@ablaze 's Three tune Tuesday for a while now on and off, usually on a Thursday or a Friday when I have more time but decided this week, I'd make a concerted effort!I do enjoy hearing and reading about what others listen too and often, the stories behind the songs so for my first post, I decided to be artist specific and choose three tracks from the incredible singer, songwriter, poet, multi-instrumentalist and actor, Tom Waits.
Tom Waits is absolutely not a mainstream artist but has a massive and loyal following and in the fifty-odd years he's been creating music has built-up a huge and varied back-catalogue.
Often described as a singing Charles Bukowski, I'd dismiss this comparison simply due to the fact that Bukowski was a one trick-pony, albeit an amazing and talented one. There are parallels to be drawn however, as both provide a social commentry of the rather less salubrious, some might say seedy or sleazy, side of the great American dream.
A thought suddenly struck me, he could be described as the bastard spawn of 
The strange thing though, is that although his music and lyrics are more often than not melancholic and tales of those down on their luck, there lies within a glimmer of hope, a feeling that the protagonist hasn't given up and are simply transient in their current place of hardship and misfortune.
It very difficult to slot Tom Waits into a particular genre but their are obvious nods to the Blues and to his Jazz roots, but in contrast, there is often a chorus with catchy hook.
Tom Waits - Tom Traubert's Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhagen)
I'm starting you off easy with this one that some might remember Rod Stewart murdering covering in 1992. Enough about that passionless, car-crash of a cover the better.
Waits original was premiered in 1976 on his fourth studio album, the seminal, 'Small Change' and it combines a very slow-tempo melancholic melody with the traditional Australian folksong, Waltzing Matilda. Based on Tom's personal experiences whilst living in Copenhagen and LA and his own, battles with alcohol, 'Waltzing Matilda' is possibly his 'signature' track and thus comes top of the list.
I guess many could relate to some the experiences narrated in the song at some time in their life and closing your eyes and letting the music wash over you is akin to having your soul hugged by loving apathy.
The lyrics are pure, laureate, poetry set to music. The only way poetry is ever palatable in my opinion!
Silent Night & Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis
Not the kind of Christmas track that's going to be making the charts next yuletide, this monologue set to music is heartbreakingly poignant and delivered perfectly with toe-curling moments of unintentional, black comedy.
For those who didn't listen carefully to the track...
Hey Charlie I'm pregnant and living on 9th Street
right above a dirty bookstore off Euclid Avenue.
And I stopped takin' dope and I quit drinkin' whiskey..
There isn't much I can add to this, it's just sublimely perfect and a perfect tonic for the usual Christmas trite, shite. Put it on when the relatives are round, it will certainly give you space to reflect on your own good fortune.
From the 1978 album, Blue Valentine. Enjoy with your sherry!
Jersey Girl
An unashamed, yet rather untypical love song written for his wife, Jersey Girl comes from the 1980 album,'Heartbreak and Vine'.
This is pure Americana at its best and despite the sha-la-las and glokenspiel, doesn't hold back on the gritty descriptive lyrics which are juxtaposed by a boyish, almost innocent narrative which oozes a tenderness that catches you unawares.
Springsteen's version is obviously much more well known but he sanitised some of the lyrics to make it more mainstream, and to no doubt get more airplay but his voice, although not as gruff, coarse and as 'stained with whiskey' as Tom's, at least gives justice to the track.
Essex Girls? London Girls? Chipping Norton Girls? No. Only Jersey Girls will do!
Thanks for reading, there will now follow some bullshit legal disclaimer and some references!
