I don't find Alice all that listenable. It's to be admired as art maybe but, for me, not an enjoyable listen.

Excellent record on the first few listens.

Make sure you get the deluxe version, though. Three extra songs, one of which, 'Tell Me' is an utter gem, in a similar musical vein to 'Downtown Train', 'Hang Down Your Head','Black Wings' etc.

Keith seems on good form on the four tracks he plays on.

Here's a deal from Sony for a vinyl bundle containing Nighthawks, Mule, and BAd as Me. $50. Can't beat it! Only valid today.

[www.popmarket.com]

Keith plays on a fantastic Tom Waits record.............Mick sings with J Lo on a crappy Will.I.Am record. That about says it all.

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Gazza
Excellent record on the first few listens.

Make sure you get the deluxe version, though. Three extra songs, one of which, 'Tell Me' is an utter gem, in a similar musical vein to 'Downtown Train', 'Hang Down Your Head','Black Wings' etc.

Keith seems on good form on the four tracks he plays on.

Going to my local record purveyor NOW!

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millerman60
Keith plays on a fantastic Tom Waits record.............Mick sings with J Lo on a crappy Will.I.Am record. That about says it all.

Yep. Imagine Keith paired with Marc Ribot on a Tom Waits tour? I can dream, can't I?

Yeah Keith on tour with Waits would be spell binding! Incredible! Sublime! A dream!
Really Bad as Me is such a forceful artistic statement by Waits. He is at the top of his game on this release, and is one of America's most important musical geniuses. Again, the band is really more layered with some great eerie keyboards and some wonderful 50's style guitar that creates a dreading and swamp infested mosaic. Talking at the Same Time reminds me of Jesus Gonna Be Here with Waits nuanced falsetto and some 40's vintage piano tinkling like Strange Fruit. And it seems to be a more political Waits album. Politics in relationships, bedroom, battlefield, and religion. Get Lost is a demented dip into the fifties with Tom giving a maniacal Elvis performance. You can imagine him shaking in a grand mal fit with roses and skeletons and big flaming coup de ville revving for a drag race in hell. The percussion is killer and slaps you like your daddy's hand on your ass..."all night long, all night long!" And of course it oozes into a wonderful mellow angst ridden meditation on the road, Face to the Highway..."I'll turn my face to the highway..." with a howl of regret and sadness leaving his love..."I'll turn my back on you..." He is almost singing like his early barroom style punctuated by a funeral bell in the background, and then a beautiful and subtle sax weaving in and out of the mix. And then you learn on Pay Me, "the only way down from the gallows is to swing..." A gentle ballad of lament and pain, with some beautiful classic Tom on piano, a plaintive western epic done in 3 minutes. This is the meditative part of the album, with another wonderful ballad, Back in the Crowd, some gentle brushes on the drums and a gentle acoustic strumming along with Tom's gentle wheezing voice. A Spanish caravan heading out West, "there is a battle going on between the blue and the grey..." Civil War of the heart. Then bam! BAD AS ME! "YOUR THE NAIL ON THE CROSS!!" wake up and realize that we are all bad, "your the same kind of Bad as ME!" We are all evil whether your holding a bible, or a gun. Humanity reeks of evil, the hearts of darkness. Classic back drop of guitar with horns, reminding one of Rain Dogs and Swordfish Trombone. And a great gentle breezy harmonica riff under it all like a carpet of blues. Tom is pleading, crying, and anger rolled in one giant human complexity. Love is gone, dying on the vine, so please "kiss me like a stranger once again...I want to believe our love is a sin..." A slow blues workout with Tom again reaching to his past and singing like it is Closing Time. And again, some wonderful guitar and piano working in perfect symbiosis. And the upright bass! Whew a smoky barroom. And then the perverse fifties returns with Keith playing a solid slab that Tom howls on top of. It is a lot like Black Mariah, and Tom is looking for Satisfaction and is pleading to Mr. Jagger and Mr. Richards to explain how to reach that human nirvana, "I will be satisfied and I will have satisfaction before I am gone!" Scratch that itch Tom! Slapping drums with the sax and guitar barreling on the river of disrepair. Then you get the demon like pixie backing vocals heralding Tom's final wail of despair. And once again Tom uses the masterful juxtaposition of maniacal preaching with plaintive balladry. Keith gently singing with his old friend about being the Last Leaf on the Tree. Perfect harmony, a porch hymn shared with to brothers of the road. What a gem, and I wish it was filmed, maybe it was? Let's hope. The gentle swaying trees of friendship are shattered by the dogs of war. "THAT BIG @#$%&I.N.G BOMB MADE ME DEAF!" Hell Broke Luce. War and big business marching in harmony, "left, right, left, right..." And again some incredible meshing of guitar with vocals and saxes. "I lost my buddy and I wept....I came down from the meth and I slept.." Post traumatic stress disorder being treated by your therapist par excellence Dr. Waits to the ER please. "That rancid dinner with the POPE!" Sounds of machine guns and explosions heralding HELL BROKE LOOSE. One of his most successful and stomping anti war statements. War is over, time to heal, on New Year's Eve, but healing in Tom's universe is never free..."I scolded your driver and brothers....we've all been to the war..." Another gentle lament with a gentle accordion and guitar. A beautiful novel for the ears. One of my favorites.
And GET THE DELUXE VERSION. Three more songs of pain and regret...some of his strongest stuff as well. She Stole the Blush, and the incredibly sublime Tell Me. Really Tell Me is one of Tom's all time greatest songs, Jersey Girl Pt. 10. A beautiful chugging guitar that pushes Tom's vocals towards despair and regret. Leave it to Tom to make this a bonus song not on the general release! A pure diamond of a song. And then finally the end with After You Die, another Rain Dog outcast, reminding me of Clap Hands. His voice is amazing on it! Not the growl that Waits has become known for, this proves Tom is a skilled and masterful vocalist, using vibrato meshing with beautifully twisted falsetto punctuations.
This is the real deal kiddies. Strap yourself in for a wonderful ride through the demented twists and turns of Americana. BRILLIANT!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011-10-25 06:19 by whitem8.

Well I finally got my limited edition 'Bad as me' from amazon and I could barely contain myself as I opened the package. The limited edition comes in a nice hardcover book and then....NO CD.

Some stupid person hired to slide the cds into the slots missed putting the F%^$ disc in my copy.

So I have to return and wait a couple more days before I can hear this album.

I did get the bonus cd with the 3 extra songs. Tell Me is amazing but damn...I want to hear the whole thing and Keith...now!

More...sorry I am captivated. Tom has taken the best from throughout his career and melded it together for one seamless statement. Not as experimental as some of his other stuff, but hints of it on several songs. There is sitar, keys, horns, percussion, harmonica, stand up bass, sound effects. Some great stuff on one of his best releases yet.

Agreed whitem8. This is solid, classic and essential Tom Waits. While some of the best songs like "Chicago" and the title track may feel like throwbacks to his earlier work (but still great), songs like "Hell Broke Luce" show he still has some new and interesting ideas up his sleeve. I am standing by my earlier statement that I think this could be his best record since the fantastic "Mule Variations". And that's saying something, considering how good "Alice", "Blood Money", and "Real Gone" are - that's not even including "Orphans" and "Glitter and Doom". So glad to have this record! And with Keith making a substantial contribution - his duet w/Tom on "Last Leaf Left" is a high point.

Keith: All is forgiven. Your choosing to work with Tom Waits - your musical and spiritual brother - is inspiration itself. Let Mick dust off dowdy Dave Stewart and make wannabe "contemporary" music. Tom is a minstrel shaman, and is the most creative and original voice in popular music today. The man is a national treasure. And to have Tom and "Mr. Richards" give us "Satisfaction" in the form of this brilliant new release redeems a hundred sins. Have I mentioned that I think they should tour together? They would produce so much voodoo juju on one stage that it might be illegal in several states.

They would produce so much voodoo juju on one stage that it might be illegal in several states.

I don't think that any one stage could handle it, 71Tele.

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theimposter
They would produce so much voodoo juju on one stage that it might be illegal in several states.

I don't think that any one stage could handle it, 71Tele.

I know...but I like to imagine it anyway.

A little off-topic but two of Waits' best remarks to a heckler at shows I saw were:

"Do you still work at the airport?" and

"Mom, I told you to wait in the car!"

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71Tele
Keith: All is forgiven. Your choosing to work with Tom Waits - your musical and spiritual brother - is inspiration itself. Let Mick dust off dowdy Dave Stewart and make wannabe "contemporary" music. Tom is a minstrel shaman, and is the most creative and original voice in popular music today. The man is a national treasure. And to have Tom and "Mr. Richards" give us "Satisfaction" in the form of this brilliant new release redeems a hundred sins. Have I mentioned that I think they should tour together? They would produce so much voodoo juju on one stage that it might be illegal in several states.

A shaman indeed! So right you are tele. All is forgiven with Keith, he shows his true grit...
The two of them on stage together would be probably a nervous system overload and I would need hospitalization. Or more of it! Let's hope Tom takes to the road and Keif guests at a few shows. Would be a dream come true.

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71Tele
A little off-topic but two of Waits' best remarks to a heckler at shows I saw were:

"Do you still work at the airport?" and

"Mom, I told you to wait in the car!"

Yep, he did those on the VH1 Storytellers I believe. I can't believe the guy so dislikes touring and playing live, as he is more of a natural at it than most.

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millerman60
Keith plays on a fantastic Tom Waits record.............Mick sings with J Lo on a crappy Will.I.Am record. That about says it all.

what it says is both might be willing to take some risks....which is maybe good for the song writing partnership....why does it have to be a (on) pissing contest?

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theimposter

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71Tele
A little off-topic but two of Waits' best remarks to a heckler at shows I saw were:

"Do you still work at the airport?" and

"Mom, I told you to wait in the car!"

Yep, he did those on the VH1 Storytellers I believe. I can't believe the guy so dislikes touring and playing live, as he is more of a natural at it than most.

I think he likes the actual playing, but hates the travel and grind.

Yeah, I have read a few interviews about his memories of grinding on the road in the early 70's and how much it affected his health and psyche. He doesn't recount it fondly. Now he is married, has a family, and home and is a different man...the road brings out that devil that probably scares him and makes him sad. A shame. I would love to see him live. I envy you folks who have. I hope.

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71Tele

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theimposter

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71Tele
A little off-topic but two of Waits' best remarks to a heckler at shows I saw were:

"Do you still work at the airport?" and

"Mom, I told you to wait in the car!"

Yep, he did those on the VH1 Storytellers I believe. I can't believe the guy so dislikes touring and playing live, as he is more of a natural at it than most.

I think he likes the actual playing, but hates the travel and grind.

Yeah, hence his recent interview quote where he said he doesn't want to tour this time out but would gladly play if he can stay in one place if people come to see him! I only saw him once, the Ryman here in Nashville in 2006, but it was one of the single best shows I have ever been lucky enough to see. The guy OWNS the stage, much like Mick but in a different way. God, my senses cannot even fathom TW with a touring band consisting of the musicians from his new album - Keith, Ribot, Musslewhite, Augie Myers, and his son as well - an original drummer in his own right. It won't happen because it's too damn good to be true. But like you said - we can always dream.

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millerman60
Keith plays on a fantastic Tom Waits record.............Mick sings with J Lo on a crappy Will.I.Am record. That about says it all.

what it says is both might be willing to take some risks....which is maybe good for the song writing partnership....why does it have to be a (on) pissing contest?

I don't think that is what it says. It says one of the stones is happy chasing the latest fads and trying to pair up with young popular artists and be peter pan. And sing on utterly crap material.

The other embraces the fringes of society, and takes great pleasure playing inspired cutting edge material that is full of passion, spit, and blues roots.

And it says the music of Tom Waits is millions times better than anything J Lo could even dream of approaching.

Yeah yeah, nice work....but I only want to listen Keith play rock and roll, and this is not happening since long time ago.....

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B-Flat
Yeah yeah, nice work....but I only want to listen Keith play rock and roll, and this is not happening since long time ago.....

I propose to you that his playing on the new Waits album is the very essence of rock and roll, my friend.

What Keith does in the ending of Hell Broke Luce is classic Keith.

How did he get that sound? It's good to know he remembers his favorite lead lick again, too.

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71Tele

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B-Flat
Yeah yeah, nice work....but I only want to listen Keith play rock and roll, and this is not happening since long time ago.....

I propose to you that his playing on the new Waits album is the very essence of rock and roll, my friend.

AMEN BROTHER!

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whitem8

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millerman60
Keith plays on a fantastic Tom Waits record.............Mick sings with J Lo on a crappy Will.I.Am record. That about says it all.

what it says is both might be willing to take some risks....which is maybe good for the song writing partnership....why does it have to be a (on) pissing contest?

I don't think that is what it says. It says one of the stones is happy chasing the latest fads and trying to pair up with young popular artists and be peter pan. And sing on utterly crap material.

The other embraces the fringes of society, and takes great pleasure playing inspired cutting edge material that is full of passion, spit, and blues roots.

And it says the music of Tom Waits is millions times better than anything J Lo could even dream of approaching.

and there you go...espousing the myth that's in your head...one's crap the other is inspired....yawn....

Last Leaf
(Tom Waits/Kathleen Brennan)

I’m the last leaf on the tree
The autumn took the rest
But they won’t take me
I’m the last leaf on the tree

When the autumn wind blows
They’re already gone
They flutter to the ground
Cause they can’t hang on
There’s nothing in the world
That I ain’t seen
I greet all the new ones that are coming in green

I’m the last leaf on the tree
The autumn took the rest but they wont take me
I’m the last leaf on the tree

They say I got staying power
Here on the tree
But I’ve been here since Eisenhower
And I’ve out lived even he

I’m the last leaf on the tree
The autumn took the rest but they won’t take me
I’m the last leaf on the tree

I fight off the snow
I fight off the hail
Nothing makes me go
I’m like some vestigial tail
I’ll be here through eternity
If you want to know how long
If they cut down this tree
I’ll show up in a song

I’m the last leaf on the tree
The autumn took the rest but they won’t take me
I’m the last leaf on the tree
I’m the last leaf on the tree
I’m the last leaf on the tree

Tom Waits: vocal,guitar,pump organ
Keith Richards: vocal,guitar
Marc Ribot: guitar
James Whiton: bass

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whitem8

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millerman60
Keith plays on a fantastic Tom Waits record.............Mick sings with J Lo on a crappy Will.I.Am record. That about says it all.

what it says is both might be willing to take some risks....which is maybe good for the song writing partnership....why does it have to be a (on) pissing contest?

I don't think that is what it says. It says one of the stones is happy chasing the latest fads and trying to pair up with young popular artists and be peter pan. And sing on utterly crap material.

The other embraces the fringes of society, and takes great pleasure playing inspired cutting edge material that is full of passion, spit, and blues roots.

And it says the music of Tom Waits is millions times better than anything J Lo could even dream of approaching.

and there you go...espousing the myth that's in your head...one's crap the other is inspired....yawn....

That's cool. Enjoy your time listening to J Lo, and I will enjoy my time listening to Tom Waits. Different tastes ....And just to clarify, I don't do well with the myths that Keith is the super cool one, closer to the heart of rock and Mick is the elitist fad chaser. That is too simplistic and cliche ridden. Mick is fantastic and I love his talent and most of his work. Just that working with Super Heavy and JLO doesn't fit well with the Mick I enjoy to hear, and Keith's involvement with Waits sounds inspired and wonderful. But again, if you dig JLO cool. Enjoy.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011-10-26 03:57 by whitem8.

Tom Waits with our Keith !.........can't resist it.............what are they waiting for ?,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,sorry..............

i think keith's few contributions to the album are hardly noteworthy. in fact they aren't worthy of any of my notes at all.