Tom Waits "Bad As Me"

Most writers are not as Bad as Me, and I do not want to taint the album with a cruddy review; my style may do that, so I will keep it simple, or try to. Once Waits enters that train to “Chicago” he pretty much keeps your interest the whole time. The second song’s arrangement is ominous, and if you want some non-traditional Halloween music; I would say he fits the bill, with just his voice and delivery on occasion. The New Orleans’ boogie may be contradictive when it says “Get Lost,” but so is the bluesy “Face To The Highway.” The final few lines before the last chorus is what pieces everything together? He has his tender moments like the unforgettable “Pay Me.” If you’re a fan of the first Toy Story movie then listening to this may cause you to think of the one handed Buzz. After two softer moments he returns with fire on the title track. But “the fire’s dying out/All the embers have been spent” on “Kiss Me,” which can refer to more than just a love lost, but it’s up to your interpretation. “Hell Broke Luce” is a statement; both musically and lyrically. The detail I remember the most is tied between the percussion and the surf-rock snippet. The last song is a “New Year’s Eve” to forget, but is forever documented by not only this recording, but the one on tape. You can destroy the tape, but the song’s still here. Sounds like there will be no kissing at midnight, and the addition of auld lang syne…expected, but required. If you’re not sure which side you prefer there is a wealth of both.