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Tom Waits: Swordfishtrombones (Island)

Ian Penman, New Musical Express, 24 September 1983

NOW, BEFORE I step before you again to review some music, and then have to face an old familiar tune (videlicet: guilty of obscurantism), I shall insure myself, favour and function, with the briefest exergue. To wit – my capitation, and guarantee: SWORDFISHTROMBONES (ILPS 9762), Tom Waits' latest work, is the scene of a most uncommon lustre, and should – dear listener, I implore you – be purchased.

Total word count of piece: 765

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