Reviews (page 6 of 8)
I love Tom Waits as an actor and human. I do really love a few of his songs. But none of them are on this album. He has a really lovely voice when he's not trying NOT to. My favorite songs by him are old ones like Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You, In Between Love, and I Want You.
I thought I was basically familiar with Tom Waits's oeuvre, but I guess I didn't know the half of it. No thanks.
What a start to the list... A lot of the tracks forgettable, but my favorites: -Who Are You -A Little Rain -In the Colosseum I see where there may be an audience for this but it wasn’t for me.
This doesn't have a repeat value.
Bloody Tom Waits... this was marginally more listenable than his other albums on this list, but seriously, what is the deal? 5 albums on this list and all varying degrees of shite.
The vocals are just too annoying to listen to even though some of the music is okay. 2 stars or D-.
May need to circle back to this one!
Keywords: Raw, Shit Yeah that seems about right.
Does not hold up well to me, at least in daylight. I do love many songs by him, but they arent on this album.
Not the biggest fan of this artistic style of Tom Waits compared to some of his other works. Not to my style as much with all of the very random and eclectic kind of use of sounds. Still Tom Waits can’t fault him too much though.
its different.
It’s hard to give him 1 star, because there’s certainly something in there that I’m drawn to. But also, it doesn’t sound good more often than not. Weird fellow
i think they sent a caveman to a dumpster to record this but then he slowly started to make more things that almost sounded like music by the end of the album
Tom Waits is an acquired taste. I honestly can't get past his vocals. In addition, the production style wasn't pleasing to my ears. Giving this album two stars instead of one, as I think he is a good song writer. My qualms are with vocals and technical stuff.
I was expecting something else from Tom. Not my favorite Waits album.
Not my thing, I only made it about four songs in before I was done.
Not my favourite Tom Waits album, his voice is already a gritty one and this album seems to go to extremes of pushing it beyond what I can cope with comfortably. When he smooths it out a bit, I can get on board more.
1. Earth Died Screaming - 4/10 2. Dirt in the Ground - 5/10 3. Such a Scream - 4/10 4. All Stripped Down - 3.5/10 5. Who Are You - 5/10 6. The Ocean Doesn't Want Me - 2/10 7. Jesus Gonna Be Here - 7/10 8. A Little Rain - 6.5/10 9. In the Colosseum - 3/10 10. Goin' Out West - 5.5/10 11. Murder in the Red Barn - 3.5/10 12. Black Wings - 6/10 13. Whistle Down the Wind - 4/10 14. I Don't Wanna Grow Up - 4/10 15. Let Me Get Up on It - Instrumental 16. That Feel - 6/10 4.5/10
No one told me we were going to have to listen to Tom Waits albums. I feel a little misled.
There is an old man called Tom Waits Who, vocally, gristles and grates To some: he's proficient To me: insufficient And deserves rather low-scoring rates
I believe this the last of my Tom Waits albums to get through, by now I can sort of appreciate some of the material evokes a certain charm, but any chance I had to coming round to the idea of Tom Waits has been skuppered by this strange and unpaletable fever dream album.
Very difficult album to rate when I think it's probably good from a technical and lyrical perspective but falls completely flat because Waits can't sing
I have never listened to a Tom Waits album before. I have always known he was out there. I knew he had a gravelly voice and an off the beaten path vibe. Only the cool kids liked him. To be honest, it was ab it too much. It felt like he was making it purposefully unlistenable. There were a few flashes of enjoyment that are making me consider a 3 star now that it is in the rearview mirror, but I am gonna stick with my feelings when I was in it. Sorry Tom.
If nothing else, it was unique. Very boring, particularly with that rough voice. Favorite Track: "Earth Died Screaming".
Unconventional. Songs vary from annoying in the beginning to more musical towards the end. i will not listen to this again.
Two Tom Waits albums in a week is enough, thank you. It's strange, gravely, and mostly not very fun to listen to. Some stuff works, I think Black wings is a pretty great song as Tom's voice works in a Western setting. But overall, I was mostly ready for this to be over.
Artsy singer songwriter, som med andra av hans album på denna lista så fattar ja int det här.
This would sound amazing live in a dingy Louisiana dive bar with a glass of scotch. Unfortunately I live in derby so
This is artistic but man the absence of any groove/melody really bummed me out and the gravely singing just wore my mind down like a grinding stone. Tom Waits is like running my brain through a skate sharpening machine. I appreciate the artistry but don't get much joy out of it.
So he’s just deconstructed the blues?
Tom Waits is back and he's wild! The entire time I was listening to this album, I felt like an animal in the jungle sensing danger all around me. He's got a very primal, angry style that makes me a bit uncomfortable. FS: In The Colloseum
Troll under the bridge music. I like that this album uses the most off the wall percussion instruments. I don't really have an opinion on Tom Waits grumbly spoken word/ yelling performances, I could take them or leave them.
Not good
POV: you've been ambushed by a couple drunken hobos in a dark alley near the subway in a rundown who insist on banging tin pots and hollering random complaints. The whole thing was recorded with a tiny mic sitting in a trashcan nearby. 2.25
🎧Still really don’t understand the appeal of Tom Waits. This was a real mixed bag, lotta garbage I’d be okay with never hearing again. Some decent tunes too: Who Are You, A Little Rain, Black Wings. Waits is undeniably interesting and has a way with words, but a lot of this is basically the musical equivalent of sandpaper bedsheets.
I’ve never been a huge fan of Tom waits. I don’t know why. This ain’t the album to convert me and isn’t the album to listen to anyway. 1.5.
No. It’s like Gilbert Godfried made an album with the Muppet band. It’s so stupid, it’s funny.
If I were a caveman this would slap. That Feel sounds like something all the weird scraggly muppets would sing together in a muppet film. I will never listen to this again.
About 3 levels too far off the deep end for me to be able to appreciate. But I can see the appeal a teeny bit. I feel like in order to be under 30 and like Tom Waits, you have to have had a parent or uncle who was really into him and indoctrinated you from your youth
This is my fifth, and final, Tom Waits album and the only one that contributed anything (one song) to my Spotify library. I’m sorry, I just don’t get it; album after album of the same schtick. The best thing he ever did was play Doc Heller on Mystery Men.
This came hot on the tails of 'Nighthawks At The Diner', also by Tom Waits. There was quite a large genre difference between the two albums. I made it all the way through but, like the previous album, it felt repetitive. I never really 'felt' it, but I did make it all the way through. So it gets 2 stars.
Tom Waits is one weird guy.
Not sure Tom waits deserves multiple albums in 1001 albums list
Not for me
You can feel the raw emotion here, and it’s effective at times. Problem is, Tom Waits doesn’t have the pipes to be Springsteen, no matter how hard he tries.
It’s interesting that Tom Waits followed Cohen for me. As I’ve said 2-3 times before, I really want to like Waits, but despite being of the same mold in many ways, it just doesn’t work for me, and I think it should. In the end I think the vocal are just bad enough, the music is just abrasive enough. I’ll try again another day. There are occasions on Bone Machine where we’re close to getting it. 5.7/10
Well, this album was definitely something. The first thing I thought was Bone Machine was a fitting title, as the first track sounded like someone rattling bones around. At times it really felt like I was listening to some post-ironic version where someone was mocking the way that Tom puts together music. I was certain this was going to be a 1-star album, and then the middle of the album hit, and it seemed to find it's way. It fell down though again near the end, and once more sounded like some crazed version of teenagers angst being thrown up. I did really like "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" and after listening to it, then the Ramones cover, I can safely say I prefer Tom's version.
You know what they say, "11th time's the charm." What a weird album, to say the least. The first couple of songs, I thought it was cool. Kinda edgy, strong and unique voice, decent enough melody. And then it gets.... weird. I mean, I guess it's weird throughout the whole thing, but I think after a few songs, you start to realize the whole album is going to be like this. Honestly there are some songs on here that should have been filtered out. QA'ing your own music should definitely be standard practice. I feel like it's at least interesting enough and unique enough to deserve at least a 2
Old fashioned folk/blues. Really rough around the edges.
I saved a couple of songs from the last Tom Waits album I got, and listened to a playlist that included them frequently enough that I started skipping the Tom Waits songs. I can only take so much of it. I appreciate the instruments and the rhythms of his music, but there is also something so intentionally grotesque about it that it puts me off.
Sounds like an old drunkard singing karaoke at 2am in an empty hole in the wall bar.
I tried to like this but really didn't. Muffled and strange. Definitely unique but don't feel the need to ever listen again.
Wtf is this. Dude has quite the resume and I like some of his movies. But I’m not sure I like this music.
Often sounds like a mediocre Springstien impression over industrial experimental soundbeds. Sometimes it works here. Mostly, tgough, it does not.
No me gustó para nada. Entiendo qué se le destaca pero es inescuchable por momentos y una voz tétrica con la que no empatizo.
Tom Waits is a talented artist but this didn’t resonate for me
Between the noise and maracas there are some good songs.
Tom is a great lyricist, and these songs had all sorts of texture. Unfortunately, there are just some show stoppers with him that make this a little too prickly to listen to. I liked the last track not only because it’s my favorite song on the album, but also because it indicates the end of the album.
Tom Waits is basically an anti-smoking ad (at least I assume that's why he sounds like that...). It was an OK album, nothing special.
Musically good but I do not like his voice - too froggy for me.
2/5
Bit brash and not very memorable, not the kind of thing I'd listen to really
Can't handle listening to more than 2-3 songs of his in a row
His voice is indescribably bad.
Dark crooner jazz infused barroom blues from a bourbon- soaked cookie monster. The whole album reeks of fedora. A weird boomer affection of pretending to be a depression era drifter. Sparse rough arrangements put the emphasis on the upright bass, plinky plonk piano and bare bones percussion. Some aching lap steel & violin playing adds a nice country twang and high range harmony to a the best tracks. A top 5 'nobody actually likes this, they just like the idea of being a guy who likes this' band. Favorites: who are you this time, a little rain, goin out west
Des trucs chouettes mais sinon pas tres agreable/musical
Dirt in the Ground //
Not a fan if this one
Fairly boring.
Terrible voice, repetitive songs, yet there is something strangely alluring about it that prevents it from being 100% ass
So gravelly and annoying. But heartfelt
Really cool album not my kinda music
I get the message and songwriting, but not my jam.
Well, that's the last time I listen to a Tom Waits album on purpose.
Tom Waits is different. Always idiosyncratic. This was is a little too strange for my taste.
Tom Waits has songs that intrigue me and make me wonder if maybe I could be a fan. And then he has four more where he's just growling and shrieking and clearly he thinks it's all really profound or witty or something. Jesus dude, get over yourself.
Onestamente? È talmente terribile e raggelante in certi punti che non riesco a dargli 1. Sicuramente sopravvalutato dai critici perché ammettiamolo è proprio brutto ma capisco un pizzico da dove derivi l’apprezzamento, è “unico”
I think I like the idea of Tom Waits more than I actually like his music.
Great as a troll album
Does it show that before making this album Waits took a music break and had a stint as an actor? Maybe so. I like occasional Waits songs but I find this Schick very tiring to be honest. Everyone raves about his brutal creative lyrics but I genuinely can't make out what's he's saying so I don't massively appreciate that element in this album. I also don't appreciate the general clanging noise that appears on every track. I also don't think shoehorning the word Jesus in every 16 seconds makes the album particularly deep. I will begrudgingly say the end of the album (from whistle down the wind) is alright. Upon further reflection I really did quite like the end of the album, it was just by that point I was so annoyed with the first half of the album I found it hard to admit any part was likeable.
I like a lot of his stuff but wasn’t so big on this
Not for me at all
Interesting, but not for me. There was little I liked about this. It made me anxious
Mostly odd
I didn't enjoy it at all.
Sorry, Tom. Not a fan.
Dit is wel heel rap achter elkaar 2 albums van dezelfde artiest, waarschijnlijk wil het algoritme mij testen of ik Tom Waits wel echt 2x een dikke voldoende had moeten geven. Dit is namelijk wel wat harder werken. Zijn kenmerkende schuurpapiergegrom komt overigens minder vaak voor, hij probeert regelmatig een hees hoog stemmetje op dit album. In combinatie met vrij uitgeklede experimentele rock, die zich moeilijk laat omschrijven. Het is niet iets dat gemakkelijk wegluistert in ieder geval. Uiteindelijk staan er wel een paar prima nummers op, met name degene waar hij wat traditioneler singer-songwrite. Een enkel experiment daargelaten, is het verder wat te moeilijk. Ik heb al 2x bonuspt gegeven, laat ik een keer streng zijn en de 2,5 naar beneden afronden. Dit album had niet op de lijst gehoeven
2 New decade, same, gruff Tom Waits sound - though, this time around he lifted the name of his album from a Pixies song. Unfortunately, nothing here sounds anywhere near as good as anything you can find on Surfer Rosa. At this point it seems pretty safe to say that this is a dude whose music you either love or hate, and I’m someone who lands in the camp of the latter. I just don’t get - it just feels like a sound collage of banging noise while a dude struggles to sing over it. That to say, I actually don’t think I disliked this one quite as much as his past albums. Maybe I’m just accustomed to his sound at this point, but mixed in all of the chaos, I actually feel like there are some enjoyable moments to be had. In particular, I was somewhat a fan of Goin’ Out West, which has some cool, raw guitar work on it, and I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, which feels like the only conventionally structured song here. Though, my appreciation for the latter likely stems from the later Ramones cover, a song I’m very familiar with (and prefer), so do with that what you will. Those two songs also probably stood out to me the most because I’m pretty sure they’re the only two that have any sort of guitar on them - everything else is either a piano tune at best or straight percussion at worst. Once again, no idea what would compel somebody to put this on, and I can’t even imagine the kinds of looks you would get if you did so after being handed the aux, but I am scoring a half point higher than previous outings with the guy, so maybe I’m learning to appreciate?
Sorry Tom, but I'm just not digging it.
Fav: Who Are You Least Fav: The Ocean Doesn’t Want Me A very interesting album that is beginning to grow on me. Vocals are the obvious weak point but the overall sound and lyrics were quite impressive and by the end I was beginning to like it a little. It may be a 2/5 to me right now but I can see that growing with a few more listens.
Except "Goin' Out West" nothing that holds my attention. I like the music much more than the voice! 1,5
I love Tom Waits, but dear god. This sounds like it was recorded in the shitter. Some of the ballads sound okay, but most of it sucks. 2.1 stars
Black Wings is the only reason this isn’t a 1 star
I somewhat liked the ballads: Who You Are A Little Rain Whistle Down the Wind I Don’t Wanna Grow Up That Feel I hated the rest.
i have so much to say, and not nearly enough words in the english language to actually do so it gets a lot fucking better as it progresses, but i feel like that may just be me getting used to the vibes of this album 2/5, i feel like i'm missing something though i may eat my words later on in life
Why is there so much Tom Waits on this list? This is the 5th album I’ve run into! And Nighthawks was pretty good, but the rest of them (including this one) have definitely not been. Let’s trim this shit down already
Funny at least
Technically, I probably should love this album and artist, but I just don't.
看封面就不想听
He has better albums, but he’s still Bob Dylan with writers block and a head cold.
certainly has it's moments but also has it's awful moments
Can confirm still not a fan.
Do not the ocean
A very, very strange album, as if the person is becoming more and more crazy with each subsequent track and his speech is becoming more and more incoherent, 2/5
4th Tom Waits album we've had, and it's diminishing returns. Couldn't get into this one.
Bone Machine is a raw and challenging album that delves into dark themes with gritty honesty and unconventional instrumentation. Released in 1992, it's a departure from Waits' earlier works, embracing a haunting atmosphere and poetic yet unsettling lyrics that explore mortality and despair. Despite its abrasive sound and difficult themes, the album received critical acclaim for its boldness and originality, making it a compelling listen for those drawn to Waits' fearless approach to music and storytelling. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 4 STAND OUT TRACK - Whistle Down the Wind
Oh no no no. Too much, Tom, too much.
I never loved this one the way I did Rain Dogs of Swordfishtrombones. And on this listen, I liked it even less. Those other two really capture lightning in a bottle. This one seems to be going through the motions. A few songs still hit, but I kinda got tired of it about halfway through.
i was glad when it was finally over
i can understand why this won a grammy in the 90's. its a weird exploration piece about death and how we all return to it... but having never really listened to Tom Waits at all and then jumping into this album is a bit jarring.
Ffs why is there so much Tom Waits. 1.5
Three songs in: nah, not feeling it.
Strange dude. This is like the easy listening version of Trout Mask Replica. I’ve heard other music by Tom Waits that I liked much better, stuff that was more standard blues/folk, less experimental.
My husband did a pretty decent imitation of this album stomping the hardwood floors and banging on the table while unintelligibly shouting like a muppet. It was about as good as actually listening to this album, if slightly less creepy. 'A Little Rain' is okay.
Definetly not for me, I dont get the hype for tom waits
Tom Waits is a true treasure on this desolate, lonely planet, and I truly hope his legacy outlives me and everyone I know. But holy shit I still am not a fan of his music. I really REALLY want to like it, and I SHOULD love it, but I just can't.
Sleep inducing
Wäre ganz OK mit einem Sänger, der singen kann...
Keep feeding us this whatever it is and sometime I will have a brain fart and appear to like it. 2 Tom Waits albums? Really? Might have to end my listening here.
ok
If you like Tom Waits, you probably enjoy the smell and taste of cigarettes. I can't imagine anyone sitting down, listening to this, and thinking they need to listen to it again. I can see the artistic value here, but I can't see how anyone would find this enjoyable.
This album was very divisive for me. The opening 4 tracks were not a pleasant listening experience for me to put it lightly, and I considered skipping the rest. While I do enjoy some unconventional singing voices in music history like Leonard Cohen and Neil Young, Waits' voice was particularly grating to me, and the instrumentation had me picture a random assortment of percussion items being thrown against the studio wall. However, in sticking to it, the more folksy tracks like "Who Are You This Time", "Jesus Gonna Be Here", and "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" opened me up to the potential of his soulful songs. If this album had been all tracks like that, I might regard it higher, but the majority of the album being more experimental and "artistic" bring this down for me. 3/10
This is such a hard album to properly review, because it swings so violently between dark, sombre, interesting ballads, and just utterly weird, maniacal shit. And then I need to consider how much I respect and appreciate him doing something interesting and unique, with a real particular voice, against how much I actually enjoy the album. So... I really like the ballads. They're quite affecting, and dark and brooding. I don't like his voice in general, but it does work on these tracks. The rest of the album brings it way down, because it's just nonsense and complete shit. 2.5 rounded down. I have spoken!
I know there is a market for this guy and he seems like someone only musicians and songwriters can respect. I just don’t get it. And I think that anyone that likes him likes him because it could potentially be perceived as “cool” or “hip.” For that reason I give it a 2. I don’t get the “genius” of Tom Waits.
The Earth Died Screaming? I may die screaming. This is the first of five Tom Wait albums, can't wait. Obviously it is interesting and different, but that doesn't make it something you want to experience over and over again. Maybe my taste is very pedestrian. 2*
This was the best Tom Waits album so far, which isn’t saying much.
I've probably written pretty much exactly the same thing about Tom Waits before - I like it when he sings relatively tunefully, I quite like some of the spoken word stuff, but I really really don't like the stuff in the middle that is half spoken and half growled, it sounds awful. This is mostly the latter, so 2/5 it is. There are some more tolerable songs, it's not completely awful.
Again with Tom Waits? Previous review applies again. No need to wait; Tom can go.
Die Stimme trifft nicht meinen Geschmack. Und die Songs sind, abgesehen vom Klang des Schlagwerks, auch nicht gerade originell. Nicht so mein Ding. Erzeugt in mir leider Langeweile.
That was hard work. Good grief. A truly horrible vocal performance. But something about this prevents me from giving 1 star. There is some really nice music hidden under it and it's full of variety and intrigue. In a way it's a shame he ruins it by singing over it, to the point where I never want to listen to this again in my life, but I do have an appreciation for the character and craft on display.
Heb hier helemaal niks mee. Instrumentaal vaak nog wel aardig.
2 y ayudándole
Possibly some cool songs but I just can’t get past the vocals
The sound of a man progressively losing his voice during a late night bender. Stop shouting Tom, you're just making it worse. I like me some Tom Waits, but this one isn't doing it for me.
Repeating below my previous Tom Waits review with the album number updated. Honestly, there are so many interesting albums in the history of music. And so many artists who don't sound pretty much the same on every record. Did we really need 5 Tom Waits albums? Hrm hr grumble grr, 5th Tom Waits album hrrmgrr. Disney-ruffian-style cabaret grrr. Mmrrrmh. Grgrgrr smokey bar backrooms. Hrrrr grumble grumble.
Un poco difícil de digerir ya que no escucho mucho música progresiva.
I dont like Tom Waits at all. Not one bit. I feels like it's supposed to be bad This album is way better than rain dogs
Rough. I know a lot of people like him, but MAN, those vocals. Couple songs I sorta liked. But the arglebargle is nearly unlistenable.
Have to be in the mood. I rarely am.
I have no idea why this man has 5 albums on this list. 2.5
Lyrically intense and poignant. The style is not for me.
An extremely rough sounding album. I usually like experimental/avant rock stuff but this album is not my jam. The music makes me want to sleep and his voice is just weak. No, thanks.
Off to a wild start with The Earth Died Screaming. His usually distorted and gravelly voice with some muted guitar and a smattering of percussion. Chorus is composed of a demonic howl that reminds me of a drunk football fan shouting obscenities. Goin Out West was a standout. Ya know, there was a lot of emotion in here, and I feel like in a different mood this may have connected. Today, however, this just wasn't doing it for me. I didn't find too much that I really enjoyed on this Monday afternoon, and I really was pretty worn of Tom's gravely, strained voice. Production and compositions are certainly interesting, but I just couldn't sink myself in. 2 / 5 for me
Not really vibing with this one. It is very raw and his voice doesn't really jive with me. I get that some of it is exaggerated, but I don't really understand the gravelly voice. Is that his natural voice? Is he trying to sound like that? A Little Rain was actually good I would be upset to see Tom Waits show up on this list a 4th time.
I think I am done with Tom Waits I hope this is his last album on here. He has gotten weirder and weirder as the decades move on. His crazy voice made this album way worse, but it did have some cool instrumentals. This album was dangerously close to a 1.
Fällt mir schwer zu bewerten. Seine Stimme und Art ist sehr speziell und sagt mir nicht immer zu. In den besten Momenten ist es sehr düsterer, morbider Blues/Folk; im anderen Moment wieder belanglose Rezitation (auch wenn das Teil seines Genres/Stils ist). 2,5
Buen músico pero no es mi estilo
Ok there’s no way this thing is random. I give Tom Waits a 5 yesterday on my first time listening to him then I pull this?????? No way. This wasn’t as memorable as Heartattack and Vine. I likened him to a scuzzy cartoon alligator on that last album. He sounds more like a slimy river eel on this one. A little more devilish and doomer-pilled, dropping the sense of sincerity from Heartattack in favor of more lofi experimentation
I'm surprised to see "Bone Machine" on this list. The album is far from Tom Waits' best. I get that the authors of the 1001 book wanted to emphasize singer-songwriters -- and Waits certainly fits into that category -- but that doesn't make EVERY Waits album something I need to hear before I die.
some of the songs were pretty okay, but i didn’t enjoy this album overall. a lot of the music i listen to could be considered strange/harsh, but i just don’t get the appeal of this.
Some really good songs on there but as an album it was disjointed and frankly a bit weird
interesting….
опять пришлось с ютуба слушать (горе горе), ну опять скажу что не такой отвратительный как некоторые Томы Уэйтсы, но повторять не хочу
Love the man. Get the concept. Appreciate the art. Unrepeatable.
Album: Bone Machine Artist: Tom Waits Year: 1992 Genre: Experimental Rock Rating: ⭐️⭐️ His voice is so interesting. I didn’t like this album as much as Rain Dogs. Some of the songs were good but not amazing Favourite song: Whistle Down The Wind Would I listen again? Unsure
I know karate, voodoo too. “Pitchy” as a feature, not a bug That one slow song… good to hear some variety. And then a couple songs that were just jamming. Can’t believe they made the album cut. Some songs I was really impressed with his singing, and others I just felt were terrible.
He's like Bob Dylan, but he's been run through a meat grinder first. Not a fan. This album gets an extra star, jumping it up to 2 only because of the song "Goin' Out West" and it's usage in the movie Fight Club.
Not my cup of tea. I'm sure this kind of thing really speaks to someone... specifically Tom himself.
Oh boy I did not like this album. His voice is unique and often annoying. Especially when he goes high. It sounds like a pubescent boy voice cracks. Honestly was a slog to get through
Not for me
AJ: picture in a frame is all I need. Man’s a poet. A dark gollum growling poet. Just… Just give me picture in a frame a hundred times.
I came to the realization, after listening to this, that it's just a sideshow and each song is a different freak. Points for attempting to be entertaining. Tom Waits is the emcee/barker. This is not "rock" music however, and should not be categorized as such. If I think of it as an attempt at being folk-adjacent, it makes more sense. But I get the feel that Tom Waits is simply aping some persona, perhaps a troubadour William Burroughs? To my ear the music not really sincerely felt by the singer or has much of a folk soul. Waits is just a kind of guy that got stuck writing high-school level poetry (one laughably typical example "Oh, when the moon is a cold, chiseled dagger/ And it's sharp enough to draw blood from a stone") and little stories about murder and bad people (that he imagines are out there). I don't get the gravelly voice affectation, I suppose it adds to the persona Waits is attempting to create. All of these little creations are deeply disturbed or whatever, and I'm not interested in meeting them or getting to know them, thank you very much. Keep them in your "closet of dreams" or wherever they came from. This album is not something I would purposely play. I understand what he's trying to do and I respect it, it has artistic merit definitely. But it's just unpleasant and darkly weird. And some listeners really like the darkly weird. I do not, really. Please stop yelling, Tom.
There’s definitely some parts to like with the instrumentals, but I can’t get past Waits’ vocals. It sounds like he’s TRYING to have the cigarette smoking blues singer voice, but it doesn’t land well. Not my style, DNF.
For me the voice is extremely unappealing, but there is some decent music in here.
Just not my cup of tea.
Struggling to come to terms with the idea that people like this guy's music and that I've listened to two albums now. 1.5
I gave the last two Tom Waits albums four stars each. This one, though, does nothing for me.
Cool Voice and songs
Shite
Such a interesting voice and style but not my fav
I'm sorry Tom Waits, I just simply don't care.
Oke
The piano, sax, and other instruments are good. His voice is pretty annoying, and feels like it takes away from the otherwise good music. On "Who are you this Time" he sounds like bad Bruce Springsteen. I just really DON'T like his voice - I don't really listen to lyrics, but I do hear voices and they very often turn me off from bands/musicians; this is one of them. "Black Wings" has the vamped music behind someone telling stories, which is something I'm not a huge fan of. It's kinda Western which is neat, but the novelty does get me passed the fact that I don't really like it. None of these songs particularly struck my fancy. It's fine, but it's really not something I liked listening to. I feel like there's more enjoyable music that sounds like this basically anywhere you look.
When the cowboy gets tired of booze and starts getting into meth.
Nar, fuck that noise.
A bit rough for me
Don't know why this one is on the list. 2 Stars because there's worse...
Not the biggest fan of Tom Waits
Not my favourite of Tom’s
Not really my vibe.
Eh. Not really a fan. I think you love him it hate him.
Awful voice, musically not so bad but TW can't sing so ruins the whole album
Not my thing but glad to finally have a chance to hear a full album
Som bem peculiar, mas sofrível pra curtir o álbum inteiro
Ei ollu ihmeellinen
He sounds like a baddy in a Disney film
Meh. Not really into Tom Waits.
Paras näistä Waitsin albumeista mitä tähän asti tullut. Annan kyl miinusta nyt siitä, että kolmas albumi ko. herralta jo.
You gotta hand it to Tom Waits he’s a real American original. This album is much darker than the previous offerings that we have received. Most of it is bereft of any melody or harmonies that we typically hear so it’s an album that demands repeated listenings but that’s easier said than done.
Ok ig
wow, even worse singer than Dylan, can't stand his voice, rootsy backing tho
fine
I like Tom waits a lot but this was a rough one for me. Maybe I’m more of an “early Tom waits” fan? I appreciate the stripped down nature of it. It sounds like recorded it with one mic in his living room, which is endearing in a lot of ways. The stories and lyrics are still what I’ve come to expect, but he just kinda sounded like he needed to clear his throat the whole time.
Bone Machine is the eleventh album by American singer and musician Tom Waits. This critically acclaimed experimental rock album performed moderately well on the charts around the world and won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. It features a stripped-down rock sound, heavy on percussion, and with dark lyrical themes. This was an interesting album. At moments it had me bobbing my head along to the drum/bass beat, and at other moments I was lost in a soundscape of dismal sounds and weird lyrics about death and/or religion. Not the type of album to play at a party, but it can be appreciated for its experimental nature if one is in the right head space.
Cannot get into Tom Waits
Silly. Didn't hate it.
I like Tom Waits when he’s in Blue Valentine mode, but this is just too much for me. I find it hard to follow when it’s tuneless and overly melodramatic when it’s tuneful. Not my bag.
I gotta say, after a few of these albums, I'm just not a Tom Waits fan.
I guess there's something in it, but I don't get what. Just a little bit too much for me??
Tom Waits vient nous vomir dessus pendant près d'une heure, et autanst de vous dire que je rêvais d'un peu mieux pour entamer ma semaine.
dark, chaotic, apocalyptic, and disturbing. the voice takes a while to get used to, and i admittedly never really got used to it. not really into it.
Sorry, just not a fan
It's was fine. I just can't seem to get into Waits though. Voice seemed extra scratchy on this one!
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't really what I got. Waits has a very deep voice and a lot of the songs have a sort of spooky underworld vibe. It occasionally moves away from this (e.g., Jesus Gonna Be Here is more of a blues rock song, A Little Rain is a folksy piano ballad), but that mostly makes it feel more disjointed to me. There's a few redeeming qualities here, but it generally is just not really working for me. Favorite song: Who Are You Others: A Little Rain, That Feel
Tom Waits to me has always been 80% pretentiousness and 20% art (as in: good music, especially beautiful ballads). On this album, however, there is hardly any of the latter. Whistle Down the wind is decent, but I've heard better on his other albums. I respect the man, but can't get into his art. Perhaps it's just not for me. Perhaps it's for the hipsters. Who knows? 2/5
One day I’ll appreciate Tom’s dying cat sound but today is not that day
Two Tom Waits albums in about a week is a lot. As cool as it is that he recorded it in the basement of the studio, it seems deliberately challenging to whoever is trying to listen to it, and I wasn't feeling it.
You would have to do a lot of convincing to make me believe Tom doesn't just make this shit up as he goes along. His entire career is an attempt to be a drugged up Sinatra. It's not working for me.
A pretty rugged and uneventful album by Tom waits. He has probably the raspiest voice and to listen to a whole album of it gets dreadful towards the end. I feel his older years are better spent acting than singing. The authentic and earthly nature of his songs don’t save this album from being mediocre. 4.3/10
2.5/5 - Just don't understand some of the songs. There are gems in this album, but overall, it's not great.
Is this dude ok he sounds like he crawled out of a gutter. He’s probably friends with Janis Joplin. This is full goblin mode.
Albüm tuhaf başladı, daha farklı bir tuhaflıkla bitti. Not to my liking, genel olarak bir artwork olduğunu gördüm ama benim appreciate edebileceğim bir türden değil. Overall: 4/10
For as great of a songwriter as he is, Tom Waits sure sounds like someone taking a massive shit. That's more of a feature than a benefit.
Oh this is going to be strange. Hey there is passion. Who are you this time is a cool contrast of gristle and sweet melody. Its perhaps not a good sign, however, that I felt very relieved when I heard the next song after the album was done. Not quite a 1, probably like a 1.7 (2).
I really don't know, turned it off in the ending songs because I was just exhausted
This album didn’t really change my very negative opinion of tom waits very much but it was definitely better than the last album. I still don’t like his voice but the production was at least varied. Feels like he went on a Leonard cohen arc when his music got darker and weirder as he got older
Ik sluit me geheel bij bij Arjan aan.
Ookal lopen veel mensen die ik ken weg met Tom Waits, heb ik er nooit veel in gehoord. Ik doe het vast enorm tekort, en zal op heel wat tenen trappen als ik zeg dat ik alleen maar dronken kroeggebral hoor, als Tom met z'n schuurpapierstem los gaat.
Soms mooi, soms lelijk. Ik zou graag eens in het hoofd kijken van iemand die dit in z'n geheel fantastisch vindt. Hoe die hersenen dat gekraak ervaren.
Kinda spooky
Have to be in the right mood and environment for Tom Waits, which one day I will find
Bruh, clear your throat.
Great lyrics and melodies. Waits has a distinctive style and voice which sadly isn’t for me.
estranho. curti o que ele consegue fazer com a voz e como ele combina isso com uma percussão podre e que soa como ossos, do jeito que o titulo do album propõem.
Okay... about one minute into the album now: I had no idea what to expect here and I would have never guessed that this would be it or that this could ever make this list. wtf. That being said, after getting over the initial shock, I really like the thick and dirty blues sound of the music. That voice though... wtf. His voice sounds like he was weaned on cigarettes and whiskey and enjoys gargling rocks in his spare time. The song In the Colosseum is a parody, right? Or a halloween song?? Wait, Is this a halloween album? Yep.That's it. Has to be. Favorite song: Dirt In The Ground.
Da e jo nåke for seg sjøl, men diverre ikkje for meg
rautakankien kolistelua! muistin/odotin, että levy olisi ollut enemmän kokonaisuus. ehkä kuitenkin on teemalevy? Tom Waits viehättää syksyllä, mutta en saanut punaisesta langasta kiinni tässä albumissa
This is not a good Tom Waits album, though there are several.
Can’t imagine I’ll return to this but not upset I listened once, The Earth Died Screaming was both the coolest and most disturbing part
Did not enjoy at all 1.7
I like some of his works, not this
meh. 2/5
As interesting as the arrangements and melodies are, and as good a lyricist and songwriter Tom Waits is, his continual choice to sing in that annoying, gravelly, guttural, raspy voice takes the pleasure out of many of his songs, especially here, making ‘Bone Machine’ about as enjoyable as a trip to the dentist for a root canal.
Spooky. Interesting but not super listenable by me; more of an experience.
Too much hard work.
Voz grave y con tono de cantautor americano. No me ha transmitido mucho, más allá de ser un disco raro y él tener una voz profunda.
Gravely voice - guitar is nice at points but just not an overall package I need to hear again
The instrumentation on this album is so good. The groove, the melodies, the music is absolutely fantastic. Moments of pure enjoyment and appreciation for how well the band plays each song, only to get interrupted by Tom Waits. Tom Waits is the villain in this album.
not a bad album ; not a great voice
Used to listen to hardcore music while falling asleep, but listening to this at home in the dark morning = terrifying.
Gruffly sung blues, industrial rhythms, but the highlights to me are a handful of tender beautiful ballads. Almost worth the rest of the rough-edged noise.
The first song I did not enjoy. The second song was rough. The third song… rough. Oh boy… are there really 13 more songs to listen to? Fourth song: Nope. Fifth song: The best so far? But still quite rough…. Is “Jesus Gonna Be Here” an old blues song? Hmmmm… “Little Rain” is a bit better with its country tinge… OK… halfway there. Not enjoying this much. But maybe this is a turning point… “Going Out West” was a little… just a little… more appealing. But I’m still waiting for it to be over. Then six more songs that I did not enjoy… Am I having a bad day? After this completed, I went back to two earlier Tom Waits albums I enjoyed, swordfishtrombones and Rain Dogs. I still like them. I did not enjoy this album. I’ll give it extra 1/2 point because there is Tom Waits creativity, but I would only expect to return under duress.
Didn’t enjoy it. Not a fan of the music comp and it’s hard to enjoy Wait’s voice at times
I don’t love Tom Waits, mainly because if the voice. Definitely some cool songs, messages and attitude, but I find him hard to listen to.
The music: 🪨🦴🐵 The atmosphere: ☠🌑🗻 The lyrics: ⭐🌟✨ The album as a whole: 😲😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😐😲😴😲😴😲😴😴 What a ride.
Not for me ..
Did not love this. Some of the songs were really good, like "Who Are You This Time." But for an entire album it was sort of a tough listen.
weird ass shit 2/5
yea, like discussed, its too weird for me
Rock. Extraño. Deprimente
I don't really get the appeal of albums like this in general and Tom Waits in particular. It wasn't purely awful but it was not good at all. Can't imagine listening to this again.
Not a fan. Goin' Out West sounds familiar, but the album isn't my thing.
This dude's weird. How did he know there was a market for this? Reminds me of Leonard Cohen. I admit, this album seems like a joke. I am sure there is something punk going on here. I just don't get the progressive element. I get the examination of death and the stripped down nature of the album as a motif for sure.
Poetisk, minimalistisk, alternativt, blues
Merkwürdig abstrakter Gospel. Wirklich meistens nicht schön. Bezeuge die Intention und Intensität; Gefallen leider gen Zero. Fun fact: fand irgendwie immer Frauen sexy, die dieses Raubein verehrten - for the night, for the dram, for the fuck. 1.7
Iskreno sam se iznenadio koliko mi zapravo nije sjeo ovaj album. Volim ga, odličan mi je, i s obzirom da ovaj album ljudi stavljaju većinom u top 3, očekivao sam da će i meni biti tako, ali et, nije kliknulo, nažalost.
Really enjoyed the instrumental musical elements of this - and has huge potential. But his voice just ruined every song for me.
May be it is interesting in its concept, but I don't feel this music
I feel like my favorite team just got bageled at the Superbowl. Tom Waits is better experienced in person in a small venue preferably a dark dive bar in east Los Angeles in the 90s... It's really hard to translate the persona of Tom Waits anywhere else. Hopefully things will come full circle, but the digital age has no use for a lounge-y spoken word performer.
"The Earth Died Screaming" - yeah, it did, Tom. Because you started singing. "Bone Machine" is at its best when the vibe is spooky, and the restrained percussion surrounds you subtly. It still doesn't make it my cup of tea, or what I would listen to for funsies, but to each their own? My college roommate, Frank, loved Tom Waits. And heavy metal. I never understood it. Still don't. Personally. But it totally fit Frank, a big guy who can be equally cuddly teddy bear and slightly frightening brooding darkness. Waits' voice is cool for specific purposes. I can see it being used to set the tone in some kind of dark, macabre show or movie. In fact, his songs have apparently been used in 29 movies or TV shows. "Peaky Blinders" and "12 Monkeys" make sense. Multiple times in "Gilmore Girls" was a surprise though.
I can’t take Tom Waits in any more that very small doses, a whole album is too much.
I’ve never watched The Walking Dead. Shocker I know. So I don’t know where the zombies live. In my head they live underground, kind of like trolls. If there were a club for the zombies in this underground world I imagine, I also imagine it looks like a club I went to in the French Quarter one time. The Dungeon was a place that did not open until midnight. All the walls were covered in bones…fake ones…I’m pretty sure. To get to the bathroom, you had to go through a hidden bookcase (?) door that led to a geometrically awkward hallway. There were also stairs up to a sitting area that was a half a floor up. However, there was also a ladder built in to the side of the bone wall the stairs were on so you could climb the ladder or take the stairs. Trust me it sounds even weirder to me as I unpack this memory. Anyway, this album sounds like the house band for The Dungeon if it were a club in my underground zombie world. Tom Waits’s voice is haunting as is the music. Tom Waits sounds like he’s already dead and his voice reminds me of the last 20 years of Bob Dylan. It’s like decades on the road, partying hard is bad for your voice. Tom Waits’s voice is terrible, but strangely it works at times here. There are nuggets of interest. I like Earth Died Screaming and Jesus Gonna Be Here. I appreciate the unique percussion used throughout. However, a lot of the album is borderline unbearable.
Didn't love it. Too grating.
First Listen. I have heard of Tom Waits before and may have heard a song or two of his, but basically, I am new to his sound. It is interesting. I think I like it. It is hard to listen to. Back in the 80's there was a song by Robbie Roberton called, "Somewhere down the crazy River" that I love. I think Robbie was channeling Tom Waits sound in that song. Because of that, It gives me great hope that I will come to love Tom Waits over time. That being said, as a first listen to this one, I'm giving it a 2/5. I am sure this will go up after I am more familiar with it.
We've been through that already: Tom Waits works at a different wavelength to mine.
Ehhhhh
Mostly not very enjoyable to listen to. Spotify recommends a “dark, theatrical cabaret music” playlist alongside the album, and that is an apt description. Funny enough I didn’t notice that the album is almost an hour long. In the Colosseum and Goin’ Out West (the only song I already knew) were the stand out tracks.
I appreciate how weird it is, but it’s not very pleasant to listen to.
Bone Machine's sound is certainly well-crafted, but I just don't like it very much. There are times where I didn't mind the gravelly near-mumble of Waits—it certainly beats his country blues impression on Jesus Gonna Be Here, a title I'm surprised wasn't accompanied by "(feat. Dusty Rhodes)"—but those fleeting moments came when the album got out of its own way and shifted from its morbid focus. Goin' Out West's takedown of Hollywood and macho bullshit features the best music to be found here, and for as dark as the writing can be, the palpable bitterness of Who Are You hits the heaviest ("are you pretending to love / well, I hear it pays well"). Everything else runs too long and treads waters too similar (oh boy, more songs about death where the drums are recorded from the next room over), ending up sounding like the long-lost soundtrack to some animated film that'd sell a lot of shirts at your local mall's Hot Topic. Key Tracks: Who Are You, Goin' Out West
Waits ist immer zwischen Genie und Wahnsinn. In dem Fall eher Wahnsinn
Not for me but can see why it's on the list. Who Are You This Time nest track
I do not hate Tom Waits, but I do think he is overrated. There is some great stuff in here, overshadowed by how overly long the album is, and by the affected singing style Waits employs.
Funky and primal
another one I've never heard of. I'm trying , but I would not buy it. Maybe 80 is to old to be listening to new stuff not!! I love new music and motown too. keep sending and I will keep listening
No one can argue about Waits lyrical chops, but his voice can sometimes leave something to be desired. This album is hell-bent on having him sing in a more aggressive and almost spoken word format that does little to welcome the listener in. Which is a dissappointment given his more sullen and quiet efforts throughout his career. Instead it sounds like a homeless man singing on the street.
Wouldn't be surprised if he was thrown out of a bar in Kerry for singing this
tribal funk
4/10
Abandonado
Fuckin A, dude. 4
Después de tres discos sigo sin agarrarle el pedo.
Can't beat Closing Time
I wish this was satire
If I get one more fuckass tom waits album. I’m going to find the creator of this list and strap a bomb to their chest.
Delightfully swampy, but completely incoherent and shrill.
*sigh*
Furchtbar! Wie kann man sowas veröffentlichen. Klingt nach einer Kombination von Alkoholismus, Psychiatrie und Größenwahn!
nahhhh
I tried.... I really did. Just couldn't do it...
Рычи в зоопарке
Si un álbum fuera una película de terror sería esto💜
No.....just, no.
- so like decent album but it’s completely ahh so like nah, goin out west is the only listenable song The dude has decent lyrics but bro his voice just lowk get on my nerves
Not for me. 1/5
Es ist kein Experiment, sondern ein akustischer Trümmerhaufen – ein Album, das in seiner eigenen Finsternis versinkt und den Hörer gleich mit hinunterzieht. Tom Waits hat hier ein Werk geschaffen, das klingt, als wäre es in einem Betonbunker mit rostigem Werkzeug eingespielt worden – was nicht einmal übertrieben ist: Das Album wurde tatsächlich in einem kargen Kellerraum mit „Zementboden und Warmwasserboiler“ aufgenommen, was seinen rauen, scheppernden Sound prägt Doch statt roher Magie entsteht ein Lärmgebilde, das sich selbst genügt und den Zuhörer außen vor lässt. Die Songs kreisen obsessiv um Tod, Verfall und apokalyptische Bilder. Selbst die Balladen, die früher einmal Waits’ Rettungsanker waren, tragen hier eine nihilistische Schwere, die jede emotionale Regung erstickt. „A Little Rain“ mag poetisch gemeint sein, doch im Kontext dieses Albums wirkt es wie ein letzter, müder Seufzer inmitten eines endlosen Sturms aus Düsternis und Geräuschkulisse. Die rohe Produktion, die absichtlich schiefe Instrumentierung, die überzeichneten Vokalattacken: All das ergibt ein Werk, das eher wie eine Parodie auf Tom Waits klingt als wie eine gescheitere Satire. Es bleibt ein Experiment, das sich selbst überschätzt – ein klappernder, lärmender Totentanz auf das vergeudete Talent eines mäßig begabten Künstler.
nice tunes, but the voice is too much for me.
After over 130 albums, my first 1 Funny enough, I liked some of the stuff near the end, but that was too few too late.
Uhh what's wrong with this guy's voice. I wanted to toss my headphones out while listening to "All Stripped Down". Annnnd I'm calling it quits at "In The Colosseum". DNF
Not sure what I’m missing with Tom Waits but this was terrible (like his other albums I’ve had here) and can’t believe he isn’t in the lowest rated artists list.. there is no way he should have 5 albums here (benefit of the doubt that some were replaced from earlier editions but I don’t know).
I am aware of the existence of Tom Waits, and currently have 3 songs liked by him on Spotify. 2 are from the "Dead Man Walking" movie soundtrack album ("The Fall of Troy" and "Walk Away"), and 1 is "Yesterday is Here" from the "Frank Wild Years" album. I have never done a deep dive into any of his catalog - so I am curious how this goes. Thoughts after listening 3 times... None of this grabbed me enough to want to listen to any of it again. I'm positive I can name 100 albums that are better than this one, that aren't on this list. I can't believe I will be forced to listen to 4 more albums by this guy. Liked songs on Spotify: 0/16 Rating: 1/5 (should be zero)