So many brilliant sentences here. Your passion for Tom is well delivered and you've captured and reminded me of how I too have felt about music and (certain) musicians in my salad days.
I am especially fond of 'The Ice Cream Man' and remember the very first time I heard it on the car radio. Many subsequent listenings later, I still wait and cherish the end chorus that sounds something like: "Good-to-youee-yeah!" The thing about Tom? He is basically an earnest, gifted poet who isn't really too bothered if you like him or not. And I LOVE that! xo
Beautiful tribute, and true to the maestro's style. Frank's Wild Years was my gateway. I had seen a video for Blow Wind Blow on a late night alternative video show and it struck me so strangely and so oddly intimate that I later assumed it had been a dream. Then a DJ roommate had a copy of Frank's and it blew my MIND. The first time I listened to Telephone Call from Istanbul and that pneumatic calliope kicks in, I just about lost my mind. Thank you for the tribute, all love to Tom.
I love Tom Waits- he is his own Broadway show, lounge act, performance art, Southern Gothic crooner, etc in one man. His song “Gods Away on Business” ( Blood Money album) is fitting for the last year in American govt. But I love his sentimental and romantic songs too- “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love With You” from Closing Time is one that still gets me and I am not fond of love songs overall.
What a lovely and spot on tribute to a true uniquely talented artist. It’s a great way to see if you are going to bond with a date- either they like and know him or.. they are willing to give him a listen over a few different albums and discover some songs they like. Tom Waits is a vibe check. Tom Waits can set a mood and set a scene so well in your head.
Tom is so wonderful! Thanks for this tribute. After I watched the video interview you supplied, the You Tube algorithm took me to "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis" live at Austin City Limits in 1978, which I had never heard before. It's my new favorite Christmas song.
I’m a Tom Waits Fan too. Brilliant essay. I got your letter. Thanks. Will reply soonish. It’s the beginning of hiking season. Went out for a 4 day hike last week and heading for a 3 day on weds. Summer has arrived here. Woohoo.
Thank you for reminding me of the soundtrack of my 20’s and 30’s. Time to cue up Swordfish Trombone.
Grapefruit moon.
Why does this one particular phrase strike so beautifully?
I don’t know, but I love it.
Beautiful essay.
So many brilliant sentences here. Your passion for Tom is well delivered and you've captured and reminded me of how I too have felt about music and (certain) musicians in my salad days.
I am especially fond of 'The Ice Cream Man' and remember the very first time I heard it on the car radio. Many subsequent listenings later, I still wait and cherish the end chorus that sounds something like: "Good-to-youee-yeah!" The thing about Tom? He is basically an earnest, gifted poet who isn't really too bothered if you like him or not. And I LOVE that! xo
I remember the first time I heard Tom Waits, it blew my head open. Time to go back and listen again.
I didn't think I could love Tom Waits more, but you made me. Grapefruit moon. The marriage of words. You nailed it.
I just listened to that one! So lovely.
Beautiful tribute, and true to the maestro's style. Frank's Wild Years was my gateway. I had seen a video for Blow Wind Blow on a late night alternative video show and it struck me so strangely and so oddly intimate that I later assumed it had been a dream. Then a DJ roommate had a copy of Frank's and it blew my MIND. The first time I listened to Telephone Call from Istanbul and that pneumatic calliope kicks in, I just about lost my mind. Thank you for the tribute, all love to Tom.
Marvellously written, I love the man and his words just as much.
All The World is Green! I can listen to that song every morning. xN
I love Tom Waits- he is his own Broadway show, lounge act, performance art, Southern Gothic crooner, etc in one man. His song “Gods Away on Business” ( Blood Money album) is fitting for the last year in American govt. But I love his sentimental and romantic songs too- “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love With You” from Closing Time is one that still gets me and I am not fond of love songs overall.
What a lovely and spot on tribute to a true uniquely talented artist. It’s a great way to see if you are going to bond with a date- either they like and know him or.. they are willing to give him a listen over a few different albums and discover some songs they like. Tom Waits is a vibe check. Tom Waits can set a mood and set a scene so well in your head.
Tom is so wonderful! Thanks for this tribute. After I watched the video interview you supplied, the You Tube algorithm took me to "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis" live at Austin City Limits in 1978, which I had never heard before. It's my new favorite Christmas song.
Thanks for this Ode To Tom! I’ve been a fan for decades. I first saw him perform in Madison Wisconsin in the late 1970s and was hooked.
I’m a Tom Waits Fan too. Brilliant essay. I got your letter. Thanks. Will reply soonish. It’s the beginning of hiking season. Went out for a 4 day hike last week and heading for a 3 day on weds. Summer has arrived here. Woohoo.