Trosa Music

Tom Waits: My Favourite Artiste

My musical tastes change depending on my mood at the time. If I am happy, I listen to music to support that emotion. If I am sad or blue, I listen to music that is slow and melancholy or upbeat depending on what I want.

This is why the only true artiste I listen to is the great Tom Waits. Since he is one of the most prolific musicians in the world and has spanned four decades in his career, there is always something that he can offer. He is also the most diverse artist I can think of, ranging from jazz in the 70s, ballads in the 80s or his more famous raspy, carnaval-esque musings of the past 20 years, I can never become bored.

His early music, specifically his albums “Closing Time” and “Heart of Saturday Night” are beautifully written poems accompanied by soft jazz. He speaks to every emotion, from lost love, to his favourite car, to his hatred of humanity, he his emotions have spanned even longer than this career that has been based on it.

Music is a great tool to bring back memories. When I listen to specific songs, for example “Martha” on “Closing Time” I remember exactly where I was when I first heard it, and the emotions that came along with it.

Music must inspire emotion. This is what many artists fail to recognise in their pursuit of gold or platinum records. Tom Waits has not received widespread success; indeed he would define success in his cult following. Why has he received such a cult following? Because he makes it personal.

Once in a while, and for no reason, he will go to a random Los Angeles jazz bar, inform the owners that he will play there, and then pick up the tabs of all patrons in the bar. This is the personal touch. And personal touch is what makes his poetry that much more powerful.

One last thing before I run, my slightly quirky boss is on this new craze about a day of team bonding london. Apparently in a couple of weeks time I will be expanding upon permanent work based relationships with all of the people that I go to the office with. Wish me luck everyone (at least I get a free trip)!