Originally released in 1978, Blue Valentine is the 5th studio album from Tom Waits. Produced by Bones Howe, the 10-tracker opens w a brilliant cover “Somewhere” from West Side Story, and the grizzled singer-songwriter unveils raw, blusier numbers that trade in the piano for the guitar, which is a departure from earlier works of Waits. There is a beautiful piano ballad on the album, however: “Kentucky Ave.” In addition, songs like “Romeo Is Bleeding” and “Whistlin’ Past The Graveyard” are full of the “juke joint swagger” that seems second nature to the brilliant lyricist. Also, Blue Valentine contains “Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis,” one of the most popular recordings from TW.
- translucent blue vinyl
- gatefold sleeve
- music label: Anti- 1978 / 2018