The Information on: Tom Waits' 'Mule Variations'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.What Is It?
The first album in seven years from the man whose voice is not so much gravelly as pieced together from chunks of industrial rubble. Earlier work - albums like Frank's Wild Years and Swordfishtrombones - changed the musical landscape. This follows close on the heels of an even rarer venture into vinyl by long-time buddy Chuck E Weiss.
Where's He Coming From?
Almost everywhere, as usual. There are ballads, some rootsy stuff and the spoken-with-odd-noises numbers, telling the stories of people whose luck just never seems to be in. In other words, nothing more than long- term Waits devotees would reasonably expect.
What They Say About It
"Another landmark album from one of modern music's most valuable talents," Andy Gill, The Independent.
"This is the first Tom Waits album that lives up to your expectations and nothing else... it's wonderful, but somehow, at least to this Waits worshipper, the details don't get under your skin," Garry Mulholland, Time Out.
"Great by most people's standards. It starts with the sound of the artist banging a chest of drawers in a Mexican hotel room, and signs off with a spiritual that outclasses Blur's 'Tender' in every way. The interim is batty, often quite fabulously so," Stuart Bailie, NME.
Where To Get It
Mule Variations is out now on Epitaph Records.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments