Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits · 1983
41 min · 15 tracks · blues · jazz
A haunting blend of industrial clatter, jazz-inflected melodies, and storytelling that defies genre boundaries.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- haunting narratives for deep listening
- short tracks invite exploration
- storytelling that captivates attention
- intricate layers for headphone immersion
Maybe skip if you want
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1983, 'Swordfishtrombones' was Tom Waits' first album after his shift from a conventional singer-songwriter style to a more experimental sound. This record marked a significant turning point in his career, showcasing his willingness to embrace avant-garde influences and unconventional instrumentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Cohen· Nick Cave· Captain Beefheart
- If this clicks, go next to
- Rain Dogs — Continues the eclectic sound and storytelling with more experimental elements.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Underground 2:00
- 2 Shore Leave 4:18
- 3 Dave the Butcher (instrumental) 2:20
- 4 Johnsburg, Illinois 1:33
- 5 16 Shells From a Thirty‐Ought‐Six 4:33
- 6 Town With No Cheer 4:28
- 7 In the Neighborhood 3:07
- 8 Just Another Sucker on the Vine (instrumental) 1:46
- 9 Frank’s Wild Years 1:53
- 10 Swordfishtrombone 3:08
- 11 Down, Down, Down 2:16
- 12 Soldier’s Things 3:20
- 13 Gin Soaked Boy 2:24
- 14 Trouble’s Braids 1:18
- 15 Rainbirds (instrumental) 3:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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