Ten Best Songs by Tom Waits

Up until a few years ago I had never heard of Tom Waits. In college, my roommate got me listening to his music and I have been a fan ever since. In recent years, I have seen several movies where his music was featured on the soundtrack. While almost all of his stuff is pretty solid. I saw this call for content and felt I had to post on it. Here are my top 10 in a loose order.

10. Song: No One Knows I"m Gone Album: Alice

The whole album is rather unsettling. Depending on what mood I'm in, this album has put me into very odd headspaces. My sister even said that one song creeped her out (Watch Her Disappear in case you were curious as to which one). This song in particular is ungodly depressing not just in tune but in concept and lyric delivery. Even more so then Poor Edward or the title track. No One Knows I'm Gone does a magnificent job of depressing the hell out of you. It is not even two minutes so by the time you're completely engrossed in the song it's almost over which works a little against it.

9. Song: Dirt in the Ground Album: Bone Machine

Another somber song. This one isn't quite as melancholic as the previous song.

8. Song: Wrong Side of the Road Album: Blue Valentine

A mellow jazz ditty. This is more in line with Tom's usual music style. It's got a good beat and Tom does a good job balancing between his trademark growl and the singing style he used on his earlier albums. Not only that but it ends with scat (the gibberish type thing that singers use, not excrement) and who doesn't love a song with that in it?

7. Song: Underground Album: Swordfishtrombones

This is the definitive Tom Waits song. As far as his later stuff goes anyways. It never gets old. I could listen to this song over and over with out getting sick of it. I made a mix tape of Tom's songs and no matter where on the tape I started my parents would always walk in while this song was playing. It's a little unorthodox (which one should expect from Tom) but it grows on you. If you don't like Tom's growling style of singing then you definitely won't like this song.

6. Song: Whistlin past the Graveyard Album: Blue Valentine

It's catchy and upbeat. There's not much more to say, it's just a fun song. You can't help but bob your head to the tune which is never a bad thing.

5. Song: Ol 55 Album: Closing Time

Off of Tom's debut album. If you listen to his later stuff, you won't even recognize his voice as he's actually singing here. This song can be summed up in one word, purdy. Listen to it and you'll see what I mean. I enjoy Tom's later stuff but this more traditional song shows that he can do more then just his usual bizarre brand of music. If it weren't for the fact that his years of "the growl" have screwed up his vocal chords (not surprising really) I'd say I wouldn't mind a few tracks more in line with this. It's still great music so I can't really complain.

4. Song: Heart Attack and Vine Album: Heart Attack and Vine

A great song, my personal favorite on the whole album which only ruins it because this is the first track. While the whole album is good, having it peak at track 1 was not the best way to go.

3: Song: Reeperbahn Album: Alice

Like Underground, this is one of Tom's more off kilter songs. It's minimalist as far as instruments go and Tom's voice dominates the track. It's hard to describe, this is one of those songs that you have to listen to to really get a grasp on it.

2. Song: Telephone Call From Istanbul Album: Big Time

A recording from one of his live performances, this rendition is a complete turn around from the original version that appeared on "Frank's Wild Years". Both are great but this one comes out victorious just because it is so rockin. It has a sax solo, a tune you can snap your fingers to and good advice like never to trust a man in a blue trenchcoat. Another thing this version has over it's twin is the "bop bop bop" ending which I find to be the highlight of the song.

1. Song: Ice Cream Man Album: Closing Time

Another rockin song. It's a simple idea for a song but it works. It's rockin nature is in good contrast to the rest of the album which is fairly mellow. Ice Cream trucks need to start playing this over their speakers. Lord knows the drivers must be getting sick of Pop Goes the Weasel. Like a few of the others, I could listen to this over and over again with no complaint. Sometimes I've listened to this song only to set my player to repeat the track because once isn't enough. The song's that good, you need a second helping in order to prolong the enjoyment you'd get from hearing it.