Dr_Bones1

I like what this album has when it isn't repeating itself 10 billion times over. Every song on this album besides Bombtrack is like an 80 for me. It's a very cool idea to combine hard rock and rap together, and Take the Power Back and Settle for Nothing are unique and fun to listen to. However, if you asked me to give highlights of the album in the second half, I would struggle to name even one. Again, I don't hate or dislike this album at all, I just wish they changed their song ... read more

I do like this album, I really do. I want to like it more than I do. The main problem with it is that it's way too inconsistent. You can get absolute bangers like the title track, but then be shoved into the extremely repetitive In Shades. You can be extremely bored by On the Nickel (which as very good lyrics but a boring instrumental), and then get a fantastic pick like Mr Siegal. Overall, it balances out and settles for an 83 for me.

This one is good, nothing mind-blowing but good nonetheless. The best track by far was Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis. I think my main problem with Blue Valentine is that half of these songs go on for far too long. The one criticism I have for Tom Waits is that he gets too stuck on ideas and won't let them go, even if the song goes on for 8 minutes (looking at you $29.00). There is good material here though, the title track and ASLBFAPBG were close seconds. I might come back ... read more

Someone else said it best, this album is like a carnival ride running low on batteries in the best way possible. I would try and say this album is experimental but this is Tom Waits, so that's to be expected by this point. Lots of great instrumentals on here and writing as well, continues the "If this is the best we have, we are fucked a species" mentality Bone Machine set up. My favorites were Everything Goes to Hell, Coney Island Baby, God's Away On Business, Knife Chase, ... read more