#23 of 25
· Cratewise Editorial
“Waits' debut is his warmest, most accessible record — late-night piano jazz and folk before he went full junkyard percussion. The Asylum pressing is beautiful. His voice was still smooth. Enjoy it while it lasts.”
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.
Closing Time, Tom Waits' debut album released in 1973, was recorded at a modest studio in Los Angeles and captures the pianist-vocalist's early saloon jazz aesthetic. Waits collaborated with producer Bones Howe, who recognized the distinctive character in his gravelly voice and melancholic songwriting. The album features sparse arrangements centered around Waits' piano playing, with minimal overdubs and a live-in-the-studio approach. Songs like "Closing Time" and "Old Shoes" showcase Waits' ability to craft intimate character sketches and noir-influenced narratives. The recording prioritized authenticity over polish, establishing the rawness that would define his early work.
Historical Context
Closing Time arrived during a transitional moment in early 1970s popular music, when singer-songwriter introspection coexisted with glam rock and emerging progressive sounds. Waits' album found a niche audience appreciating his unconventional vocal delivery and literary approach to songwriting, setting him apart from contemporary singer-songwriters. While not a commercial breakthrough, it established critical credibility and a devoted following. The album's jazz-influenced sensibility resonated with listeners seeking alternatives to mainstream pop, and Waits would gradually build a cult following throughout the decade.
Pressing Notes
The original 1973 Island Records pressing is highly sought by collectors. Early vinyl editions feature a gatefold jacket with minimal artwork and warm, clear sound reproduction typical of early 1970s mastering. Later reissues from various labels exist, including 1980s reissues and modern 180-gram audiophile pressings from labels like Shout Factory. Original Island pressings in good condition command premium prices. Collectors should seek pressing information from the matrix numbers on vinyl labels and runouts to identify first pressings, which tend to have superior sound quality compared to later reissues.
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