TOM WAITS - Christmas card from a hooker in Minneapolis REACTION - His voice is indescribable!

[@aaronpincus6095]

“I like beautiful melodies telling you terrible things.” - Tom Waits

[@stevedennis4197]

Now you are playing the best. No one compares to Tom.

[@Guttural]

No one 👍

[@idoalittletrolling4867]

No one at all 👍 Tom is peak

[@erickent3557]

Matybe safe to say anyone in the US who knows Tom Waits knows Shane McGowan and the Pogues.

[@digitalbloodline]

Critic Daniel Durchholz described his voice as sounding, "like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car."

[@jbomb7867]

I can always visualize Tom's stories so vividly.

[@kevrimney738]

Tom is my spiritual animal.

[@johnvaillancourt4168]

Oh man…. I love Tom Waits. Great choice. There are so many fantastic songs for you to react to from him. A few suggestions you can’t go wrong by. Step Right Up, Fumbling with the Blues, Romeo is Bleeding, Small Change Got Rained On, Pasties and a G-String, Down in the Hole, whistling Past the graveyard. These are just a start. ENJOY❤️

[@kieranharper261]

Ol' 55, Tom Traubert's Blues, Kentucky Avenue, Hell Broke Luce. There's too many to list of Tom's that'll absolutely blow you away. Often forgotten by today's critics and music theorists. But he'll be absolutely revered in another generation or two. Absolute genius

[@0cosmic]

Doesn't have to be old either, "hell broke Luce" is an awesome newer track, but guess you know this @@kieranharper261

[@oldarpanet]

I've been a fan of Mr. Waits from the early 1970s. My favorite description of his voice: His voice was described by critic Daniel Durchholz as sounding as though "it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car"

[@Blue-qr7qe]

"A cross between Loui Armstrong and a cement mixer.." i have no idea who said that, but it was back in the 70's, and i always remembered it.

[@HarriBestReactions]

🤣😂😂

[@jeffstevens4262]

Tom's a superb jazz pianist and one of the all-time great storytellers. Much is always made of his distinctive voice but he always sings in tune. He's been a legendary performer for 50 years or more. God bless him.

[@WendyJoJohnston]

Just perfection.

[@FunkyMarcel]

Tom Waits - lead vocal, acoustic piano George Duke - electric grand piano

[@HarriBestReactions]

I love George Duke..that explains it 😂

[@douglaspatrick868]

How am I just finding out the great George Duke played on this with Tom!? What a great musician and teacher he was. I adore his song Dukey Stick, one of the greatest jams of all time that is. Too Funky!

[@johnjohn37371]

You can throw Tom Waits in with Kerouac, Ginsberg, and Burroughs as an institution of creative writing...

[@scottmoquin]

Tom Waits sings with a voice of someone who has lived a life.

[@johnvaillancourt4168]

Tom Waits sounds like proverbial man at the piano in some wayward railway station bar on the wrong side of town during the late forties early fifties.

[@SpiderMcGee]

He can turn that gravel on and off. His cover of "Somewhere" from West Side Story is considered by many to be the best version of the song.

[@dandave13]

I hate the original version I only listen to toms lol

[@adrock1011]

Tom has professed he is a fan of the pogues… and has even contributed to the liner notes of one of the pogues albums

[@carlosjavierregidoriglesia3847]

Tom Traubert’s Blues is a masterpiece (waltzing Mathilda)

[@1bossdj]

My fave.

[@aaronpincus6095]

Tom Waits is the proverbial "Musicians Musician" All the greats will tell you he is one they all listen to.

[@snapdragon8888]

You would love Tom's collab with Bette Midler called "I Never Talk to Strangers". Great pairing.

[@alanmitchell7988]

Tom Waits sings songs about people who are about to leave the earth. That’s the poetry that some people hear and some don’t.

[@mhibbing1]

LOVE this song by Tom Waits! Blue Valentines is a great album too!

[@marybaillie8907]

From the 1978, Blue Valentine album, Tom's voice sounds like Louis Arnstrong meets Joe Cocker. Such a funny story, a Christmas card from his exgirlfriend who's in jail. She spins her tale, to try to get him to send her money and reunite. She says when she passes a gas station it reminds her of his greasy hair. So funny. Great piano to move the song along. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Adam. Cheers from Canada. 🇨🇦

[@johnvaillancourt4168]

Another excellent Tom Waits song is The Heart of Saturday Night and also Diamonds on my Windshield. I really look forward another Waits reaction. He is a treasure to the ears and heart.

[@TL-tk2mo]

One of the greatest song writers of all time. Let's all take a moment of silence for the beatiful piano playing, which is done by Tom. He plays almost all instruments. No one can tell a story in their music like Tom Waits...not to mention this is definitely in my top 10 by Tom :) Very first time I ever heard him was in 1999. I remember it distinctly because my ex had some of his vinyl and said to me "Ok I'm gonna play you something and you're gonna either love it or hate it"....he proceeded to play the Rain Dogs album from the beginning. From the moment I heard the first lines of "Singapore" and then moved on to "Clap Hands", etc...by the time "Tango Til They're Sore" came on, I was mesmerized. I told him "I've been waiting to hear this music all my life and just didn't know it".....since then I've collected all of his albums and tried to play him for everyone I know :)

[@nedworcester4395]

One of my favorites is: “A New Coat of Paint” from his 2nd album “The Heart of Saturday Night.”

[@TashOnTheRock]

Love me some Tom Waits ! My personal favourite is “On the Nickel “ ✌️💕

[@adamdunbar8260]

Almost went with that track

[@kestrelle5345]

Tom Waits! This is going to be good.

[@kestrelle5345]

"Warm Beer and Cold Women" is a favorite.

[@glaight6362]

Tom Waits is a spirit of nature, a changling. You will never pin him down.

[@mcasualjacques]

in recent years ( maybe 10 years ago ) he released on YT the song "Alice" , one of my favorites ... well 15 years ago

[@pablolazaromartinez3541]

❤️ Waits

[@lenhudson8194]

Tom is movie music. No one conjures imagery like Mr. Waits.

[@carthag]

tbf, fairytale of new york is pretty much an homage to tom waits

[@jonthebeloved6094]

Yeah, Waits is a gem! An acquired taste, maybe, but I'm glad I did.

[@ritagryphon222]

Great songwriting, adore him..

[@adamdunbar8260]

Hey Harri. Thanks for doing the reaction. As usual your take always brings something I haven't thought of. Satchmo's son indeed. Tom was inducted to the Rock And Roll HOF and said "They tell me I never had a hit song, and I'm difficult to work with. And they say that like it's a bad thing." 🤣 🤣 Neil Young inducted him. His career has spanned 40 plus years and he's never been stale or derivative of anyone. Tom is faithful to the muse and that keeps him sharp and fierce and relevant.

[@HarriBestReactions]

He's amazing

[@dudleyhaines9826]

One of the best albums, and artists, ever.

[@ptournas]

I love Tom Waits. I didn't discover him until his appearance on "Fernwood Tonight" with Martin Mull in the mid 70's. He appearance was a very funny bit and he performed "The Piano Has Been Drinking". Humorous as it was, I knew there had to be a lot more to someone who could write, sing and play like this and immediately started buying his albums. His segment was only about 6 minutes and might be a great piece to react to. There's several videos of it on KZbin. Here's one I've seen a reaction to, so it probably wouldn't be blocked - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWqxiIinh5qqlaM

[@RobRager]

Tom is another one of those artists that can paint a picture, and set a scene with their lyrics, and singing. Also, this is the second or third tune on my Christmas playlist Edited to add… “Fairytale Of New York” is the first tune on the playlist.

[@jasonw1973]

Shane McGowan, went to see Shane 4 times, he showed up twice..they threw beer bottles in between..saw the Pogues later, and saw Tom Waits at the Detroit opera house on the glitter and doom tour..

[@laurieburnside5300]

Now that is classic Shane! 😂😂😂

[@785boats]

So many great songs from this Bard. He changed my perception of music way back in the 70's. Please find the video of "My Piano Has Been Drinking". Such a song.

[@debbiechang5781]

Thanks Adam. My friend Mike introduced me to Tom Waits many years ago and I have been a fan ever since. Great input from Harri 🌺✌️

[@1ergnas1]

Harri one his best albums! Explore more of the cuts on this album. Saw him live shortly after this album was released in the late 70's in the Detroit area, he returned to the stage 3 times responding to 3 standing ovations, and the last time said " Christ, didn't know you cared.

[@geobol7603]

Bravo Harry- check out some more Tom Waits: try “Alice” or “waltzing Matilda”

[@adamdunbar8260]

It was a toss up for me. But Waltzing Matilda is soooo sad. It's a great and beautiful song but I figured Hooker is a great introduction.

[@judymeeker2925]

Good choice. I loved this one.

[@numajoff]

Thank you about time someone gave tom a listen. Please listen to more tom waits. Tom traubert blues, better off without a wife

[@lorrainemiller688]

Ooh, this is a very special rabbit hole-- so glad you've stumbled upon him! Editing to add my favorite suggestions: from the album, Nighthawks at the Diner-- Emotional Weather Report, On a Foggy Night, Nobody, and Blue Valentine. Eggs and Sausage is one you'll never forget. Enjoy!!

[@adamdunbar8260]

I have Nighthawks and all of Tom's albums on vinyl. Nighthawk's is genius.

[@MrBeautrix]

YESS! First album of his I heard, and still one of my favourites. I would add You Can Never Hold Back Spring, from BB&B

[@st.guguboy3165]

Tom sounds like he’s 70 since his 20s

[@firebrand7681]

My absolute favorite Waits song. Enjoying your reaction vids, Harri. Cheers from Colorado!

[@oldarpanet]

Tom Waits suggestion: The Heart of Saturday Night. Great song...

[@TR-yi8up]

Try getting thru Tom doing On the Nickel (any version you can find, but the Letterman one is solid) without crying and you’re a better man than I.

[@laurieburnside5300]

Ooh, the Bridge Street Benefit Nickel is divine!

[@carlosfigueiredo7876]

Legend!!! Bro, you have to check TW live as well. Suggest you “Waltzing Mathilda”.

[@MrHotsnakes]

Great reaction mate. Tom is a legend. If you want to hear his softer more melodic voice, try The heart of Saturday night, one of his early albums. The title song from that album is wonderful. Keep up the good work mate.

[@johnroberts1708]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Tom Waits (maybe also sounds like Howlin Wolf? Captain Beefheart?). I'd recommend you try Tom Waits' Blue Valentine track from same album. Romeo is Bleeding is another great song. Hell. ..all his songs are great.

[@phillipharrison7283]

He's been in movies too. The one that comes to mind as 'The Devil' in "The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus", (Heath Ledger's last film). One of my fav tracks is 'Diamonds on my Windshield'

[@Blue-qr7qe]

He played the bug-eater, Renfield, in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Jack Nicholson's sidekick, in Ironweed. He's got a dozen or two movie titles under his belt. Small parts, mostly, but they're there nonetheless.

[@adamdunbar8260]

Down By Law is my fave

[@susanpettigrew1754]

You are so special and intuitive in how you feel about music! Tom Waits is an iconic storyteller of the real human condition. His stories ride on the waves of both angelic melodies and eclectic funky percussion. I have only one album called Mule Variations and its a mix of everything under the musical sky! The most outrageously original track is What's He Building. Creepy but cant turn away from tune. Thank you HarriBest for being so real n cool!

[@HarriBestReactions]

Thanx Susan..i feel reaĺly cool now 🥰🖤

[@compuspex]

A huge Tom Waits fan throughout the years. Loved the '70s stuff with Bones Howe, loved the adventures of the '80s, '90s and aughts. THIS song is my absolute favorite of all of it.

[@spencerferrier3857]

I cannot stress how much I LOVE this song. The whole sob story as one big string of BS, and endung with that cynical appeal of being "eligible for parole come Vanetine's Day"... *chef's kiss* It's a dead-on interpretation of loving a hard luck case & addict.

[@j.f.3342]

Man, time is so fleeting, one of the greatest out there! Outstanding JAZZ pianist, singer, composer, actor, author, poet, entertainer and "enfant terrible" - today only repetitive mass-produced goods are listened to. - Thank you for this song and more of it please

[@kellyhoward6941]

Waits is amazing, & you're spot on; his voice is indescribable! But great to listen to. My fave TW song is "What's He Building?" In his voice, with the lyrics, you get the feeling that something VERY creepy is going on in there! Great reaction!!

[@adamdunbar8260]

That is a great track from a great album.

[@kellyhoward6941]

@@adamdunbar8260 Isn't it tho? Early after I first moved into my partner's house, he was playing that album. I heard "What's he building?" & came into his office, my eyebrows at my hairline, & asked him what the Hell he was listening to. I just had to stand there in the doorway & gape while I listened. Then I had to play it again about a dozen times.

[@josiepkat]

I love what you do!! Thank you for listening to this one! I love Tom's audacity in the telling of this story. How did he sell this to record execs? Other artists love him - and of course it's his talent but also the fierce determination to just do his own thing. Rain Dogs was released in the mid-1980s. The contrast of music that was popular at that time.. so clean and shiny. I love 80s music, don't get me wrong, but Waits making these making these theatrical avant garde pieces - with clanging sounds and wild vocals. I really enjoy listening to someone like you react who has a love for music and a musical background. Great channel!!!

[@chitownlee]

The Pianos Been Drinking and Warm Beer Cold Woman are two you should check out. It's a deep rabbit hole.

[@alltogetherfitandproper4252]

Damn you got good taste. So glad I found your channel however ago it was.

[@HarriBestReactions]

Thank you 🥰🖤✌🏾

[@rastamon52]

As Tom always said about drinking, "Well, I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy!" You are the best, Harri!

[@georgeb6079]

Some female artists did an album dedicated to Tom waits try hold on by Aimee Mann and ruby's arms by your favorite patty griffin I think your in for a treat

[@ianclarke5404]

His whole catalogue is superb

[@PatrickFitzgerald-wt9fc]

God Bless Tom Waits.

[@lockednloaded6346]

I describe his voice like a chain smoker with whiskey breath. raspy as hell and I love it.

[@theglanconer6463]

Aaaaah brilliant. Thank you ! Try to teach 'my' boys Tom Waits. It ain't easy :) . On of my first cd's (and have 'm all). (probably bought it at the same time as Slayer, The Tragically Hip and Dolly Parton. Happy times) Aaaahhh where are the 90s ? If you want a fun (old) song of Tom try ; The piano has been drinking.

[@tattoodude8946]

The filling station line is so great and so Tom Waits.

[@bradtaggart5509]

One of my favorite songs of his, from an excellent album. Harri, go listen to this song done live at Austin City Limits in ‘78 or ‘79. There’s a few different live versions of this on KZbin, but IMHO, that’s the best one, and he combines it with Silent Night. Truly puts the Christmas aspect into it.

[@khain9732]

Thank you sir.

[@mosesthemouse]

we know Shane in the US. At least if we know Tom we do. Also your description of his voice is the best yet. gravel and ice fighting in his throat. Brilliant

[@johnakers7451]

Shane McGowan and the Pogues were big admirers and friends of Toms. There are soooo many great tracks to check out. I suggest finding some live clips off of his Austin City Limits performance, maybe Burma Shave. Kentucky Avenue and Invitatiom to the Blues are amazing. Find something from Rain Dogs for something completely different like Jockey Full of Bourbon. Chocolate Jesus live on Letterman is another highlight. Like I said, so many to chose from. I hope you go down the rabbit hole with Tom, you won't be disappointed.

[@duanetrivett750]

I'm glad you like Tom . I hope you do some more of Tom's stuff. I will be checking your channel out again.

[@steveporter3161]

Great way of putting it, close my eyes and I enjoy the movie.

[@lesliepedersen2539]

One of my favorite 😍

[@jamesnewberry2945]

Tom has many voices

[@dilandilanjoao4310]

You really have to listen to "Night hawks for dinner ". You can start with the intro to "eggs and sausage", it's live in a ballroom (Silver....something) the band starts playing and he enters on stage 😊

[@stephenmclaughlin5191]

Lord. I've had a love/hate relationship with this man for years... I think I'm dropping on love. Ya gotta be open man!

[@gazoontight]

Great song.

[@leongiovanni9902]

King size, i'm here for more Tom Waits

[@emotionalfish1181]

This is from a Charles Bukowski poem. Tom is the best.

[@krisgalusha9820]

My favorite song by Tom Waits is The Piano has been Drinking.

[@reallymysterious4520]

At some points he sounded almost like Joe Cocker

[@HarriBestReactions]

I swear! I was trying so hard to remember who he really reminded me of..and then it came 😃

[@lastrada52]

He also sounds a bit like Chuck E. Weiss (who he was friends with), former inmate/singer Howlin Wolf & avant-garde vocalist Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet). That mixed with Satchmo (Louis Armstrong) & you have Tom. (Joe Cocker & The Pogues' Shane McGowan are honorable mentions as well). Good assessment HarriBest Reactions, as usual.

[@Blue-qr7qe]

Tom's long game con (this song). I love Tom Waits !!! Maybe we could hear Wrong Side of the Road and Whistling Past the Graveyard both are bad-ass Waits. A Soldier's Things, Day After Tomorrow, and Hell Broke Luce ( official video) are great anti-war songs. Kentucky Avenue is just heart rending.

[@Blue-qr7qe]

He's been called The Bard of the Bowery (after his rowdy Nighthawks days). Bob Dylan was honored with a Nobel Prize for his poetry. I love Dylan, but honestly, i think Tom Waits has him beat in that department. Subjective as poetry is, Waits is the heavyweight.

[@jonathanaldecoa1099]

Tom’s be in business with tunes for years. If you listen closely to every half beat, aliens will invade your brain. 🧠 ❤🕺

[@bluefoot8941]

A perfect song, the piano is so beautiful throughout and Tom's vocal is incredible. I feel like this is an unpopular opinion - maybe that's because people watch reaction videos when they're drunk - but for me, Waits is best from Swordfishtrombones onwards, after he more or less abandoned the romantic drunk character.

[@charlesdavis7461]

Hey Harri, LTNS, great choice of singer.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

I figure you know by now that Rickie Lee Jones and Tom Waits were an item for a while! Can you imagine those musical minds working together! Peace

[@zilchstadt]

Lovely video. Love it.

[@ThistleAndSea]

Yep, Satchmo's son, LOL! Good one, Harri. 🙂

[@osmanyldran4363]

Musically, Tom Waits always beats the standard, and even contributes to it. But how about the poetry in this song? It sounds pretty good, but the rhymes don't seem to fit properly either. He's not usually obsessed with rhyme (at least at the end of every sentence) but still, that's not normal for him. I wonder if this song contains excerpts from a real letter/card, or did he want us to think so? Anyway.. Tom Waits, he always waits..

[@kevinmalone2218]

Merry Christmas!

[@marygriffiths2950]

Reminds me of Joe Cocker!!

[@nvass812]

I post this song every Christmas Eve... Merry Christmas everyone ✌️❤️

[@arjaylee]

Check out Eggs and Sausage (including the intro)

[@andyrankin4414]

Great that you're reacting to Tom Waits. You should give his album "Swordfishtrombones" a listen too.

[@simonrangeley]

Master songwriter and master musiician

[@johngray6675]

Course we know Shane McGowan. Legend. Loved your appreciation of thIs classic