Customer Reviews

Vol. 2-Early Years (Vinyl)

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

 

 

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.

Something about Tom...I don't know. His later stuff is definitely good, but it doesn't bring out the raw emotion, the feeling of lost love and loneliness but "getting by" without a woman. The early years cd's are so amazing, most of Tom's albums I like some tracks, dislike others. These (and maybe Closing Time and Heart Of Sat Night) are the only albums of his I can listen to all the way through. Nice to hear late at night in a dark, dank room with a drink and a good view of the moon. Don't let them fool you...the quality is pure, like its supposed to be, Tom solo with none of this mixing or anything, just a man spilling out his emotions in song. These two albums of his earliest stuff are good and I prefer his pre-Closing Time years over any of his later work. I particularly like "I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You" and "Please Call Me, Baby". Give it a listen and sing along, you may actually feel what he's feeling:)

Volume 2 of The Early Years is a compilation that is the logical extension of Volume 1: more pre-Closing Time Tom Waits demos. Since this is Volume 2, however, there are not as many previously unreleased tracks as on the first disc. For the most part, this discs consists of early versions of songs that eventually appeared on Tom's first three albums. These songs do not differ substantially from the final versions - the main difference being that they are, for the most part, performed on acoustic guitar instead of piano, as well as the occasional differing vocal inflection - but fans will notice and appreciate the differences. One probably wouldn't rate this album as "essential" as Volume 1 due to the lesser number of previously unavailable songs - but only truly hard-core fans will want these two discs, anyway. I recommend you get all of Tom's actual albums first (all are great and worth owning); then, if you find you must have more, try these. Get Volume 1 first; if you like it, then get this as well. True fans will want both.

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.

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.

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

All the songs were captured just like they went down in the studio - no second takes or overdubs. Mostly it's just Tom with his guitar or piano, and some unobtrusive (and uncredited) back-up musicians. Much of the work turns up on his first two albums - Closing Time and Heart of Saturday Night - while other songs were never released until now. "In Between Love" is sooo early Dylan. His voice is clearer and softer than it ever was again. It's a very sweet, quiet album, filled with love. If you liked 60's folk, or if you appreciate the Tom Waits of the seventies, you'll enjoy this a lot.

this album shows just how much closing time could be better if they wouldnt produced it so bad. beautifull innocence songs in a very intimic atmosphere.

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?

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.