Where have you gone, Tom Waits?

[out_there]

Okay, yes, it's bad when a post vaguely related to a fandom refers to a fic in the subject line. But, I'm bored. I'm... lackluster. I can barely be bothered using capitals.

(heh. i'm not going to.)

should i know tom waits? seriously, is this a singer i should know? i'm checking my memory and it's coming up empty. i don't know him.

(Oh man, even when I'm the one eschewing the shift key, it still annoys the hell out of me. Back to capitals, people.)

The only reason I'm even curious about Tom Waits is Dan. The adorable way he almost cries when he's told he can't see Tom Waits play.

So, has Tom Waits sung anything famous? Anything I'd recognise? If not, any recommendations? I might see if I can download some music later this week.

I want to know what all the fuss is about.

Comments

[laylee.livejournal.com]

He's one of those performers that never gets radio time (except maybe triple j occasionally) but has a very loyal following. I think his last album was Mule Variations. He writes music for film (He composed for 'Things to do in Denver when you're dead', featuring, of course, Josh Charles!) and he's also an actor (he was in 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' amongst others.)

[out-there.livejournal.com]

(He composed for 'Things to do in Denver when you're dead', featuring, of course, Josh Charles!)

Eheheheh. Yes, am easily amused.

Dammit. I just have no idea of his music. I am a sturdy Triple J listener, and his name *feels* like it rings a bell, but I'm not sure if it really does, or if I've just heard it on SN and am unconsciously clinging to it.

It's vaguely irritating. Mainly, it's just that I'm bored (boss is in a meeting) and ... I'm bored.

[laylee.livejournal.com]

Dammit. I just have no idea of his music. I am a sturdy Triple J listener, and his name *feels* like it rings a bell

They don't even play it a lot. He's kind of a niche artist, but what I've heard I like. You might be able to find some of his CD's in your local library (here's me the librarian, but hey! I know what I'm talking about!)

[out-there.livejournal.com]

You might be able to find some of his CD's in your local library (here's me the librarian, but hey! I know what I'm talking about!)

Good idea. I'm a big believer in libraries, although I don't go to my local one as much as I should. (It's guilty conscience. I've let things get *seriously* overdue about three times now, and I feel vaguely guilty about borrowing again... No, it makes no sense.)

[laylee.livejournal.com]

I've been trying to leave a comment about your latest drabbles, but lj is being difficult. Really liked them, especially the last because my favourite boy (Danny) likes another of my favourite boys (Han)

[out-there.livejournal.com]

I've been trying to leave a comment about your latest drabbles, but lj is being difficult.

*nods* For me too. Which was why I commented on your porny drabble in your LJ. Just couldn't get it to load from sn100.

Really liked them, especially the last because my favourite boy (Danny) likes another of my favourite boys (Han)

Heh. Han Solo! Everybody loves Han! (Or they should.)

I really have Danny's attitudes to those who love Luke. Just don't get the appeal. I mean... Han was funny, and sexy, and dangerous, and... just that damn cool. Luke was... neccessary for the plot. He was a good guy, but he was the whining antithesis of cool.

[jcalanthe]

If your brain is confused similarly to mine, you're thinking of "Missing You" by John Waite, which was big in the 80s. But maybe it's just me... And yes, I am embarassed to admit that's what I thougt of when I read your question.

[out-there.livejournal.com]

Heh. Okay, no, that wasn't where my mind went.

Although, now you've brought it up, that song is in my head.

*sings to self* "And it's my heart that's breaking, down this long distance line tonight"

[jcalanthe]

Oh no! It's been stuck in my head since I thought of it - I'm so sorry to have inflicted it on you as well.

[out-there.livejournal.com]

Heh. I actually have a radio/mix tape with that song on it. It's just one of those... great to sing along to songs.

Yes, I also like "I wear my sunglasses at night". *hangs head in shame*

[dammitcarl.livejournal.com]

well, i can't say that you should know him, as i think everyone should know everyone i know. he's famous, but not popular. you never hear him on the radio anymore, and i'm not even sure you would have heard him a lot in the '70s/'80s. but he is cool.

he's got a gravelly deep voice and weird songs like "christmas card from a hooker in minneapolis."

oh! did you ever see mystery men, the movie about the lesser superheroes with ben stiller and william h. macy? tom waits played the crazy inventer guy.

[out-there.livejournal.com]

Aha! My resident music geek to the rescue! I'll have to check him out. I'm currently overindulging in Willard Grant, just because I'm enjoying that low, deep sound. (Which always makes me think of Tex Perkins... just because.)

oh! did you ever see mystery men, the movie about the lesser superheroes with ben stiller and william h. macy? tom waits played the crazy inventer guy.

*splutters* Not a good thing to read as you're drinking milo!

Yes, I saw it, so now I have a somewhat bogus picture of him in mind... *g*

[sinnylong.livejournal.com]

Oh man, where do I even start?

Tom Waits once said in an interview that Bob Dylan is the greatest living songwriter. Later, when told of the comment in a subsequent interview, Bob Dylan said, "That's funny, because Tom Waits is the world's greatest living songwriter."

A couple of songs you may know (that he's written, as covered by others - including the Waits album they appear on:)

Downtown Train (Rod Stewart) - Rain Dogs
Jersey Girl (Bruce Springsteen) - Heart Attack and Vine
Ol' 55 (The Eagles, Sarah McLachlan) - Closing Time
16 Shells from a Thirty Ought Six (Bob Seger) - Swordfishtrombones

And there are so many more. He's been covered so much, it's ridiculous.

Here's the thing: Tom Waits is arguably the most influential songwriter of the last thirty years. You really should know his work. Everyone should. He's been reinventing songwriting structure and tone and style since 1972 (Closing Time) and most recently released two albums on the same day (Alice and Blood Money, 2002). Alice is his version of the Wonderland story, while Blood Money is a straight album. He's also done other "musicals" (Franks Wild Years and The Black Rider). His early music is very dark alley nightclub jazz and blues. The middle years found him experimenting a lot with clanky percussion and pump organs and found sounds and pirate songs. His newest stuff is more dirt in your bones acoustic mixed with eerie forlorn love songs.

To start: pick up Rain Dogs, Franks Wild Years, and Blue Valentine. These will give you a solid start and showcase his stellar songwriting. If you must pick just one, I would recommend Franks Wild Years. It's an inspired album in every way and simply an essential for anyone who likes music at all.

There's so much more to say, but I don't want to bore you. Really, check him out. He's so very worth it.

Re:

[out-there.livejournal.com]

Well, I checked out Blue Valentine and Blood Money. I don't think he's quite my cup of tea, but it was interesting, and there are some tracks I'm saving to computer for future listening.

Just wanted to say thanks for the advice, and thanks for the enthusiasm.

Re:

[sinnylong.livejournal.com]

Cool that you could at least find some tracks that you enjoyed. Truly, though, as every album is very different, you might still want to look into Rain Dogs and/or Franks Wild Years, as both are far more accessible than Blood Money and not so 70's nightclub as Blue Valentine. I've found that people who tend to not really get into Tom Waits can still heartily enjoy those two picks (esp. Rain Dogs which I have used to win over the most difficult prospects). At very least, try to procure the song Gun Street Girl (from RD); it's my favorite Waits tune. Well, it at least sits in the top 3 songs, usually at number 1.

At any rate, you're welcome for the advice and the enthusiasm. He's been my favorite singer/songwriter since I was around sixteen, so it's easy for me to get excited about introducing him to new folks.