One of the most innovative and fascinating artists of the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s, Tom Waits and his ever evolving music continue to influence modern acts, while older fans have a fine body of work from his early years to look back on. Throughout his career, Waits has never been afraid to throw the odd cover or traditional verse into his captivating live performances, often talking at length about his influences in interviews. This CD includes 25 songs, each one testament to Waits’ skill at blending together many styles of music, into something he can truly call his own unique sound. The diversity of music present here is testament to Waits’ broad musical skill and passion. The set is completed with a 16-page booklet featuring extensive sleevenotes by music historian, Derek Barker. Tracks: 1. Big Mama Thornton - Hound Dog 2. Ray Charles - It Should Have Been Me 3. Billie Holiday - Strange Fruit 4. Miles Davis - 'Round Midnight 5. Lightnin' Hopkins - Abilene 6. Ramblin' Jack Elliot - Pretty Boy Floyd 7. Thelonious Monk - Straight, No Chaser 8. Harry Partch - The Street 9. Jack Kerouac - On The Road (Extract) 10. Allen Ginsberg - A Supermarket In California 11. John Brim - Ice Cream Man 12. Frank Sinatra - One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) 13. Harry Partch - Ring Around The World: Phase One 14. Nat King Cole - Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You 15. Louis Armstrong - Mack The Knife 16. Charles Bukowski - Last Days Of The Suicide Kid 17. Howlin' Wolf - Evil 18. Blind Willie Johnson - Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground 19. Blind Willie Johnson - Nobody's Fault But Mine 20. Harry Partch - Ring Around The World: Phase Four H 21. Charlie Parker - Embraceable You 22. Jack Kerouac - Leavin' Town 23. Lord Buckley - The Train 24. Johnny Cash - Goodnight Irene 25. Leadbelly - Black Betty
