Rating is propped up by Shoplifting and Legs in a Snare, both great tracks.

What an album. Incredible. Love the unique sound with Baritone Sax and Violin up front, heavy keys, bass and a drummer worth their salt. The long builds have a worthwhile payoff. Just and amazing listening experience.

Most of this does not catch me, however it's worth a listen for Requiem II. Requiem III has a similar unsettling quality with the expansive choral peice, but II is the standout.

Literally unlistenable. Noise, sure. Hearing damage, yeah.

I feel misled by the album title and artwork. Very relaxed pace to the point of dragging, this is definately more "the bees made honey" than "...in the lion's skull". Overall, like the tones and arrangements, and the blues-y crossover on "Engine of Ruin," but overall pretty lackluster.

If you can get past some of the more saccharine themes and lyrics (roses are red / violets are too...) it's worth the time.

A collection of snap crackle and pop noises assembled with little cohesion. Not a pleasant listening experience.

From Real Love -
"Cry like a bird, fly like a baby
Mamma got drunk and daddy went crazy
If your speech slurs, if you feel shaky, meet me out back
I'll be there waiting"

Incredible moment on the record. These lyrics with the escalating guitar bridge gives me chills up the spine.

Yep: Masterpiece, Vegas, Real Love, Lorraine, Paul.
Nah: Animals, Randy

"I'll take New York" is a real patience-tester on a mostly flawless progression of the Waits sound. A more rich and warm sound than later records.