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Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs

SKU: CD29221 Barcode: 8714092756920
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Format: CD / Album Digipak

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  • Released Date: 23 Mar 2018

  • Genre: Rock/Pop

Our Take

Ah, Tom Waits, the gravelly-voiced troubadour of the macabre, the master of musical storytelling. His 1977 album "Foreign Affairs" is a wild ride through a chaotic world of jazz, blues, and vaudeville – a musical journey that is both charming and unsettling.

Waits takes us on a trip around the globe with songs like "Barber Shop" and "A Sight for Sore Eyes", each track a quirky vignette of love, loss, and drunken debauchery. His signature growl is in full force, weaving tales of heartbreak and redemption with a sly wink and a nod.

The album's production is delightfully odd, with Waits' gravelly vocals layered over a cacophony of horns, strings, and percussion. It's like stepping into a smoky, dimly-lit jazz club in the middle of nowhere, with Waits as our guide through the madness.

"Burma Shave" is a standout track, a haunting and surreal ballad that showcases Waits' songwriting prowess. It's a song that gets under your skin and refuses to leave, like a haunting melody that plays on repeat in your mind.

Overall, "Foreign Affairs" is a twisted, enigmatic gem of an album that showcases Tom Waits at his most delightfully bizarre. It's a record that demands repeat listens, each spin revealing a new layer of weirdness and wonder. So grab a glass of bourbon, put on your best fedora, and dive into the strange and wonderful world of Tom Waits. Cheers, old chums.

Track Listing

Disc: 1
1. Cinny's Waltz
2. Muriel
3. I Never Talk to Strangers
4. Jack & Neal/California, Here I Come
5. A Sight for Sore Eyes
6. Potter's Field
7. Burma-shave
8. Barber Shop
9. Foreign Affair

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Returns

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About the artist

Tom Waits

Tom Waits is the enigmatic maestro of eccentricity; a musical chameleon who has been delighting audiences for decades with his gravelly vocals, idiosyncratic songwriting, and unparalleled storytelling ability. Born in Pomona, California in 1949, Waits' career has been as diverse as his music, spanning genres from blues and jazz to avant-garde and experimental. His signature growl and penchant for the theatrical have earned him a cult following unlike any other in the industry. With a career that began in the 1970s, Waits has released critically acclaimed albums such as "Rain Dogs," "Swordfishtrombones," and "Mule Variations," which have solidified his status as a musical genius. His songs are often dark, twisted, and filled with characters that are as bizarre as they are captivating. Waits' live performances are legendary, with his gravelly voice and magnetic stage presence drawing audiences in and never letting go. His ability to inhabit a character and transport listeners to another world is unparalleled, making every show a unique and unforgettable experience. In addition to his music, Waits has also made a name for himself as an actor, appearing in films such as "Down by Law" and "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus." His blend of music and theatre has only served to enhance his reputation as one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation. In a world of cookie-cutter pop stars and manufactured personas, Tom Waits stands out as a true original, a musical maverick whose influence can be heard in the work of countless artists across genres. With Waits, you never quite know what to expect, but one thing is certain: you're in for a wild and unforgettable ride.

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