#357 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“#357 feels right for this one. Rain Dogs is a product of the 1980s, and Tom Waits delivered something that still resonates. The original pressing rewards close listening on a good turntable.”
Tom Waits is an American singer-songwriter and actor born in 1949 who has maintained a fiercely independent career spanning five decades. Beginning in the mid-1970s with albums like 'Closing Time' (1973) and 'Small Change' (1976), Waits established himself as a distinctive voice in American music, blending elements of jazz, blues, folk, and experimental rock. His 1980 album 'Rain Dogs' marked a creative turning point, showcasing his willingness to embrace unconventional instrumentation and production techniques. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Waits continued to evolve artistically with landmark releases including 'Swordfishtrombones' (1983), 'Mule Variations' (1999), and 'Real Gone' (2004). He has also pursued acting and scored films, further demonstrating his creative range.
Style
Tom Waits is known for his gravelly, weathered baritone voice and eclectic musical approach that defies easy categorization. His work incorporates jazz standards, blues, avant-garde experimentation, and theatrical storytelling, often featuring unconventional percussion, found sounds, and orchestral arrangements.
Significance
Waits is highly regarded among vinyl collectors for his consistent output of sonically adventurous records and his refusal to compromise his artistic vision for commercial appeal. His albums are prized for their production quality, innovative instrumentation, and the warm, detailed sound that vinyl playback particularly showcases.
Rain Dogs, released in 1985, marked Tom Waits' creative peak and his first album for Island Records after leaving Asylum. Recorded primarily at Los Angeles' One on One Studios, Waits collaborated extensively with producer Kathleen Brennan (his wife) and musician-arranger Gregory Cohen to craft an experimental, orchestral sound that departed from his earlier work. The album features an eclectic ensemble including accordionist John Zorn, cellist Jules Taub, and percussionist Johnny Gimble alongside unconventional instruments and found sounds. Waits drew inspiration from film soundtracks and avant-garde composition, recording sessions that were deliberately chaotic and improvisational, capturing raw emotional intensity through unconventional production techniques that emphasized texture over polish.
Historical Context
Released in September 1985, Rain Dogs arrived during a period when Waits was largely absent from commercial radio, allowing him creative freedom from industry expectations. The mid-1980s saw growing acceptance of experimental production in alternative and art-rock circles, influenced by figures like Robert Fripp and Brian Eno. Critics immediately recognized Rain Dogs as a masterwork, praising its orchestral ambition and emotional depth, though it remained largely a critical rather than commercial success. The album's influence grew substantially over subsequent decades, becoming recognized as one of Waits' most important works and a landmark in experimental rock music.
Pressing Notes
Rain Dogs was initially released as a 12-inch LP on Island Records (ILPS 9844 in the UK, 90060-1 in the US). Original UK and US pressings from 1985 are well-regarded by collectors; UK pressings are particularly sought after. The album has been reissued multiple times, including a 1991 Island remaster and various international editions. A 2015 180-gram remaster appeared on Third Man Records, offering improved sound quality. Collectors should note that original 1985 pressings vary in sound quality depending on pressing plant and storage conditions. The gatefold cover artwork, photographed by Michael Halsband, is integral to the album's presentation, so condition of original sleeves is important to discerning collectors.
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