Tom Waits : Dime Store Novels Vol. 1
As memories of Tom Wait’s recent Glitter and Doom tour begin to fade from my memory, I decided to become reacquainted with the man that I saw this summer. The cd I picked is a rarity, Dime Store Novels Vol. 1. This cd is notable because it contains the only recorded Tom Waits performance of songwriter Utah Phillips, “Good Night Lonesome Trail.” The concert took place at Ebbets Field in Denver, Colorado on October 8, 1974. In this recording, Waits is promoting the album “The Heart of Saturday Night.” Dime Store Novels is an import that came out about 7 years ago on Burning Airlines Records and is now out of print.
This performance shows that even as a 24 year old; Waits was definitely becoming a master of songwriting and showmanship. Waits sounds like he’s drinking and smoking two packs a day at this stage in his career enhancing his trademark raspy vocal. Waits demeanor and lyrics are a thoughtful reflection on the losers that populate the bars and the surrounding nightlife. The versions of “Ol’ 55” and “Martha” on this set are two of my favorite versions of either song. As a glimpse into the development of an artist, this live set is essential. If you can possibly find a copy, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You won’t regret it.
Track Listing:
- I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You
- San Diego Serenade
- Good Night Loving Trail
- Diamonds On My Windshield
- Ice Cream Man
- Please Call Me Baby
- Better Off Without A Wife
- The Ghost Of Saturday Night
- Big Joe & Phantom 309
- SemiSuite
- Ol’ 55
- On a Foggy Night
- Martha
