Alice somehow never really grabbed me. I should give it a few more listens, but even though I am a fan of the tender ballad side of Waits, none of them leapt out to me that much.
Well, I guess you've reminded me I should give it another try. Waits is one of those artists (like Sonic Youth) whose new material I can easily neglect because I love their older material SO MUCH. Once I get the idea to listen to them, I tend to drag out the old favourites (like Rain Dogs or The Black Rider - or Goo and Daydream Nation for Sonic Youth) - a new album might only get two or three listens to convince me.
Yeah, I can understand a reaction like that. I don't have quite the same familiarity with Waits' body of work as you (I only know Swordfishtrombones, Rain Dogs, Bone Machine, Alice and Blood Money), and I'd definitely place Swordfishtrombones and Rain Dogs above Alice in terms of quality. But there's something about that album that really reaches me. I think it's the level of sincerity in the music, which isn't to say his other albums are insincere, but I just found it particularly noticeable and appealing on Alice.
You know, you're right in comparing Waits to Sonic Youth. I just realised that, for me, each artist has three big favourite classics (Waits: SFTB, RD & Alice; SY: Sister, DN & Goo) and one modern "complete return to classic form" (Alice & Murray St). They really parallel one another quite closely :P
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Well, I guess you've reminded me I should give it another try. Waits is one of those artists (like Sonic Youth) whose new material I can easily neglect because I love their older material SO MUCH. Once I get the idea to listen to them, I tend to drag out the old favourites (like Rain Dogs or The Black Rider - or Goo and Daydream Nation for Sonic Youth) - a new album might only get two or three listens to convince me.
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Let me know how your re-evaluation goes :)
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As a big Fall fan, what was your take on Imperial Wax Solvent?
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