Tom Waits - Bad As me

Artist: Tom Waits

Album: Bad As Me

Label:  Anti-

Release date: 25th October 2011

Rating: 5 / 5

    A big bari-sax blows blaringly to start out the opening cut of this snappy album full of grit and gristle.  A tremendous way to open my ears, this cut whallops its way through just over 2 minutes ending with Tom yelling "all aboard!" as Charlie Musselwhite blows his harp at a feverish pitch.  Track three, "Talking at the Same Time" is a slowed-down jam, making one sway as if a New Orleans funeral procession was ambling down the lane.  Plinking piano, bumpy bass and a trio of horns tromp along, reminiscent of a slowed-down ska tune, hearkening back to Jamaica, 1965.  The song "Satisfied" is truly a shining star out of these 13 tracks, (if one can spring for the Deluxe version one receives 3 more cuts and a fancy little book.)  This tune features guitar work from Keith Richards, some bubbly bass from Les Claypool and again the killer blues-harp from Charlie Musselwhite.  Waits' first album in seven years comes wildly and widely anticipated and does not disappoint.  He pulls from jazz, blues, rockabilly and makes the whole record a jumping, jiving gritty beast that will leave you sweaty and smiling.  All aboard!