Lots of people are making negative comments about Tom's voice. I get it...he has a very distinctive, even dissonant voice...rough, scratchy and world-weary. I'm sure Simon Cowell would hate it, too...probably Randy and Paula as well...are they even still judging? I haven't watched that show in years. Anyway, I'm not grudging those who don't like it...it's not for everyone. I can't explain why I love Tom Waits...you either get it, or you don't. Lots of people worship Bob Dylan, and I don't care for him at all. People just have different tastes, I suppose. Getting angry over someone not liking your kind of music is like getting angry over someone not liking your favorite food or favorite color...who cares? lol
malykoth When it comes to art in music, the voice is the least important factor. Tom Waits' music is original, honest, raw, and he's one of the best songwriters in recent memory.
On the contrary, the voice is one of the most important artistic factors in music. What you have to get beyond is what the world says is beautiful in a voice, and realize that there are many different kinds of beauty. At his best, Tom Waits has one of the most expressive voices in music. He's a very talented singer, just not in conventional terms.
This song remains anthem of every musician that was waiting for sunrise on a damp street, with taste of tobacco and booze in mouth, chasing a dream of self created reality...
Tom Waits voice is a legend. Honest, Raw and Passionate. No false celebrity or vanity drenched hidden intent with this man. I dream of being able to sing like Mr Waits. His growling tone is just before perfect and a step ahead of misery all soaked in bourbon and sorrow.
An achingly beautiful song, precisely *because* that beauty sounds hard-won and in defiance of the anguish that life can throw it to you. Replacing all the character and pathos of Tom Waits with a bland crooner in order to male it "prettier" is the epitome of missing the point.
A great musician, like a great writer, (or so it seems to me) is someone who makes a person feel something. There are plenty of honey-toned, pitch-perfect singers out there who leave me cold. Tom Waits is not one of them. While he might not be to all tastes, I could listen to him forever. He teaches me how to - that it's all right - to feel. He teaches me to be kind.
While it touches someone's soul, art has to do more with uniqueness than with plain beauty, it's not obvious, it´s not about colors and candies. If it reaches you and you don't know why then it's best. For those of you that don't understand this kind of art, go out and pick some flowers before the class begins.
I echo all these comments appreciating his voice; it is indeed full of character and soul, but what about his movements? He's otherwordly! He's fabulous :)
"His voice sounds like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car." -Daniel Durchholz I still love his voice though
Dwa Pak I thought that description was supposed to be a compliment! I recall once hearing Bob Dylan's voice described as the sound of 'a dog with its leg caught in barbed wire'. That's pretty cool too!
Same here. That whole album is just, fuck, there isn't even a word for it that could possibly do it justice. Transcendent maybe?!? There is just nothing that can come close to the unique and incredible album that it is. Independent as a hog on ice.
Tom Waits finally was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's about f**kin time. I'm not saying Tom is the best Rocker ever but there is no one else like him. He is one of a kind and we are richer for having him. Keep Rockin Tom, Show them how it's done...
A truly mad musical scientist! I wish this world could be filled with more Waits and less of all the other shit we have nowadays. It's unfair to say that there are absolutely NO good musicians around nowadays as there are heaps but no-one comes close to Waits. He is the pure definition of O-R-I-G-I-N-A-L-I-T-Y
Unique genius. I've loved Tom's music for nearly 30 years and he just gets better and better. He's completely unique and a songwriting genius. One of the all time greats.
Musical tastes develop by someone turning you on to something you've never heard before. My dad was my first influencer and many things after that I found through radio and music channels on TV. Now I discover new music through related videos, friends, and celebrities online. I find things by accident sometimes, but most of the music I love is the result of someone excitedly saying, "You have to hear this!"
Not only is this one of the great songs, i've never, ever, seen a better video. It's just about perfect and endlessly watchable. I love the dance under the window as the water falls. The whole things is like watching some glorious dream amalgam of Casablanca and West Side Story.
If you think Tom Waits has no singing talent, listen to Heart of Saturday Night and Bone Machine. Saturday has him early in his career with a beautiful singing voice, Bone Machine is a later album that shows his range and ability as a singer. Tom Waits is not a musician, he is an actor acting out characters through his music
TW is in my top 5. My only regret is that it took me so long to find his genius. I can't think of another artist that speaks to me as much. I love every invention that is TW.
WOW! I have hear this song hundreds of times but never listened to the emotion, you can not help to with his powerful voice behind it and dilevery adds a whole new level to the song.
***** What do you think it means ? I always thought he is referring to his appearance here, implying that he hasn't looked this good in a long time but he finally fixed himself up for meeting her on the downtown train.
Questa voce è davvero troppo poco normale per non fare paura ai più... ma riesce davvero a coinvolgere, a portarti dentro le cose che canta. Per me un artista grandissimo!
All comparisons aside ... Until today I'd only heard Rod Stewart's cover. So, now I've heard the original, plus a nice take on it from Bob Seger. Thank you, Tom, for a most beautiful song. One of my all-time favorites...no matter what. ♥
I think he is a musical genius because he tries every genre, he changes it, he creates his own thing, with his own style (not just because of the voice, but everything else, my english is not really good, so sorry if this looks poorly argumented), I think he is unique, as musician, singer, even actor. And doing his own thing, he can make you feel sad, happy, melancholic.. In the end, it all is about what you enjoy more, and as tom said, I like to hear terrible stories with beautiful melodies.
anyone who does not recognise this man as pure talent doesnt know talent :) i didnt know who he was or waht he sounded liek till i was um 17 or 18 im 30 now tom still shakes me to my core :) its pure =D
Tom Waits is a nominee for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Class of 2011. I hope he gets in; if I were given a ballot for the R&RHoF, I would definitely give him my vote.
I have friends who are Tom Hiddleston fangirls. They drive me crazy talking about him constantly. To the point where just hearing his name makes me roll my eyes sometimes. BUT. If he gets people to listen to Tom Waits, he's cool in my book.
I'm a middle aged woman who hadden heard of Tom Hiddleston before. But if this is on his IPod I might have to become a fangirl, lol. Tom Waits has been important in all of my teen and adult life.
Ah Connie, what a great line "Have you no flowerbeds to attend to?" I stood in line for hours to get tickets to see the Faces in the early seventies when they were the greatest rock band in the world. Rod Stewart has recorded some great songs but this song belongs to Tom Waits. He finds levels of emotion through tone and phrasing that are unique. But I bet he enjoyed the royalties from Rod's version.
Another great song in a whole line of them form Mr Waits. One day I hope to catch him live. People who have seen him wish to repeat this experience. He doesn't seem to tour much,however.Hmmmm
I feel I'm a sprite, dancing in Tom Wait's garden after midnight... really I'm in the sweet, sweaty, living room of my apartment, dancing with ebb and tide just in jeans, barefeet and bracelets... and closed eyes, emotion... Tom carries a song like an emotion you weren't sure you wanted anyone to know about, and drags it lucidly but wet, down a mountain of hope... into a question mark. Leaves you there, walks off stage... I will appreciate his existence forever.
The irony is that many who are fans of Rod Stewart and this well known hit would not know of Tom Waits or the fact that he wrote it. Better still, maybe Tom wouldn't care either way - a characteristic of a true master of his art and his craft.
It's official! Tom Waits is in the Rock and Roll Hall Hall of Fame, Class of 2011. "I am still recovering from the news," Tom Waits said in a statement. "I never really cared about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but now I am surprised to discover how much I DO care. Frankly, I'm wondering if I did something wrong?" The induction ceremony for the Class of 2011 will take place on March 14 in New York and will be televised on Fuse. And, may I add: well done, sir, and richly deserved!
![The Dead South - In Hell I'll Be In Good Company [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/B9FzVhw8_bY/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Dead South - In Hell I'll Be In Good Company [Official Music Video]](/img/tr.png)
Lots of people are making negative comments about Tom's voice. I get it...he has a very distinctive, even dissonant voice...rough, scratchy and world-weary. I'm sure Simon Cowell would hate it, too...probably Randy and Paula as well...are they even still judging? I haven't watched that show in years.
Anyway, I'm not grudging those who don't like it...it's not for everyone. I can't explain why I love Tom Waits...you either get it, or you don't. Lots of people worship Bob Dylan, and I don't care for him at all. People just have different tastes, I suppose. Getting angry over someone not liking your kind of music is like getting angry over someone not liking your favorite food or favorite color...who cares? lol
malykoth It's the songwriting
malykoth When it comes to art in music, the voice is the least important factor. Tom Waits' music is original, honest, raw, and he's one of the best songwriters in recent memory.
On the contrary, the voice is one of the most important artistic factors in music. What you have to get beyond is what the world says is beautiful in a voice, and realize that there are many different kinds of beauty. At his best, Tom Waits has one of the most expressive voices in music. He's a very talented singer, just not in conventional terms.
Simon Cowell would have turned down Frank Sinatra.
malykoth People seem to forget how soft the vocals are in a lot of his earlier stuff.
Tom Waits is with me since I'm 16 years old, now I'm 51... love him forever
37 years...great song!
If Elvis was King what is Tom? GOD
+Emerald Nkomo Elvis sings to seduce women. Tom sings the world inside a man.
Emerald Nkomo yes
Elvis Costello?
Emerald Nkomo a god
The man is a genius.
So many feelings about this song. Tracy and Ted forever.
one of the greatest and most original artists of the last two centuries...
This song remains anthem of every musician that was waiting for sunrise on a damp street, with taste of tobacco and booze in mouth, chasing a dream of self created reality...
mkociccorax as do hookers.
mkociccorax thank you
Music and song and lyrics isn't always about pretty. Tom Waits is a treasure.
This is such a great song....his whole body of work is so amazing, what an original artist...we're not worthy...
dumbass!
wax? So, what? You must be a Justin Beiber fan or something....
+wax? You are an idiot
Tom Waits voice is a legend. Honest, Raw and Passionate. No false celebrity or vanity drenched hidden intent with this man. I dream of being able to sing like Mr Waits. His growling tone is just before perfect and a step ahead of misery all soaked in bourbon and sorrow.
only ever heard rods version before ,,,,,,,you know this has cut me to the bone ,,,,,fookin fantastic
+loopy twat I like both. Each has a different flavor.
Rod who? try Bob Seger version your right there are only two none are by that fake Scot Rod.
An achingly beautiful song, precisely *because* that beauty sounds hard-won and in defiance of the anguish that life can throw it to you. Replacing all the character and pathos of Tom Waits with a bland crooner in order to male it "prettier" is the epitome of missing the point.
So beautifully said.
This song is just beautiful.
An absolutely beautiful song. Wonderfully constructed.
I love Tom :(
unequivocally human. profoundly intuitive; lyrically and musically. so special.
A great musician, like a great writer, (or so it seems to me) is someone who makes a person feel something. There are plenty of honey-toned, pitch-perfect singers out there who leave me cold. Tom Waits is not one of them. While he might not be to all tastes, I could listen to him forever. He teaches me how to - that it's all right - to feel. He teaches me to be kind.
While it touches someone's soul, art has to do more with uniqueness than with plain beauty, it's not obvious, it´s not about colors and candies. If it reaches you and you don't know why then it's best. For those of you that don't understand this kind of art, go out and pick some flowers before the class begins.
I echo all these comments appreciating his voice; it is indeed full of character and soul, but what about his movements? He's otherwordly! He's fabulous :)
This is just so wonderful. I always come back to Tom.
I think mr. Waits is a genius artist...could listen to his songs all night. Undisputed..!
Mr Waits has the ability to make me cry and smile in equal measures, there is nothing else I want or need. Thanks Tom.
"His voice sounds like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car."
-Daniel Durchholz
I still love his voice though
Dwa Pak I thought that description was supposed to be a compliment! I recall once hearing Bob Dylan's voice described as the sound of 'a dog with its leg caught in barbed wire'. That's pretty cool too!
+Kodanshi Helcarver usually the greatest singers that come along have a distinctive voice i guess thats what makes them great
you nailed it dude. took me two years being forced to listen to him (anything for that girlfriend) until the epiphany...he is a genius.
taken outside when it was freenzing I supose
gargled witn broken glass then blessed by Satchmo. . .
He is just incredible, I wish he's perform live more!!!
Rain Dogs was my first Tom Waits. You never forget your first.
Same here. That whole album is just, fuck, there isn't even a word for it that could possibly do it justice. Transcendent maybe?!?
There is just nothing that can come close to the unique and incredible album that it is.
Independent as a hog on ice.
I'd have loved to live every bittersweet moment of the life that Tom Waits sings about
This man is a treasure. It's a lucky spin that he's making music while we happen to be alive.
Song writer and music man. Anyone in the music industry has nothing but respect for Tom.
I've loved Tom Waits for more than 25 years. He's just the best, the most imaginative songwriter/singer, & his voice - well, it's fantastic!
When the music transcends the materialism of the industry, its value increases exponentially.
Tom Waits finally was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's about f**kin time. I'm not saying Tom is the best Rocker ever but there is no one else like him. He is one of a kind and we are richer for having him. Keep Rockin Tom, Show them how it's done...
I'm 70 I cry every time I hear Tom, missing friends, and loves and they're ghost.
There are only very few people transporting any kind of true emotion with their voice. Let's honour them and hold them high.
A truly mad musical scientist! I wish this world could be filled with more Waits and less of all the other shit we have nowadays. It's unfair to say that there are absolutely NO good musicians around nowadays as there are heaps but no-one comes close to Waits. He is the pure definition of O-R-I-G-I-N-A-L-I-T-Y
There is nobody like him anywhere, he is one of a kind.
Tom Waits deserves a Nobel Prize on behalf of all the hobo's, drifters, and dreamers across the world.
If music is food for the soul and nourishment for the spirit... then Tom Waits is truly one of its finest chefs.
Still sounds great all those years on lot of water under the bridge few friends passed on but Tom Waits's Downtown train still sounds great thanks
Unique genius. I've loved Tom's music for nearly 30 years and he just gets better and better. He's completely unique and a songwriting genius. One of the all time greats.
"Using parking meters as walking sticks"...10 years later. Love this man and what he has done for our lives. Thank you Tom.
Absolutely adore Tom Waits. This song gives me shivers all the time. Hell, his voice gives me shivers, every song. :)
Musical tastes develop by someone turning you on to something you've never heard before. My dad was my first influencer and many things after that I found through radio and music channels on TV. Now I discover new music through related videos, friends, and celebrities online. I find things by accident sometimes, but most of the music I love is the result of someone excitedly saying, "You have to hear this!"
You either get tom or you don't,his talent is out of this world..!
Not only is this one of the great songs, i've never, ever, seen a better video. It's just about perfect and endlessly watchable. I love the dance under the window as the water falls. The whole things is like watching some glorious dream amalgam of Casablanca and West Side Story.
Fortunately Tom has sung on planete earth!
Would be dead by now otherwise.
Life is beautiful. Thanks Tom.
If you think Tom Waits has no singing talent, listen to Heart of Saturday Night and Bone Machine. Saturday has him early in his career with a beautiful singing voice, Bone Machine is a later album that shows his range and ability as a singer. Tom Waits is not a musician, he is an actor acting out characters through his music
I just can't stop watching this. The lyrics, melody, and Tom's voice and movements are all so hypnotizing.
There just thorns without the rose, this man is a genious, love Tom Waits
He breaks my heart and this song is just so authentic and sweet and true. A lyrical and musical prince.
I love that there at people that like Rod Stewart's version more. It tells me I really need to look my doors at night, because anything is possible.
I can't get past how amazing that holes in the nightime ... yes sounds to my ears after so many years.....
TW is in my top 5. My only regret is that it took me so long to find his genius. I can't think of another artist that speaks to me as much. I love every invention that is TW.
HIddlestoners I salute you!!! Thanks to TH we're increasing our music knowlegde!!!!
Love Tom Waits. And this song is just awesome. I wish I could write as good as he can.
WOW! I have hear this song hundreds of times but never listened to the emotion, you can not help to with his powerful voice behind it and dilevery adds a whole new level to the song.
just like a Jim Jarmouche movie ....Excellent
Thanks for posting it !
"I'm shinin' like a new dime." What a line.
***** What do you think it means ? I always thought he is referring to his appearance here, implying that he hasn't looked this good in a long time but he finally fixed himself up for meeting her on the downtown train.
I would agree with you, yes. I thought he was referring to his appearance. I also just like the sound of the words. The image the line conjures up.
Questa voce è davvero troppo poco normale per non fare paura ai più... ma riesce davvero a coinvolgere, a portarti dentro le cose che canta. Per me un artista grandissimo!
Tom Hiddleston has great taste in music and is slowly expanding all of ours.
Life ruiner he may be, at least he is educating us along the way. :)
this song makes me cry. It's one of Tom's most beautiful
All comparisons aside ... Until today I'd only heard Rod Stewart's cover. So, now I've heard the original, plus a nice take on it from Bob Seger. Thank you, Tom, for a most beautiful song. One of my all-time favorites...no matter what. ♥
Einfach nur toll diese Stimme 👏👍❣️
to those that do not like his voice, don't listen to it! this is an absolutely gorgeous song sung by a master with one of the best voices out there!
tom!!!!!!the best! waits,jarmous,cave...the perfect combination!!!!!!!
Fantastic Song ! Love all TWs' music !!!
so much pain .... god, what a beautiful piece of art
Fantastic video by Jean-Baptiste Mondino. Jim Jarmusch was also doing great stuff like this back in the 80s.
I think he is a musical genius because he tries every genre, he changes it, he creates his own thing, with his own style (not just because of the voice, but everything else, my english is not really good, so sorry if this looks poorly argumented), I think he is unique, as musician, singer, even actor. And doing his own thing, he can make you feel sad, happy, melancholic.. In the end, it all is about what you enjoy more, and as tom said, I like to hear terrible stories with beautiful melodies.
brilliant video of a great song
The first Tom Waits song I ever heard, and I have never looked back since then
pure & simple, this is so damn soulful ~
just gives me chills.
Simply Stunning
anyone who does not recognise this man as pure talent doesnt know talent :) i didnt know who he was or waht he sounded liek till i was um 17 or 18 im 30 now tom still shakes me to my core :) its pure =D
Tom Waits is a nominee for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Class of 2011.
I hope he gets in; if I were given a ballot for the R&RHoF, I would definitely give him my vote.
maravillosa cancion, magnifico punteo de guitarra, deliciosos acordes
I have friends who are Tom Hiddleston fangirls. They drive me crazy talking about him constantly. To the point where just hearing his name makes me roll my eyes sometimes. BUT. If he gets people to listen to Tom Waits, he's cool in my book.
The man has incredible taste in music.
tom Waits, is just Tom Waits, no more to say... and this song is fantastic
I like his voice , especially the begining " Over throuth the night ......oh downtown train....."
ya, Chrish , you still got the downtown train
I'm a middle aged woman who hadden heard of Tom Hiddleston before. But if this is on his IPod I might have to become a fangirl, lol.
Tom Waits has been important in all of my teen and adult life.
Tom told me to come here.... Excellent song! :)
Cada dia que lo oigo lo disfruto mas,y ya hace muchisimos años que me lo descubrieron con Clising Times.Alla por el 76.
Waits is such an under appreciated musical genius.
Wow. WOW. How have I not discovered Mr Waits' voice before??
Thank you Hiddles! And as always, a shoutout to the Army
I love Tom Waits' voice, it's so very emotive and intense, it's unique, incomparable...
Ah Connie, what a great line "Have you no flowerbeds to attend to?" I stood in line for hours to get tickets to see the Faces in the early seventies when they were the greatest rock band in the world. Rod Stewart has recorded some great songs but this song belongs to Tom Waits. He finds levels of emotion through tone and phrasing that are unique. But I bet he enjoyed the royalties from Rod's version.
Possibly the worlds greatest ever understatement
Another great song in a whole line of them form Mr Waits. One day I hope to catch him live. People who have seen him wish to repeat this experience. He doesn't seem to tour much,however.Hmmmm
This gives me a reason to keep on living.
I feel I'm a sprite, dancing in Tom Wait's garden after midnight... really I'm in the sweet, sweaty, living room of my apartment, dancing with ebb and tide just in jeans, barefeet and bracelets... and closed eyes, emotion...
Tom carries a song like an emotion you weren't sure you wanted anyone to know about, and drags it lucidly but wet, down a mountain of hope... into a question mark. Leaves you there, walks off stage...
I will appreciate his existence forever.
Tom Waits,poeta das ruas escuras,das esquinas suspeitas,da vida noturna e marginal,mas com arte e profundidade.
The irony is that many who are fans of Rod Stewart and this well known hit would not know of Tom Waits or the fact that he wrote it.
Better still, maybe Tom wouldn't care either way - a characteristic of a true master of his art and his craft.
Ce que j'ai entendu en premier de lui. Sans avoir noté le nom du chanteur. Je n'ai pu oublier ce morceau que j'ai retrouvé plus de dix ans après .
....recovering from the news..hahaha..
Great album, year 1985 - Rain Dogs - 5 stars !
Mighty voice of Tom Waits!
It's official!
Tom Waits is in the Rock and Roll Hall Hall of Fame, Class of 2011.
"I am still recovering from the news," Tom Waits said in a statement. "I never really cared about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but now I am surprised to discover how much I DO care. Frankly, I'm wondering if I did something wrong?"
The induction ceremony for the Class of 2011 will take place on March 14 in New York and will be televised on Fuse.
And, may I add: well done, sir, and richly deserved!
Maybe it is 30 years ago when I first saw this. But it is still great !!!
soundtrack of my childhood, thanks to my dad. great song!
Excellente pièce du grand Tom !
Hiddlestoner reporting, for yet another demonstration of a certain someone's impeccable taste in music!
Rod labeled Tom Waits as America's greatest living songwriter.