Dave Heaton: May 6, 2007

What are your favorite songs by Tom Waits?

After thinking it over, I’ve decided on these as my 10 favorite songs by Tom Waits, though I reserve the right to change my mind at any moment. (This is not science, it’s enthusiasm.) Please tell me what your favorites are, in the Comments section. And expect a different musician/band next week.

1. Tom Waits – “Ruby’s Arms” (live)

   Live version, off Big Time (1988).

2. Tom Waits – “Jockey Full of Bourbon”

   Off Rain Dogs (1985).

3. Tom Waits – “Martha”

   Off Closing Time (1973).

4. Tom Waits – “Johnsburg, Illinois”

   Off Swordfishtrombones (1983).

5. Tom Waits – “Tom Traubert’s Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhagen)”

   Off Small Change (1976).

6. Tom Waits – “Hang On St. Christopher”

   Off Frank’s Wild Years (1987).

7. Tom Waits – “On the Nickel”

   Off Heartattack & Vine (1980).

8. Tom Waits – “San Diego Serenade”

   Off The Heart of Saturday Night (1974).

9. Tom Waits – “Time”

   Off Rain Dogs (1985).

10. Tom Waits – “All the World Is Green”

    Off Blood Money (2002).