Tom Waits — Old Shoes (& Picture Postcards)
Album: Closing TImeAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1425
Length: 3:37
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I'm singing this song, it's time it was sung
I've been putting it off for a while
But it's harder by now, 'cause the truth is so clear
That I cry when I'm seeing you smile
So goodbye, so long, the road calls me, dear
And your tears cannot bind me anymore
And farewell to the girl with the sun in her eyes
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
Every time that I tried to tell you that we'd
Lost the magic we had at the start
I would weep, my heart, when I looked in your eyes
And I searched once again for the spark
So goodbye, so long, the road calls me, dear
And your tears cannot bind me anymore
And farewell to the girl with the sun in her eyes
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
Now I can see by your eyes, it's time now to go
So I'll leave you to cry in the rain
Though I held in my hand the key to all joy
Honey, my heart was not born to be tamed
So goodbye, so long, the road calls me, dear
And your tears cannot bind me anymore
And farewell to the girl with the sun in her eyes
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
So goodbye, so long, the road calls me dear
And your tears cannot bind me anymore
And farewell to the girl with the sun in her eyes
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
I've been putting it off for a while
But it's harder by now, 'cause the truth is so clear
That I cry when I'm seeing you smile
So goodbye, so long, the road calls me, dear
And your tears cannot bind me anymore
And farewell to the girl with the sun in her eyes
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
Every time that I tried to tell you that we'd
Lost the magic we had at the start
I would weep, my heart, when I looked in your eyes
And I searched once again for the spark
So goodbye, so long, the road calls me, dear
And your tears cannot bind me anymore
And farewell to the girl with the sun in her eyes
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
Now I can see by your eyes, it's time now to go
So I'll leave you to cry in the rain
Though I held in my hand the key to all joy
Honey, my heart was not born to be tamed
So goodbye, so long, the road calls me, dear
And your tears cannot bind me anymore
And farewell to the girl with the sun in her eyes
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
So goodbye, so long, the road calls me dear
And your tears cannot bind me anymore
And farewell to the girl with the sun in her eyes
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
Can I kiss you, and then I'll be gone
Comments (139)add comment
Big Tom and no question..
there's a nice john prine swing to this
WWWillie wrote:
Same. When I read Tom's name, I figured this must be an early song, not yet the gravelly voice of later years.
Wasn't paying attention when the song started and I swore it was John Prine. . . Interesting.
Same. When I read Tom's name, I figured this must be an early song, not yet the gravelly voice of later years.
Sweet_Virginia wrote:
I had exactly the same thought, who would have thunk those 2 would be so aligned.
eyke wrote:
As I was reading the comments, I thought "This could be John Prine singing."
As I was reading the comments, I thought "This could be John Prine singing."
WWWillie wrote:
As I was reading the comments, I thought "This could be John Prine singing."
Wasn't paying attention when the song started and I swore it was John Prine. . . Interesting.
As I was reading the comments, I thought "This could be John Prine singing."
A little to "country/twangy" for me.
does this tune not sound like the band?
hencini wrote:
Lolz... No, Billy Joel is no Tom Waits, not even close. And what I mean by "evil" is that while Billy Joel is saccharine and FM-friendly, Zevon and Waits are gritty, word-weaving trouble makers, growling and keeping the world safe for those who don't fall in line so easily... : )
I like both
Lolz... No, Billy Joel is no Tom Waits, not even close. And what I mean by "evil" is that while Billy Joel is saccharine and FM-friendly, Zevon and Waits are gritty, word-weaving trouble makers, growling and keeping the world safe for those who don't fall in line so easily... : )
I like both
Wasn't paying attention when the song started and I swore it was John Prine. . . Interesting.
ziakut wrote:
If Tom was playing live, I could shovel poop all day.
If I were shoveling dog poop in the sweltering heat along with people sitting around and pointing fingers...this would be a perfect soundtrack.
PSD button...you are a Godsend.
If Tom was playing live, I could shovel poop all day.
This is before he adopted his phoney grizzled "I've lived hard times' voice.
Well...if the Piano Has Been Drinking"...perhaps his old shoes have been pouring.
Ha.
Ha.
Like this one too
Milano wrote:
Jarmusch is great - you will like "Coffee & Cigarettes" too.
tuttle99 wrote:
The scene with Waits and Iggy in that just kills me :)
Bill Murray's a trip too fine film fine tune TW : )
Jarmusch is great - you will like "Coffee & Cigarettes" too.
tuttle99 wrote:
The scene with Waits and Iggy in that just kills me :)
Bill Murray's a trip too fine film fine tune TW : )
Normally anything by Mr Waits gets me back to RP's home page.... to hit the PSD button. But I didn't recognize his voice this time and I kinda liked it. A solid 4 at least.... which is about 4-5 higher than anything I've ever heard from him before.
Beautiful song and such a sweet melody from Mr. Waits.
ziakut wrote:
Count me in. I <3 the PSD button.
If I were shoveling dog poop in the sweltering heat along with people sitting around and pointing fingers...this would be a perfect soundtrack.
PSD button...you are a Godsend.
PSD button...you are a Godsend.
Count me in. I <3 the PSD button.
If I were shoveling dog poop in the sweltering heat along with people sitting around and pointing fingers...this would be a perfect soundtrack.
PSD button...you are a Godsend.
PSD button...you are a Godsend.
Milano wrote:
Jarmusch is great - you will like "Coffee & Cigarettes" too.
The scene with Waits and Iggy in that just kills me :)
Jarmusch is great - you will like "Coffee & Cigarettes" too.
The scene with Waits and Iggy in that just kills me :)
macadavy wrote:
Yeah I'm a big fan (though I've not seen all his films).
My fav so far is Night on Earth. Here's the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7wa9kSI5Ew
Tom doesn't act in this one, but he's on the soundtrack.
Jarmusch is great - you will like "Coffee & Cigarettes" too.
Yeah I'm a big fan (though I've not seen all his films).
My fav so far is Night on Earth. Here's the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7wa9kSI5Ew
Tom doesn't act in this one, but he's on the soundtrack.
Jarmusch is great - you will like "Coffee & Cigarettes" too.
Fits my mood at the moment. great song.
Way overplayed here.
Yup. Still a great song. : )
hencini wrote:
I figured that was what you getting at. Billy Joel has his place as well, and plenty of people love his music. He just always annoyed the hell out of me.
Proclivities wrote:
Evil Billy Joel? That could be considered redundant, and he's never been anywhere near as talented as Tom Waits.
Lolz... No, Billy Joel is no Tom Waits, not even close. And what I mean by "evil" is that while Billy Joel is saccharine and FM-friendly, Zevon and Waits are gritty, word-weaving trouble makers, growling and keeping the world safe for those who don't fall in line so easily... : )
Evil Billy Joel? That could be considered redundant, and he's never been anywhere near as talented as Tom Waits.
Lolz... No, Billy Joel is no Tom Waits, not even close. And what I mean by "evil" is that while Billy Joel is saccharine and FM-friendly, Zevon and Waits are gritty, word-weaving trouble makers, growling and keeping the world safe for those who don't fall in line so easily... : )
I figured that was what you getting at. Billy Joel has his place as well, and plenty of people love his music. He just always annoyed the hell out of me.
I have seen Waits a few times over the years, once he opened for the New Riders and was summarily booed off the stage - a shame even though I was there to see them. Listening to this song it strikes me that early on, at least in this tune, he sounded like Prine.
Proclivities wrote:
Evil Billy Joel? That could be considered redundant, and he's never been anywhere near as talented as Tom Waits.
Lolz... No, Billy Joel is no Tom Waits, not even close. And what I mean by "evil" is that while Billy Joel is saccharine and FM-friendly, Zevon and Waits are gritty, word-weaving trouble makers, growling and keeping the world safe for those who don't fall in line so easily... : )
Evil Billy Joel? That could be considered redundant, and he's never been anywhere near as talented as Tom Waits.
Lolz... No, Billy Joel is no Tom Waits, not even close. And what I mean by "evil" is that while Billy Joel is saccharine and FM-friendly, Zevon and Waits are gritty, word-weaving trouble makers, growling and keeping the world safe for those who don't fall in line so easily... : )
hencini wrote:
Evil Billy Joel? That could be considered redundant, and he's never been anywhere near as talented as Tom Waits.
I once said that Warren Zevon was the evil Billy Joel. Tom Waits also holds that title.
This guy is so freakin' good. While I don't like all of his stuff, his gems allow me to overlook his lesser efforts, and this is one of his gems. This whole album is just so honest and real.
This guy is so freakin' good. While I don't like all of his stuff, his gems allow me to overlook his lesser efforts, and this is one of his gems. This whole album is just so honest and real.
Evil Billy Joel? That could be considered redundant, and he's never been anywhere near as talented as Tom Waits.
satp wrote:
I totally agree. I first saw Waits in the Spring of 1976 during his tour following the release of Nighthawks at the Diner. Definitely one of the best I've ever seen.
I'm a mere lad of 39, and I've been fortunate to have seen hundreds of concerts of all shapes and sizes.
And I can honestly say without hesitation the greatest concert I've ever seen was Tom Waits.
Chicago, seventh row, touring for Mule Variations.
There will be shows I will tell my children about. This will be one.
And I can honestly say without hesitation the greatest concert I've ever seen was Tom Waits.
Chicago, seventh row, touring for Mule Variations.
There will be shows I will tell my children about. This will be one.
I totally agree. I first saw Waits in the Spring of 1976 during his tour following the release of Nighthawks at the Diner. Definitely one of the best I've ever seen.
I once said that Warren Zevon was the evil Billy Joel. Tom Waits also holds that title.
This guy is so freakin' good. While I don't like all of his stuff, his gems allow me to overlook his lesser efforts, and this is one of his gems. This whole album is just so honest and real.
This guy is so freakin' good. While I don't like all of his stuff, his gems allow me to overlook his lesser efforts, and this is one of his gems. This whole album is just so honest and real.
I hope, some good music is coming up soon!! 
satp wrote:
Did you get pictures, you mere lad of 39? If you did, I won't hold you to that "mere lad" stuff. Bring on the pictures. Otherwise, you're a selfish bastard who had the opportunity of a lifetime and didn't bother to think about sharing it with the whole world.
I envy you your experiences. Bet I can top your Tom Waits. I saw Stevie Ray Vaughn two weeks before he left this earth unwillingly in a plane crash. He was on a triple-bill with John Hiatt and Robert Cray. And no, I didn't take pictures, because I just assumed he'd be around forever...
Life is so weird.
I'm a mere lad of 39, and I've been fortunate to have seen hundreds of concerts of all shapes and sizes.
And I can honestly say without hesitation the greatest concert I've ever seen was Tom Waits.
Chicago, seventh row, touring for Mule Variations.
There will be shows I will tell my children about. This will be one.
And I can honestly say without hesitation the greatest concert I've ever seen was Tom Waits.
Chicago, seventh row, touring for Mule Variations.
There will be shows I will tell my children about. This will be one.
Did you get pictures, you mere lad of 39? If you did, I won't hold you to that "mere lad" stuff. Bring on the pictures. Otherwise, you're a selfish bastard who had the opportunity of a lifetime and didn't bother to think about sharing it with the whole world.
I envy you your experiences. Bet I can top your Tom Waits. I saw Stevie Ray Vaughn two weeks before he left this earth unwillingly in a plane crash. He was on a triple-bill with John Hiatt and Robert Cray. And no, I didn't take pictures, because I just assumed he'd be around forever...
Life is so weird.
satp wrote:
He's at the top of my list of musicians to see in concert. Seems like he tours few and far between.
I'm a mere lad of 39, and I've been fortunate to have seen hundreds of concerts of all shapes and sizes.
And I can honestly say without hesitation the greatest concert I've ever seen was Tom Waits.
Chicago, seventh row, touring for Mule Variations.
There will be shows I will tell my children about. This will be one.
And I can honestly say without hesitation the greatest concert I've ever seen was Tom Waits.
Chicago, seventh row, touring for Mule Variations.
There will be shows I will tell my children about. This will be one.
He's at the top of my list of musicians to see in concert. Seems like he tours few and far between.
I'm a mere lad of 39, and I've been fortunate to have seen hundreds of concerts of all shapes and sizes.
And I can honestly say without hesitation the greatest concert I've ever seen was Tom Waits.
Chicago, seventh row, touring for Mule Variations.
There will be shows I will tell my children about. This will be one.
And I can honestly say without hesitation the greatest concert I've ever seen was Tom Waits.
Chicago, seventh row, touring for Mule Variations.
There will be shows I will tell my children about. This will be one.
Cynaera wrote:
Personally, I could do without ever hearing a single note from Dan Fogelberg again ("Longer" anyone?) - but that's just me, I guess. Tom Waits is in an entirely different galaxy.
I LOVE TOM WAITS. In all his incarnations, with all his vocal distresses - I love him. His lyrics are always poignant, no matter what his personal life is doing.
Can't we just have a Tom Waits station? Supplemented with Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Dan Fogelberg?
Can't we just have a Tom Waits station? Supplemented with Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Dan Fogelberg?
Personally, I could do without ever hearing a single note from Dan Fogelberg again ("Longer" anyone?) - but that's just me, I guess. Tom Waits is in an entirely different galaxy.
socalhol wrote:
Wilco – What Light
When this song started I thought it was that one newer / newish song — "....there's a light, a white light...." can't seem the find it through the artist search (and whenever it plays I tend to block it out, so I don't know which band it is)
Wilco – What Light
great tune
even haters can't complain because he still had a more standard voice in '73
even haters can't complain because he still had a more standard voice in '73
socalhol wrote:
WILCO
When this song started I thought it was that one newer / newish song — "....there's a light, a white light...." can't seem the find it through the artist search (and whenever it plays I tend to block it out, so I don't know which band it is)
WILCO
Alafia wrote:
Mine is Nighthawks at the Diner
Agree! Amazing album - particularly "Eggs and Sausage" and "Big Joe and Phantom 309"
Mine is Nighthawks at the Diner
When this song started I thought it was that one newer / newish song — "....there's a light, a white light...." can't seem the find it through the artist search (and whenever it plays I tend to block it out, so I don't know which band it is)
I love this dude too. I really do.
Cynaera wrote:
Cynaera wrote:
I LOVE TOM WAITS. In all his incarnations, with all his vocal distresses - I love him. His lyrics are always poignant, no matter what his personal life is doing.
Can't we just have a Tom Waits station? Supplemented with Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Dan Fogelberg?
Can't we just have a Tom Waits station? Supplemented with Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Dan Fogelberg?
Where has this song been all my life? Wow!
pcarew wrote:
True, true...you named a couple of the best. A shame they aren't mega-millionaires, while the no-talent American Idol folks rake it in.
Wow, I didn't realize how similar Waits and John Prine sound.
Prine has some great songs too.
Prine has some great songs too.
True, true...you named a couple of the best. A shame they aren't mega-millionaires, while the no-talent American Idol folks rake it in.
Wow, I didn't realize how similar Waits and John Prine sound.
Prine has some great songs too.
Prine has some great songs too.
Cynaera wrote:
... and Lenard Cohen and Nick Cave... and a few others.
I LOVE TOM WAITS. In all his incarnations, with all his vocal distresses - I love him. His lyrics are always poignant, no matter what his personal life is doing.
Can't we just have a Tom Waits station? Supplemented with Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Dan Fogelberg?
Can't we just have a Tom Waits station? Supplemented with Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Dan Fogelberg?
... and Lenard Cohen and Nick Cave... and a few others.
I LOVE TOM WAITS. In all his incarnations, with all his vocal distresses - I love him. His lyrics are always poignant, no matter what his personal life is doing.
Can't we just have a Tom Waits station? Supplemented with Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Dan Fogelberg?
Can't we just have a Tom Waits station? Supplemented with Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Dan Fogelberg?
This is the song that "11" is made for. I always come to upgrade it only to find I've already given it a "10."
On_The_Beach wrote:
Jarmusch is definitely not for everyone but I loved Down By Law too.
Here's a typical scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP2tqJTSfgU
Yeah I'm a big fan (though I've not seen all his films).
My fav so far is Night on Earth. Here's the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7wa9kSI5Ew
Tom doesn't act in this one, but he's on the soundtrack.
Jarmusch is definitely not for everyone but I loved Down By Law too.
Here's a typical scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP2tqJTSfgU
Yeah I'm a big fan (though I've not seen all his films).
My fav so far is Night on Earth. Here's the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7wa9kSI5Ew
Tom doesn't act in this one, but he's on the soundtrack.
pinklife wrote:
Bone Machine would be mine, even though it's almost impossible to pick one.
Excellent...but "Rain Dogs" will always be my favorite T.W. album.
Bone Machine would be mine, even though it's almost impossible to pick one.
garthwb wrote:
I love this comment. Yes, I wonder if the young Tom Waits would even recognize the old(er) Tom Waits.
One of my all-time favourite artists, one who took the exact opposite trajectory to most "artists", from pleasant, easy-to-grasp melodies (still great songs), becoming more and more complex and challenging, some of his music now is downright astounding in its obtuseness! Superb nevertheless!
I love this comment. Yes, I wonder if the young Tom Waits would even recognize the old(er) Tom Waits.
macadavy wrote:
Jarmusch is definitely not for everyone but I loved Down By Law too.
Here's a typical scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP2tqJTSfgU
Papernapkin wrote:
You've got to be referring to Jim Jarmusch's Down By Law (1986).
Another musician John Lurie of 'The Lounge Lizards' was in it, too.
Nice sleazy 'Big Easy' ambience at the start when Tom's character gets busted.
Not to everyone's taste I grant you, but a great film nonetheless.
I guess you just don't 'get' Roberto Benigni, huh? I was ROFL!
I saw Tom in a DVD rental years ago. It was about a guy who made a 'delivery' for a shady character. Police busted him with a dead body in the trunk. The moview was sooooooooooo boring. Just an aside. I generally don't like Tom's but he's growing on me.
You've got to be referring to Jim Jarmusch's Down By Law (1986).
Another musician John Lurie of 'The Lounge Lizards' was in it, too.
Nice sleazy 'Big Easy' ambience at the start when Tom's character gets busted.
Not to everyone's taste I grant you, but a great film nonetheless.
I guess you just don't 'get' Roberto Benigni, huh? I was ROFL!
Jarmusch is definitely not for everyone but I loved Down By Law too.
Here's a typical scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP2tqJTSfgU
Like it very much!
favorite album is a tie between Swordfishtrombones and Closing Time
This is in my top 5 of favorite Tom Waits songs. Love it!
Heart of Saturday Night
Not a huge fan, but this is a great song! Love his writing, just have issues with his voice, sometimes....
Small Change.
ThePoose wrote:
Don`t overlook Mule Variations
ThePoose wrote:
Don`t overlook Mule Variations
Alafia wrote:
Mine is Nighthawks at the Diner
Don`t overlook Mule Variations
Mine is Nighthawks at the Diner
Don`t overlook Mule Variations
pinklife wrote:
Mine is Nighthawks at the Diner
Excellent...but "Rain Dogs" will always be my favorite T.W. album.
Mine is Nighthawks at the Diner
oh yes! Excellent choice. More tom!
drtjdel wrote:
I see him as accepting the harshness of reality unflinchingly - even, at times, with laughter. His basic equanimity in the face of life's unavoidable darkness is what, to me, makes him great.
Tom waits, Warren Zevon, Steely Dan, Leonard Cohen. Which is the most tortured soul?
Maybe he's tortured - but happy tortured, I think. :)I see him as accepting the harshness of reality unflinchingly - even, at times, with laughter. His basic equanimity in the face of life's unavoidable darkness is what, to me, makes him great.
A saying I once heard about Schubert: He can break your heart in the major key. Tom Waits is not quite in Schubert's class, but the saying applies here. Lovely song.
Excellent...but "Rain Dogs" will always be my favorite T.W. album.
jarrudy wrote:
this whole album is just amazing. should be in the top 5 of all time in my opinion.
I agree. Not a single dud, and both varied in style and cohesive as a whole. Amazing stuff.
jarrudy wrote:
Damn.. never heard this. I am buying this asap.
this whole album is just amazing. should be in the top 5 of all time in my opinion.
Damn.. never heard this. I am buying this asap.
this whole album is just amazing. should be in the top 5 of all time in my opinion.
Verpeiler wrote:
Wow. A Tom Waits song and it's
"Quite likeable".
Now that's definitly a first for me at least.
Thx RP.
I know! I usually rate Tom Waits songs "Most Excellent" or higher!
Papernapkin wrote:
You've got to be referring to Jim Jarmusch's Down By Law (1986).
Another musician John Lurie of 'The Lounge Lizards' was in it, too.
Nice sleazy 'Big Easy' ambience at the start when Tom's character gets busted.
Not to everyone's taste I grant you, but a great film nonetheless.
I guess you just don't 'get' Roberto Benigni, huh? I was ROFL!
I saw Tom in a DVD rental years ago. It was about a guy who made a 'delivery' for a shady character. Police busted him with a dead body in the trunk. The moview was sooooooooooo boring. Just an aside. I generally don't like Tom's but he's growing on me.
You've got to be referring to Jim Jarmusch's Down By Law (1986).
Another musician John Lurie of 'The Lounge Lizards' was in it, too.
Nice sleazy 'Big Easy' ambience at the start when Tom's character gets busted.
Not to everyone's taste I grant you, but a great film nonetheless.
I guess you just don't 'get' Roberto Benigni, huh? I was ROFL!
wally42 wrote:
Absolutely one of the best American music recordings of all time. I am sitting here at work listening and trying not to cry. This album has so many rich and beautiful remember the memories that I can't even
................................. Yes...?
Absolutely one of the best American music recordings of all time. I am sitting here at work listening and trying not to cry. This album has so many rich and beautiful remember the memories that I can't even
cc_rider wrote:
great minds...
Every single time I hear this, I think JP. Not a bad thing at all, and a Waits tune I find quite listenable.
One of my all-time favourite artists, one who took the exact opposite trajectory to most "artists", from pleasant, easy-to-grasp melodies (still great songs), becoming more and more complex and challenging, some of his music now is downright astounding in its obtuseness! Superb nevertheless!
drtjdel wrote:
Tom waits, Warren Zevon, Steely Dan, Leonard Cohen. Which is the most tortured soul?
Nick Drake.
Tim Buckley. Son Jeff.
Pyro wrote:
Shades of John Prine. One of Waits' best!
great minds...
I thought for a moment this was John Prine. Must'a been before Mr. Waits destroyed his 'cords with ciggies.
Dig it. And John Prine too, BTW.
c.
I saw Tom in a DVD rental years ago. It was about a guy who made a 'delivery' for a shady character. Police busted him with a dead body in the trunk. The moview was sooooooooooo boring. Just an aside. I generally don't like Tom's but he's growing on me.
AKA "Waltzing Matilda Farewell" 
Great tune, but sooo sad: straight '8'!
**Edit: rating 8 > 9.
Great tune, but sooo sad: straight '8'!
**Edit: rating 8 > 9.I feel like waltzing! 
Richard_Straley wrote:
Not heard this one before. Thanks, wonderful. Helps make a dreary and wet UK bearable.
Come on now... the UK isn't that bad
lazylemming wrote:
I know it's easy for non-fans to dismiss Tom Waits, but he truly is a unique talent. His music (and voice) can be challenging... but when (or if) you are able to appreciate him, the reward is significant. At some point in time, give "The Heart of Saturday Night" (track or entire album) a close listen. It's truly magnificant. The imagery & emotion conveyed gets to me upon each listen.
Thanks for the suggestions. I used to be a non-listner to great talents like Dylan, Young, Lou Reed, David Byrnes, etc. because of the singing "problems" but I have come to understand and enjoy them for what they are. Tom Waits is now making a move into my favored artists lists.
I know it's easy for non-fans to dismiss Tom Waits, but he truly is a unique talent. His music (and voice) can be challenging... but when (or if) you are able to appreciate him, the reward is significant. At some point in time, give "The Heart of Saturday Night" (track or entire album) a close listen. It's truly magnificant. The imagery & emotion conveyed gets to me upon each listen.
Wow. A Tom Waits song and it's
"Quite likeable".
Now that's definitly a first for me at least.
Thx RP.
Not heard this one before. Thanks, wonderful. Helps make a dreary and wet UK bearable.
ch83575 wrote:
Some songs are SO good that one can not help but stop what he is doing and let the song work its magic. It doesn't even matter how may times I hear it... this song will always be one of those.
Shades of John Prine. One of Waits' best!
Some songs are SO good that one can not help but stop what he is doing and let the song work its magic. It doesn't even matter how may times I hear it... this song will always be one of those.
steeler wrote:
I would not characterize Waits as having a tortured soul. Nor Warren. Not sure about Leonard Cohen (Steely Dan, well, that's a group).
Waits has definitely lived a hard life, and that is commonly the definition of "tortured soul". The harder the life, the more tortured the individual. Plus he's a hell of an artist, another good indicator. Can't speak for the rest.
His early albums....everytime I see the covers it takes me right back to my otherwise forgetable childhood...
ah, the bittersweet nostalgia of repressed memories. Tom's voice laces it all so well...
But for the record, I love his new stuff too. Real Gone is an incredible album - and his son plays on it with him! Cool, huh?
steeler wrote:
I would not characterize Waits as having a tortured soul. Nor Warren. Not sure about Leonard Cohen (Steely Dan, well, that's a group).
Each one of us is.
drtjdel wrote:
Tom waits, Warren Zevon, Steely Dan, Leonard Cohen. Which is/has the most tortured soul?
I would not characterize Waits as having a tortured soul. Nor Warren. Not sure about Leonard Cohen (Steely Dan, well, that's a group).
Tom waits, Warren Zevon, Steely Dan, Leonard Cohen. Which is the most tortured soul?
ThePoose wrote:
Bone Machine and Mule Variations are both good choices: they both won Grammys--albeit for Alternative in the first case and Folk in the second.
Another fave of mine is Rain Dogs.
They broke the mould with Waits and a fine character actor too, damn!
Screature wrote:
How ironic that this classic album should be called Closing Time, for Tom it was just the begining. This song is absolutely lovely, on a fabulous record from one of the greatest singer song writers of all time.
Right on.
xkolibuul wrote:
Good lord. He's actually carrying a tune. A revelation.
So what happened to TW over time? Too many Luckys and too much Mad Dog?
I'm so totally with you on this one! He's a great writer, but his vocals have gotten SO gravelly over time, that I can barely listen to his recent stuff. THIS, I like.
Good lord. He's actually carrying a tune. A revelation.
So what happened to TW over time? Too many Luckys and too much Mad Dog?
Screature wrote:
While I also love Tom, I can't agree that his early material is "the best by far".
It is unquestionably the most musically conventional and perhaps the most easily accessable to the masses. However, I would have to agrue that some of his most brilliant work has been his most recent work. Starting with "Bone Machine" (1992) and then "Mule Variations" (1999) through to his latest "Real Gone" (2004) he has displayed his virtuosity at creating a musical realm that no one has seen before and could never be repeated by anyone else but Tom Waits. While these albums may not be everyones cup of tea and may demand a little more time and attention from the listener to fully appreciate what they have to offer, they measure up to, if not surpass the accomplishments of his early work.
Bone Machine and Mule Variations are both good choices: they both won Grammys--albeit for Alternative in the first case and Folk in the second.
Another fave of mine is Rain Dogs.
go_ski_mully wrote:
I have heard that Bawlers, Brawlers and Bastards, all interestingly released at the same time? are excellent albums, on my must purchase list for sure!
Just picked it up; it's great (if you love Tom)!
Wow, had to look twice to see if this was really Tom Waits. I'm only familiar with his later stuff. It's like listening to early Leonard Cohen.
Excellent!
I have heard that Bawlers, Brawlers and Bastards, all interestingly released at the same time? are excellent albums, on my must purchase list for sure, this guys is up there with my all time favourite musicians, I LOVE his early stuff and admire his more experimental work
a true mad man! (used with an Irish sensibility as a huge! compliment) and a genius!
This album should be in every collection!
Definalty a top ten desert island CD.
Such memories.....10 10 10
Agreed wholeheartedly on Orphans, it is awesome! I haven't even gotten through it all completely yet, but there is just some wonderful stuff on every disc.
durruti wrote:
Well put, meydele.
If anyone's wondering about Tom's latest, Orphans -- GET IT! For those who don't like his more recent aural experiments, there's the Bawlers CD, which ranks with some of his best ballads; Brawlers has some of the best Blues, juke-joint-rock he's ever done; and then there's the Bastards CD, for those that appreciate his experimental vein; all containing some brilliant covers.
I received Orphans for Xmas - was sort of surprised - and find that the 2nd CD, Bawlers, is a wonderful listen in itself. Now I need to spend some time with Bastards...
Only Tom could make such a sad song beautiful....
He's a genius!!
Well put, meydele.
If anyone's wondering about Tom's latest, Orphans -- GET IT! For those who don't like his more recent aural experiments, there's the Bawlers CD, which ranks with some of his best ballads; Brawlers has some of the best Blues, juke-joint-rock he's ever done; and then there's the Bastards CD, for those that appreciate his experimental vein; all containing some brilliant covers.
durruti wrote:
I understand people who feel this way, but I'm more in agreement with Screature, below. You have to take his later work as a whole, the whole production -- not just the singing or the songwriting. <...>
I always think of his later work as challenging in the way that really complex classical music can be - you have to fight through your initial reactions and find the oasis inside. If you can do that, you can get to some beautiful places.
makes me want to jump in my Ol' '55.
As a rule, I personally don't like Tom Waits, he gives me a pain. But I do like this song I think Pyro probably has it when she/he says his early work is much more melodic and less rasping.
Pyro wrote:
I like Tom's early work. The older he got, the more gravelly his voice got...and that began to grate on my nerves. I simply find him easier to listen to when it's early stuff. He is an INCREDIBLE writer.
I understand people who feel this way, but I'm more in agreement with Screature, below. You have to take his later work as a whole, the whole production -- not just the singing or the songwriting. The early years he shone as a songwriter, but in his explorations after meeting his wife, from Swordfishtrombones on, discovering Captain Beefheart, etc, the experimentation -- when you take in his whole body of work, that's why he's considered by many to be the genius that he is.... uhhh Tom... luv ya, man
One of my all time favorite albums all the way thru and this song was my reason for buying it. Big Tom Waits fan of all of his many phases.
lkbooth71 wrote:
Tom Wait roles worth checking out: the equipment guy who hates guns in Mystery Men (with Ben Stiller) and the DJ in Down by Law (Jarmusch). Roberto Benigni is priceless in Down by Law but Tom Waits has a very cool role.
And then there's the limo driver who is married to Lilly Tomlin in Altman's Short Cuts, Renfield in Coppola's Dracula... and my personal favourite, the paraplegic vet in The Fisher King.
I like Tom's early work. The older he got, the more gravelly his voice got...and that began to grate on my nerves. I simply find him easier to listen to when it's early stuff. He is an INCREDIBLE writer.
thanks for playing some old tom waits. Someone needs to upload "the early years" version of this song. this is nice, but I like that one even better.
This song makes me so nostalgic for my rambling and roving days...
Love this...
lkbooth71 wrote:
Tom Wait roles worth checking out: the equipment guy who hates guns in Mystery Men (with Ben Stiller) and the DJ in Down by Law (Jarmusch). Roberto Benigni is priceless in Down by Law but Tom Waits has a very cool role.
Oh yeah! I scream, you scream, we scream for..I scream...
And the guy is 75 years old this coming Saturday the 7th.
Happy Birthday Dude.