Swordfish Trombone, Rain Dogs, and Franks Wild Years are so phenomenal as a trilogy, and to have such a deep and experimental album in the middle of just speaks to Wait’s ability as a musician and songwriter to go there and be able to sustain it.
The only thing I can liken it to is Bowies Berlin trilogy.
I love “God’s Away on Business” because it feels like Tom Waits peeled back the curtain on the world’s corruption and set it to a twisted, bluesy march. The song’s growling vocals, clanging percussion, and apocalyptic humor turn greed and hypocrisy into a kind of dark carnival — grotesque but irresistible. It’s theatrical, cynical, and brutally honest, yet weirdly fun in its chaos. Waits’ delivery makes it sound like he’s preaching from the gutter, laughing at the powerful while mourning what’s been lost. I love it because it’s truth wrapped in absurdity — a perfect mix of satire, grit, and genius.
I love how Larry Taylor’s bass and Hodges’ (nicely tuned) drums blend to create the strut on “Big Black Mariah”. Wonderful exploration of an amazing album. Thanks for sharing.
Good morning... Rain Dogs. Damn you make me stop what I'm doing and dig in. Tom said to me, “Nice to meet you, Steve. Now I know I’m a hard sell but stick with it, people will eventually catch up, good luck.” I was charged with getting press for the single “In the Neighborhood.” (My Year at Island Records 83 Steve's Stack) I'll add one note: Keith is playing on three tracks. Marc is the man though he was involved with an artist I knew and wanted to produce and one that got away but never put out that record. She was a Living Room find not Norah J. but lightning often strikes twice in this biz, but it didn't with her. Marc could have made it happen and he was into it. I could have worked with Ribot! And the wheel keeps spinning. Just keep keeping on is the best advice.
Your quote got me "If a record like Swordfishtrombones” showcased how weird Waits could get while still being listenable, Rain Dogs channels those instincts in a more accessible, but no less tangled or risky direction." That was the record that changed everything to art thanks to Chris B.
Love Waits. As far as songs creating a cinematic vignette, I think it’s hard to top Small Change. “Small Change got rained on with his own .38 and nobody flinched down by the arcade.”
“Downtown Train” gets the attention as the hit-sounding track (obviously its successful covers help), but “Hang Down Your Head” is my preferred more conventional song. The chorus and his deliveries get me every time, and some of my favorite basic guitar work on the album.
Swordfish Trombone, Rain Dogs, and Franks Wild Years are so phenomenal as a trilogy, and to have such a deep and experimental album in the middle of just speaks to Wait’s ability as a musician and songwriter to go there and be able to sustain it.
The only thing I can liken it to is Bowies Berlin trilogy.
I love “God’s Away on Business” because it feels like Tom Waits peeled back the curtain on the world’s corruption and set it to a twisted, bluesy march. The song’s growling vocals, clanging percussion, and apocalyptic humor turn greed and hypocrisy into a kind of dark carnival — grotesque but irresistible. It’s theatrical, cynical, and brutally honest, yet weirdly fun in its chaos. Waits’ delivery makes it sound like he’s preaching from the gutter, laughing at the powerful while mourning what’s been lost. I love it because it’s truth wrapped in absurdity — a perfect mix of satire, grit, and genius.
An exceptional pick and comment. Thank you!
I love how Larry Taylor’s bass and Hodges’ (nicely tuned) drums blend to create the strut on “Big Black Mariah”. Wonderful exploration of an amazing album. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading Steve 👍
When I first heard Rain Dogs I thought all recorded music could end at that moment and I would be ok with it
Good morning... Rain Dogs. Damn you make me stop what I'm doing and dig in. Tom said to me, “Nice to meet you, Steve. Now I know I’m a hard sell but stick with it, people will eventually catch up, good luck.” I was charged with getting press for the single “In the Neighborhood.” (My Year at Island Records 83 Steve's Stack) I'll add one note: Keith is playing on three tracks. Marc is the man though he was involved with an artist I knew and wanted to produce and one that got away but never put out that record. She was a Living Room find not Norah J. but lightning often strikes twice in this biz, but it didn't with her. Marc could have made it happen and he was into it. I could have worked with Ribot! And the wheel keeps spinning. Just keep keeping on is the best advice.
Your quote got me "If a record like Swordfishtrombones” showcased how weird Waits could get while still being listenable, Rain Dogs channels those instincts in a more accessible, but no less tangled or risky direction." That was the record that changed everything to art thanks to Chris B.
Love Waits. As far as songs creating a cinematic vignette, I think it’s hard to top Small Change. “Small Change got rained on with his own .38 and nobody flinched down by the arcade.”
I think my favorite Waits song is Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis. It's just so sad, and beautiful.
I tear up a bit whenever I listen to On The Nickel
I love Time but my favourite is Anywhere I lay my Head. The blast of horns at the end force you to go back and play the whole album again.
An excellent pick!
He has one of the most unique voices and lyrical mindsets around.
Absolutely. Thanks David!
“Downtown Train” gets the attention as the hit-sounding track (obviously its successful covers help), but “Hang Down Your Head” is my preferred more conventional song. The chorus and his deliveries get me every time, and some of my favorite basic guitar work on the album.
The purest Waits is “Down there by the Train” off of Orphans, covered by Johnny Cash. A deeper cut, but so great!!
“I've never asked forgiveness, I've never said a prayer
I've never given of myself and I've never truly cared
I've hurt the ones who love me and I'm still raising Cain
I've taken the low road and if you've done the same
Meet me down there by the train”