Tom Waits / Big Time (US, Island Records, 7 90987-1) <September 1988>

Tom Waits / Big Time (US, Island Records, 7 90987-1) <September 1988>
Recorded ; November 5 and November 9, 1987
(SIDE A) ST-IL-887093A DMM MASTERDISK
(SIDE B) ST-IL-887094B DMM MASTERDISK

"Big Time" is the first conventional live album by American musician Tom Waits, featuring performances from two shows on Waits' 1987 tour. The album was released less than a year later on Island Records. While Big Time was the first released recording of public concert performances by Waits, it was not strictly his first live release: his 1975 Nighthawks at the Diner was a live performance before an audience that was conducted entirely within a recording studio.

　80年代の三部作"Swordfishtrombones", "Rain Dog", "Franks Wild Years"の後に発表されたライヴ・ドキュメンタリーのサントラ盤。映画はバック・ミュージシャンがほとんど映らないように配慮され、また会場の切符切りや会場の掃除人などがすべてTom Waitsという風変わりな趣向のライヴ・ドキュメンタリーで、ビデオやレーザーディスクでは発売されたものの未だにDVD化されておらず、数あるロック映画の中でも再発が待たれている作品と言ってよいでしょう。

　この映画の奇抜さに反して、サントラの本作はごく普通のライヴ盤です。いずれも1987年の"Big Time tour"の記録です。全曲が80年代に入ってからの4作品より選曲されており、全体的にアルバムに比べてより獰猛な演奏に終始し、圧巻の雄叫びが聴けます。また、3部作の後2作品ではピアノの比重が低かったですが、このライヴ盤ではピアノ弾き語りに近い演奏も多く、それもまた素晴らしいです。特に"Ruby's Arms"や"Train Song"は感動的な演奏と思います。

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsQHhTjdmRk

"Ruby's Arms"

I will leave behind all of my clothes I wore when I was with you
All I needs my railroad boots and my leather jacket

As I say goodbye to Ruby's arms although my heart is breaking
I will steal away out through your blinds for soon you will be waking

The morning light has washed your face and everything is turning blue now
Hold on to your pillowcase there's nothing I can do now

As I say goodbye to Ruby's arms you'll find another soldier
And I swear to god by Christmas time there'll be someone else to hold you

The only thing I'm taking is the scarf off of your clothesline
I'll hurry past your chest of drawers and your broken wind chimes
As I say goodbye I say goodbye I say goodbye to Ruby's arms

I will feel my way down the darkened hall and out into the morning
The hobos at the freight yards have kept their fires burning
So Jesus Christ this goddamn rain will someone put me on a train
I'll never kiss your lips again or break your heart
As I say goodbye I say goodbye I say goodbye to Ruby's arms

この曲は、元恋人のリッキー・リー・ジョーンズに捧げた歌だというのは周知の事実ですが、
こういう解釈もあるんですね。それはそれで面白いなと思いました。↓
https://threeleaves.hatenablog.com/entry/20121022/1350908429