Tom Waitts Where do I begin?

Warren,
Thanks for the great post. I'm not familiar with Tom Waits but will be ordering "Heartattacks and Vine" based on one of the posts. Joel

You should probably check out some of the movies that Tom has been in also. Check this link at the Internet Movie Data Base: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001823/
I seem to remember that he was a hoot in 'Mystery Men', and I just watched 'The Fisher King' again the other night; I realized that I hadn't recognized him the first time I saw the movie many years ago. He has a good part in there as a disabled veteran at the train station, talking to the Jeff Bridges character. Great movie.

OK guys. Started with Rain Dogs and Mule Variations. On Rain Dogs, particularly, his voice ( coming from a telephone receiver??) was a little hard, at first, but, man, can he write a song. Mule Variations is great! After a few more listens, I'll know if I'm ready for more. Think so. Thanks for the tips. peace, warren

Hey Warren-

If you like his lyrics, but the voice doesn't grab you, don't forget to try the cover albums mentioned in the thread, of which there are several excellent ones.

Holly Cole's "Temptation" and John Hammond's "Wicked Grin" are both outstanding. Waits without as much gristle and half the calories!

Marco

Marco, Got Temptation. Certainly loved his music, but Holly Cole's voice is hard to take for too long. Now, if Eva Cassidy were alive. Could listen to her for hours. I'm a man. I think I can take Waits straight. I'll see if I can handle it. Thinks it may happen.