Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits · 1983
41 min · 15 tracks · blues · jazz
A haunting blend of industrial clatter, jazz-inflected melodies, and storytelling that defies genre boundaries.
Why listen to this
- Best for
- wave-like pacing with surprises haunting narratives for deep listening short tracks invite exploration
- Context
- Released in 1983, 'Swordfishtrombones' was Tom Waits' first album after his shift from a conventional singer-songwriter style to a more experimental sound. This record marked a significant turning point in his career, showcasing his willingness to embrace avant-garde influences and unconventional instrumentation.
- If you like
- blues, jazz
- What next
- Rain Dogs — Continues the eclectic sound and storytelling with more experimental elements.
Swordfishtrombones is an album by Tom Waits, released in 1983. A haunting blend of industrial clatter, jazz-inflected melodies, and storytelling that defies genre boundaries. 'Swordfishtrombones' is often cited as a groundbreaking work that helped redefine the boundaries of rock music and influenced countless artists across genres. It received critical acclaim, including being named one of the best albums of the year by publications like Rolling Stone, which recognized its innovative sound and lyrical depth. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Swordfishtrombones sound like?
A haunting blend of industrial clatter, jazz-inflected melodies, and storytelling that defies genre boundaries. Rooted in blues and jazz.
What makes Swordfishtrombones by Tom Waits notable?
'Swordfishtrombones' is often cited as a groundbreaking work that helped redefine the boundaries of rock music and influenced countless artists across genres. It received critical acclaim, including being named one of the best albums of the year by publications like Rolling Stone, which recognized its innovative sound and lyrical depth. Released in 1983, 'Swordfishtrombones' was Tom Waits' first album after his shift from a conventional singer-songwriter style to a more experimental sound. This record marked a significant turning point in his career, showcasing his willingness to embrace avant-garde influences and unconventional instrumentation.
Who is Swordfishtrombones for?
Swordfishtrombones works well if you're into wave-like pacing with surprises, haunting narratives for deep listening and short tracks invite exploration.
How many songs are on Swordfishtrombones?
Swordfishtrombones has 15 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Underground 2:00
- 2 Shore Leave 4:18
- 3 Dave the Butcher (instrumental) 2:20
- 4 Johnsburg, Illinois 1:33
- 5 16 Shells From a Thirty‐Ought‐Six Standout 4:33
- 6 Town With No Cheer 4:28
- 7 In the Neighborhood Standout 3:07
- 8 Just Another Sucker on the Vine (instrumental) 1:46
- 9 Frank’s Wild Years Standout 1:53
- 10 Swordfishtrombone 3:08
- 11 Down, Down, Down 2:16
- 12 Soldier’s Things 3:20
- 13 Gin Soaked Boy 2:24
- 14 Trouble’s Braids 1:18
- 15 Rainbirds (instrumental) 3:13
Learn More
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.
