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Retro Review: Tom Waits ‘Rain Dogs’

Published

15 years ago

on

Let’s journey back to 1985, shall we? Reagen kicked off the year by being sworn in for his second term. We Are The World is recorded. The first Wrestlemania kicks off at Madison Square Garden. Back To The Future becomes the highest grossing film of the year. Tetris is released. And as for classic horror films? How about 1985 seeing these films come out: Re-Animator. Nightmare On Elm St. 2. Return Of The Living Dead. Fright Night. Day Of The Dead. Friday The 13th Part V. Vampire Hunter D (a personal favorite). Overall, I’d say a pretty awesome year!
1985 also saw the release of Tom Waits‘ ninth studio album Rain Dogs. The second in a trilogy (surrounded by Swordfishtrombones and Franks Wild Years), Rain Dogs is a loose concept album about the life of the “less-fortunate” of New York City. Musically resembling something out of a 30’s carnival, this is an album that garnered much acclaim over the years. However, does it still hold up? Check after the jump.
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Opening up with Singapore, the album already let’s you know that you’re in for a ride. Instruments that sound out of tune and Waits’ raspy voice grating over everything makes the song sound like it belongs in an insane asylum. However, it’s only the beginning of a wild, old school blues, noir-jazz ride that contains what might be some of the most poignant lyrics put to music. A personal favorite line is in the lullaby-esque track Time, where Waits croons, “And when she’s on a roll/she pulls a razor from her boot/and a thousand pigeons fall around her feet.” Breathtaking. 
Production wise, this album does show it’s age. However, that age only adds to the magic of the music, much like a fine wine. It is very similar to the effect of hearing scratches or dust on vinyl; technically a flaw, yes, but a flaw that can be very pleasant on the ears and evoke certain powerful emotions. 
Some of my personal favorites on this album are the aforementioned Time, Clap Hands, and Tango Till They’re Sore. These tracks, for me, are the highlights and I can listen to them anytime, any day. 
The Final Word: Definitely not an album for everyone and one that requires a very specific mood to enjoy, Rain Dogs is a tough sell for many people. However, if you can accept it’s quirkiness and vintage sound, a beautiful album with poetry for lyrics lays underneath. This truly is a Tom Waits classic.
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Music

‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ Celebrates 60 Years with Limited Zoetrope Vinyl Release

Published

1 week ago

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June 10, 2026

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A Halloween classic turns 60 this October, and Craft Recordings is celebrating with a special limited edition vinyl release for Peanuts special “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.

Arriving August 7 and available to pre-order today, this anniversary reissue comes pressed on an eye-catching 45 RPM zoetrope LP, featuring memorable scenes from the special on each side, plus a new essay from Sean Mendelson.

Get a peek at the cool new release below.

The release features Vince Guaraldi‘s jazzy score, including favorites like “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” “Graveyard Theme,” and, of course, the iconic “Linus and Lucy.”

After its first official release in 2018 and rerelease upon the discovery of the original master tapes in 2022, the soundtrack returns to vinyl in its entirety, alongside a selection of rare outtakes.

If the zoetrope LP isn’t enticing enough, look for a variety of limited-edition Halloween treats that can be found at exclusive retail partners, including an Orange 4-inch Tiny Vinyl (Target) available starting July 17, featuring “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” on Side A and “Graveyard Theme” on Side B. Pumpkin-shaped pressings will also be available in exclusive colorways from August 21st, including Electric Pumpkin Patch (Barnes & Noble), Pumpkin Spice (Walmart), Ghost White (Target), and Candy Corn (Craft Recordings). Additionally, the Orange Pumpkin pressing will be back by popular demand at all major retailers.

In the 1966 animated special, the Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween. Linus hopes that he will finally be visited by The Great Pumpkin, while Charlie Brown is invited to a Halloween party.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown tracklist:

Side A:

1. Linus and Lucy

2. Graveyard Theme

3. Snoopy and the Leaf/Frieda (With the Naturally Curly Hair)

4. The Great Pumpkin Waltz

5. Linus and Lucy (Reprise)

6. Charlie Brown Theme/Charlie Brown Theme (Minor Theme)/Graveyard Theme (Reprise)

7. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (Reprise)

8. The Red Baron/Military Drum March

9. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (2nd Reprise)/The Great Pumpkin Waltz (3rd Reprise)

10. Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (2nd Reprise)

11. Fanfare/Breathless/Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (3rd Reprise)

12. Charlie Brown Theme (Reprise)

 

Side B:

1. Breathless (2nd Reprise)

2. It’s a Long Way to Tipperary/There’s a Long, Long Trail A-Winding/Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag/Roses of Picardy

3. Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (4th Reprise)

4. Linus and Lucy (2nd Reprise)/Linus and Lucy (3rd Reprise)

5. Charlie Brown Theme (2nd Reprise)

6. Linus and Lucy (Alternate Take 1)

7. Graveyard Theme (Alternate Take 1)

8. Charlie Brown Theme (Alternate Reprise Take 1)

9. Linus and Lucy (Alternate Take 2)

10. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (Alternate Reprise Take 2)

 

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