Tom Waits - News

New Musical From Tom Waits On The Horizon

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:02:00 -0800

An exciting possible upcoming project is……….. Tom Waits once again teaming up with visionary director Robert Wilson for a fourth stage musical following The Black Rider, Alice in Wonderland, and Woyzeck. Contributing to this yet untitled project would also be play-write Martin McDonagh who is most known for writing and directing the 2008 Oscar nominated film “In Bruges.” The musical would be slated to premiere in Paris next year. More info as it comes in.

Tom Waits With Record 5th Album Atop College Charts

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:01:00 -0800

(amazing pic by Villani Marcello)

There’s a new number one album on the college radio charts as Tom Waits’ raucous “Glitter And Doom Live” has climbed two spots to capture the top position. It’s not exactly a new phenomenon for Mister Waits. In the last decade, all but one of his six releases have topped the campus charts giving him a record five number one albums. It started with his Grammy Award-winning “Mule Variations” which held the the top position for seven straight weeks in 1999. Waits’ other top albums include “Blood Money,” “Real Gone” and the triple-album release, “Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards,” which remained at number one for three weeks. Read the full accounting at Chart Attack here.

What Critics Are Saying About “Glitter and Doom Live”

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:01:00 -0800

(Pic by diarmid hurrell)

Tom Waits rollicking concert album “Glitter and Doom Live” is inspiring high praise from music writers across the land, from New York to Lexington to Tampa and the wild plains of the Playboy Mansion. If you haven’t availed yourself of this uniquely entertaining collection of heartfelt ballads and rousing barroom singalongs, then you are depriving yourself of one of life’s few remaining joys. See below if any doubts remain…

“His band calibrates its rawness, equally capable of a lurching blues and a delicate pizzicato waltz, and his voice is thick and slurred but can always summon tenderness. A second disc is a half-hour montage of stage patter…It’s as surreal as his songs, only funnier.” – New York Times

“The essential contradiction of late-career Waits: He is both an incorrigible dreamer and an inveterate realist…a particularly lively album that is also a persuasive retrospective of Waits’ last 20 years.” – Pitchfork

“Rasp-driven alter-egos come and go, swaddled in delectable cling-clang madness, telling stories born of a barfly/railroader state of mind…If a construction site is your idea of euphony, the jackhammer of a muse, you’ll have plenty to cheer about here.” –The Salt Lake Tribune

“Leave it to Tom Waits to let all the also-rans do their thing before releasing the album of the year as Thanksgiving looms.” –Pop Dose

“Glitter and Doom Live joins Nighthawks at the Diner (1975) and Big Time (1988) as chronicles of the awesome and, across the span of years, protean experience that is Tom Waits live…In the case of most of these tracks, their live rendition is the sum of both gains and losses…songs appear in versions that instantly become definitive.” – Drowned In Sound

“Those lucky enough to see a show on Tom Waits’ 2008 ‘Glitter and Doom’ tour had the chance to see one of the world’s most inspired artists in his element. Waits is not only one of the best songwriters alive, he is one of the most distinctive music artists of the past 100 years. As a singer, Waits is almost frightening. He has the voice of an undead Louis Armstrong crossed with a divinely inspired wino. As off-putting as that might sound, it can be raggedly beautiful.” – Knoxville News-Sentinel

“Even without video accompaniment, Waits’ performance makes a visual impression. It’s easy to imagine him onstage, equal parts carnival barker, barroom poet and street-corner prophet…Glitter and Doom will make you wish Waits would return to the Tampa area. C’mon Tom it’s been 30 years!” –Tampa Tribune

“At the age of 60 Waits has a voice that has grown as rough as a sailor’s beard, with the shadowy rasp of Howlin’ Wolf and Captain Beefheart. The music sounds like tin cans and duck calls or, on the highlights ‘Goin’ Out West’ and ‘Such A Scream,’ like a blues band playing in a pawnshop after closing time. If CDs had odors, this one would smell like an old tow truck.” –Playboy

“Waits is one of our most adventurous musicians and Glitter and Doom Live demonstrates his willingness to push his songs into stranger territory in the live setting…It is really amazing how things can go from sinister to care-free to tender with such deft east.” – Spectrum Culture

“His gruff vocals give new life to tender ballads and increase the scruffy charm of his already-brutish selections…For those who self-identify as Tom Waits fans, Glitter and Doom Live succeeds on pretty much every level…He’s a musical Peter Pan, doing exactly what he wants when he wants, and, damn what anyone thinks, he’ll never grow up.” – Paste

“Tom Waits concerts are real events: phantasmic orgies of twisted, postmodern vaudeville and rag-and-bone blues…the best performances are of tunes that most embrace Waits’ cacophonous side: the barbed-wire rock ‘n’ roll of ‘Such a Scream’ and ‘Metropolitan Glide,’ the bombastic blues of ‘Make it Rain.’” – Creative Loafing

“This superb collection of live tracks is the work of a gyroscope-askew genius piloting his like-minded band into an uncontrolled spiral to the ocean. The stomping, clanging rhythms are a circus from hell. It sounds like some weird ceremony that you’ve stumbled on in the dark woods, and aren’t supposed to see.” –Democrat And Chronicle (Rochester, NY)

“My first impression of Tom Waits’s concert in Atlanta last year was that it could never be captured on disc. Visceral and driving, it was such a feast for the ears and eyes, starting with Waits singing ‘Lucinda’ as he stomped on a box covered in white powder that swirled around him as if he were an apparition straight out of the junkyard. It’s nice to be proved wrong by Glitter and Doom Live…Considering the sweep of Waits’s sound over the years, it’s astonishing how well his band keeps pace with him…if this is as close as you get to hearing Waits live, it’s an illuminating snapshot of an artist whose concerts are increasingly rare and compelling.” – Boston Globe

“This carnival barking crooning carnivore and maestro of the swordfishtrombone avantbossatangowaltz has mastered his particular brand of theater, noise and nuance; its rich despair, its decadent yet romantic espirit, its yawning Brecht-Springsteen-Partchian display; its comic belch…On the jazz-noir ‘Make it Rain,’ the humpback swing ‘Singapore,’ the bleak and beautiful ‘Trampled Rose,’ there’s an effortlessness between Waits and his tight six-piece ensemble that comes from its master’s having lived within the roar for decades. He’s finally tamed the beast.” – Blurt Online

“Waits doesn’t so much perform his material as he inhabits it, resulting in a stream-of-consciousness flow that makes this live record sound like one flawless show even though it was culled from eight concerts in America and Europe.” – Boston Herald

“Most of the songs sound nothing like their original incarnations. Waits and his five-piece band – including woodwinds, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, reed organ, mellotron and clarinet, as well as the traditional drum, guitar, piano and bass – give new life to the arrangements. And then there’s Tom’s vocals. On the bellowing ballads of ‘Fannin Street,’ ‘I’ll Shoot The Moon’ and ‘Lucky Day,’ Waits’ rough edge adds character and darkness to the tales of heartbreak.” – ABC News

“Near the halfway point of Glitter and Doom Live, the third official concert recording from the ever-mercurial Tom Waits (but his first in more than 21 years), a deep, swampy blues called ‘Dirt in the Ground’ is unleashed. Its melody is haunting but warm, its vocal performance frighteningly caustic but immensely human, and its lyrics…well, its lyrics are as simple as life and death…There is nothing quite as affirming as hearing Waits singing like the devil…Such exquisitely scattered storytelling is a major bonus.” – Lexington Herald-Leader

Tom Waits in New Film “The Book Of Eli”

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:01:00 -0800

THE BOOK OF ELI: Ohhh Sweet - The top video clips of the week are here

Here’s a hilarious note perfect scene between Tom Waits and Denzel Washington in the new Hughes Brother’s post apocalypse film “The Book of Eli.”

LA Times Examines “Doctor Parnassus”

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:01:00 -0800

There’s a great review of “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” in the Los Angeles Times. I’m not sure what more you need to know other than it’s directed by Terry Gilliam (Time Bandits, Brazil) and features Tom Waits as the devil, but if doubt lingers then read the article. The writer Kenneth Turan is by no means a critical pushover so it’s substantial praise. That said, “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” is the third most successful movie this week. But in lieu of another diatribe on the end of civilization, I merely suggest you go see this artistically ambitious and wondrous film.

From The LA Times: “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” is as unusual and idiosyncratic as its one-of-a-kind title. You’d expect no less from Terry Gilliam, and admirers of this singular filmmaker will be pleased to know that “Imaginarium” is one of his most original and accessible works. To read the entire review, click here.

Tom Waits Talks “Parnassus” on NPR

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:01:00 -0800

(pic fazimel)

Tom Waits plays the devil in the amazingly hallucinatory new Terry Gilliam film “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus” which also stars the late Heath Ledger and Johnny Depp. Waits was recently on NPR’s Morning Edition where he spoke with host Steve Inskeep about his role in the movie, working with Gilliam and their oddly shared birthmarks. To read a transcript, listen to, or download the interview, just go here.

Tom Waits ‘Orphans’ Vinyl Box Set Now Available

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:12:00 -0800

Now RIAA-certified Gold, Tom Waits‘ “Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards” is a spectacular musical journey, which visits most every genre of American song tradition. This box set redefines the words “Deluxe” or “Collectors Edition.” With 7 LPs of 180 gram vinyl, six previously unreleased songs, a 32-page book featuring lyrics and insight, and a beautiful hardbound box, the collection captures the full scope of Tom Waits’ shamanic powers as a vocalist, literary lyricist, romantic melodist, innovative arranger and pioneer of sonic worlds.

To get it today, click here!

Happy Birthday Tom Waits!

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:12:00 -0800

(pic Jean-Baptiste Mondino)

Anti- Records wishes Mr. Tom Waits a Happy Birthday this December 7th.

Thank you for enriching our lives beyond measure Tom, we love you.

“Woyzeck” Featuring Tom Waits’ music to Play Hamburg

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:11:00 -0800

The renowned Thalia Theatre in Hamburg has announced that “Woyzeck”, the musical play by Tom Waits , Kathleen Brennan and Robert Wilson will premiere on January 23rd. The Thalia Theatre previously staged two earlier plays by the three collaborators: “The Black Rider” (1990) and “Alice” (1992). The play is based on the writings of Georg Buchner, which were left uncompleted upon his death in 1837. Wilson directed the musical version of Woyzeck in 2000. Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan composed the music for Wilson’s stage play, which was released as the “Blood Money” album by Waits in 2002. The world premiere of “Woyzeck” took place in Copenhagen’s Betty Nansen Theatre in November 2000. “It deals with madness and children, obsession and murder”, states Waits, “all the things that we care about, as much now as we did then. It’s wild, sexy and curious: it catches your imagination. And it makes you reflect on your own life.”

Tickets go on sale Sunday 6th December. They are available on +49 (0) 40 32 81 44 44 and per email via theaterkasse@thalia-theater.de. For further ticket info go here

Tom Waits “Glitter & Doom” Out Today!

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:11:00 -0800

(pic by Vincos)

Tom Waits much anticipated two disc live album “Glitter & Doom” is officially out today! The record offers a riveting musical document of Waits’ sold out, highly acclaimed Glitter and Doom tour of the US and Europe in the summer of 2008. Disc One is designed to sound like an evening’s performance, even though the 17 tracks are selected from 10 cities, from Paris to Birmingham; Tulsa to Milan; and Atlanta to Dublin. Disc Two is a bonus compendium called TOM TALES, which is a selection of the comic bromides, strange musings, and unusual facts that Tom traditionally shares with his audience during the piano set. Purchase at Amazon by clicking here.

“Every storyteller needs an audience, but Waits is a master fabulist whose diabolic razzle dazzle looms particularly great and grand in front of a crowd, as this 17-track feast of live performances demonstrates.” - Guardian UK

“A double-disc album that documents the crackling energy and force of various performances from Waits’ 2008 tour… if this is as close as you get to hearing Waits live, it’s an illuminating snapshot of an artist whose concerts are increasingly rare and compelling.” - Boston Globe

Preview Tom Waits’ Glitter & Doom on KCRW

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:11:00 -0800

(pic by billielolasorcha)

Tom Wait’s incredible new live album“Glitter & Doom” will be featured starting tonight on KCRW’s Album Preview! Hear the CD streaming start-to-finish care of this new feature from the influential Santa Monica radio station which will showcase new releases selected by the ever tasteful KCRW DJ’s. Every Monday night a new album will debut on KCRW’s online music channel Eclectic24 at 8pm (PT) and on-demand at KCRW.com/AlbumPreview. So check out Waits’ “Glitter & Doom” tonight starting at 8pm PST!!! To do so, just click here.

New N.A.S.A Video featuring Tom Waits

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:11:00 -0800

Boing Boing is hosting the above new N.A.S.A video for their song “Spacious Thoughts” from “Spirit of Apollo.” The song incredibly features vocals from both futuristic rapper Kool Keith and legendary crooner Tom Waits. The stunning animation was created by Montreal-based Fluorescent Hill. You can read an interview with them at Boing Boing here.

Norah Jones Cites Tom Waits as Key Influence

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:11:00 -0800

(pic billielolasorcha)

The singer Norah Jones appeared on NPR’s Morning Edition today discussing her new album. In the interview, Jones cites Tom Waits and his groundbreaking record “Mule Variations” as such a favorite that she looked at the liner notes to find its engineer, Jacquire King, who she then used to produce her new album. They even play and then discuss Waits’ song “Cold Water.” You can listen to the interview here.

“Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards” on Vinyl

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:11:00 -0800

Tom Waits triple-disc masterpiece “Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards” will be reinvented on December 8 as a limited edition vinyl set, complete with a deluxe 12″ booklet and six new bonus cuts. The collection totals 62 tracks over seven full length LPs. An assemblage of rare, new and mostly unheard tracks, Orphans includes irreverent–or, rather, remarkably relevant-covers of songs by artists as disparate as The Ramones and Leadbelly, along with Waits compositions originally recorded by other artists.

Mr. Waits explains, “Orphans are rough and tender tunes. Rhumbas about mermaids, shuffles about train wrecks, tarantellas about insects, madrigrals about drowning. Scared, mean, orphaned songs of rapture and melancholy. Songs that grew up hard. Songs of dubious origin rescued from cruel fate and now left wanting only to be cared for. Show that you are not afraid and take them home. They don’t bite, they just need attention.”

And on Christmas Day, Waits hits the big screen alongside Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and the late Heath Ledger in Terry Gilliam’s “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.” He can also be seen in the Hughes Brothers’ “Book of Eli” with Denzel Washington in January.

Kellesimone Waits’ “Power Plays” Art Opening

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:11:00 -0800

Hilary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi, acrylic on canvas, 2009

There was an art opening last night for artist Kellesimone Waits who is currently exhibiting her provocative portraits in a show entitled “Power Plays” at the Frank Pictures Gallery in Santa Monica’s Bergamot Station art complex. Amongst the many in attendance were the artist’s proud father Tom Waits and assorted family members, some actor named Johnny Depp, actor Harry Dean Stanton, artist Sage Vaughn and his fashion designer wife Sweet Pea, Anti/Epitaph label CEO and Bad Religion founder Brett Gurewitz with his fetching wife Gina, as well as a whole bunch of other interesting looking people including some dude with half a beard and a guy that looked like Yoda from Star Wars if he was wearing an Affliction shirt.

The paintings were an intriguing mix of world political figures rendered in unexpected positions. Definitely worth checking out… To view more of Kellesimone’s paintings, go here.

Tom Waits Twitter

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:11:00 -0800

(pic Jesse Dylan)

The official Tom Waits twitter now exists. You should follow and see. Should be quite interesting. Go here to join the “fun.”

Tom Waits Songs in New Animated Dark Comedy

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:10:00 -0700

Tom Waits’ songs “Kommienezuspadt” and “Flowers Grave” off his 2002 album “Alice” are featured in a new animated film “Idiots and Angels.” It’s a provocative dark comedy by Academy Award nominated director Bill Plympton about a “selfish and morally bankrupt man” who wakes up with wings attached to his back. You can watch a trailer of the film here. Check for screenings here.

Tom Waits Records with Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:10:00 -0700

Tom Waits is currently down in the crescent city of New Orleans recording a benefit track with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. It’s been a two year project by the legendary band intended to raise money for the historic French Quarter Hall and keep the rollicking big easy music tradition alive.

The prolific Mister Waits will also be recording a song for Anti’s volume 2 Sea Shanty record produced by Hal Wilner with an assortment of other musicians.

Tom Waits Song To Appear in Escobar Documentary

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:10:00 -0700

(pic Jean-Baptiste Mondino)

The Tom Waits song “Sins of My Father” from his 2004 album “Real Gone” will be featured in an intriguing new documentary called “Sins of My Father” out in late November. The film deals with a possible reconciliation between the sons of notorious Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the sons of some of Escobar’s victims. The film will premier at the IDFA Festival. For more info go here.

You can view a CNN interview with the film’s director Nicolas Entel here.

“The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus” US Premier Announced

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:10:00 -0700

(pic Michael O’Brien)

The US premier of Terry Gilliam’s much anticipated cinematic hallucination “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus,” featuring Tom Waits as the devil, will materialize on November 2nd in Los Angeles at the AFI Festival. The elaborate fantasy, about the leader of a traveling theater group who takes his audience on a mind-expanding exploration of their imaginations, stars the late Heath Ledger, whose role is also played at various times throughout the film by Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell. Also featured are Christopher Plummer and the before mentioned Tom Waits. The film will screen at the legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theater. For more details go here.