: Whistle Down the Wind (9/10) Beautiful. I feel like I'm on a farm, far away from society, pining after a sweet lady. Love the vibes. Track 14: I Don't Wanna Grow Up (6/10) It's fine, but the Ramones did it so much better and I struggle not to compare this version to that one. Track 15: Let Me Get Up On It (N/A) Interlude Track 16: That Feel (6/10) Decent closing track, I like the weird choir vocals that come in. Overall: 6/10 I've always found Tom Waits to be hit or miss. He has some big hits here and a few misses but, surprisingly, I felt a lot of it was kind of meh. I could see myself checking it out again but I'll stick to Swordfishtrombones for the most part. Fav Song: Goin' Out West Least Fav Song: All Stripped Down
Interesting, some of it I like. Especially the music but his voice and delivery is to rough for this kid.
Granted, this is only my second of five (!) Tom Waits albums on here. But this is what bothers me about a lot of this list. Rather than being a collection of truly innovative and influential albums, I feel like a lot of this list boils down to Robert Dimery being a really big fan of certain artists and insisting that you listen to everything they’ve done, whether it’s warranted or not. Early Beatles vs. Sgt. Pepper's Beatles? Clearly a very different band, and it’s worth exploring the evolution given their influence on all of rock and pop music. Seventeen Seconds vs. Pornography vs. Disintegration era The Cure? Might as well be different bands, and each album was hugely influential. Makes sense (but they're also my favorite band, so that's my personal bias). But do we really need five albums of Tom Waits doing his weird Oscar the Grouch sings the creepy blues act? Do we need SIX albums of Elvis Costello whining over the same cliche guitar riffs? There are so many artists who should be on this list who aren’t: Savage Garden, No Doubt, John Trudell, Skinny Puppy, Nightwish, Shakira, Juanes, Maná, Alabama Shakes/Brittany Howard, Brandi, Monica, etc., who are left off in favor of repetitive albums from the same artists or the hundredth cookie-cookie electronica act. All that said, this probably isn’t fair to Tom Waits — I’m clearly not giving this particular album an objective assessment. But even if I was, it would just be an okay album for me. It’s more of the weird, creepy blues that I heard on Swordfishtrombones. Some of it’s vaguely catchy, some of it’s sort of cool, some of it’s just annoying. At 16 tracks, it’s way too long. And I'm not looking forward to going through this three more times. 3/5
Man, as much as I love Tom Waits, he can be challenging. Bone Machine seems to be (literally) shouting “wake up!!” to the collective pop music imbibing masses. This entire exercise for me has been about getting outside known musical lanes, even with artists I think I ‘know’. Bone Machine has no lane, as it careens through the aural wilderness, daring us to hang on as long as we can. I probably won’t go back to it often, but I know it’s there when I need a musical slap in the face.
Interesting and competent, as always from Waits. Not one of his most memorable, though. A pretty spooky October listen, maybe!
Tom waits is always a tough review. He's at his best, for me, with the slow songs. Whenever it ramps up to carnival cacophony I have to hit skip.
Favorite Track: Dirt In The Ground
Her var det mye som skjedde, mye bra men også mye snodig
The second this started I thought 'fuck, that's Tom Waits again' - and not in a very good way. Pretty shocked I gave one of these a 4.5?! The gravelly voice grates at me still but there's definitely something about the story telling and music that stops me from fully hating it...
Death theme got old. Decent premise
Oh fuck, Grandpa's off his meds again. 3/5
I think the FDA had a recommended daily amount of Tom waits. I think this album goes over I appreciate Tom waits for just not giving af. Hard to listen for a hour though.
'I don't wanna grow up,' en dat het wel een beetje samen. Je ziet Tom Waits voor je, in zijn slecht geïsoleerde boerenschuur raggend op wat gitaren en het eerste de beste schreeuwend wat in 's mans licht benevelde hersenen opkomt. De kwaardaardige-kaboutertjessfeer overheerst op dit album, de zeldzame melancholieke stukken zijn hard nodig als afwisseling. Nog wat credits voor originaliteit en eigenwijsheid, maar Tom kan veel beter dan dit.
The first few tracks were challenging to listen to, the rest was quite ok. And as I said before, I can listen to Waits occasionally, but a whole album is too much.
Tom Waits 2 days in a row... Well, I said it yesterday , but I'll say it again: I like Tom Waits' melodies and instrumentation, but I hate his gravely, mumbly, Cookie Monster voice. The worst part is, he doesn't have to do the voice. He has songs on his albums where his voice is still gravely and deep but he doesn't sound like a muppet monster, and those songs are quite nice! I generally like his music and his lyrics and his overall vibe. But he'll probably never be more than 3 stars for me.
8/6/24. First time listening to Tom Waits and had no idea what to expect. Was ready to write this one off with the experimentation and obscure vocals, but the album got better as it went on. The strongest tracks in my opinion are toward the end.
Not bad.
Hmm just couldn't love it. I know in the past I have dived into Tom and enjoyed it - but looking at his albums now I can't think which ones or recognise anything really. Odd.
There's something quite compelling and endearing about Tom Waits' songs and his voice. At the same time, listening to him is a bit like rubbing hot sandpaper against your ears while walking on legos.
It was alright, but I don’t think i’f listen to again.
A little bit strange, like most of Tom Waits' stuff. Was a worthy listen but not overly engaging and not something you would casually throw on.
Bueno
it’s pretty good but i don’t think it’s as good as people think it is
3.5
It's like I'm listening to a failed drunk Bob Dylan. I like it.
These Waits albums are starting to all sound the same
I love Tom Waits but could not remember ever listening to this all the way through. I was not in the right headspace for the first half of this album. It didn’t sit right in my noggin. Then just after halfway in it was like the sun came out or the instruments sounded better or it somehow became more tuneful but I definitely appreciated it more. It definitely deserves another listen because TW has a way with a tale… and I love his voice that’s like an avalanche of stones falling on hot coals. Whistle down the wind and I don’t wanna grow up - gorgeous!!!
A bit weird and noisy in parts, but still a few really great tracks. 3
Bone Machine I quite like Tom Waits, but he’s not really someone I ever think to listen to. I’ve listened to Swordfish Trombones and Rain Dogs but not much else. His voice is definitely marmite, but I like it, it’s surprisingly tuneful and emotive once you get used to it, even if it can still sound silly from time to time, ie the opening verse of I Don’t Wanna Grow Up. I enjoyed this, the spartan arrangements are very effective with his voice, and the little instrumental textures work really well, the muted horns on the first two tracks, the guitar on Such a Scream, Jesus Gonna Be Here Going Out West, the lap steel on A Little Rain, the Piano on Whistle Down the Wind. The double bass also does a lot of great work, tying everything together. Musically and atmospherically it has a similar feel to Oh Mercy and Time Out of Mind, a pared back but roomy sound. Lyrically I like it, lots of earnest biblical allusions and death and decay and honest work, but with a slight knowing wink, or at least I think a knowing wink. It reminds me a lot of Nick Cave on that front, but maybe not as humorous. Kept expecting Way Down in the Hole to turn up, but it seems that’s on an earlier album, but musically it wouldn’t sound out of place here. The percussion is the sort of thing I normally hate, that kind of tool shed Stomp type stuff I absolutely hate, but it works really well here. Maybe it’s the skill or the fluidity of it, or that it suits his voice, but it’s great. Highlights for me are Earth Died Screaming, Who Are You, A Little Rain, Going out West, Murder in the Red Barn, Black Wings, Whistle Down the Wind and That Feel. It’s probably a few too many tracks and about 10 minutes too long, as it does start to drag and feel quite samey. I liked it though, somewhere between a 3 and a 4. I’ll be Percy-monious and go 3, but I’m definitely going to listen again and try some other albums from this period. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not as compelling as Rain Dogs, but some good songs on here will keep your interest. Unless you're not into noise.
I actually didn’t mind this. There are a lot of albums worse than this on the list - I’ve had them!
More Tom Waits! This dude really loves his bamboo stick xylophones or whatever percussion thing he has going. It is quite similar to the 'Rain Dogs' album we had before, and gives you the same familiar swamp-like pirate cove feel. It does digress a bit from this pattern with 'All Stripped Down', and 'A Little Rain', for example, which comes unexpected but changes it up a bit. I think I've gotten used a bit to Tom Waits and can appreciate it a bit more than last time. And while quite interesting, I don't quite feel like it's my jam entirely. Still fun to listen to. Strong 3 for me!
I feel it has the same vibe as "Rain Dogs" but not as strong hits. The combination of heartfelt ballads and more idiosyncratic tracks really works though. I think my favourite track was "Black Wings". I listened to the album twice and it grew on me the second time. Maybe i just need to listen to it more. Strong 3 for now.
eh ja, sehr düster, rauhe sprechstimme, aber eigentlich tolle instrumentalisierung! Whistle Down The Wind ist für mich ein Highlight - typisch Tom Waits.
Since the ratings skew harsh between those who love Tom Waits and those who don't I'd like to posit, as a Tom Waits fan, that this album is pretty good but like five tracks too long. Some of my favorite Waits songs are here (Dirt in the Ground, Goin' out West, I Don't Wanna Grow Up, That Feel), but nobody wants The Ocean Doesn't Want Me.
Ever wonder what a leisurely stroll through hell sounds like?
Over the years someone will invariably ask me, so what do you think of Tom Waits? And I'll tell them that he is a quirk that I have not been able to wrap my ears around. That Tom's voice and lyrical obsessions takes me right out of the songs. They will nod like knowing parents and ask me, but have you sat down with one of his albums. And I'll say yes, but I couldn't get through them. Until today that is. For, as I was put off by just about every Tom Waits thing I had heard from his albums that changed when I heard BONE MACHINE today. Still not one iota of interest in his lyrical obsessions, but man do I love me some quirky percussion driven soundscapes, and holy hell does BONE MACHINE have it. I enjoyed the weirdness and did not enjoy the throwback traditional songs. My favorites were "The Earth Died Screaming", "The Ocean Doesn't Want Me", "Black Wings" , and "Let Me Get Up On It". Now having said all that, 3 songs and a fragment earns only a 3. Still think he is way overrated. Just like Nick Cave, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan are way overrated.
I love early Waits (the drunken piano ballads era) the best, but sometimes the later stuff works for me. Other times it sounds like an ogre screaming as someone throws silverware on the floor. The stuff that sounds like Beefheart is the best, and there's some of that on here so I'm okay with this album.
Someone mentioned, when Waits is in the zone, he’s at his best, but man, when he isn’t, or he’s off-key, it’s a tough listen.
the ballads on this (like on Rain Dogs) touch the soul. Tom's rasping vocals give tender texture to his mournful musings on life, death, and time. I never realized how much Modest Mouse drew from Tom Wait's (especially on Good News) until hearing this. In some ways this may be the truest blues record a white man ever recorded. I don't love the aggressive and weird tracks on there like I love Who Are You and A Little Rain but it's hard to deny how well Tom crafts this albums atmosphere. His performance at minimum is fascinating and commendable even if it doesn't always quite appeal to me. At its lowest moments this album still sounds more cohesive than that Cream album from earlier and more angry than the Slipknot album too.
Crazy and insane as he is, but overall not bad. 3
I like Tom Waits and I'm partial to Nighthawks at the Diner and The Heart of Saturday Night. I'll have to give this a listen with headphones as I'll likely appreciate more of the music's subtlety. For now, I think a solid 3 on first listen.
Tom Waits is such a character but also weirdly doesn't feel like one. I enjoyed the album. The Ocean is a great example of what Tom Waits makes work that no one else could.
this was all right and i'm glad i gave it a try, but this may be one of the most not-for-me albums i've heard in a while.
Annoying but not as annoying as last week's Tom Waits album
I know several of Tom Waits albums but this one I had never listened to. Unfortunately, this one did not convince me. There are a couple of songs, like A Little Rain or Black Wings, which I find very nice. But too many, which (in my opinion) are not that good. Albums like e.g. "Blue Valentine" or "Alice" (and others) are by far better.
This really grew on me as I listened to it. It’s amazing how he can take something that’s kind of harsh to listen to and still find a way to create catchy, memorable moments. I think I’ll regret going this low as this continues to grow on me.
Some of the percussion on this is quite interesting. I quite liked the first song, but the more I listened to the album the more I thought about how Tom’s singing voice sounds like someone taking the piss out of Nickelback. After that I couldn’t really take it seriously.
I didn't really like the more avant-garde ones that are just percussion and vocals and little else (e.g. Such a The Ocean, In The Colosseum, Let Me Down Up On It). I started to warm a bit to the album in the second half, there are a few tracks I liked and I don't normally enjoy Tom Waits. Maybe I just need to listen more. The piano-led tracks are my favourites here (A Little Rain, Whistle Down The Wind) which maybe isn't the point of the album, given its experimental nature. Anyway hard one to rate so I'll go down the middle in that case
Different gruff voice - enjoyed Goin out West and general sound
I can't tell whether I love or hate his voice. There were some songs I absolutely loved, while others (In The Colosseum) just sounded like nails on a chalkboard to me. I'm going to give this album bonus points for how unique it is, especially compared to some of the album this site has been generating for me recently.
mmh strano 3
not my thing but it is cool
I'll be kind and round up to a 3.
This is a strange album that circled all the way to being engaging to me.
some good songs that cut deep, others didn't hit the mark for me
Came out after the Pixies song, just sayin.
Great
okaaaaaay?
Tom Waits is one of those artists whose voice is just as much an instrument as the piano, guitar, etc. The singing is a little hard to take at first, but the more you listen to him the more it “works.” At least, it worked for a couple tracks on this album. Others, it was a distraction. “Closing Time” is a far better album from him.
Only had time to listen once. Would like to go back and listen again to get a better feel for this one. Loved the percussion and rhythm in a number of tracks. His gravelly voice is a rough listen though.
Though i'm getting more acclimated to Tom Waits' style, i found the music a bit uneven for my enjoyment. I'm just getting used to the smoke & whiskey gravelly voice mixed with anguish. Dirt in the Ground, Who Are You, Whistle Down the Wind and That Feel are good examples here. Also really enjoyed A Little Rain. There is a lot of other items to like, though i am still thrown by his more adventurous experiments: all stripped down, in the colosseum, and ocean doesn't want me which pulls me out of the vibe. Overall engaging and interesting.
Some silver linings but also what is this
Sigh… Tom Waits voice is almost unlistenable to me. First song just jarring (musically cool and interesting though!), making me feel so tense I was wondering under what possible circumstance I could possibly enjoy listening to it. The next several, I kind of settled into his gravel and expression but about half way through I couldn’t continue. I will listen to him in the future only in small doses. (Thinking of his rendering of It’s All Right with Me on Red, Hot and Blue which is similar musically and voacally to Bone Machine.)
Some cool bluesy and generally wierd songs.
Not bad. Very bluesy, rootgrass kind of music
Yup definitely Tom Waits with this cigarette stricken voice. Always reminds me of Dr. Joe for some reason. Just like the previous 2 Tom Waits albums there were some things I really, really loved. In The Colosseum reminds me of The Wall at some points. Unfortunately there were things that I was confused why he would include. I think I liked this one the best out of the 3, but I still can't warrant a 4 for it. Overall happy I'm listening to these though as I had no knowledge of Tom Waits beforehand.
It's definitely Tom Waits. Not my favorite of his, but interesting at least.
Such a raw and primitive sound. It sounds incredibly rough around the edges which could make this a really hard listen for most. I wonder if Tom Waits inspired Isaac Brock's music at all. I feel like Modest Mouse is a bit of a more polished version of this. The existential lyrics are powerful and thought provoking. I like that this album goes back and forth from super rough and raw to more melodic.
Sometimes too experimental for my liking, but definitely has its moments
I liked the vocals at first, then the novelty wore off 3
This guy's got 3 different voices and they all sound like bad guys from a Muppet movie. I had another album by him already, so I was ready for it, but it's still so rough. Like a carnival in a fever dream. Definitely unique. Favorite track: who are you