Tom Waits - Diamond in Your Mind

I know I've had one Tom Waits post already this month, but indulge me. Besides, this is one of the bonus tracks off the Orphans vinyl, so I know someone will care. Drew will care.

You know it's an authentic Tom Waits song because he rhymes "Pinkerton raid" with "Three-finger Dave."



In exciting news about one of my other aural crushes, Kristian Matsson, alias The Tallest Man on Earth, has signed with a new label and will release "The Wild Hunt" in April. I previously wrote about meeting Matsson after a show in Seattle last year; he is by all accounts a likable dude. Along with that post I included a live version of "King of Spain," which lo and behold is the first single off "The Wild Hunt." You can download the album version here. And hell, Waits is putting out a new album later this year. It's time to get excited about your 2010 releases.

Tom Waits - San Diego Serenade

I found this waiting for me in my e-mail this morning, from my lady friend. We just hit one year a few days back, so maybe that has something to do with it. (Sappy, I know.) But in true song of the day fashion, I present it here.



Early Tom Waits can get a bit maudlin (just listen to those strings) but it's also more earnest than the deranged pirate he is occasionally accused of evolving into. I'm sure there are people who fall solidly into one camp or the other, but man are those people missing out on some good stuff on either side.