Tom Waits - “Real Gone”
General Description
Artist/Band: Tom Waits
Album Title: Real Gone
Year: 2004
This guy is extraordinary. He doesn’t do “mainstream“. He gets weird roles in the weirdest movies. He really does exactly whatever he wants and that’s not something you see that much anymore from a performer / composer / actor / musician.
”What category do I fall under? I’ve never fallen under a category. I fell underneath a car once, and I haven’t been the same since.“ - BBC Music / Profiles
How I Got Into This Music
Well.. I remember waaay back when here in Holland we had this music show called, “TopPop“. That show ruled the LowLands and its presenter was this geeky guy with the power of gods over its audience. Anyways, at the end of the show, you’d get something like “The next great Hit“ bit and that’s were I first saw Tom Waits video for “In The Neighbourhood“. I always, always kept the name and the song in my head (as if I had a choice, great song!), but I never “got into the music“ seriously. My favorite thing about Tom Waits is the track they used in the movie Smoke - “Innocent When You Dream“: fantastic! So now I heard about this new album..
Tracks that got my attention:
Top Of The Hill
Okay, I didn’t expect scratching and breakbeats on a Tom Waits track, but it works nicely
Hoist That Rag
Now, I’m really surprised: this is like some Latin track with some great drama-percussion!
Sins Of My Father
Way too long, but okay
Shake It
Great tempo changes
How’s It Gonna End
Spooky music, great suspense track for a rooftop chase. Imagine Hitchcock getting a chance to use this for a movie
Baby Gonna Leave Me
Great track, his voice really putting a sandblaster to shame
Day After Tomorrow
This track is simply beautiful. Music can evoke images in your head and emotions, we all know that. This song paints a picture that’d make any great painter start doubting his true calling
Conclusion
Tom Waits is undoubtedly one of the most gifted and interesting artists walking this great big heap of rock. First time I heard the album I wasn’t thrilled: too much noise, disturbing any possible chance to get your bearing. After a coupla times you get used to the warped collection of things happening on the album and then you start enjoying his work. I have to wait and see if I’ll still be playing the album after two or three weeks, but it’s that kinda music
Rating: 
