Waits, Tom – “Orphans ” – [Anti-, Inc.]

shiroi   11/12/2006   A Library, CD

A fabulous and diverse collection, all in Tom’s unique styles. Discs 1 and 3 are more raucous, while disc 2 is more like the pre-Swordfishtrombones album mellower material. “Lie To Me” sounds like a demented Elvis. “Lucinda” sounds like Wolfman Jack with indigestion. A long standout track “The Road To Peace” is about suffering. “Heigh Ho” sounds like he is singing from a sewer. He covers the old songs “Sea of Love,” “Goodnight Irene,” “Young At Heart” and “Two Sisters.” Some of his songs start rather prettily, then there is a bash on a trash can lid or some equivalent and the fun off kilter tune really starts. Some songs are mostly spoken word, such as ‘Army Ants,” which is like a nature documentary. “Redrum” is a little instrumental. “Children’s Story” is about the least happy or soothing imaginable. Other spoken story pieces, with music or just sound effects, are “First Kiss,” “Nirvana” and ‘Spidey’s Wild Ride.” Masterful original stuff here; if not original material, still original approach and execution. – Shiroi