Monday, November 17, 2008
Spacious Thoughts
Sweet Baby! This collaboration has got me all giddy.
Kool Keith and Tom Waits.
Oh man just listen.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Glitter And Doom on NPR.ORG!
Oh just when I thought I'd have to wait forever to at least somewhat relive the glory that was seeing Tom Waits live in Arizona back in June, I just found out the over at the NPR website, they are offering a full 2 and a half hour setlist of Tom Waits performing his Glitter and Doom show in Atlanta, Ga.
Check it!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Tom Waits: Glitter And Doom
It's almost been a week since I left for Phoenix to visit with an old friend and see Tom Waits perform at The Orpheum Theater and I have finally found some time to sit down and recap that experience.
My friend dropped me off on Wednesday evening in plenty of time to stand in the line that had already formed outside The Orpheum. It was an ungodly kind of heat that I was being subjected to. I can't even imagine what it's like to live there and deal with it being 115 degrees out daily. I could already tell by the crowd in line that this show was going to be awesome. A Tom Waits show brings out a variety of circus freaks, goths, bikers, and folk music fans.
When I finally got inside, I made a b-line directly to the tshirt booth. Leave it up to Mr. Waits to do things differently. The three shirts that were on sale had no mention of The Glitter And Doom Tour on them. Instead, there were three different oil stain paintings that Tom Waits created at random dates in random locations. Accompanying the image is his signature. On the backs of each, had the name of the oil stains all Untitled, where they were created, and the date. The shirt I purchased was a black one with what looked like a peg legged man shooting a gun. With that, I also purchased the chapbook containing the Tom Waits True Confessions interview conducted by Tom Waits himself.
I eventually made my way to my seat which was Section A, Row 11. I was something like 150 feet from the stage! I sat there staring at the stage which looked a bit vaudville and a bit gypsy-ish. There were a variety of old bullhorns put together in what looked like an art installation along the back of the stage. I took a few pics that came out horribly from my phone. Cameras weren't allowed in and later I found my phone in jeopardy of being confiscated.
My row became more and more crowded and I can best sum up the people I was sandwiched between as a scenario sung about in a Tom Waits song. To my left were a rotund bald white man in overalls. He looked like a biker. His friend was a stickly asian man in acid washed tight jeans, a black shirt tightly tucked into said jeans, slicked back ponytail, and a skull patch covered fanny pack that held his gin beverage disguised as vitamin water. He smelled like how I remember my dad smelling the few times I was around him. Then to my right was a group of five russians. They gave me the circus folk vibe. The girl sitting next to me had jet black hair and porcelain skin. Her friend was a 2 1/2 foot tall dwarf. The show hadn't even started and my experience so far was amazing.
I heard from the usher that on Tuesday he had played for 2 1/2 hours so I was even more excited and expecting a long night. A half hour late, and finally the lights went off. The crowd around me went fucking nuts, as did I. See...I'm always surprised when I meet a Tom Waits fan. You're either a fan or you're not. Since the man hardly performs, I was excited. Multiply that by the capacity of this venue. I can only imagine the energy is the same at every venue of his "PEHDTSCKJMBA" tour.
His band took the stage, soon followed by the man himself who waves his long fingers at the crowd. He stepped up to the elevated part of the stage where the microphone was. Immediately beginning a lovely combo of Lucinda/ Leadbelly's Ain't Goin Down to the Well
Those clips above give you the general feel of the performance. I'm curious how the person got away with taking those clips. If you still want a taste of the song live, here's his performance from Conan in 2006
I remember watching that clip on Conan and got shivers when Tom Waits came out and stomped with the dust rising. He reminded me of a preacher or carnival barker from the era of The Great Depression. By the way, a combination of his music and the tv show Carnivale is very lovely together.
From there, he proceeded to play for about 2 hours. Here's the complete setlist:
Lucinda/Ain't Going Down To The Well
Down In The Hole
Falling Down
All The World Is Green
During Misery's The River Of The World , he had the audience shouting "Everybody row" which was awesome as his band changed up the song to include a waltz as the chorus.
Day After Tomorrow
Sins Of The Father
Trampled Rose
Metropolitan Glide
Dead & Lovely
Cemetery Polka
Dirt In The Ground
Hoist That Rag
A Little Rain [on piano]
During Innocent When You Dream [on piano], he had the audience sing along much like previous live performances of this song.
Lost In The Harbour [on harmonium]
16 Shells From A Thirty Ought Six
Jesus Gonna Be Here
After which, the band left the stage. There was a brief period of stomping, cheering, and clapping from the audience followed by the band retaking the stage.
I was pleasantly surprised at the choice of the songs for the Encore. He played November off The Black Rider which is my favorite song off that CD.
He then followed that with an 8 minute version of Eyeball Kid as the closing song. During the few breaks in the song, Tom Waits took off his bowler hat, the lights went out, and then four spotlights shown on him as he put on a mirror ball bowler. The pieces of glass on the hat then reflected out in the audience as his spun around in circles.
Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Sure, he played longer the night before but to keep a show fresh, I'm sure he wanted to mix things up. Afterall, he has over 30 years of material to work with. Highlights of the show was Lucinda, Down In The Hole, Cemetary Polka, Dirt In The Ground, 16 Shells From A Thirty Ought Six, and November.
I'm hoping this won't be the only time I see this man play live. But if it is, I am happy to say I was there.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Waits
With a stomp, a shiver, and a milkless shake
The man on the stage tips his hat and grins
The crowd before him sways under a red brick quake
On the tips of his feet, he howls and spins
Before him lies a cloudy sea of clear eyes
A creek bed of 'he said she saids' and sandcastle skies
A heavy lidded ocean filled with lost lovers' cries
He owns this space like the hair does his face
Arms outstretched, fingers jingling invisible bells
His voice like gravel echo the miles he's done traveled
Bellowing out songs like pagans do witch spells
Howling at the moonless sky
Yelling hello; white whisper goodbye
The spies sigh; a skyless pizza pie
Blues tramp sins are raised up on high
Knocking forth and back the whiskey glass
Sour and sweet, the near distant memories pass
Stomping bodies and shaking hands make fists
Grinning, he bellows and croons with crossed wrists
The show, my friend, is coming to an end
The piano has been drinking and he isn't a friend
Big Black Mariahs and Raindogs unite
Because we'll be putting on the dog tonight
-AP 6/16/08
The Countdown To Tom Waits 4: The Poet
Ok I think I've made my point thus far that I'm a bit fan of Tom Waits and why. But the music stems from the writing. The man is a great writer. He tells stories. But it stems from a poetic mind.
I leave for Arizona tomorrow. I will be seeing him live on Wednesday. The next Tom Waits blog entry will surely be a review of that show.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Countdown to Tom Waits: The Storyteller
If it's one overall thing I like most about Tom Waits' music, it's that every song tells a story. Some creepy and dark, others sorrowful, and even others paint a hopeful picture through nursery rhyme-like wonder.
He's one of my main inspirations when it comes to my own writing.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Countdown to Tom Waits 3: The Old School Shit
To fully appreciate the music of Tom Waits, I believe one must also appreciate Jazz and Blues music since this is where his music originated in its style. He has later said that his early music career was something that seemed a bit copied and misguided as he had yet to truly discover his own voice. I'm sure the alcohol played a part. I'm also sure meeting and marrying Kathleen Brennan also played a huge part in his growth. To appreciate the Tom Waits genius of today, I think you must also appreciate the sloppy Jazz Blues music he made in the 70s and early 80s before the Frank's Wild Years trilogy.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Countdown to Tom Waits 2: Big Time
This video is an excerpt from the hard to find movie Big Time. It's accompanied by a live CD as well and contains all of Tom Waits' hits up until that point. I wish I had this movie. I'm not a big fan of live recordings but there has been exceptions and he surely does make these songs larger than the original recordings lives.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Countdown to Tom Waits
In less than seven days, I will be in Phoenix, Arizona. I am staying with an old friend. I'm looking forward to spending time with her, catching up on old times, and having a mini vacation. But on top of this, I will also be seeing Tom Waits perform at The Orpheum Theater for his Glitter and Doom tour.
This is a big deal for me as Tom Waits is one of my idols. He is a big inspiration.
So I decided to begin a countdown of sorts. Every day until Tuesday, when I leave, I will post a favorite video/song/or image of Mr. Waits.
And now, "Going Out West" from the album Bone Machine. It was his first album working with Larry Taylor where he incorporated more industrial noises. The album's overall concept is Armageddon.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Scarlett Johansson does Tom Waits
Obviously I pick Tom Waits. For those who don't know, Scarlett Johansson will be releasing her album mostly comprised of Waits' cover songs. I took a listen to what she has on her profile here Anywhere I Lay My Head
My first thought while listening to the tracks on the profile was that it vaguely reminded me of The Cocteau Twins. Then I heard a hint of David Bowie (he is featured in the background of a few tracks) but his voice is diminished to a hint of an echo. Dave Sitek from TV On The Radio produced this album. I can hear the TV On The Radio sound a little on here. It still sounds too gothy shoegaze for my tastes.
Of course, I think Scarlett Johansson is hot and the idea of her doing a Tom Waits cover album makes me happy. Part of me doesn't even care if the album sucks. I mean, it's Scarlett Johansson. She's a great actress, she's gorgeous, and she likes Tom Waits.
What more could I ask for?
I suppose I can ask for it to be good. But from what I heard, it's not horrible.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Two Things That Made My Monday!
I sign into my computer at work and find in big letters on the NIN blog on MySpace that there's a new album for free download. I nearly crapped my pants. It's called The Slip. It awesome. Download it, everyone. It's free. The Slip 
If the new NIN wasn't enough, I then get a link to this video:
He's having a frickin' tour!?!? Dagnabbit! It starts the week of my birthday. I just may have to trek over to Phoenix to see him. I need to see this man perform live before he is no longer performing!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Wristcutters: A Love Story
I received Wristcutters: A Love Story last night as the next title in my Netflix queue. I was actually really excited since this movie was in theaters for like A DAY. Being the Tom Waits fanatic that I am, I wanted to see this when I first saw the trailer. I had to settle for the DVD which is fine.
I thought this movie was quirky and cute given the depressing theme that all of the people in the film were dead. To be more precise, all the characters kill themselves and the film takes place in a Purgatory type situation. They make it look not that much different than life now, except people in this Purgatory cannot smile and go about their "lives" in a way that has a sense of 'what's the point?' about it.
That being said, I enjoyed this film. I mainly wanted to see it for Tom Waits (who has a small but nice role) and Will Arnett. But everyone else held their own. The movie didn't blow me away by any means but it was a delightful spin on the Boy Loses Girl, Boy Tries To Get Girl Back scenario.
If I had stars, I'd give the movie 3 out of 5.
Here's the trailer for the film:
Posts
