Tom Waits – Rain Dogs

Review

"Rain Dogs" by Tom Waits, released in the dazzling year of 1985, is a jewel in the crown of Waits' boldly experimental period. Nestled snugly in his unofficial trilogy alongside "Swordfishtrombones" and "Frank's Wild Years," this loose concept album peeks into the gritty lives of those flitting through the urban undercurrents of New York City. Imagine an eccentric carnival of sounds, a delightful jamboree where old blues, New Orleans brass, and Kurt Weill's theatrical flair merrily dance together.

Tom Waits explodes genre conventions with a smorgasbord of instruments—everything from marimba to accordion graces this avant-garde stage. With legends like Keith Richards and Marc Ribot strumming their guitars, the sound truly comes alive. Waits' production approach, reminiscent of coaxing wild creatures into an audio net, scoops raw, authentic tunes that echo the city's vibrancy. Musicians weren't just employees in the sessions; they wove the album's spontaneous charm as songs materialized with uncanny immediacy.

The critical reception of "Rain Dogs" was nearly as passionate as a poet catching inspiration on a midnight stroll. Though it might not shock as its audacious predecessor "Swordfishtrombones" did, it's lauded for both consistency and depth. The iconic sound Waits crafts—a "lounge-lizard" whisper in a back-alley beatnik cabaret—captures the soul of those burning the midnight oil rather than punching the clock. Fast forward to 2023, and a remaster tickles the ears, breathing fresh life and a contemporary sheen onto Waits' unforgettable creation, although some dedicated ears prefer its gritty original. All in all, "Rain Dogs" remains an essential pilgrimage for fans of storytelling through song. - Clementine