Waits again unleashes dose of dark poetry

Tom Waits
Blood Money
Epitaph Few albums in the world are as lurid as they are captivating. Blood Money, one of Tom Waits' two new albums, is just that -- lurid and captivating. Released on the same day as Alice, Blood Money's dark, lethargic tones and harmonies matched with Waits' own unique, growling voice leave the listener to make a choice: Is this album worth buying? That question could be answered with the first track, "Misery is the River of the World." A song that sounds much like a march designed only for Halloween, this track attempts to frighten the listener into switching the stereo to some happy pop just to stay sane. But for those without such an impulse, the reward is the intrigue of Waits' wordsmithing. Blood Money brings beauty to the world of the horrid and anguished by presenting them with harmonies and melodies that melt the heart on two tracks. "Coney Island Baby" and "All the World is Green," are the two songs about lust and love that bring a shimmer of hope to this otherwise dreary album. "Coney Island Baby" sticks out for its distinctive beauty and poetic worth; it's a love song so captivating and heartfelt that even Waits' gravely voice cannot weaken it. The best line of the song sticks out from all others: "All the stars make their wishes on her eyes." This is a line so flattering and poetic that most women would blush if it were said to them. The rest of the album uses harsh melodies and haunting harmonies to accompany some of Waits' unique views and insights into our world. The most potent example of this is the tormenting, "God's Away On Business," a dirge-like song devoted to exposing some of man's most despicable traits -- a subject that Waits' excels at discussing. Blood Money is not an album for the average pop fan. However, it should please fans of dark jazz and poetry. It's a beautifully crafted and piercing look into the heart and soul of man.