Photo Credit: Jesse Dylan

Tom Waits has announced plans to reissue a series of his Island Records albums from 1983 through 1993, capturing a decade-long chapter of the musician’s recording career. The release cycle begins on Sept. 1, with the arrival of Swordfishtrombones (1983), Rain Dogs (1985), and Franks Wild Years (1987). Then, on Oct. 6, he will deliver Bone Machine (1992) and The Black Rider (1993).

All the reissued albums were mastered by Chris Bellman, who worked alongside Waits’ longtime audio engineer, Karl Derfler. As mentioned in the press release, Swordfishtrombones was sourced from the original EQ’d ½” production master tape, while Rain Dogs, Franks Wild Years, Bone Machine, and The Black Rider came from ½” flat master tape. Bellman also remastered the audio to better the listening experience. 

The new vinyl editions will be available alongside specialty artwork, photographs, and packaging–recreated to replicate the original albums, which have been out of print since their initial drop. Of note, select albums that were never shared on vinyl outside of Europe, including Bone Machine and The Black Rider, make the impending drop all the more gripping for Waits’ global following. 

While the vinyl release is coming, folks can livestream the collection by following this link.