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Tom Waits – Swordfishtrombones (180 Gr)

Name: Tom Waits Swordfishtrombones | Buy it on B Side Vinyl
Brand: Tom Waits
SKU: BSV-957984
Price: 44.10 USD
Availability: InStock

$44.10

2023 Marks forty years since Tom Waits released Swordfishtrombones, ushering in a new and critically acclaimed musical era for Waits and his longtime songwriting and production partner, Brennan. Waits went from 70s-era “bluesy, boozy” wordsmith and melodist with seven albums behind him to sound sculptor, miner of the subconscious, abstract orchestrator, sonic cubist-while retaining his innate lyricism, melodic invention, humanity. As he put it in a 1983 interview: “I tried to listen to the noise in my head and invent some junkyard orchestral deviation-a mutant apparatus to drive this noise into a wreck collection.” It’s a Waits-arranged pastiche, a variety of atmospheres from different sound planets. There is the warped, marching-army-ants music of “Underground,” an impressionist chant about people living below cities, but there was also the poignancy of the spare piano ballad, “Soldier’s Things,” the good bar yarn, “Frank’s Wild Years”, the tender, minimalist paean to Waits’ wife and muse, Kathleen, “Johnsburg, Illinois,” and the raggedy anthem to neighborhood chaos, “In the Neighborhood.” “On Swordfishtrombones, Waits has made a breakthrough – he’s found music as evocative as his words. Waits’s grumble of a voice now bounces off a peculiar assortment of horns and percussion and organ and keyboards, as if hed led a Salvation Army band into a broken-down Hong Kong disco. It’s as if he’s shifted from monologues to screenplays.” – Jon Parales January 1984 – GQ Magazine The album is newly remastered for the first time ever from the original EQed 1/2″ production master tape and personally overseen by Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. Mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering under the guidance of Waits’ longtime audio engineer, Karl Derfler. The album packaging has also been restored. Available on 180 gram black vinyl.

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Record Details

IN DEMAND

Label	ISLAND
Catalog No	B 3707401
Format	Vinyl LP
Country	United States
Barcode	0602448898425
Condition	New / Sealed

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Tom Waits Swordfishtrombones (180 Gr) vinyl represents a pivotal moment in the career of one of America’s most unique vocalist-songwriters. Released in 1983, this album marked a significant turning point for Waits as he ventured into new artistic territories alongside his longtime collaborator, Kathleen Brennan. Gone are the more traditional bluesy sounds of his earlier work; instead, Waits embraced a multitude of experimental influences, transforming his songwriting into an intricate soundscape showcasing his lyrical prowess and imaginative arrangements.

Significance of Tom Waits Swordfishtrombones (180 Gr) vinyl

With Swordfishtrombones, Waits departed from his preceding records, introducing layered instrumentation and unconventional structures that still resonate with listeners today. Critics heralded the album as a radical shift, aided by the unique sonic palette created through an eclectic mix of instruments including brass, percussion, and even unexpected found sounds. Tracks like “Underground” paint a vivid picture of subterranean life, while “Soldier’s Things” offers an introspective view through a minimalist piano motif. “Frank’s Wild Years,” filled with narratives of chaotic bar-stories and raw emotion, showcases Waits’ storytelling at its finest.

In a January 1984 feature in GQ Magazine, Jon Pareles remarked, “On Swordfishtrombones, Waits has made a breakthrough – he’s found music as evocative as his words.” This encouraging recognition underscores how the album transcends mere songs to evoke deeper emotional connections. Waits’ gruff voice melds seamlessly with the innovative orchestration, introducing listeners to a world where melodies are interwoven with snippets of real-life experiences, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.

This Pressing of Tom Waits Swordfishtrombones (180 Gr) vinyl

This newly remastered edition of Swordfishtrombones celebrates its 40th anniversary, featuring a meticulous remastering process overseen by both Waits and Brennan. For the first time, this pressing has been crafted from the original EQed 1/2″ production master tape, capturing the raw energy and intricate details of the original recording. Mastering was executed by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, a facility highly regarded in the industry, ensuring the highest fidelity audio experience for vinyl collectors and audiophiles alike.

Available on 180 gram black vinyl, this release breathes new life into an already influential work. The album packaging has been artfully restored, allowing collectors to appreciate the visual aspects of the record as much as the auditory. For vinyl enthusiasts, having a copy of Tom Waits Swordfishtrombones (180 Gr) vinyl not only means owning a remarkable piece of music history, but also a listen that reveals new layers and complexities with each spin. This pressing serves as a valuable addition to any serious collection, bridging generations of fans with its rich, varietal soundscape.

Tracklist

1. UNDERGROUND
2. SHORE LEAVE
3. DAVE THE BUTCHER
4. JOHNSBURG, ILLINOIS
5. 16 SHELLS FROM A THIRTY-OUGH-SIX
6. TOWN WITH NO CHEER
7. IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
8. JUST ANOTHER SUCKER ON THE VINE
9. FRANK'S WILD YEARS
10. SWORDFISHTROMBONE
11. DOWN, DOWN, DOWN
12. SOLDIER'S THINGS
13. GIN SOAKED BOY
14. TROUBLE'S BRAIDS
15. RAINBIRDS

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