Bad as Me

Bad as Me is the seventeenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Tom Waits, released on Anti- records, a subsidiary of Epitaph Records. The album features a mix of rock, jazz, and blues styles, with contributions from musicians such as Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, Marc Ribot, and Les Claypool of Primus. Waits has been compared to other eclectic artists like Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa, known for their experimental approach to music.

Bad as Me

The album's title, Bad as Me, reflects Waits' fascination with the darker aspects of human nature, a theme explored in his previous works like Rain Dogs and Mule Variations. Waits has cited influences such as William S. Burroughs, Charles Bukowski, and Kurt Weill, whose works often explored the seedier side of life. The album's sound is characterized by Waits' distinctive vocals, which have been compared to those of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. Musicians like Iggy Pop and Nick Cave have also been influenced by Waits' unique style, which blends elements of punk, cabaret, and vaudeville.

Background

The recording of Bad as Me took place at Waits' private studio, with production handled by Waits and his longtime collaborator, Kathleen Brennan. The album features a range of instruments, including the guitar, piano, and drums, as well as more unusual instruments like the calliope and the musical saw. Waits has worked with a variety of musicians over the years, including John Hammond, Charlie Musselwhite, and David Hidalgo of Los Lobos. His music has been praised by critics like Robert Christgau and Greil Marcus, who have noted his unique blend of folk, blues, and rock influences.

Release

Bad as Me was released on October 21, 2011, to widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising Waits' innovative approach to music. The album debuted at number 6 on the US Billboard 200 chart, and also charted in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Waits has released music on a variety of labels, including Asylum Records, Island Records, and MCA Records. His music has been featured in films like Down by Law and Franks Wild Years, and he has collaborated with directors like Jim Jarmusch and Terry Gilliam.

Reception

The album received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising Waits' innovative approach to music and his unique vocal style. Reviewers like Rolling Stone's David Fricke and The New York Times' Jon Pareles noted the album's eclectic mix of styles, which drew on influences from Duke Ellington to Howlin' Wolf. The album was also praised by musicians like Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen, who have cited Waits as an influence. Waits has won numerous awards for his music, including a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.

Track listing

The album features 13 tracks, including the singles "Bad as Me", Hell Broke Luce, and Back in the Crowd. The track listing is as follows: 1. Chicago 2. Raised Right Men 3. Talking at the Same Time 4. Get Lost 5. Face to the Highway 6. Pay Me 7. Back in the Crowd 8. Bad as Me 9. Kiss Me 10. Satisfied 11. Last Leaf 12. Hell Broke Luce 13. New Year's Eve. Musicians like Joan Baez and Pete Seeger have recorded Waits' songs, and his music has been featured in films like The Wire and Sons of Anarchy.

Personnel

The album features a range of musicians, including Tom Waits on vocals and instruments, Keith Richards on guitar, Marc Ribot on guitar, and Les Claypool on bass. Other musicians who contributed to the album include Casey Waits on drums, Clint Maedgen on saxophone, and Fletcher Preach on guitar. Waits has worked with a variety of producers, including Bones Howe and Hal Willner, and has collaborated with musicians like John Cale and Lou Reed. His music has been praised by critics like The Village Voice's Robert Christgau and The Los Angeles Times' Robert Hilburn. Category:Tom Waits albums