Swordfishtrombones

2023 marks forty years since Tom Waits released Swordfishtrombones, ushering in a new and critically acclaimed musical era for Waits and his longtime songwriting and production partner, Brennan. Waits transitioned from a '70s-era "bluesy, boozy" wordsmith and melodist with seven albums behind him to a sound sculptor, miner of the subconscious, abstract orchestrator, and sonic cubist - all while retaining his innate lyricism, melodic invention, and humanity. On Swordfishtrombones, Waits made a breakthrough - finding music as evocative as his words. His distinctive voice now interacts with a unique blend of horns, percussion, organ, and keyboards, creating a sound that feels like he led a Salvation Army band into a broken-down Hong Kong disco. The album has been newly remastered for the first time ever from the original EQ'ed ½" production master tape, personally overseen by Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. Mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering under the guidance of Waits’ longtime audio engineer, Karl Derfler. The album packaging has also been restored.