Great observation about this song embodying the transitional period leading up to Swordfishtrombones etc. You really hear it on the 1982 live version, with Waits' voice switching from conspiratorial jazz to threatening to howl.
Also interesting are the lyrics of macho sexuality as well as a Walk on the Wild Side vibe. The former is rare in Waits but does exist (Goin' Out West, for example), but the latter isn't found anywhere else that I can think of in his songs.
One of the tracks from my Amoeba-like library of muses that I've used on mix tapes, mix discs and the occasional guest sub spot on a community radio free form show when a deejay with their own following and floating tastes across a broad spectrum of muses nudges my land-line and catches me home, usually listening or reading muses and asks me to pinch hit.
This is one of the rare albums by any artist that is just about a treasure or more per track, no filler that I can remember and the best part is it sounds like it was recorded live with each track being that track's freshest take. What a band and Tom along with Time Waits for no one.....
You’re back Ray! A Tom Waits Karaoke night sounds like the worst idea ever.
Which means it's also one of the best ideas ever!
I actually performed at a Tom Waits cover night. My band was hot ... we opened and did Shore Leave. I ended up on my back screaming. Ahhh good times.
Sounds awesome! Would have loved to have seen this! The screaming at the end of "Shore Leave" is really random stuff, even for Waits.
Great observation about this song embodying the transitional period leading up to Swordfishtrombones etc. You really hear it on the 1982 live version, with Waits' voice switching from conspiratorial jazz to threatening to howl.
Also interesting are the lyrics of macho sexuality as well as a Walk on the Wild Side vibe. The former is rare in Waits but does exist (Goin' Out West, for example), but the latter isn't found anywhere else that I can think of in his songs.
One of the tracks from my Amoeba-like library of muses that I've used on mix tapes, mix discs and the occasional guest sub spot on a community radio free form show when a deejay with their own following and floating tastes across a broad spectrum of muses nudges my land-line and catches me home, usually listening or reading muses and asks me to pinch hit.
This is one of the rare albums by any artist that is just about a treasure or more per track, no filler that I can remember and the best part is it sounds like it was recorded live with each track being that track's freshest take. What a band and Tom along with Time Waits for no one.....
Tio Mitchito