Glitter and Doom - Live (Bonus Track Version)

Just as Tom Waits is undeniably weird in the studio, he takes that approach to the stage where the energy of the crowd drives him to furious heights. His singing defies logic and, probably, physics. There is tenderness in his growl, evident with the first notes of “Lucinda / Ain’ Goin’ Down…,” which ticks like an extended take on Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell On You.” The recordings from Glitter and Doom are taken from various shows throughout the U.S and Europe and strung together as one long night through Waits-World. “Singapore” from Rain Dogs is revitalized and sent up against the post-Big Time material (his last live album) such as Bone Machine’s gospel hymn “Dirt In the Ground” re-done in slower fashion, “Such a Scream” and “Goin’ Out West.” “Get Behind the Mule” originally from Mule Variations makes good use of his flexible backing band that includes son, Casey Waits on drums and percussion. Blood Money’s “The Part You Throw Away” holds a solemn grace. (The Bonus Track Version includes “Tom’s Tales,” between-song banter including stories and jokes that could only come from Tom Waits).