My first thread was eaten in the crash. I’d thought I’d resurrect it. Basically, I’ve heard a lot of Tom Waits’ new stuff on the radio recently. I went out and got Blood Money and found it pretty good. I know the guy’s been around for a damn long time and I’m interested in hearing some of his earlier stuff.
Last time I tried this, people recommended Swordfish Trombones, Bone Machine and some others which I can’t remember. Which is why I’m doing this again. People also recommended Nick Cave (who I already like), Leonard Cohen and The Pogues. (Which was described as angry punk Waits. Sounds different to drunken bum Waits.:))
I’m sure there was a point to this thread. Oh yeah…What do you think are the greatest Tom Waits albums?
Nighthawks at the Diner! I love all his albums, but this was my first, and is still my favorite. Classic drunken-sounding Waits, recorded mostly live, with very entertaining stage banter.
My favorite is The Black Rider, but I have odd tastes (well, we’re talking about Tom Waits to begin with). It’s like. . . it reminds me of Kurt Weil/ Brecht-- like if Tom Waits had written the Threepenny Opera.
Frank’s Wild years is also a hoot-- another odd one like Bone Machine (which is the other in my top three)
I like the Franks Wild Years trilogy – Swordfishtrombones, then Rain Dogs, then Franks Wild Years. Got the swordfish one for Christmas, and ruined my poor brother’s vacation.
My favorite is Closing Time, his first. It’s got a more traditional late-night jazz club sound to it. Listen to it at midnight.
Rain Dogs. You can’t go wrong with that album; absolute, five-star classic. Despite the fact that Rod Stewart covered one of the tunes.
Keep in mind that Tom has two really distinct careers; his early one, with Island records, is the bluesy, soulful, distinctive but mellow bar crooner phase. With Swordfishtrombones, he started in on a bizarre, but brilliant new career, incorporating discord and strange percussion into his style, and truly transforming himself.
For an amazing example of his early stuff, I recommend Blue Valentine.
Oh, and be careful singing along to him. No more than two or three songs a night, or else you won’t be able to talk in the morning.
If you are into contemporary clasiical music, check out the Gavin Bryars composition Jesus’ blood never failed me yet, in which Tom takes over from a taped beggar voice to great effect. Listen before buying - you’ll probably either love it or hate it.
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