Tom Waits Lo-fi

[littledoodler]

Beep beep

Can anyone please explain how Waits gets such beautiful lo-fi stuff as on 'Mule Variations'? Also, that 'Bone Machine' blows me away. I realize that all this stuff was done at Prairie Sun Studios, but If anyone can point out some of these techniques it would be greatly appreciated. thanks

[timtoonz]

I know I read a good thread about this on another forum, perhaps George Massenburg's old one... Somebody asked a similar question and the producer of the album (whose name currently eludes me) popped in and gave a detailed account of some of the working methods.

I remember a few odd bits about how Tom doesn't believe in multiple takes, and likes to do as much "live" as possible. He might launch into a new tune, not be happy with the performance at that moment, then not return to that song for another year or more. (!) Some of the recordings were apparently made outside in a field near the studio, and background noise is just part of the picture.

Wish I could be more specific, but maybe with some luck you'll find the old thread. And you probably have Tom's lates ("Alice"), but if you don't I'd say get it immediately. It's my favorite since "Bone machine".

[littledoodler]

thanks,

I found a good article on the whole recording for that album, yeah, they recorded 95% of it in a barn! fukin' great! I have 'Alice' but i like 'Black Rider' better. They are all good though.