40 years ago today (9/1/83), Tom Waits released his eighth studio album Swordfishtrombones. This one is remembered for making a significant shift in Waits’ musical style, moving away from his previous jazz-inspired sound and incorporating elements of blues, rock, and experimental music. In fact in 1989, In 1989, Spin named Swordfishtrombones the second-greatest album of all time. While that is certainly up for easy debate, it does have its share of admirers and doubters.
