It's OK, Erin, I don't get Joy Division, Radiohead, or Justin Timberlake. These assholes don't rock.

Jim, I think that there's more to like - and dislike - than that. I don't know quiter what it is, but those aren't the things I wrestle with with Waits' music.

I respect the artist Tom Waits, but am still creeping ever so slowly toward enjoying his music. It's taking me decades, and I generally love chaos - and melody - in music.

'if bruce springsteen is the boss, i fucking quit' - robert pollard

That may be the coolest quote ever... from a guy and band that I really don't get...

Guided By Voices. A topic for another thread perhaps...

Another of the great quotes comes from Waits himself:
“Apparently the highest compliment our culture grants artists nowadays is to be in an ad — ideally naked and purring on the hood of a new car. I have adamantly and repeatedly refused this dubious honor, ... While the court can't make me active in radio, I am asking it to make me radioactive to advertisers.”

Inspired by this thread to go back and look for more Waits, I bought his first release, "Closing Time." Absolutely nothing like the Tom Waits you know now. A dozen songs of a piano balladeer with a normal singing voice.

The song "I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love With You" is just an amazing, heartfelt song. I played it for my wife--who hates Tom Waits--and asked her to guess who was singing it--"The guy from Lifehouse?" she said.

All the more interesting than, to see how this guy that could write and croon these beautiful ballads decided to turn himself into this completely other persona.

This rendition is slower than the CD, and on guitar, but it still gives you an idea. Listen to it, take my word for it:

Tom Waits

Either you feel this one way deep down in your loins/g-spot/happy place/dark place or you don't, not too much to discuss here...

I am in love with TW and I don't think he would argue the acting comment. Over the year his work HAS morphed into an overtly theatrical mode. It's a total "experience" if you will. Kind of a cabaret deal.

I've been with him since I was in high school - and that was a long long time ago. Maybe it's something you need to grow up with to dig

Well, Waits is an actor, too, not to mention that clip is from a full-blown "concert film." He's a storyteller and he frequently exaggerates the coarseness of his voice for dramatic effect. I don't expect everyone to enjoy that, but it's one of the things I personally like best about him.

i have a lot of love for tom waits, but have to say that the past few albums has been rather disappointing. seems he can just phone in any nonsense and people will praise him.
i just finished a biography of him, 'Lowside of The Road: A Biography of Tom Waits', and have to say that in the end he kind of comes off as a wanker. he seems to see musicians as a means to an end, completely hates touring, and pretty much cuts off anyone who dares talk about him. once he met Kathleen Brennan, it seems it was all downhill. it was a great read though, i only have to say that the book does take the shine off him in many regards if you're a huge fan.