723. Tom Waits - Bone Machine

Release Date: 1992
Label: Island

I remember finding Tom Waits's 70s albums 'difficult' before being immediately impressed by his two 80s offerings. This one falls somewhere between the two. There are moments of pure brilliance - 'Dirt In The Ground' and 'I Don't Wanna Grow Up' are especially good, but it didn't move me like the previous two.

Rating: 7/10

559. Tom Waits - Rain Dogs

Release Date: 1985
Label: Island

Much like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits has evolved from me wondering why he is so revered as I listened through his 70s phase, to wondering if I'd given him enough of a chance as we progress through the 80s. Along with Swordfishtrombones this is another great album.

Rating: 9/10

520. Tom Waits - Swordfishtrombones

Release Date: 1983
Label: Island

Finally, after a couple of 'difficult' Tom Waits albums, I've finally found an album of his I like. The voice is still as rough as it always is, but this time it seems to work with the music and material given. It's probably no coincidence that this is often considered his best album.

Rating: 9/10

472. Tom Waits - Heartattack and Vine

Release Date: 1980
Label: Asylum

I wish I liked Tom Waits more than I do. But his voice is all wrong. Don't get me wrong, there are times I can tolerate unorthodox vocals - but not this time.

Rating: 6/10

339. Tom Waits - Nighthawks at the Diner

Release Date: 1975
Label: Asylum

The first thing you'll noticed about this record are the laid-back jazz vibes. The second thing to get your attention with be the voice. A voice memorably desribed like "it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car." or "barking like a bullmastiff in a barn fire."

Yes, the album is a little too long, and of course his voice is rough, ragged and aquired taste. But, the songs are good and so is the atmosphere.

Rating: 7/10