What's The Appeal of Tom Waits?

[Disco Funk]

I'll probably be stepping on a lot of toes, but I have to say after having worked in music retail and being exposed to Tom Waits music being played quite a bit, I still have yet to understand what is the appeal of his sound? He sounds like a cross between Cookie Monster and Macho Man Randy Savage, only more constipated. I know this sounds harsh, but for a guy with such a huge following, I think he's fair game.

Vocal performances aren't just about singing good lyrics, or even being able to hit the right notes. The voice should also be someone pleasant to the ear. That's why I could never understand the appeal of other weird vocal artists like that death metal(?) band Sepultura.

Alright, I've got my protective cup and helmet on. Lemme hear all you defenders of Tom Waits! :)

Disco Funk

[Mixmachine]

I must say I never even knew of him until recently, (If I did I forgot all about it)

I recently recorded a late night show where he performs, I think he's playing the harmonica, and is stomping the floor while singing with chalk dust flying all over the place.

His raspy/hoarse voice and all his body contortions reminds me of Joe Cocker (although not quite) but I don't see myself ever getting into his style or music.

But I must say that he's so weird that I've watched that clip a few times already, (instead of hitting the next chapter key) I put him in the same category of "weirdness" as Bjork,

I watched (and recorded) Bjork recently on Saturday night live and Letterman performing some cuts off her latest CD, I have no idea what the heck she's singing, seems to me that her band is all over the place, just playing whatever they feel like, they don't seem to be on the same page, but yet She sells millions of copies?

So, what do I know??

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Originally Posted by Disco Funk

He sounds like a cross between Cookie Monster and Macho Man Randy Savage, only more constipated.

I have no greater insight for you, other than "to each his own".
But that comparison cracked me up!

[Videoskooter]

I do like Tom Waits. But he isn't a singer. He's a painter. He paints with his vocal chords and has given us many great songs.

I absolutely don't mind when he's in the neighbourhood!