The Official Tom Waits Thread

[Trollheart]

I'm not one for the simple "what do you think of this artist?" thread, as you know, but hell, Waits deserves his own thread. I know a lot of people here are into him, and there are few who don't at least know who he is. So let's have a discussion about the man who has confounded music critics and influenced more musicians than you could shake a stick at, should you wish for some reason to do that.

[Trollheart]

My very first introduction to Waits, my first realisation he even existed, was looking at the cover of Heartattack and Vine in a local record shop with my mate (who has sadly long passed away) on our way home from our part-time job in the city. The shop was closed, but we would look at it and remark that the guy looked like he was insane (unsurprisingly, given his attitude on the cover) and make that old chestnut of a joke: "Tom Waits for no man"!

Ten years or so down the line I'm in the house of a friend of a friend and he plays "Tango till they're sore". I thought it was the worst thing I had ever heard - like, was this guy drunk? But I still remember humming it as I left the house.

Springsteen releases Born in the USA and on one of the singles' B-sides is the song "Jersey Girl". I note it's written by Waits.

Forward another few years and my brother sends me a tape from Boston, all the best Waits stuff on it, to try to get me into him. First track I hear is "9th and Hennepin". I'm sold immediately. Fairly soon I'm buying all the Waits albums I can lay my hands on.

Favourites now include: Rain Dogs, Heartattack and Vine (yeah), Bone Machine, Small Change, Blue Valentine, Mule Variations and the OST to One From the Heart. Also love the first two albums, though they're a very different proposition to what he went on to do.

[Thelonious Monkey]

Back when I joined, Small Change was the first album I was recommended. I swore to explore the rest of his discog since I loved it so much, but never did. I'll probably get around to it someday, but you know me. Either way thanks for the rec.

[Neapolitan]

I would rather listen to ten hours of Frownland than ten seconds of Tom Waits.

[Trollheart]

Originally Posted by Thelonious Monkey

Back when I joined, Small Change was the first album I was recommended. I swore to explore the rest of his discog since I loved it so much, but never did. I'll probably get around to it someday, but you know me. Either way thanks for the rec.

You're welcome. I remember that; it was when you called yourself Justin, wasn't it? You can always check out my review of his complete discography in my main journal, or if you want more recs, just let me know.

[Trollheart]

Originally Posted by Neapolitan

I would rather listen to ten hours of Frownland than ten seconds of Tom Waits.

Thank you for your kind contribution.

[Frownland]

Originally Posted by Neapolitan

I would rather listen to ten hours of Frownland than ten seconds of Tom Waits.

Same. Love Waits.

[Trollheart]

Sort of sad that someone would bother coming into a thread about an artist we already know he hates, to tell us he hates him, huh? I mean, if you don't like the guy just don't post in the thread dedicated to him. Seems more than a little childish, if you ask me.

[Frownland]

That's how I feel about getting huffy about it.

[Trollheart]

Originally Posted by Frownland

That's how I feel about getting huffy about it.

I'm not getting huffy. I just don't see the point in wasting your energy saying how much you hate someone. I mean, if there's a 50 cent or Merzbow or whatever thread, do I waste time going into it and declaring how much I feel that artist sucks? Just stay out if you're not interested. Far better things to expend your energy on, is all I'm saying. And if you do want to talk about how much you hate the guy, make more of an effort than the equivalent of "Waits Sux boo". At least try making your case.

(initiate search for emoticon for "shrug": file not found)