Black Wings - Bone Machine [199]

Creepy supernatural vibes dominate the track this week, as Mary, Martin & Sam discuss the terrifying figure who stalks through this track, as well as Waits's own intimidating vocal performance. We discuss the presence (and restraint) of Joe Gore, the mystery of Dr John, and the League of Extraordinary Musical Gentlemen that we'll be pitching to Alan Moore very soon.

(Please note that this episode was recorded before the passing of Dr. John.)

Music extracts used for illustrative/review purposes include:
Black Wings, Bone Machine, Tom Waits (1992)

Send His Love To Me, To Bring You My Love, PJ Harvey (1995)

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Murder in the Red Barn - Bone Machine [198]

Waits jumps on the salacious rumour-mill with this topical true-crime tale from... 1800s Suffolk. Maybe. Mary Epworth returns for a second week of conversation with Sam and Martin, discussing the truth and fiction around the real-life events that took place in the red barn, how Waits does or doesn't engage with this story, and issues surrounding vocal engagement and strain.

Music extracts used for illustrative/review purposes include:
Murder in the Red Barn, Bone Machine, Tom Waits (1992)

Murder of Maria Marten, No Roses, Shirley Collins & The Albion Country Band (1971)

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Goin' Out West - Bone Machine [197]

Martin & Sam welcome Mary Epworth to the show, as Waits expresses his dream of heading (back?) to the coast to make it in the movies. With images of Hollywood by Waits in the wake of his experiences with Coppolla, as well as other west-coast imagery in our interval, Song by Song continues its journey through Bone Machine and beyond.

Music extracts used for illustrative/review purposes include:
Goin' Out West, Bone Machine, Tom Waits (1992)

Goin' Out West, Glitter And Doom, Tom Waits (2009)

California Dreamin', If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears, The Mamas & The Papas (1966)

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