Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards
Tom Waits · 2006
189 min · 56 tracks · blues · jazz
A sprawling collection of raw storytelling, blending blues, jazz, and experimental sounds into a vivid sonic tapestry.
Why this album works
The album received critical acclaim upon release, praised for its eclectic mix and narrative depth. It debuted on the Billboard charts and solidified Waits' status as a unique voice in American music, influencing countless artists within the alternative and independent scenes.
- Best for
- sprawling narrative explorations raw storytelling with grit dynamic journey of emotions
- Context
- When 'Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards' was released in 2006, Tom Waits was already an established artist with a rich catalog. This album marked his first major release since the Grammy Award-winning 'Real Gone' in 2004 and showcased his continued evolution as a storyteller, exploring new musical territories while revisiting some previously unreleased tracks from earlier in his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Prince· Bette Midler· Blood, Sweat & Tears· Chicago· Weather Report· The Pointer Sisters· Steely Dan· Nancy Sinatra
- If this clicks, go next to
- Bad as Me — Continues the eclectic mix of styles and storytelling with a modern twist.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Lie to Me 2:10
- 2 LowDown 4:15
- 3 2:19 5:02
- 4 Fish in the Jailhouse Standout 4:22
- 5 Bottom of the World 5:42
- 6 Lucinda 4:52
- 7 Ain’t Goin’ Down to the Well 2:28
- 8 Lord I’ve Been Changed 2:28
- 9 Puttin’ On the Dog 3:39
- 10 Road to Peace Standout 7:17
- 11 All the Time 4:33
- 12 The Return of Jackie and Judy 3:28
- 13 Walk Away 2:43
- 14 Sea of Love 3:43
- 15 Buzz Fledderjohn 4:12
- 16 Rains on Me 3:20
Disc 2
- 1 Bend Down the Branches 1:06
- 2 You Can Never Hold Back Spring Standout 2:26
- 3 Long Way Home 3:10
- 4 Widow’s Grove 4:58
- 5 Little Drop of Poison 3:09
- 6 Shiny Things 2:20
- 7 World Keeps Turning 4:16
- 8 Tell It to Me 3:08
- 9 Never Let Go 3:13
- 10 Fannin Street 5:01
- 11 Little Man 4:33
- 12 It’s Over 4:40
- 13 If I Have to Go 2:15
- 14 Goodnight Irene 4:47
- 15 The Fall of Troy 3:00
- 16 Take Care of All My Children 2:31
- 17 Down There by the Train 5:38
- 18 Danny Says 3:05
- 19 Jayne’s Blue Wish 2:29
- 20 Young at Heart 3:41
Disc 3
- 1 What Keeps Mankind Alive 2:09
- 2 Children’s Story 1:42
- 3 Heigh Ho 3:32
- 4 Army Ants 3:25
- 5 Books of Moses 2:49
- 6 Bone Chain 1:03
- 7 Two Sisters 4:55
- 8 First Kiss 2:40
- 9 Dog Door 2:43
- 10 Redrum 1:12
- 11 Nirvana 2:12
- 12 Home I’ll Never Be 2:28
- 13 Poor Little Lamb 1:43
- 14 Altar Boy 2:48
- 15 The Pontiac 1:54
- 16 Spidey’s Wild Ride 2:03
- 17 King Kong 5:29
- 18 On the Road 4:14
- 19 Dog Treat 2:56
- 20 Missing My Son 3:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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