Customer Reviews

Early Years 2

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Recorded in '71, this is the real Tom Waits, letting you hear where he came from and where he was headed. At this point, everyone knows Waits is a songwriting genius. This album is proof that he was that from the beginning, but maybe it's too subtle for some people to catch because there's more real life and fewer freaks, pharaohs, and demons.

The growling vocals of the 2nd half of Waits' career conjure up agony, whiskey, and psychosis in a way that no one else can. It's easy to understand why people are drawn to it. The Early Years 2 is as mellow as that later stuff is intense, and with it you get Tom actually singing in his real, natural voice. The only other musician that gives you such amazing songwriting combined with acoustic guitar on the same albums is Dylan. They're both on a short list of my favorite musical geniuses so I won't get into that comparison other than to say that I've never met Zimmy's mom, but I'm guessing even she'd tell you that Waits is the better singer.

The bottom line is, this is essential Tom Waits. With 7 of these tracks, you're getting slightly rougher versions of songs available on his first 2 albums. It's interesting to compare them to the later versions and hear the effects of production and of a young artists' development. The 6 songs that you can't get elsewhere are the polar opposite of his future howling madman persona - a folk singer singing calmly yet powerfully about things everyone can relate to.

As long as you don't have a hang up about Waits having to sound like the Swordfish Trombones to Mule Variations era, I think you'll find this to be money well spent.

These are mostly demo songs, some of which were never relased, from Wait's early years (no kidding). Some of the songs on here, such as "I Hope I Don't Fall In Love With You" and "Ol' 55", would go on to become classics. Some of these songs are actually better than the versions that were put on the albums, especially "Shiver Me Timbers," here turned into a piano-ballad romp, rather than the jazzy outting featured on HEART OF SATURDAY NIGHT. THE EARLY YEARS, VOLUME 2 offers a good introduction into Waits's early music (sparse arrangements, beautiful lyrics), and is also a handy addition to previously-existing Waits collections.

Sorry, but anyone who thinks this album is horrible has no feelings towards some great love songs. His voice in this album with the beautiful lyrics get me goosebumps all over. It's something great to listen to when you're with people you love. No doubt, Tom Waits amazing talent is prooved in his later albums, but anyone who would like to hear a soft and emotional side of Mr. Waits, this is a must have! And afterall, wouldn't it be nice to have an album of Tom you could easily listen to in the early morning?

Who could ask for more? Previously unreleased recordings, quite evidently very well recorded demos, of one of the great musical artists of the last 35 years? Well, here it is, each volume perfectly listenable. In fact, a must listen for the fan as there's a few songs here now released on any other TOM WAITS record and those that are redone are stripped down versions, revealing the heart of the songs. Closing Time, his first lp, is a bit stiff. In fact, it's my least favorite of his 70's albums only because the producer just got a somewhat stiffled sound out of the recordings. Fortunately, they solved that in spades on future records.

What's delightful is that these songs provide a chance to hear Mr. WAITS in his least gravely voice of his career and at his youngest of his career.

'Hope I Don't Fall In Love With You' is a sweet song that fulfills his common setting of being in a bar and some yearning for unattainable love. He's got a way of telling a tale that surprises and pleases and takes you to the smokey piano lounge where his music comes from.

I love a good cover. Who's know the EAGLES didn't write this 'Ol' 55'? To hear TOM do it makes me forget all about their version (gladly). 'Nobody' has always been a potent song lyrically. Now we get to hear it in his simple presentation. A nice mix.

'Diamonds On My Windshield' has always been a favorite given that me and many other folks I know have taken that same basic drive from San Diego to L.A. I've probably driven that 100's of times in 35 years and sometimes it was while listening to this song. Wot a treat.

'Please Call Me, Baby' is another plaintiff love song and, again, this album gives us the treat of hearing it with his younger voice and plain instrumental accompanyment.

Yes, do buy all his 70's albums first. It's unfortunate Mr. WAITS didn't wanna have this released. Who can blame him as an artist? However, as a fan, the songs on both volumes here are irreplaceable and to be cherished. Thanks for makin' the music TOM. chrisbct@hotmail.com

Like a dying fire, this cd emits just enough light and warmth to be comforting, yet when the plaintive wind blows, you still shudder. All of these songs are remorseful love ballads that Tom limns with a broken heart and a raspy voice. Recorded around the commencement of Tom's seminal career (71'), these tracks are some of the best downtrodden gems I've ever heard. Whether it's on the piano or the guitar, the music is always tearful and earnest, easygoing and humble. The lyrics fervently paint unremitting stories that provide a perfect complement to the lachrymose instruments. Anyone looking for some solace or empathy will be greatly annealed by this lovely, back-alley introspection.

The Early Years Volume 2 is a logical extension of Volume 1 -- more pre-Closing Time demos. As one would expect, there are not as many previously unreleased tracks. For the most part, this has early versions of songs from Tom Waits' first three albums. These do not differ substantially, the main difference being that they are mostly performed on acoustic guitar instead of piano. Different vocal inflections also pop up occasionally. Casuals will not even notice this last, but fans will hear and appreciate the differences. This release thus isn't as essential as Volume 1, but only the hard-core will want these discs anyway. I recommend getting all of Waits' actual albums first; all are great and worth owning). Then, if you find that you must have more, try these. Get Volume 1 first; if you like it, then get this also.

I'm really a huge tom waits fan I own alot of his albums i saw this as well as vol. 1 on amazon and decided to give them a listen. i think they are both really good cds themselves and they give a goo picture of tom in his formative years an added bonus is to hear all the familiar songs which did make on to his records in what almost seem like demos.

Just one of those fantastic discoveries you can make when checking out old stuff. Very different to anything from later decades, but the passion in the voice is there. You realise how much Tom has been influenced by Bob. My 15 year old friend commented to his mum - this isn't music, it's poetry. And he's right. It's pure poetry.

. . . gets better with age. Still some wonderful stuff here. "I Want You" is one of his best.

A tremendous uncovering of Tom Waits' talent. Although known for the wailing bourbon voice , these early recordings showcase his lyrical mastery with a combination of mellow acoustic and toe-tapping piano sets. His true talent was recognized by peers both old and new, as seen in the first two tracks. The first, "Hope I Don't Fall in Love With You," about a procrastinating dreamer, was covered by Hootie and the Blowfish in a live set, and "Ol' 55", an early Eagles classic from their album "On the Border." Grab a bottle, light a fire, and crank it up.