Tom Waits: Rain Dogs Review

I have to say that when I first heard Tom Waits, I just laughed at the musical overtones of his songs. The first song I ever heard was The Piano Has Been Drinking by Tom and I soon fell in love with his rustic gravel voice and pursued his music further. I have to say that "Rain Dogs" is one of my favorite albums by Tom Waits. It was released in 1985 and is characterized by bouncy percussion instruments, pianos, accordions, and terrific drums and guitar riffs. Not only does this album have 19 tracks (which is unheard of with record productions these days), the tracks are actually all very good in their own Tom Waits mannerisms.

You have to keep in mind when listening to Tom Waits that he has a great sense of humor. With tracks like Union Square, Cemetery Polka, and Walking Spanish; you can't help but laugh and bounce along with it. If you are into something more serious, there are memorable ballads like Hang Down Your Head, Time, Blind Love, and Downtown Train. There are also songs on this album that I have no idea how to classify such as Tango 'Til Their Sore and Jockey Full of Bourbon.

So what else does the album have to offer? Well, Tom decided to add a few film noir type songs to the list as well. The track 9th and Hennepin is spoken word with eerie creeping music in the background and a bunch of memorable quotes about city life. The track Midtown will remind you of a quick car chase through downtown Chicago on a rainy night. After all that barrage of music comes the final track Anywhere I Lay My Head, which sounds like Tom is being pulled through a meat grinder while singing what I would consider an ode to his whole career. If you don't have this album, then go out and get it (it runs for about $7 - $12). You'll come to grow and love Tom Waits and his music for all the personality it packs. His sound is so unique that I guarantee you won't find another musician like him for a long time.

Purchase "Rain Dogs" on Amazon:
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Purchase "Rain Dogs" on Rhapsody:
www.rhapsody.com/tom-waits/rain-dogs

Purchase "Rain Dogs" from Best Buy
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Purchase "Rain Dogs" from Walmart
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Purchase "Rain Dogs" on iTunes:
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