My Cool Person of the Week.

Just so I don't only update this when I actually have some new imagery, I think I'll make it a point to dedicate each week to one person that is currently striking my fancy.

This week's person is Tom Waits.



I've known about him for a while now, but never really gravitated toward his sound before. I suppose his growing on me is partly reasoned by age, and the ever morphing changes in musical taste that come with it. But more than anything, I really think it's his ability to take the image of a bawdy, romantically battered drunk and turn it into something totally poetic and undeniably distinctive. Two measures into "Emotional Weather Report," Waits presents himself with a sense of smart-assed confidence, but also an underlying vulnerability. It's a rare bird that can turn bitter, emotional intoxication into something admirable and cool.

"Come On Up To The House" is what really tore me apart. That gritty, beaten-to-a-pulp voice resonates with both hopelessness and formidable tenacity. The wretchedness of this song takes me back to Woody Guthrie's "I Ain't Got No Home," in the sense that both men are searching for resolution to their respective bouts of mental and emotional unrest. I think everyone's homeless, in their own way. Waits sings with such despondence, yet underneath it, a fire still rages inside the crooner, likely fueled by gin and vermouth. I am still trying him out--so far I'm really digging Mule Variations. Some other favorites of mine on that album are "Hold On" and "Chocolate Jesus," because a) I love chocolate b) Edward Sharpe's "Home" makes a reference to "chocolate candy Jesus Christ" c) the song's just totally freaky. I also love "Ol' 55" and "Heartattack and Vine," as well as his rendition of "Sea of Love."

Hope you guys enjoyed this somewhat!

Love,
Rachel