Tom Waits — Alice
Album: AliceAvg rating:
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Length: 4:23
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It's dreamy weather we're on
You waved your crooked wand
Along an icy pond with a frozen moon
A murder of silhouette crows I saw
And the tears on my face
And the skates on the pond
They spell Alice
I disappear in your name
But you must wait for me
Somewhere across the sea
There's a wreck of a ship
Your hair is like meadow grass on the tide
And the raindrops on my window
And the ice in my drink
Baby all I can think of is Alice
Arithmetic arithmetock
Turn the hands back on the clock
How does the ocean rock the boat?
How did the razor find my throat?
The only strings that hold me here
Are tangled up around the pier
And so a secret kiss
Brings madness with the bliss
And I will think of this
When I'm dead in my grave
Set me adrift and I'm lost over there
And I must be insane
To go skating on your name
And by tracing it twice
I fell through the ice
Of Alice
And so a secret kiss
Brings madness with the bliss
And I will think of this
When I'm dead in my grave
Set me adrift and I'm lost over there
And I must be insane
To go skating on your name
And by tracing it twice
I fell through the ice
Of Alice
There's only Alice
You waved your crooked wand
Along an icy pond with a frozen moon
A murder of silhouette crows I saw
And the tears on my face
And the skates on the pond
They spell Alice
I disappear in your name
But you must wait for me
Somewhere across the sea
There's a wreck of a ship
Your hair is like meadow grass on the tide
And the raindrops on my window
And the ice in my drink
Baby all I can think of is Alice
Arithmetic arithmetock
Turn the hands back on the clock
How does the ocean rock the boat?
How did the razor find my throat?
The only strings that hold me here
Are tangled up around the pier
And so a secret kiss
Brings madness with the bliss
And I will think of this
When I'm dead in my grave
Set me adrift and I'm lost over there
And I must be insane
To go skating on your name
And by tracing it twice
I fell through the ice
Of Alice
And so a secret kiss
Brings madness with the bliss
And I will think of this
When I'm dead in my grave
Set me adrift and I'm lost over there
And I must be insane
To go skating on your name
And by tracing it twice
I fell through the ice
Of Alice
There's only Alice
Comments (194)add comment
Love Tom Waits music. On some days, RP is playing it multiple times a day, makes me go check if there are bad news. :/
Parkfield wrote:
Well done our friend!
Let those scales keep falling from your peepers.
Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Neil Young are three artists I've previously (and wrongly dismissed) due to their vocals. Radio Paradise and its community of commentors are solely responsible for opening my eyes and ears to their greater depths. Thank you!
Well done our friend!
Let those scales keep falling from your peepers.
Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Neil Young are three artists I've previously (and wrongly) dismissed due to their vocals. Radio Paradise and its community of commentors are solely responsible for opening my eyes and ears to their greater depths. Thank you!
sfoster66 wrote:
Yeah, like 2 packs a day...
The piano's been smoking, not me...
Yeah, like 2 packs a day...
The piano's been smoking, not me...
baldur844 wrote:
Please do, you won't regret it.
Slowly acquiring a taste for Mr, Waits.
Please do, you won't regret it.
Slowly acquiring a taste for Mr, Waits.
My dog died nearly a year ago. Her name was Alice. In everything I do and everywhere I go... I see Alice. This song is for her... And no better musician to deliver this incredibly sad longing I feel for her missing little soul.
My Mom discovered Tom Waits while in her 70s, and dug him immensely; she purchased this album on CD and listened to it frequently...sure miss turning her on to new music and enjoying it with her...
He is the dog's bollocks.
Please don't argue with me,
you will make me cry.
Please don't argue with me,
you will make me cry.
Beautiful..
lizardking wrote:
Love this sax!
I love his Jazz vocals on this one, with well timed notes and that delicious minor 7th at the end of phrases. Top notch Waits, call it an 8 this morning at almost 8...Long Live RP!!
Love this sax!
WalterHawn wrote:
Not phony. Genuine whisky-edge voice an' ya gotta drink A LOT of Wild Turkey to get it!
That phony Louie Armstrong voice is not cool.
Not phony. Genuine whisky-edge voice an' ya gotta drink A LOT of Wild Turkey to get it!
Every element of this is near perfect.
Beautiful stuff from The Big Man.
WalterHawn wrote:
There is nothing phony about Tom Waits.
That phony Louie Armstrong voice is not cool.
There is nothing phony about Tom Waits.
Meolla_Reio wrote:
No
I'm wondering are there others who dislike Tom Waits?
No
On_The_Beach wrote:
Well said, Fred. Agree completely with your assessment of Islay malts.
I'd probably go Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin as my top 3, but they're all so good!
A vision of heaven . . .
I’ll take that Caol Ila, thanks! I used to agree with you, other than putting Lagavulin first and Ardbeg second, but back in those days Caol Ila wasn’t available local to me. The allegiance of my taste buds has changed now that it can be found here occasionally.I'd probably go Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin as my top 3, but they're all so good!
A vision of heaven . . .
WalterHawn wrote:
i happen to love his voice so there
That phony Louie Armstrong voice is not cool.
i happen to love his voice so there
He can sound very sweet
That phony Louie Armstrong voice is not cool.
"Arithmetic arithmetock"
ExploitingChaos wrote:
Yeah, like 2 packs a day...
Whoa this is smokin'
Yeah, like 2 packs a day...
cosmicjoe54 wrote:
My Father in law once said, " there is no such thing as bad (scotch), some are just better than others."
Oh hoot mon, Isla singles are far superior with Spey and Dee sides giving a clean finish. Can't say much for the northern islands and Glasgow singles are gasoline.
My Father in law once said, " there is no such thing as bad (scotch), some are just better than others."
Oh hoot mon, Isla singles are far superior with Spey and Dee sides giving a clean finish. Can't say much for the northern islands and Glasgow singles are gasoline.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Well said, Fred. Agree completely with your assessment of Islay malts.
I'd probably go Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin as my top 3, but they're all so good!
A vision of heaven . . .
You have exquisite taste On_The_Beach. Just finishing off a Famous Grouse tempered with Ardbeg; Lagavulin has become so dear these days.
Well said, Fred. Agree completely with your assessment of Islay malts.
I'd probably go Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin as my top 3, but they're all so good!
A vision of heaven . . .
Cambot wrote:
I used to feel the same about Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young, but not anymore. Not sure if it is my age that made me like them now or is it an acquired taste like coffee or whisky
I used to write this guy off. To me he sounded like he swallowed an operating ice auger, but Im warming up to his stylized voice, nowadays.
I used to feel the same about Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young, but not anymore. Not sure if it is my age that made me like them now or is it an acquired taste like coffee or whisky
master_betty wrote:
Ardbeg Uigeadail for me is the best of all. Just like drinking petroleum.
My Father in law once said, " there is no such thing as bad (scotch), some are just better than others."
Ardbeg Uigeadail for me is the best of all. Just like drinking petroleum.
My Father in law once said, " there is no such thing as bad (scotch), some are just better than others."
On_The_Beach wrote:
Well said, Fred. Agree completely with your assessment of Islay malts.
I'd probably go Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin as my top 3, but they're all so good!
A vision of heaven . . .
Ardbeg Uigeadail for me is the best of all. Just like drinking petroleum.
Well said, Fred. Agree completely with your assessment of Islay malts.
I'd probably go Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin as my top 3, but they're all so good!
A vision of heaven . . .
Ardbeg Uigeadail for me is the best of all. Just like drinking petroleum.
bruceandjenna wrote:
16 years later, Bush looks a whole lot better.
Low bar. On the floor.
16 years later, Bush looks a whole lot better.
Low bar. On the floor.
fredriley wrote:
Try some of the other Islay malts. All, with the exception of the luscious Bunnahabhain, are intensely peaty, but vary considerably in style within that peatiness. Ardbeg has already been mentioned, but my favourite is Lagavulin. A tour of Islay malts is a stimulating experience, but bad for the head and the wallet. Don't ever call malt whiskeys "Scotch" in the hearing of a Scots person, though - that label is only used for blended whiskeys, if at all.
Tom Waits as Laphroaig is a good analogy. Peaty, smoky, rough on the throat, fantastic if you're in the mood for it, rough as a scabby dog's arse if you're not. A great street poet but a voice that is an 'acquired taste', to put it mildly. Worth acquiring but you have to work at it.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Well said, Fred. Agree completely with your assessment of Islay malts.
I'd probably go Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin as my top 3, but they're all so good!
A vision of heaven . . .
A very distracting commentary while at work, but thanks! All are on regular rotation in my cabinet based on my mood. Back to work!
Superb ✌️
chickenpoop wrote:
16 years later, Bush looks a whole lot better.
JokesandJokesandJokes wrote:
Hey! Bush isnt autistic!! He's just..... special 
16 years later, Bush looks a whole lot better.
dugjohnson wrote:
Whut?
Tom Waits stretched out across a concert grand piano, smoke filtering the bluish spotlight and glinting off his sequined black sheath dress and feather boa. 
Whut?
Great
Alice? Who the f--- is Alice?
Oh.... wrong song.
Oh.... wrong song.
Meolla_Reio wrote:
No.
No one dislikes Tom Waits except you. You are alone in your opinion.
PS: Look for him in hip movies.
I'm wondering are there others who dislike Tom Waits?
No.
No one dislikes Tom Waits except you. You are alone in your opinion.
PS: Look for him in hip movies.
Whoa this is smokin'
lizardking wrote:
+1 to 9... really impressive jazz vocals...his voice sounds like a sax, reeds and all. LLRP!!
I love his Jazz vocals on this one, with well timed notes and that delicious minor 7th at the end of phrases. Top notch Waits, call it an 8 this morning at almost 8...Long Live RP!!
+1 to 9... really impressive jazz vocals...his voice sounds like a sax, reeds and all. LLRP!!
I love his Jazz vocals on this one, with well timed notes and that delicious minor 7th at the end of phrases. Top notch Waits, call it an 8 this morning at almost 8...Long Live RP!!
Jabby wrote:
Ha, now he's playing it at 9:45am in the US. Still pretty dang good though. Amazing lyrics.
Shame it's 9.45am here listening to this in England. Doesn't fit with this time of day!
Ha, now he's playing it at 9:45am in the US. Still pretty dang good though. Amazing lyrics.
I've read twenty-something comments down about this song, and this just one of the most delicious, friendly, creative (beer analogy!) threads I've read for a long time.
Tom brings out the good in people ;-)
fredriley wrote:
Well said, Fred. Agree completely with your assessment of Islay malts.
I'd probably go Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin as my top 3, but they're all so good!
A vision of heaven . . .
Try some of the other Islay malts. All, with the exception of the luscious Bunnahabhain, are intensely peaty, but vary considerably in style within that peatiness. Ardbeg has already been mentioned, but my favourite is Lagavulin. A tour of Islay malts is a stimulating experience, but bad for the head and the wallet. Don't ever call malt whiskeys "Scotch" in the hearing of a Scots person, though - that label is only used for blended whiskeys, if at all.
Tom Waits as Laphroaig is a good analogy. Peaty, smoky, rough on the throat, fantastic if you're in the mood for it, rough as a scabby dog's arse if you're not. A great street poet but a voice that is an 'acquired taste', to put it mildly. Worth acquiring but you have to work at it.
Tom Waits as Laphroaig is a good analogy. Peaty, smoky, rough on the throat, fantastic if you're in the mood for it, rough as a scabby dog's arse if you're not. A great street poet but a voice that is an 'acquired taste', to put it mildly. Worth acquiring but you have to work at it.
Well said, Fred. Agree completely with your assessment of Islay malts.
I'd probably go Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin as my top 3, but they're all so good!
A vision of heaven . . .
Heartachingly brilliant. Can smell the stale booze and cigarettes in the rundown bar as the band plays to a few stragglers at the end of the night. Tom Waits is an American original.
to fredriley: agree but 16yo lagavulin is even deeper and smokier and peaty neat with a splash and a NUB habano cigar plus TOM TRAUBERT'S BLUES cranked wayup
bobbmd
bobbmd
fredriley wrote:
To paraphrase Thomas "Fats" Waller ...
I may not be in the mood for a movie
Or a stroll on the avenue;
I may not be in the mood for a lot of things,
But I'm always in the mood for Tom Waits!
Tom Waits as Laphroaig is a good analogy. Peaty, smoky, rough on the throat, fantastic if you're in the mood for it, rough as a scabby dog's arse if you're not. A great street poet but a voice that is an 'acquired taste', to put it mildly. Worth acquiring but you have to work at it.
To paraphrase Thomas "Fats" Waller ...
I may not be in the mood for a movie
Or a stroll on the avenue;
I may not be in the mood for a lot of things,
But I'm always in the mood for Tom Waits!
Wow, Tom Waits channeling Louis Armstrong's sound, and doing it with great style!
Epic stuff. I'm glad he doesn't sound like some crooner clone.
Jabby wrote:
Yes..should only be heard after dark and with a suitable beverage at hand
Shame it's 9.45am here listening to this in England. Doesn't fit with this time of day!
Yes..should only be heard after dark and with a suitable beverage at hand
Once again.....great songwriter but his singing makes me wanna turn it off.
Meolla_Reio wrote:
My wife. But I have to torture her from time to time. He's a genius!
I'm wondering are there others who dislike Tom Waits?
My wife. But I have to torture her from time to time. He's a genius!
Meolla_Reio wrote:
Yes. And they're wrong.
I'm wondering are there others who dislike Tom Waits?
Yes. And they're wrong.
Meolla_Reio wrote:
I've never met the man, so I really can't say. I think his singing is unique in a good and soulful way.
I'm wondering are there others who dislike Tom Waits?
I've never met the man, so I really can't say. I think his singing is unique in a good and soulful way.
I'm wondering are there others who dislike Tom Waits?
that "cauldron of the speckled seas", hhhhhmmmmmm, I just poured a strong tequila mix since thats all I got laying in the cupboard, but I gotta say, this song put me in that kinda mood straight off. Its cold and raining, day is winding down to a chilled eve, and Uncle Tom is a welcome compadre'
Webfoot wrote:
Ardbeg for sure!
I'm glad it's Friday. Laphroaig Quarter Cask or Ardbeg Corryvreckan? Hmmmm.
Ardbeg for sure!
oldsaxon wrote:
A tiny island and eleven distilleries....bliss.
I'm glad it's Friday. Laphroaig Quarter Cask or Ardbeg Corryvreckan? Hmmmm.
A tiny island and eleven distilleries....bliss.
I'm glad it's Friday. Laphroaig Quarter Cask or Ardbeg Corryvreckan? Hmmmm.
unclehud wrote:
Well, well, well, fredriley! I got introduced to Islay single malts ten years ago by my local alcohol purveyor who asked, "Would you like to sample a Scotch that tastes like seaweed?"
I scored a bottle of Caol Ila for really cheap ($50US or so) and proceeded to discover it was almost hallucinogenic.
Unfortunately, Caol Ila has gotten frightfully expensive, and I am rationed to Laphroaig and Bowmore. Will try the Lagavulin, based on your esteemed opinion.
To which I would add, "Would you like to sample a Scotch that tastes like Tom Wait's voice?"
A tiny island and eleven distilleries....bliss.
Well, well, well, fredriley! I got introduced to Islay single malts ten years ago by my local alcohol purveyor who asked, "Would you like to sample a Scotch that tastes like seaweed?"
I scored a bottle of Caol Ila for really cheap ($50US or so) and proceeded to discover it was almost hallucinogenic.
Unfortunately, Caol Ila has gotten frightfully expensive, and I am rationed to Laphroaig and Bowmore. Will try the Lagavulin, based on your esteemed opinion.
To which I would add, "Would you like to sample a Scotch that tastes like Tom Wait's voice?"
A tiny island and eleven distilleries....bliss.
Shame it's 9.45am here listening to this in England. Doesn't fit with this time of day!
fredriley wrote:
Well, well, well, fredriley! I got introduced to Islay single malts ten years ago by my local alcohol purveyor who asked, "Would you like to sample a Scotch that tastes like seaweed?"
I scored a bottle of Caol Ila for really cheap ($50US or so) and proceeded to discover it was almost hallucinogenic.
Unfortunately, Caol Ila has gotten frightfully expensive, and I am rationed to Laphroaig and Bowmore. Will try the Lagavulin, based on your esteemed opinion.
To which I would add, "Would you like to sample a Scotch that tastes like Tom Wait's voice?"
Try some of the other Islay malts. All, with the exception of the luscious Bunnahabhain, are intensely peaty, but vary considerably in style within that peatiness. Ardbeg has already been mentioned, but my favourite is Lagavulin. A tour of Islay malts is a stimulating experience, but bad for the head and the wallet. Don't ever call malt whiskeys "Scotch" in the hearing of a Scots person, though - that label is only used for blended whiskeys, if at all.
Tom Waits as Laphroaig is a good analogy. Peaty, smoky, rough on the throat, fantastic if you're in the mood for it, rough as a scabby dog's arse if you're not. A great street poet but a voice that is an 'acquired taste', to put it mildly. Worth acquiring but you have to work at it.
Tom Waits as Laphroaig is a good analogy. Peaty, smoky, rough on the throat, fantastic if you're in the mood for it, rough as a scabby dog's arse if you're not. A great street poet but a voice that is an 'acquired taste', to put it mildly. Worth acquiring but you have to work at it.
Well, well, well, fredriley! I got introduced to Islay single malts ten years ago by my local alcohol purveyor who asked, "Would you like to sample a Scotch that tastes like seaweed?"
I scored a bottle of Caol Ila for really cheap ($50US or so) and proceeded to discover it was almost hallucinogenic.
Unfortunately, Caol Ila has gotten frightfully expensive, and I am rationed to Laphroaig and Bowmore. Will try the Lagavulin, based on your esteemed opinion.
To which I would add, "Would you like to sample a Scotch that tastes like Tom Wait's voice?"
Jure wrote:
"Feels like Tom Waits is made from the world outside.", that is a memorable and appropriate line Jure! DJ follows TW with Charlie Parker's Bird of Paradise and I am now gently groovin, true listening (and reading) pleasure, Cheers!
Oh my. It's a cold october night. There's fog outside. Feels like Tom Waits is made from the world outside.
"Feels like Tom Waits is made from the world outside.", that is a memorable and appropriate line Jure! DJ follows TW with Charlie Parker's Bird of Paradise and I am now gently groovin, true listening (and reading) pleasure, Cheers!
This is truly awful.
Colin Stetson at Sax.
The Velvet Smog.
St. Tom
Look up the review in today's NYTimes of Marisa Mulder doing TW music
Poetry
Look up the review in today's NYTimes of Marisa Mulder doing TW music
Poetry
What is this, like cabaret?
gypsyman wrote:
Try some of the other Islay malts. All, with the exception of the luscious Bunnahabhain, are intensely peaty, but vary considerably in style within that peatiness. Ardbeg has already been mentioned, but my favourite is Lagavulin. A tour of Islay malts is a stimulating experience, but bad for the head and the wallet. Don't ever call malt whiskeys "Scotch" in the hearing of a Scots person, though - that label is only used for blended whiskeys, if at all.
Tom Waits as Laphroaig is a good analogy. Peaty, smoky, rough on the throat, fantastic if you're in the mood for it, rough as a scabby dog's arse if you're not. A great street poet but a voice that is an 'acquired taste', to put it mildly. Worth acquiring but you have to work at it.
TerryS wrote:Tom Waits is the Laphroaig of balladeers. 
Nice to stumble across a few other lovers of Laphroaig.
The best Scotch I've ever tasted. Period.
Nice to stumble across a few other lovers of Laphroaig.
The best Scotch I've ever tasted. Period.
Try some of the other Islay malts. All, with the exception of the luscious Bunnahabhain, are intensely peaty, but vary considerably in style within that peatiness. Ardbeg has already been mentioned, but my favourite is Lagavulin. A tour of Islay malts is a stimulating experience, but bad for the head and the wallet. Don't ever call malt whiskeys "Scotch" in the hearing of a Scots person, though - that label is only used for blended whiskeys, if at all.
Tom Waits as Laphroaig is a good analogy. Peaty, smoky, rough on the throat, fantastic if you're in the mood for it, rough as a scabby dog's arse if you're not. A great street poet but a voice that is an 'acquired taste', to put it mildly. Worth acquiring but you have to work at it.
If you really listen to this song carefully, it's pretty damn controversial. Still great though. 10
Oh my. It's a cold october night. There's fog outside. Feels like Tom Waits is made from the world outside.
Love that sax.
Why does Tom Waits always make me think of that big black guy (Michael Duncan?) in The Green Mile?
A YAS Boss kind of voice.
A YAS Boss kind of voice.
gypsyman wrote:
Just picked up a bottle of Ardbeg 10-yr; it's pretty damn tasty.
Nice to stumble across a few other lovers of Laphroaig.
The best Scotch I've ever tasted. Period.
The best Scotch I've ever tasted. Period.
Just picked up a bottle of Ardbeg 10-yr; it's pretty damn tasty.
rtkmusic wrote:
Well, some four odd years later he did it with the Bird man...
I dare Bill to follow this up with some Coltrane/Hartman!!!
Well, some four odd years later he did it with the Bird man...
TerryS wrote:Tom Waits is the Laphroaig of balladeers.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Too true. Smokey and complex. Intoxicating. For those with refined taste. Not for the timid.
Nice to stumble across a few other lovers of Laphroaig.
The best Scotch I've ever tasted. Period.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Too true. Smokey and complex. Intoxicating. For those with refined taste. Not for the timid.
Nice to stumble across a few other lovers of Laphroaig.
The best Scotch I've ever tasted. Period.
johnjconn wrote:
Sipping a glass right now. Tom does create a mood, doesn't he?
This reminds me, I'm running low on Bourbon
Sipping a glass right now. Tom does create a mood, doesn't he?
Some of the best Waits ever to lick my inner ear.
oldslabsides wrote: the man is a genius.
Albert1967 wrote:
Dunno 'bout that, but he's a fine musician.
For me, also, Tom Waits is a genius. If I look at his entire career, he has used his talents in a number of unique and meaningful ways. I think he is wonderful.
Albert1967 wrote:
Dunno 'bout that, but he's a fine musician.
For me, also, Tom Waits is a genius. If I look at his entire career, he has used his talents in a number of unique and meaningful ways. I think he is wonderful.
oldslabsides wrote:
Dunno 'bout that, but he's a fine musician.
the man is a genius.
Dunno 'bout that, but he's a fine musician.
the man is a genius.
TerryS wrote:
Too true. Smokey and complex. Intoxicating. For those with refined taste. Not for the timid.
Tom Waits is the Laphroaig of balladeers.
Too true. Smokey and complex. Intoxicating. For those with refined taste. Not for the timid.
SweTex wrote:
TEN.
Isn't it night yet? Longing for it (2 something pm here)
Edit I am a Laphroaig drinker
TEN.Isn't it night yet? Longing for it (2 something pm here)
Edit I am a Laphroaig drinker
This song doesn't due justice to his raspy voice.
Boozy and dreamy as only he can.
martinc wrote:
For many of us Tom is the definition of 'Cool'. Like RP, he's eclectic, he's got a great sense of humour, he does his own thing and he's talented. I do have a hard time getting past that croaky voice but I respect the man's artistry.
I just never get TW. he has written some good tunes but I find his performance just deadly. Still adds to the variety of RP.
For many of us Tom is the definition of 'Cool'. Like RP, he's eclectic, he's got a great sense of humour, he does his own thing and he's talented. I do have a hard time getting past that croaky voice but I respect the man's artistry.
TEN. martinc wrote:
It's among the Californians, some real greaseball shit.
I just never get TW. he has written some good tunes but I find his performance just deadly. Still adds to the variety of RP.
It's among the Californians, some real greaseball shit.
I just never get TW. he has written some good tunes but I find his performance just deadly. Still adds to the variety of RP.
Tom Waits released this CD simultaneously with another CD - Blood Money - and being the huge TW fan that I am, I bought them both. I never got into the Alice CD as much as Blood Money, because Blood Money had all the upbeat and offbeat music that I'm more a fan of. However, after listening to this track, I think I'm gonna dig up that Alice CD and give it another go.
ktnsb wrote:
He's actually from San Diego. I saw him sitting in LAX one day after I'd seen him play the Troubador (RIP)in LA. He was on his way home. I was only in high school and I asked him for his autograph and told him I really liked his show. He was picking out a magazine to read, I found a scrap of paper in my wallet and a pen by the cash register, and he wrote "Inebreationally yours, and may all your ups and downs be in between the sheets." It's the only time in my life I asked someone for their autograph.
I met Tom Wait waaaay back in the 80s on the set of Rumble Fish, which I was an extra on.
A super-nice and unassuming guy. I barely knew anything about his music at the time, but after meeting him, I started getting into his music. Being a huge fan of his music now for some 20+ years; if I met him again, I'd probably geek out and scare him off.
ktnsb wrote:
He's actually from San Diego. I saw him sitting in LAX one day after I'd seen him play the Troubador (RIP)in LA. He was on his way home. I was only in high school and I asked him for his autograph and told him I really liked his show. He was picking out a magazine to read, I found a scrap of paper in my wallet and a pen by the cash register, and he wrote "Inebreationally yours, and may all your ups and downs be in between the sheets." It's the only time in my life I asked someone for their autograph.
I met Tom Wait waaaay back in the 80s on the set of Rumble Fish, which I was an extra on.
A super-nice and unassuming guy. I barely knew anything about his music at the time, but after meeting him, I started getting into his music. Being a huge fan of his music now for some 20+ years; if I met him again, I'd probably geek out and scare him off.
Cambot wrote:
20 years ago, I used to have roommates in an apt that, once you exited, you had to go through an alley to get to the street.
One evening, I'm in my room listening to Waits on the stereo when one of them appears in my door and she yells "IT'S YOU?!?!?"
"I've been afraid to go outside because I thought there was a wino in the alley! And all this time it's you listening to this shit?!?!?"
I used to write this guy off. To me he sounded like he swallowed an operating ice auger, but Im warming up to his stylized voice, nowadays.
20 years ago, I used to have roommates in an apt that, once you exited, you had to go through an alley to get to the street.
One evening, I'm in my room listening to Waits on the stereo when one of them appears in my door and she yells "IT'S YOU?!?!?"
"I've been afraid to go outside because I thought there was a wino in the alley! And all this time it's you listening to this shit?!?!?"
I'm meydele wrote:
"See, I'm what you call kind of a "moral traffic light", really. I'm like sayin', "RED! Go no further! Boooo-ee boooo-ee boooo-ee...”
One of my favorite movies for a long time was The Fisher King, and Waits is bizarre in his homeless dude role. But memorable 
.
. "See, I'm what you call kind of a "moral traffic light", really. I'm like sayin', "RED! Go no further! Boooo-ee boooo-ee boooo-ee...”
Tom Waits is nothing if not unique. But as I understand the word, unique doesn't mean good, but this song is alright.
Darkmatter wrote:
a murder of silhouette crows I saw...
how did the razor find my throat...
and I will think of this, when I am dead in my grave...
I swear, Tom Waits has a way with words that precious few others have. Truly evocative words, which paint vivid pictures in my imagination. An Artist with a capital A, indeed. 
He takes us places; sometimes places we could not even imagine; sometimes places we need to go; sometimes places we fear to go.
He sets us free in our own minds, and entices us to embark upon journeys to the depths of our souls.
Yes, this is Art.
For Me
Tom = God of musical Oh-My-Gosh-I-Cant-Listen-to-this-song-with-others-in-the-room-turn-it-off-ness.
a murder of silhouette crows I saw...
how did the razor find my throat...
and I will think of this, when I am dead in my grave...
I swear, Tom Waits has a way with words that precious few others have. Truly evocative words, which paint vivid pictures in my imagination. An Artist with a capital A, indeed.
it's actually quite hard to make a comment on music such as this... words just don't suffice
so moody, so great
so moody, so greatI'm not worthy. 10
I used to write this guy off. To me he sounded like he swallowed an operating ice auger, but Im warming up to his stylized voice, nowadays.
almost anything from Tom Waits is a very good thing!
Do It Bill!!!!
I dare Bill to follow this up with some Coltrane/Hartman!!!
ktnsb wrote:
He's actually from San Diego. I saw him sitting in LAX one day after I'd seen him play the Troubador (RIP)in LA. He was on his way home. I was only in high school and I asked him for his autograph and told him I really liked his show. He was picking out a magazine to read, I found a scrap of paper in my wallet and a pen by the cash register, and he wrote "Inebreationally yours, and may all your ups and downs be in between the sheets." It's the only time in my life I asked someone for their autograph.
That's great. Classic Tom!
TerryS wrote:
Tom Waits is the Laphroaig of balladeers.
Perfect: ashes & whiskey
Tom Waits is the Laphroaig of balladeers.
Sublime. The whole album is magical, as is most of Tom's work.
A taste definitely worth acquiring is Tom.
laskaguy wrote:.
It's always a great surprise to be wathcing a movie and realize that Waits has some ecclectic role in it.
One of my favorite movies for a long time was The Fisher King, and Waits is bizarre in his homeless dude role. But memorable .
The more I hear, the more I love. Love him, I do.
SDMatteo wrote:
tom waits is genius! a southern california music and hidden film god.
Yeah, I agree. It's always a great surprise to be wathcing a movie and realize that Waits has some ecclectic role in it.
His song Kmmienequspadt also shows how far off the norm he is willing to go. All his music makes me want to go to a seedy little bar at 10 in the morning and drink whiskey in a smokey atmosphere (and I hate smoke).
ktnsb wrote:
... I found a scrap of paper in my wallet and a pen by the cash register, and he wrote "Inebreationally yours, and may all your ups and downs be in between the sheets." It's the only time in my life I asked someone for their autograph.
That's a great story. And the quote sounds like him.
I dreamed I met a woman last night. She was quiet, almost aloof. She, I, and two friends of hers were in a diner eating when she told me they were in the Tom Waits band.
Strange. 
coloradojohn wrote:
If a song could be poured stirred lovingly chilled swirled and served well this would be the one and Tom
well Tom just drunks it all up so nicely don't ya think?
Yes, I do!
stet wrote:
genius, sure, but he lives in northern california
He's actually from San Diego. I saw him sitting in LAX one day after I'd seen him play the Troubador (RIP)in LA. He was on his way home. I was only in high school and I asked him for his autograph and told him I really liked his show. He was picking out a magazine to read, I found a scrap of paper in my wallet and a pen by the cash register, and he wrote "Inebreationally yours, and may all your ups and downs be in between the sheets." It's the only time in my life I asked someone for their autograph.
If a song could be poured stirred lovingly chilled swirled and served well this would be the one and Tom
well Tom just drunks it all up so nicely don't ya think?
Arithmetic, arithmetock... clever!
Bravo
stet wrote:
genius, sure, but he lives in northern california
But is mostly associated with L.A. and its omnipresent shadow world.
Went to give this an 8, ah wait. Already did.
SDMatteo wrote:
tom waits is genius! a southern california music and hidden film god.
genius, sure, but he lives in northern california
tom waits is genius! a southern california music and hidden film god.
Nice sigue from Monk + Coltrane
Not perhaps his best, but the lyrics are good and very atmospheric. More Tom is needed........
i am amazed...