Top tracks — play these first
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16 Shells From a Thirty‐Ought‐Six — This track features vivid storytelling about violence and survival, encapsulated in a powerful narrative style that illustrates Waits's lyrical prowess.
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In the Neighborhood — The song combines rich imagery of urban life with a compelling melody, showcasing Waits's ability to blend poetic lyrics with unique musical arrangements.
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Frank’s Wild Years — This track stands out for its dramatic storytelling and theatrical delivery, reflecting on lost dreams and disillusionment with a sense of dark humor.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's eclectic instrumentation and narrative style create a unique listening experience that stands out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a wide array of unconventional instruments, including marimbas and found objects, creating a distinct sound palette.
- Tracks often shift abruptly in mood and tempo, with some songs featuring spoken word elements interspersed with sung verses.
- Several tracks end with unresolved chords or abrupt cuts, contributing to a sense of disorientation and unpredictability.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
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
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — 'Swordfishtrombones' marked a pivotal shift in Waits' sound, gaining him wider recognition.
- Themes
- surreal storytelling· lost dreams· gravelly nightlife
- Moods
- Dark· Introspective
- Career context
- By the time 'Swordfishtrombones' was released in September 1983, Tom Waits had transitioned from a moderately successful singer-songwriter known for his romantic ballads to an avant-garde artist pushing the boundaries of music. This album marked a significant departure from his earlier work, showcasing a more experimental sound and unconventional songwriting techniques following the release of 'Heartattack and Vine' in 1980.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Cohen· Nick Cave· Captain Beefheart
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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