"In the Neighborhood" is a song by Tom Waits appearing on his 1983 album Swordfishtrombones. The song received a music video that same year in November. It was also released as a single three years later, with all formats containing "Singapore" as the B-side and the twelve-inch single containing various live recordings. "In the Neighborhood" became his only song to reach the UK singles chart, where it debuted and peaked at No. 80.
Critical reception Roger Holland of Sounds magazine was critical of the song, saying that "to suggest that this is one of [Waits'] better works is to open the door to the corollary that there must be some that are worse."
Formats and track listing All songs written by Tom Waits.
UK 7" single (IS 260) "In the Neighborhood" – 3:04 "Singapore" – 2:46
"In the Neighborhood" – 3:04 "Singapore" – 2:46 "Tango 'Till They're Sore" (live) – 3:20 "16 Shells" (live) – 5:27
UK 12" single (limited edition) (12IS 160) "In the Neighborhood" – 3:04 "Singapore" – 2:46 "Tango 'Till They're Sore" (live) – 3:20 "Rain Dogs" (live) – 3:40
Personnel Adapted from the In the Neighborhood liner notes.
Tom Waits – lead vocals, production Musicians Randy Aldcroft – baritone horn Victor Feldman – Hammond B-3 organ, snare drum, bells Stephen Taylor Arvizu Hodges – drums, parade drum, cymbals Dick "Slyde" Hyde – trombone Bill Reichenbach – trombone Larry Taylor – double bass
Production and additional personnel Biff Dawes – recording, mixing Lynn Goldsmith – photography Rob O'Connor – design
Chart performance Chart (1986)Peakposition
Accolades Year Publication Country Accolade Rank 2000 Colin Larkin United Kingdom The All-Time Top 100 Singles 57 2004 Elvis Costello United Kingdom The Best Songs from the 500 Best Albums Ever * 2009 The Guardian United Kingdom 1000 Songs Everyone Must Hear * 2015 Les Inrockuptibles France 1000 Necessary Songs 76 2015 NPO Radio 2 Netherlands Top 2000Top 2000, In the neighborhood 1594
(*) designates unordered lists.
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