Tom Waits Island Catalogue remastered and reissued by ANTI-Records

[misterc6]

At last, I can fill the remaining two gaps in my Tom Waits vinyl collection!

https://uk.kingsroadmerch.com/tom-waits/?ffm=FFM_53b70f9073c1dd3c7ed688a0498fad23

 

[kjb]

I have original presses of all of them but they are getting very crackly. Might get Swordfishtrombones, which is the most played, and give it a go.

Given prices of reissues /remasters elsewhere £25 for a standard black version sounds a bargain.

 

[gavreid]

I only have Bone Machine and Black Rider on CD so I might be tempted but I haven't been too impressed by the newer Anti releases.

 

[CraShWilliams]

I've never really listened to TW but someone recommended Rain Dogs, is this a good starting point?

Thinking this and one other?

 

[guey]

Should have seen that coming, and flogged my Black Rider, Bone Machine, and Night On Earth earlier - never mind eh?

 

[guey]

I've never really listened to TW but someone recommended Rain Dogs, is this a good starting point?

Thinking this and one other?

It's probably the best "in" of that era.

 

[CraShWilliams]

Thanks @guey - what else would you recommend?

Also, is it worth getting the limited (3000) over the general release?

 

[guey]

Thanks @guey - what else would you recommend?

Also, is it worth getting the limited (3000) over the general release?

My first introduction was Swordfishtrombones, and it's probably still my favourite.
No idea on your second question really; I guess it depends whether you want a collectable, or just the music

 

[Mike Hughes]

Swordfish and Rain are essential. After that it’s your own journey. I love Bone Machine and the Black Rider. There are many reasons others can’t get into either. Early Tom has its moments too. Some love both and some only one era. I’ve no desire to own any of his recent stuff. It sounds like Tom Waits. I have enough. My desire is to see him live again.

 

[sq225917]

Early stuff all the way for me, I give up at bone machine, though bawlers, brawlers and bastards is worth a listen.

 

[Graham H]

Swordfish, Raindogs and Bone Machine all essential, probably in that order (the father, son and Holy Ghost. Bone Machine can be a bit scary).

 

[Weekender]

Plus one for Swordfishtrombones.

 

[jimbob75]

Post Rain Dogs…I’d go for Mule Variations, Alice, and Blood Money…first

 

[Dave H.]

Post Rain Dogs…I’d go for Mule Variations, Alice, and Blood Money…first

This, maybe plus Real Gone.

Of the early stuff, it’s Small Change for me. Not as popular as others perhaps, but it’s the one I go back to most.

 

[smegger68]

Nighthawks at the Diner should be on any list of Waits essentials.

 

[gavreid]

This is a very well done comp on CD of early material. Rhino Records (2) – 8122-78351-2.

 

[kjb]

I first got into Waits around Foreign Affairs and still really like the later Asylum records.

My essential list would be

Blue Valentines
One From the Heart (Soundtrack)
Swordsfishtrumbones
Rain Dogs
Bone Machine
Mule Variations
Alice

 

[RBrinsdon]

This is a very well done comp on CD of early material. Rhino Records (2) – 8122-78351-2.
This, along with "Closing Time" is probably the best starting point if you don't know his work (but you will know the famous covers) and then Swordfish and Rain. After that I think it becomes more fan-only and rather difficult in the later Brennan years but if you're hooked, you're hooked and will get them all eventually!

 

[poco a poco]

My two favourites are also Swordfishtrombones & Raindogs. This seems be a bit of a consensus here.

 

[Mike Hughes]

As a way into early Tom I suggest Blue Valentine and the hugely under-rated Crystal Gayle collaboration on the One From The Heart Soundtrack. Neither are perfect. Both contain gems.