I am a fan, you'll find references to Tom's songs in the titles of several articles in my published Substack catalogue. Oddly enough, I have never seen Tom, in person. I remember seeing *Down By Law* when it came out, and I laughed out loud when Tom first appeared on the screen, DBL, is still one of my faves. Thanks, Alex, for the trip through the foggy recesses of my memories.
I was incredibly lucky having a friend in high school who worked at the coolest record store in the Detroit area, Sam's Jams. She introduced me to Kraftwerk, Nina Hagen, Klaus Nomi, Patti Smith, and, yes, Tom Waits, among others, back in the 70s.
With that kind of musical foundation, I really should be much cooler than I am.
I already have trouble living up to my raggedy reputation, I suppose a little more lipstick on that pig will present me with a character building challenge. I'll build my character by rising to the challenge of the cool character you've built!
I love Anton Corbijn’s portraits and this collaboration with Tom Waits is wonderful. The grittiness of Anton’s style and fits beautifully with Waits’ persona and the book’s narrative. Thank you for giving us a sneak peek!
Thank you, Stella. I'm embarrased to say I hadn't heard of Corbijn until Marcel recommended it. But now I'm a fan for life. And Tom Waits... well... that's a whole other world :)
Such a lovely appreciation of a phenomenal artist, a true genius, as you say, in a world where that term is way too overused.
I had the great good fortune to interview him in 1973 for WBRU Radio. I am happy to report that he is just as fascinating in person as he is in film and on record. Plus he was incredibly gracious to me who, at the time, was just a 19 year old college student. I was a fan before I met him in person and I have remained a fan ever since!
I would KILL to have a recording of that interview, in which Waits played piano and sang but, sadly, no record of it exists that I know of.
I've been a Tom Waits fan since 'Closing time', which I first heard in 1976, 50 years ago. He has changed so much musically, yet always keeps his identity, something other artists should try too. He is the greatest lyricist in popular music too, in my opinion. Corbijns photos of him are excellent, their collaboration is gold.
I love Tom Waits and Anton Corbin as well. I'm gonna have to keep my eyes peeled for a copy of the book...and then photograph the bands playing in my local dive bars.
Great essay, professor! Really great. I saw him once, He's the last surviving human I'd fly across the ocean to see perform if given the chance. Surely he has one more show in him? I'll buy the tix, and give you first rights for the second. If you buy the beer. Deal?
Yes, love this and love Waits!
Right on to all of this!
I am a fan, you'll find references to Tom's songs in the titles of several articles in my published Substack catalogue. Oddly enough, I have never seen Tom, in person. I remember seeing *Down By Law* when it came out, and I laughed out loud when Tom first appeared on the screen, DBL, is still one of my faves. Thanks, Alex, for the trip through the foggy recesses of my memories.
Thank you, Darin! I'm glad you're a fan. I knew you would be.
He’s incredible. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for reading, Prof. L.
I was incredibly lucky having a friend in high school who worked at the coolest record store in the Detroit area, Sam's Jams. She introduced me to Kraftwerk, Nina Hagen, Klaus Nomi, Patti Smith, and, yes, Tom Waits, among others, back in the 70s.
With that kind of musical foundation, I really should be much cooler than I am.
Thank you, brother. You're one of the coolest cats out there.
And I make sure that everyone knows that. Seriously.
I already have trouble living up to my raggedy reputation, I suppose a little more lipstick on that pig will present me with a character building challenge. I'll build my character by rising to the challenge of the cool character you've built!
Dude. You have a way with words and that's something I envy.
I'm not even going to list all the things I envy about you.
Thanks Alex. Glad you found the book. It is - like Tom himself - truly remarkable.
That's again for the rec, Marcel! I just bought another copy as a birthday present for a friend.
I love Anton Corbijn’s portraits and this collaboration with Tom Waits is wonderful. The grittiness of Anton’s style and fits beautifully with Waits’ persona and the book’s narrative. Thank you for giving us a sneak peek!
Thank you, Stella. I'm embarrased to say I hadn't heard of Corbijn until Marcel recommended it. But now I'm a fan for life. And Tom Waits... well... that's a whole other world :)
Such a lovely appreciation of a phenomenal artist, a true genius, as you say, in a world where that term is way too overused.
I had the great good fortune to interview him in 1973 for WBRU Radio. I am happy to report that he is just as fascinating in person as he is in film and on record. Plus he was incredibly gracious to me who, at the time, was just a 19 year old college student. I was a fan before I met him in person and I have remained a fan ever since!
I would KILL to have a recording of that interview, in which Waits played piano and sang but, sadly, no record of it exists that I know of.
Wow! Thanks for that comment, Jeremy. And for reading.
I would kill for a recording of that interview too :)
That is a wonderfully written tribute to a very unique human being. Well done! I will have tocheck your playlist. Thank you!
Thanks very much, Susanne. Glad you liked it. The playlist is long, but definitely worth it.
Check out the latest Jim Jarmusch film Father, Mother, SIster Brother (it consists of three short films. TW is in the first and he's great.)
I've been a Tom Waits fan since 'Closing time', which I first heard in 1976, 50 years ago. He has changed so much musically, yet always keeps his identity, something other artists should try too. He is the greatest lyricist in popular music too, in my opinion. Corbijns photos of him are excellent, their collaboration is gold.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Vincent. Glad to have another fan out there. :)
I love Tom Waits and Anton Corbin as well. I'm gonna have to keep my eyes peeled for a copy of the book...and then photograph the bands playing in my local dive bars.
Badly underappreciated! Thanks for writing this.
Great essay, professor! Really great. I saw him once, He's the last surviving human I'd fly across the ocean to see perform if given the chance. Surely he has one more show in him? I'll buy the tix, and give you first rights for the second. If you buy the beer. Deal?
It’s the best deal I’ve been offered in years!!! Thanks for reading, hermano.