Tom Waits – Swordfishtrombones 180g Vinyl Edition

2023 marks a significant milestone, celebrating forty years since Tom Waits unveiled Swordfishtrombones. This album heralded a transformative era for Waits, showcasing his evolution from a ’70s bluesy troubadour to a masterful sound sculptor. Collaborating with his longtime partner, Brennan, he ventured into innovative soundscapes while preserving his distinctive lyrical and melodic essence.

In a 1983 interview, Waits described his creative process: “I tried to listen to the noise in my head and invent some junkyard orchestral deviation—a mutant apparatus to drive this noise into a wreck collection.” The result is a beautifully chaotic journey through various musical atmospheres.

Swordfishtrombones features tracks like the haunting “Soldier’s Things” and the vibrant “Frank’s Wild Years,” reflecting a blend of poignant storytelling and eclectic instrumentation. As noted by Jon Pareles in GQ Magazine, “Waits has made a breakthrough – he’s found music as evocative as his words.”

This newly remastered edition is sourced from the original production master tape and has been carefully overseen by Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. Mastering by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering ensures an exceptional listening experience. The restored album packaging complements the 180g black vinyl, making it a prized addition to any vinyl record collection.

Track Listing:
Side A
1. Underground
2. Shore Leave
3. Dave The Butcher
4. Johnsburg, Illinois
5. 16 Shells From A 30.6
6. Town With No Cheer
7. In The Neighbourhood

Side B
1. Just Another Sucker On The Vine
2. Frank’s Wild Years
3. Swordfishtrombone
4. Down, Down, Down
5. Soldier’s Things
6. Gin Soaked Boy
7. Trouble’s Braids
8. Rainbirds