Tom Waits Gives Us His Orphans

Suite101’s Folk Music section will be giving Tom Waits’ new album, Orphans, the royal treatment. Here’s where to find our reviews and some other goodies.

Folk101 has never had the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Tom Waits in person. But, one day, when we come face to face with one of our favorite songwriters and performers, it will probably go something like his recent Daily Show interview.

We would most likely stutter and fumble through questions like Jon Stewart did as his nerves got the better of him. No worries, though, Jon. He is one of the most intimidating figures I can think of. He body of music is too large, too good, too important to even know where to start. And really, those hats are just too darn cool.

Just to pound home this point like a rusty nail hit by a stolen hammer, Waits has just released a three-disc collection called Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards. It is a collection of 30 previously unreleased tracks and others that appeared on obscure movie soundtracks and whatnot.

Here at Folk101, we are so blown away by the album that we will be reviewing each record individually. It is the only way to properly treat what is one of the best albums of Waits’ already illustrious career. The first review has already appeared. Check back for the next two parts.

Until then, you can whet your appetite by sorting through some of the traditional media blitz. Waits has done several hilarious interviews. Plus there are all those swooning critics. Or, of course, you can fill yourself in on some of the Tom Waits back story.

No word yet on touring. However, for our loyal readers, our ear is always pressed firmly to the train track that runs to and from the greater musical wonderland. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear something, supposing that we get our heads out of the way in time. There’s always that speeding steam engine to watch out for...

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