08 January Is For Videos: Tom Waits – Lie To Me

In the past few months I have really grown to love Tom Waits. I’ve bought nearly every album of his and wish there was more. This guy is pushing 60 and still has the energy to dance around like a young punk. His music is raw and untidy. His voice is like gravel soaked whiskey. His songs are like old hymns, sad ballads, and vintage jukebox country covered by years of dust. When I hear Waits sing, I think of grandpa, Bing Crosby, southern plantations and dirty saloons, gritty auto shops blaring AM radio, the Mississippi delta, old men that wear hats and hang out in barber shops, Victrola record players, and run down theaters gilt with gold and torn red velvet curtains. How to know if you’ll like Tom Waits: 1. If, when watching a movie, your favorite character is the old man wearing a worn out jacket, smoking a cigar, mumbling to himself, and who always seems to be the guy with the right answer, though no one ever listens to him, then you will love Tom Waits. 2. If a collaboration between Bob Dylan and Tim Burton sounds like a good idea, then Tom Waits is for you.

3. If you can’t wait for Jack White of The White Stripes to turn 60, play out-of-tune upright pianos, and sing old spirituals, Tom Waits will help fill the void. 4. If, in your mind, a male singer is only good if he has a clear voice like Clay Aiken, then there is no hope for you. You are not living life. You need to get your hands in the dirt, ride a motorcycle, and not comb your hair every day. You should burn all your music and start over. I’m kidding… kind of… not really. But seriously, you won’t like Tom Waits and that’s sad. Anyway, this video is Waits performing his song “Lie To Me” from the three disc album “Orphans.” If you don’t like this song, give his others a chance. I’m sure you’ll find something that will make you laugh, cry, or feel at home again.